Ruby Laser Treatment Melbourne

What is a Q-switch Ruby laser?

As the name suggests, the Ruby laser emits a ruby-coloured wavelength of light (694 nanometres).

‘Q-switch’ refers to the mechanism by which this laser can emit a pulsed output beam with extremely high peak power.

The combination of the wavelength and the high peak power makes it well-suited to remove skin pigmentation, including freckles and sun-related pigmentation changes.

In general, the laser light emitted operates by the principle of selective photothermolysis, which is the attraction of particular wavelengths of the laser to certain colours, allowing for the specific heating and targeting of a coloured target.

Also important is the depth of penetration of the laser. The longer the wavelength, the deeper the penetration. Therefore, the 694nm wavelength penetrates much deeper than the 532nm wavelength. This is important for deeper problems such as deep pigmentation removal for birthmarks, Naevus of Ota, Hori macules, Naevus spills, freckles, cafe au lait spots, and other forms of pigmentation.

What can be treated with the Ruby laser?

The wavelength of light that is emitted by the ruby laser is selectively attracted to certain colours in the skin;

  • Skin pigmentation: the 694nm wavelength from the ruby laser is attracted to the melanin in skin. Although it is not as attracted to melanin as highly as the 532nm wavelength, it penetrates deeper than a 532nm laser and is able to reach deeper unwanted pigmentation. Skin pigmentation is usually performed in the q-switch (short pulse) mode to help to shatter the pigment. Types of skin pigmentation treatable with the ruby laser include;
    • Birthmarks –  a variety of brown birthmarks can be treated with the Ruby laser. Any raised lesions cannot be treated however. Treatable pigmentation include Naevus of Ota, Hori macules, naevus spilus, congenital melanocytic naevi, and cafe au lait spots.
    • Post-sclerotherapy pigmentation: This is a particular kind of pigmentation that arises from sclerotherapy, or injections for leg veins. Haemosiderin, a constituent of blood, remains in the skin and causes a bruised like appearance on the skin. The pigmentation has an absorption peak of 410-415nm that tapers down through the remainder of the visible spectrum and can be improved significantly with the q-switched lasers.
    • Melasma: this is pigmentation due to hormonal factors, and can in some cases be treated with the ruby laser, although chemical peels such as Cosmelan are usually used for melasma treatment.
    • Freckles: the ruby laser is highly effective in getting rid of freckles on the body or face
    • Sun spots/sun damage: the ruby laser is effective at removing sun spots.

What will my skin look like after treatment?

This will depend on the strength of the treatment. The skin may appear mildly sunburnt for 24 to 48 hours. For pigmentation removal, the skin may crust and appear darkened for approximately one week. The recovery can take some time depending on the aggressiveness of the treatment. Dressings and antibiotic ointment may be required for a few days.

Will ruby laser treatment hurt?

Topical anaesthesia can be used to numb the area prior to laser treatments. Especially when higher energies are used topical anaesthesia is necessary. For lower energy treatments, topical numbing may not be required.

Ruby laser before and after – freckle removal

This patient presented for a single treatment of ruby laser to remove the freckles on her face. Recovery time was approximately 7 days, and a significant improvement in the freckles can be seen.

All procedures carry a risk of side effects and potential complications. The outcome of each procedure cannot be guaranteed, and individual results may vary. A consultation with one of our practitioners is required prior to any procedure to assess suitability for treatment. Patient consent has been obtained to display images.

Ruby laser before and after – sun spot removal

The patient presented with a sun spot on her right cheek which she wanted removed. The after photo was taken 2 weeks after 1 treatment using the Ruby laser.

ruby laser sunspot removal melbourne

All procedures carry a risk of side effects and potential complications. The outcome of each procedure cannot be guaranteed, and individual results may vary. A consultation with one of our practitioners is required prior to any procedure to assess suitability for treatment. Patient consent has been obtained to display images.

What are the risks and side effects of treatment?

There are risks and potential side effects with all laser treatments, some leading to adverse outcomes. Adverse outcomes with laser treatments are undesired outcomes that occur in a small percentage of patients treated. These include;

  • Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: a brown mark left on the skin after treatment that usually takes some months to fade with the assistance of lightening agents.
  • Hypopigmentation: loss of pigmentation in the treated area (rare). Prolonged redness. Sometimes, the redness of the skin can take longer to fade than expected.

Other side effects include:

  • Redness: redness following treatment can occur and usually subsides within 24 – 48hrs, but may persist longer.
  • Mild swelling and itching: these typically subsides in a few days.
  • Bacterial or viral infection: laser treatments can sometimes trigger herpes simplex outbreaks. Any viral or bacterial infection in a wound created by a laser has the potential for scarring. Scarring a very rare possibility, usually associated with darker skin types, over-zealous energy settings, and bacterial or viral infection.

Why should I choose Victorian Cosmetic Institute as my provide of ruby laser treatments?

At Victorian Cosmetic Institute, we use the most reliable laser technology to perform your treatment, and we have utilised the Ruby laser for the removal of pigmentation, including freckles and sun spots, since 2006 with consistent results.

Our practitioners are highly experienced in laser treatments, and will be able to assess your pigmentation and provide a detailed treatment plan to suit your particular requirements.

The first step is to contact us for your initial consultation, where we will discuss with you what is a realistic and achievable outcome, and what to expect from your laser treatment.

Phone our Customer Care team on 1300 863 824 to schedule your appointment, or you may choose to book your consultation online.

Last updated May 2025