Starwalker Laser
“Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee” – Muhammad Ali
Starwalker MaQX Laser
Picosecond peak powers with Nanosecond Energies
What Can Be Done with the Starwalker Laser?
- Tattoo removal
- All forms of pigmentation
- Melasma
- Freckles
- Sun spots (Solar lentigo)
- Hori’s naevus
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
- Acne and acne scars
- Hair Removal
Why the Starwalker MaQX?
Benefits of Starwalker MaQX in treating:
Pigmentation and Tattoos:
Pigment lasers are largely non-ablative, and include the older generation Nanosecond as well as the newer Picosecond lasers.
The two types of lasers differ in the speed at which an individual pulse of energy is delivered – the picosecond lasers deliver their pulses many times faster than that of older lasers.
This quicker pulse of energy delivered results in:
- A greater photoacoustic (mechanical) effect, shattering pigments much more effectively
- A smaller photothermal (heating) effect, reducing side effects related to heat
One could look at it like a, quicker, harder punch at pigmented targets – pigmentation and tattoo ink is broken down to smaller pieces, but with less laser time on the face.
The Starwalker MaQX system cleverly combines both technologies, allowing high energy pulses from nanosecond platforms, while delivering them at the ultra-short pulses. This gives flexibility and breadth in treatment possibilities.
Other Treatment Possibilities
1 -Fractat - Safer, quicker tattoo Removal
When tattoo pigments are hit by conventional Q-switch laser beams, particles break down with the production and release of gas. Thi gas overlies the remaining pigment particles, resulting in 2 problems:
- A shielding effect – Gas above pigments protects the remaining pigments from subsequent laser beams. As a result, repeated pigment breakdown within a single session is not possible; you have to come back for repeat sessions after 1-3 months and duration for complete treatment is prolonged.
- Higher complication rate: The gas bubbles formed result in blister formation as air is trapped beneath the skin. These blisters result in longer downtime after each laser, and predispose to possible scarring or infections.
Enter: FracTat
The Fotona patented FracTat procedure involves the drilling of micro-holes into the skin using a fractional ablative laser technique. These holes act as ducts that realease the gas and pressure buildup after each pass by the Q-switch laser.
The Fotona patented FracTat™ procedure is performed, micro holes are first drilled into the skin using a fractional ablative la fsereeaehandpiece. The fractional micro holes act as pressure relief ducts through which the gasses can escape without building up excessive pressure.
2 - Scar Treatment Without The Burn?
Using the same FracTat technology, the Starwalker MaQX is able to ablate scars with minimal heat injury to the skin, initiating the cascade of cell renewal and scar remodelling.
This form of scar resurfacing is complimentary to other scar treatments, such as fractional RF and CO2 lasers, and has the following benefits:
- Less downtime
- Less risk of pigmentary changes or burns
- Less discomfort
The Starwalker MaQX adds a new dimension to scar treatments and opens up new possibilities in the realm of scar management.
FAQs
1. Is the laser painful?
The laser is mostly tolerable and feels like little pricks on the skin. If higher energy procedures like scar treatments are required, patients are numbed with a numbing cream for 30-40 minutes before the procedure.
2. How long does each session take?
Simple toning takes 5-10 minutes, while more specific spot treatment can take up to 15 minutes.
Scar treatments take an additional 15-20 minutes.
3. Is there any downtime?
Laser toning is generally mild and produces a mildly pink face; you are able to apply makeup and return to social activities immediately.
Spot treatment produces pigment darkening and sometimes scabbing over several days – expect between 3 to 10 dqays of downtime as these scabs fall off or start to fade after.
Light textural rejuvenation results in a slightly more intense pink face, but allows you to return to social activity within 24-48 hours.
Scar treatment (harsh textural rejuvenation) produces a much redder face that can take between 3 to 7 days to completely clear; it is not advisable to perform this procedure 1 week before a social event.
4. Are there any possible side effects?
All lasers have potential side effects, and these include initial irritation with temporary itch and rash, acne outbreaks in sensitive skin. More serious side effects such as burns are uncommon if the laser is used properly.
The Starwalker MaQX Laser, however, with its quick picosecond pulses and tilt for Asian skin use, has a much better safety profile.
As with any medical device, it is especially important that the doctor operating the machine has appropriate training and experience in using it to minimise potential complications.
5. Are the results from the laser permanent?
The longevity of results depends on the problem being managed:
a. Removal of specific lesions such as sun spots tend to be permanent once removed properly. Excessive sun exposure can lead to recurrence, so proper skin care is advised.
b. Scar treatment is largely permanent, with improvement of scars maintained for many years after a series of proper scar treatments.
c. Melasma is a chronic and largely incurable condition; treatments are performed at weekly intervals for 4-6 sessions and subsequently maintained at less regular intervals if the skin is well maintained on topical therapy.
d. Tattoo removal is permanent and better results are seen after each session.
6. How many sessions are required?
Again, depending on your issue, sessions required will vary.
In general, an initial 4 to 6 sessions are required for optimal results, and maintenance sessions are required for conditions such as melasma, or for patients who just wish to regularly brighten or rejuvenate the skin.