Washington Master Esthetics Practice Exam

What are Q-switched lasers commonly used for?

1. Hair reduction

2. Treating pigmented lesions

3. Eye surgeries

4. Body contouring

The correct answer is: Treating pigmented lesions

Q-switched lasers are predominantly utilized for treating pigmented lesions due to their specific ability to target and break down pigmentation within the skin. These lasers emit short, high-energy pulses of light that create an effective photomechanical effect, which ruptures pigment particles in conditions such as age spots, melasma, and tattoos. The energy from the laser is absorbed by the melanin in these pigmented lesions, which helps to reduce their appearance. Other laser types serve different purposes; for example, lasers for hair reduction typically involve longer wavelengths and different mechanisms. Eye surgeries often utilize specialized lasers designed specifically for ocular tissue and require a level of precision that differs from the capabilities of Q-switched lasers. Body contouring typically involves different laser technologies focusing on fat reduction rather than targeting pigmentation. Thus, the primary function of Q-switched lasers is their effectiveness in managing pigmented lesions, making this option the most accurate.