Great Selectivity
in Treating
Tattoos and
Pigmented Lesions
Duolite QS is the new system especially designed by Deka for removing tattoos and deep
pigmented lesions.
Duolite QS is a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser capable of emitting two different wavelengths at 1064
nm (in the infrared) and 532 nm (green light). The main feature of the Q-switched technology is
that it is able to generate an extremely powerful pulse (in MegaWatts) in exceedingly short times
(in several nanoseconds - ns). Thanks to this characteristic, and in accordance with the theory
of selective photothermolysis, Duolite QS allows for safe and efficacious treatment of different
coloured tattoos and deep pigmented lesions, even in patients with dark phototypes.
tattoos
The desire to remove tattoos has always been
counteracted by the resulting permanent scarring.
Only thanks to the advent of the QS laser technology
(Quality factor - Switched laser) has it been possible to
create systems for removing tattoos in an efficacious
and non-invasive manner.
Action mechanism
The Duolite QS system releases high energy in
extremely short times (max 6 ns), producing a
“photo-acoustic” effect that breaks down the derma
cells containing the tattoo pigment. Thanks to the
rupturing of the membrane of these cells, the pigment
is released and eliminated by the lymphatic-draining
system. These short laser emissions allow for confining
the thermal effect exclusively to the target to be hit - in
this case the tattoo pigment - therefore safeguarding
the surrounding tissues.
In order for the treatment to be effective, the laser
light must be absorbed by the pigment. The colours
of tattoos are often multiple and therefore one single
session may not be sufficient for eliminating them all.
Thanks to its dual wavelength, Duolite QS, allows for
removing numerous colours with one single system.
By working in the infrared (1064 nm) black and blue
tattoos can be removed even in dark phototypes thanks
to the low interaction of this wavelength with the skin
melanin. The green light (532 nm) instead acts on red
or reddish colours.
benign pigmented lesions
As in the case of treating tattoos, the wavelength emitted by the Duolite QS system allows for acting on the
melanin in a different manner according to its density and depth.
The pigmented lesions are divided into epidermal and dermal, depending on the depth of the pigment.
Epidermal lesions (freckles, cafè-au-lait spots, sunspots, etc.) can be treated by using a
wavelength of 532 nm, which is specifically absorbed by the melanin and therefore acts mainly
at the superficial skin levels. Dermal lesions (Ota’s Nevus, Ito or Hori’s Nevus, Mongolic spot…)
are located more in depth and therefore a wavelength is necessary that penetrates further into
the skin. In this case the 1064 nm wavelength of the Duolite QS system is used.
As with the removal of tattoos, only the Q-switched emission is capable of treating dermal
lesions efficaciously without running the risk of scarring.
questions
What type of tattoo can be removed with laser?
Duolite QS can be used on professional, amateur,
cosmetic, and traumatic tattoos. The different dyes
present in the tattoo may respond differently to the
laser treatment. When the pigment is black or blue
the best results are obtained by treating them with a
wavelength of 1064 nm. Red tattoos are treated with a
green laser light of 532 nm.
How many treatments are necessary?
The number of treatments will vary according to the
type of tattoo, the colour, the depth and the density of
the pigment, the anatomical site, and the age of the
patient and the tattoo. Amateur tattoos usually respond
better and are eliminated in from 1 to 4 sessions,
spaced 4 weeks apart. More sessions are usually
necessary for professional tattoos - on average 6 –10 -
with 6 to 8 week intervals in between.
What results can be expected?
In many cases the tattoo completely disappears.
This result cannot always be achieved due to the
diversity and different characteristics of the pigments,
and therefore an intense fading effect is often obtained.
Is the treatment painful?
clinical cases The procedure does not usually require an anaesthetic.
The effect of the laser is described as similar to
the sharp ping of a rubber band on the skin. Some
areas are more sensitive than others. In the case of
particularly sensitive patients, a topical anaesthetic can
be applied before treatment.
What should be done after the treatment?
Before After The skin surface treated must be protected and
medicated. An antibiotic cream is applied immediately
after the operation and on the following days. There
may be the formation of oedemas or small scabs. In
this case it is important not to pick off or scratch the
scabs to prevent any possible scarring or dyschromies.
The lesion usually heals in 4 to 10 days. During the
entire duration of the treatment it is important to keep
the skin protected from the suns’ rays by using a total
Before After sun block.
What are the possible side effects?
As the laser beam selectively targets the pigment to
be removed, safeguarding the surrounding skin, the
possibility of scarring is very rare.
In some cases, especially with dark phototypes, there
have been reports of hyper/hypopigmentation, usually
transitory, in the area treated. In order to restrict the
Before After
onset of this, it is important to carefully follow the
post-treatment instructions and avoid
exposure to the sun.
Some patients may develop allergic
reactions and therefore it is important
to carry out a preliminary test on a
small area before proceeding with
the removal of the entire tattoo.
Before After
technical data
Type of laser Q-Switched Nd:YAG
Wavelength 1064 nm 532 nm
Pulse length 6 ns
Repetition rate 1, 2, 5, 10 Hz
Deka - All rights reserved - In the aim of improving its products the company reserves the right to change the technical features without prior notice.
Spot size 2, 3, 4, 6 mm
Maximum fluence 28 J/cm2 @ 2 mm 14 J/cm2 @ 2 mm
12 J/cm2 @ 3 mm 6 J/cm2 @ 3 mm
7 J/cm2 @ 4 mm 3 J/cm2 @ 4 mm
3 J/cm2 @ 6 mm 1.6 J/cm2 @ 6 mm
Delivery system Articulated arm
Aiming beam Diode laser 635 nm
45 cm
Power supply voltage 230 Vac/6.3 A (max.)/50-60Hz
Dimensions 45 cm (W) x 90 cm (D) x 118 cm (H)
Weight 75 Kg
118 cm
cm
90
DEKA the code of excellence
Deka is the medical division of the El.En.Group, Italian leader in the production of laser devices
for all applications with powers of up to 6 kW. Founded in 1981, today it operates in over 60
countries worldwide and produces laser devices according to the specifications of the 93/42/
EEC Directive, adopting a rigid quality assurance system certified by on the basis of the
ISO 9001 and ISO 13485 standards. With its wide range of specific products, it is a reference
© Deka 003-8041-07-020 Rev.1.1
point in the sector of laser treatments for wellbeing and aesthetics. Its ongoing research for
new therapeutic approaches and increasingly more user-friendly devices distinguishes Deka on
the international market and testifies to its mission: to improve the quality of life for humans.
DEKA m.e.l.a. s.r.l.
Clinical cases by courtesy of:
B. Corradino, MD - Italy
Via Baldanzese, 17 - 50041 Calenzano (Fi) - Italy
N. Petrini, MD - Italy Tel. +39 055 8874942 - Fax +39 055 8832884
