A KTP laser is a solid-state laser that uses a potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) crystal as its frequency doubling device. The KTP crystal is engaged by a beam generated by a neodymium:yttrium aluminium garnet (Nd: YAG) laser. This is directed through the KTP crystal to produce a beam in the green visible spectrum with a wavelength of 532 nm.
- The KTP laser works on the principle of selective photothermolysis.
- The selected wavelength of laser light is absorbed to a high degree by the target structure (called a chromophore) and is absorbed less by surrounding tissue.
- The skin chromophores targeted by the KTP laser are melanin, oxyhaemoglobin and red tattoo pigment.
- The pulse duration of laser energy is shorter than the target structure’s thermal relaxation time (the time taken for the target to cool by 50% of its peak temperature after irradiation).
- This ensures that the impact of thermal energy is limited to the target structure and does not affect the surrounding tissue. Modern KTP lasers also have integrated cooling systems to help protect the epidermis, particularly when doing vascular work.
- When KTP laser light hits the skin, it is reflected, transmitted, or absorbed.
- Absorbed light energy is converted to thermal energy (heat) by the intended targets (chromophores), thereby killing the target cells.
- Complications result when energy intended for the target chromophore is nonselectively diffused and absorbed by surrounding tissues and structures. Because melanin is targeted by this wavelength, the KTP laser is rarely used in darker skin types.
- The effects of the KTP laser on the skin can be modified by altering the pulse width and degree of cooling. In the case of tattoo pigment, the pulse width is narrowed to nanoseconds (Q-switched KTP) and the clinical effect is photomechanical/acoustic. Picosecond lasers may be more effective for pigment fragmentation but at very short pulse widths, the creation of a plasma veil is a limiting factor.
The following skin disorders may be treated with KTP lasers using a US Federal Drug Agency (FDA)-approved machine, such as The Excel V® (Cutera). The Revlite SI (ConBio) is a Q-switched KTP laser. Both of these lasers also have a 1064 nm module.
PICO Genesis® Laser for Skin Revitalization
PICO Genesis laser technology is a non-surgical, non-invasive laser skin treatment that can be used to address the majority of common skin imperfections, including spots caused by sun damage and acne scarring. Pico technology is regarded as one of the most advanced laser treatments currently available on the market. If you're looking for laser sun damage removal or laser varicose vein removal in Orange County, NY, we've got you covered.
The Enlighten 3 laser by Curera is an FDA-cleared picosecond laser that treats acne scars, wrinkles, benign pigmented lesions (dark spots), and tattoo removal. The Enlighten laser first became known for its tattoo and pigment removal capabilities, but it continues to grow in use for acne scars, sun damage, birthmarks (ie: Nevus of Ota), and wrinkles.
How Quickly Can You See Results and How Effective Is It?
Skin cell activation is a term relating to the skin cells talking to each other. Basically, certain proteins are released by the Focus laser treatment and then nearby cells detect this and are stimulated to produce more elastin and collagen. These are skin-tightening chemicals.
However, with wrinkles or removal of pigment from your skin – these conditions may return slowly as your skin continues to age with time. The results of this treatment will appear gradually as your skin’s natural regenerative abilities. For most patients, results are first visible about 2 or 3 weeks after the first appointment. Optimal results are seen after 4-6 sessions.
PICO Genesis is a proven treatment, and several scientific studies have shown that this laser is very good at treating different skin conditions. For example, in one study, about 90% of people who used this laser to treat their wrinkles were satisfied with their improvements after six months. The PICO Genesis treatment produces
"Skin cell activation" is a term relating to the skin cells talking to each other. Basically, certain proteins are released by the Focus laser treatment and then nearby cells detect this and are stimulated to produce more elastin and collagen. These are skin-tightening chemicals.
However, with wrinkles or removal of pigment from your skin – these conditions may return slowly as your skin continues to age with time.
Is there downtime with PICO Genesis?
Typical side effects include temporary redness at the treatment site. Unwanted pigmentation associated with the acne scarring can slightly frost (whiten) during treatment, then darken over the following 24 hours, and then shed over the next few weeks.