Spectra

How it works

Spectra, from Lutronic, is a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser that emits nanosecond pulses. At low energy and a wide spot, it is used for repeated gentle toning of the face. At higher energy it is used on tattoo ink and pigment lesions. It is also the laser behind the carbon laser peel, where a carbon lotion is spread over the skin and the laser pulses break the carbon and the surface debris with it. Response varies by person and repeated sessions are normal.

Good to know

• The same device sits behind three different services, so a price for Spectra alone does not say which service it refers to.
• Carbon peel includes a lotion step and a laser step, and the quote may or may not mention the lotion.
• Toning is usually sold as a course of visits at short intervals, while tattoo work is closer to a per-size plan.
• Lutronic also makes XERF, so the name on paper helps avoid mixing the two.

How Spectra affects a treatment quote

The quote for Spectra begins with the service name. Toning, tattoo removal and carbon peel are priced on different bases: course of sessions, size of tattoo, and single face session respectively. Ask the clinic to name the service in writing, and compare it only with a quote for the same one.

For toning, the question is how many sessions the figure covers and how often you are expected to return. For tattoos, ask about size and ink. For carbon peel, ask whether it is a stand-alone visit or combined with another treatment. Add the usual checks for numbing, VAT and aftercare products. A very low figure for a long toning course is worth reading closely for what it leaves out.