Nd:YAG Laser London

The Nd:YAG laser is one of the most versatile tools in dermatology — treating pigmentation, vascular lesions and tattoos, and, crucially, doing so safely on darker skin tones where many other lasers cannot.

What is an Nd:YAG laser?

Nd:YAG is a 1064nm laser whose longer wavelength reaches more deeply and is less readily absorbed by melanin in the skin surface — which is precisely why it is comparatively safe for skin of colour. Depending on configuration, it can target blood vessels or shatter pigment and tattoo ink.
Dr Derrick Phillips delivers Nd:YAG treatment using the Stellar M22 in two configurations: Multi-Spot and Q-switched.

Deeper-reaching laser energy

Targets pigment and blood vessels

Two treatment modes

Suitable for a wide range of skin tones

The two Stellar M22 Nd:YAG modes

01

Multi-Spot Nd:YAG

Treats vascular lesions, rosacea, spider veins and supports skin rejuvenation, delivering precise energy to vessels while protecting surrounding skin.

Vascular treatment

Skin rejuvenation

02

Q-switched Nd:YAG

Delivers ultra-short, high-energy pulses to break down pigment, making it effective for age spots, sun damage, stubborn pigmentation and tattoo removal, as well as under-eye dark circles related to pigmentation.

Pigmentation

Tattoo removal

What the Nd:YAG treats

Pigmentation

Age spots, sun damage and stubborn patches.

Tattoo removal

Q-switched pulses break down tattoo ink.

Vascular lesions

Spider veins, broken capillaries, rosacea.

Dark circles

Under-eye dark circles related to pigmentation.

Skin rejuvenation

Treatment for skin tone and texture.

How it works

For pigment, the Q-switched mode's rapid pulses fragment pigment particles, which the body then clears. For vessels, the Multi-Spot mode heats and collapses the targeted vessel. The deeper-reaching wavelength is what allows treatment on skin tones where surface-absorbing lasers would be risky.

What to expect during treatment

Treatment feels like quick, warm snaps against the skin, eased by cooling. Sessions are short, and the number depends on the concern.

Downtime and aftercare

Downtime is generally minimal — pigment may darken briefly before clearing, and treated areas may be slightly red or swollen for a short period. Sun protection is essential.

Minimal downtime

Downtime is generally minimal — pigment may darken briefly before clearing, and treated areas may be slightly red or swollen for a short period.

Sun protection

Sun protection is essential.

When will I see results?

Pigmentation clears progressively over a course as fragmented pigment lifts; vascular and tattoo results build session by session.

Progressively over a course

Vascular and tattoo results build.

Session by session

Pigmentation clears as fragmented pigment lifts.

Progressively over a course

Pigmentation clears as fragmented pigment lifts.

Session by session

Vascular and tattoo results build.

Suitability and skin of colour

The Nd:YAG is often the laser of choice for pigmentation in skin of colour, where alternatives carry a higher risk of pigment change. Dr Phillips's specific expertise in treating skin of colour underpins safe, effective parameter selection.

Before and after:

Nd:YAG results

Why choose Dr Derrick Phillips for Nd:YAG in London

Pigmentation is frequently driven by an underlying cause — sun damage, melasma or post-inflammatory change. As a Consultant Dermatologist, Dr Phillips diagnoses the cause first and uses the Nd:YAG as part of a tailored plan, which is what protects against recurrence and pigment rebound.

FAQs

Yes — its longer wavelength makes it one of the safer lasers for skin of colour, which is why Dr Phillips often selects it for pigmentation in darker tones.

Yes. The Q-switched Nd:YAG breaks down tattoo ink over a course of sessions; the number depends on the tattoo.

It can help dark circles caused by pigmentation, though not all dark circles are suitable for laser — assessment is essential.

This depends on the concern; pigmentation and tattoos usually need a course, confirmed at consultation.

Generally minimal — brief darkening of pigment, or short-lived redness, before clearing.

Explore Nd:YAG laser treatment for your skin

Book a consultation with Dr Derrick Phillips to discuss your concerns and find out whether Nd laser treatment is right for you.