Can anyone who understands this machine tell me if there is an option for less strong or more aggressive laser? I want to confirm my dermatologist is using the maximum power to remove my tattoo .. Is there a switch on the machine to increase power?

Yes, diboo, there are knobs on the laser that control the energy/"fluence". The other key variables are spot size and the wavelength of light your doctor is using. Some users are relatively unsophisticated and just follow the Palomar manual, which in our experience won't allow for aggressive enough treatments to remove moderate-to-difficult tattoos using this machine.

The Palomar machine tends to be the least powerful of the high-end tattoo removal lasers, and this is reflected in the relatively low price. I might be somewhat off, but it has 500-550mJ of 1064nm and 200-250mJ of 532nm instead of the 1000mJ in 1064 and 400/500mJ of 532nm that most high end lasers are able to generate in each nanosecond pulse. The Q-YAG-5 pulse is supposed to be 3ns vs. 5-10ns for some other q-switched systems, but it comes down to nominal pulse energy density and the thermal relaxation time of the target, and all major tattoo removal lasers have a short enough pulse.... it is really a matter of the amount of power in a pulse they can generate.

If you want a simple recommendation, make sure the doctor is using the smallest spot size possible for your follow-up treatments - this will concentrate the energy and allow you to get more of a reaction. This means the treatment takes longer, but you are paying good money and deserve to get a treatment that works. The 6mm or other large spots sizes on the Palomar just aren't that effective in our experience.

A more powerful laser might be another good option. I'm biased, but I'd recommend a true 1 Joule system like the Aurora Q-Wave or Aurora Tri-Wave. Also, many practitioners use the Medlite C6, Affinity QS, or other Nd:YAG systems.

If you'd like to learn more about tattoo removal lasers and tattoo removal technology, I would refer you to my company's website, which has an informative section.

I am not sure where you are getting your information, but I do not believe you have accurate specs on the Palomar q-Yag 5. From the Palomar website, the specs are....

Pulsewidth: 3 +/- to 1 ns
Wavelength: 1064/532 nm (mixed wavelenghts)
1064 nm (single wavelength)
Fluence: Up to 12.5 J/cm2
Speed Single shot, 1, 2, 5 and 10 Hz
Electrical Req:. 100-120/220-240 V, 50/60 Hz
Dimensions: 18" (45.7 cm) L
17" (43.2 cm) D
19" (48.3 cm) W
Weight: Upper Module: 42 lbs. (19 kg)
Lower Module: 42 lbs. (19 kg)
Arm: 15 lbs. (6.8 kg)
Handpiece: 3 lbs. (1.4 kg)

Based on these specs, it would appear that the Palomar Q-Yag 5 has a shorter pulse duration and at least as much fluence.

A larger spot size is always better than a smaller spot size in whatever you are treating (in general). It penetrates better in the skin as there is less scattering of light. In addition, the true pulse width of Q-Yag is actually closer to 2ns than 3 ns as indicated on its spec. You can also dial down the spot size to 2nm on Q-Yag 5 unit if you want to for tattoo removal. However, you will see that you ALWAYS get a tissue reaction with the Q-Yag 5 even at 3mm spot size and above. You almost never use 2mm on the unit to have a tissue reaction.for tattioo. IIf you do not see any reaction, you should have the handpeice recalibrated to a higher output.

Hi,

Is it possible to know the number of pulse use in a Palomar ? If yes how ?

Thank you