Starwalker Laser

What you need to know

The Starwalker Laser is versatile and can be used for the following applications:

  • Melasma​
  • Freckles
  • Sun spots (Solar lentigo)
  • Hori’s naevus
  • Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation

Why choose the Starwalker MaQX?

Benefits of Starwalker MaQX in treating pigmentation & tattoos

Pigment lasers are largely non-ablative, and include the older generation Nanosecond as well as the newer Picosecond lasers.

The two types of lasers differ in the speed at which an individual pulse of energy is delivered – the picosecond lasers deliver their pulses many times faster than that of older lasers.

This quicker pulse of energy delivered results in:

  1. A greater photoacoustic (mechanical) effect, shattering pigments much more effectively
  2. A smaller photothermal (heating) effect, reducing side effects related to heat

One could look at it like a, quicker, harder punch at pigmented targets – pigmentation and tattoo ink is broken down to smaller pieces, but with less laser time on the face.

When absorbed in skin pigments, extremely short energy bursts of picosecond structured MaQX pulses generate photoacoustic shockwaves that disintegrate irradiated pigment particles into tiny particles that are then easily eliminated by the body.

The Starwalker MaQX system cleverly combines both technologies, allowing high energy pulses from nanosecond platforms, while delivering them at the ultra-short pulses. This gives flexibility and breadth in treatment possibilities.

A typical measured local temporal intensity of the StarWalker’s 1064 nm MaQX pulse. The 1064 nm MaQX pulse consists of high peak power picosecond micro pulses within an overall nanosecond high energy macropluse.

Other Treatment Possibilities

Fractat – Safer & Quicker Tattoo Removal

When tattoo pigments are hit by conventional Q-switch laser beams, particles break down with the production and release of gas. This gas overlies the remaining pigment particles, resulting in 2 problems:

  1. A shielding effect – Gas above pigments protects the remaining pigments from subsequent laser beams. As a result, repeated pigment breakdown within a single session is not possible; you have to come back for repeat sessions after 1-3 months and duration for complete treatment is prolonged.
  2. Higher complication rate: The gas bubbles formed result in blister formation as air is trapped beneath the skin. These blisters result in longer downtime after each laser, and predispose to possible scarring or infections.

Step 1

Before the treatment

Step 2

First treatment with a Q-switched pulse

Step 3

Gas bubbles following the Q-switched treatment

Step 4

Subsequent Q-switched pulse are blocked from reaching deeper lying pigments

The Fotona patented FracTat procedure involves the drilling of micro-holes into the skin using a fractional ablative laser technique. These holes act as ducts that realease the gas and pressure buildup after each pass by the Q-switch laser.

​The Fotona patented FracTat™ procedure is performed, micro holes are first drilled into the skin using a fractional ablative la fsereeaehandpiece. The fractional micro holes act as pressure relief ducts through which the gasses can escape without building up excessive pressure.

Step 1

Micro holes are drilled with an ablative fractional laser

Step 2

First treatment with a
MaQX pulse

Step 3

Reduced frosting effect

Step 4

Subsequent MaQX pulses are not blocked from reaching deeper lying pigments

Scar Treatment Without The Burn

Using the same FracTat technology, the Starwalker MaQX is able to ablate scars with minimal heat injury to the skin, initiating the cascade of cell renewal and scar remodelling.

This form of scar resurfacing is complimentary to other scar treatments, such as fractional RF and CO2 lasers, and has the following benefits:

The Starwalker MaQX adds a new dimension to scar treatments and opens up new possibilities in the realm of scar management.

Frequently Asked Questions

The laser is mostly tolerable and feels like little pricks on the skin. If higher energy procedures like scar treatments are required, patients are numbed with a numbing cream for 30-40 minutes before the procedure.