What is the RevLite SI Laser and What Are Its Uses

If you’re searching for “Q-switch laser Manchester”, laser tattoo removal Manchester, or ways to treat pigmentation, scars or skin ageing with cutting-edge lasers, the RevLite SI laser is one of the most advanced solutions available. We explain exactly what the RevLite SI is, how it works, its uses (including tattoo removal), who is suitable, what to expect, risks, and how it compares to alternatives.

What is the RevLite SI Laser?

The RevLite SI (Smart Infinite) is a next-generation Q-switched Nd:YAG laser system made by Cynosure/Lutronic (Hoya ConBio). It is designed for treating pigmented skin lesions, wrinkles, acne scars, and unwanted tattoo ink, across a wide range of colours and skin types. It uses ultra-short pulses of laser energy (nanosecond regime) to selectively target pigments in the skin or in tattoo ink, breaking them into tiny particles that the body can then clear.

The “SI” in RevLite SI stands for Smart Infinite, referring in part to its handpiece allowing very fine control of spot size, plus improvements in comfort, efficacy, and multi-wavelength flexibility.

How Does RevLite SI Work — The Science Behind It

To understand why RevLite SI is so effective, here are the key scientific principles:

• Selective Photothermolysis: A laser targets a specific chromophore (pigment, ink) absorbing at certain wavelengths, leaving surrounding tissue relatively untouched.

• Q-Switched Technology: The laser emits very short pulses (nanoseconds) of very high peak power. These pulses are so brief that the pigment/ink is shattered by photoacoustic effect rather than sustained heat, helping to avoid damage to adjacent tissue. 

• Multi-Wavelength Capability: RevLite SI offers multiple wavelengths (1064 nm, 532 nm, plus optional dye handpieces giving 585 nm, 650 nm) to treat different pigments and inks. Different wavelengths are absorbed differently by melanin, hemoglobin, and different tattoo ink colours. 

• PhotoAcoustic Technology Pulse (PTP) Mode: A dual-pulse mode (two pulses microseconds apart) that allows higher energy delivery while helping reduce discomfort, enhance results and improve skin revitalisation. 

• Precise Spot-Size Control: The Smart Infinite handpiece allows fine adjustment in spot size in very small increments (e.g. 0.1 mm), enabling the clinician to match beam size to treatment area to optimize penetration and safety. 

Key Features and Technical Specifications

Here are the main technical features that set RevLite SI apart, and how they benefit patients:

Feature	Spec or Capability	Benefit / Clinical Advantage
Wavelengths	1064 nm & 532 nm as standard; optional dye handpieces for 585 nm & 650 nm	Enables treatment of wide variety of pigments & tattoo ink colours; flexibility.
Pulse Duration	Nanosecond pulses (≈5-20 nsec)	Delivers high peak energy with minimal heat diffusion to surrounding tissue.
Spot Size Adjustment	Smart Infinite handpiece: adjustable in 0.1 mm increments (range approx 1.2 mm up to ~8.5 mm)	Ability to use large spot sizes for deeper penetration, or small spots for fine detail; reduces treatment time or improves precision.
PhotoAcoustic Technology Pulse (PTP) mode	Dual pulses microseconds apart	Greater efficacy for pigmentation, better comfort, improved skin tone and rejuvenation.
Beam Profile / Uniformity	Flat-top / uniform beam (high quality beam profile)	More even energy distribution; reduces hot spots; safer and more reliable results.

 

These advanced technical features make RevLite SI effective for multi-use aesthetic applications while maintaining safety across skin types (including darker skin) when used appropriately.

Primary Uses and Indications

RevLite SI is used for multiple dermatological and aesthetic indications. Some of the main ones are:

• Laser Tattoo Removal

  Unwanted tattoos (professional, amateur), cosmetic tattooing, traumatic tattoo pigments. All colours are treatable (black, blue, green, red, etc.) depending on wavelength handpieces.

• Pigmented Lesions

  This includes freckles, sunspots, age spots, lentigines, melasma, café-au-lait spots, dermal & epidermal pigmentation.

• Skin Rejuvenation / Revitalisation

  Non-ablative skin resurfacing, improving skin tone, tightening mild wrinkles, reducing fine lines.

• Acne Scarring & Texture Irregularities

  Treating shallow to moderate acne scars, depressed or pitted scars, improving overall skin texture.

• Other Indications

  Pigmentary disorders, melasma, vascular pigment (to some extent), and sometimes small dermal lesions.

Each indication may require different settings (wavelength, fluence, spot size) to get the best results. Our team of laser experts in our Manchester laser clinic will be able to guide you and use the best settings to achieve the desired results.

This is a Q-switched laser before and after of a sun spot or lentigo removal.

Laser Tattoo Removal with RevLite SI

Laser tattoo removal is most commonly performed using a Q-switched laser or Pico laser.  The principle involves breaking up the pigment in the skin.

How Tattoo Removal Works with RevLite SI

1. Assessment

   During a consultation, our CLNQ therapist will assess tattoo size, depth, ink colours, location, age, skin type, prior treatments.

2. Wavelength Selection

   • 1064 nm: penetrates deepest; targets dark colours (black, dark blue), good for deeper ink, safer on darker skin tones.

   • 532 nm: targets red, orange, brown, some yellows; more superficial.

3. Pulse Mode

   Use PTP mode or single Q-switched pulses depending on ink type, colour, skin sensitivity.

4. Spot Size & Fluence Adjustment

   For large tattoos, larger spot sizes allow more uniform coverage in fewer passes. For details or small ink areas, smaller spot sizes. Fluence (energy per area) must be optimised to break pigment without causing unnecessary damage.

5. Multiple Sessions

   Tattoo ink is broken down gradually. Typically 6-10 sessions for professional tattoos; fewer for amateur or simpler tattoos. Sessions spaced several weeks apart (often 4-8 weeks) to allow sufficient healing and ink removal. 

6. Aftercare

   Vital to follow: avoid sun, keep clean, use healing ointments, avoid picking.

Results to Expect

• Progressive lightening of tattoo with each session.

• Black ink tends to clear fastest; colours like green, turquoise, etc., more challenging and need more sessions.

• On good cases, near-complete removal; in others some residual pigment or “ghosting” may remain.

What to Expect in a Treatment: Sessions, Discomfort & Downtime

Here’s what you can expect when undergoing RevLite SI treatment.

Treatment Duration & Sessions

• Each session may take from 10-30 minutes (depending on area size, indication, number of wavelengths used).

• For tattoo removal: commonly 6-10 sessions or more, spaced around 4–8 weeks apart.

• For pigmentation, skin revitalisation, acne scars: possibly 4-8 sessions depending on severity.

Discomfort & Anaesthesia

• Most people feel a snapping or popping sensation, sometimes described like a rubber band flick.

• For sensitive areas, topical anaesthetic can be used. Cooling devices during treatment can help.

Downtime & Recovery

• Mild redness, swelling, maybe slight crusting or blistering if pigment is superficial.

• Down-time is usually minimal. Redness may settle in 24-48 hours; crusting may take a few more days.

• Sun exposure should be avoided while healing to prevent pigmentation changes.

Safety, Side Effects & Suitability

Understanding risks and who is a good candidate is important.

Suitable Candidates

• Skin types I to VI (lighter to darker skin), though darker skin types require more cautious settings.

• Those with realistic expectations (e.g. tattoos may not be 100% erased in all cases).

• Good general health; no active skin infections in area to be treated.

Contraindications / When Not Suitable

• Those with a history of keloid scarring or hypertrophic scarring.

• Very recent tanning or sunburn in the treatment area.

• Certain skin diseases, active infection.

• In pregnancy or nursing (depending on clinic policy).

Possible Side Effects

• Post-treatment redness; swelling.

• Temporary darkening/lightening of skin (post-inflammatory hyperplasia or hypopigmentation).

• Rare blistering, scabbing, risk of scarring if aftercare is poor.

• Discomfort during or after treatment.

However, when performed by experienced therapists using correct parameters, RevLite SI is one of the safer options among Q-switch lasers.

How RevLite SI Compares to Other Laser Treatments

There are various lasers and technologies; here’s how RevLite SI stacks up.

Comparison	RevLite SI	Alternatives (Picosecond Lasers / Fractional CO₂ / IPL)
Speed of ink pigment breakdown (tattoo removal)	Very good for most colors, though some colours (green, turquoise) still challenging; with multi wavelengths improves outcome.	Picosecond lasers may sometimes clear certain colours faster; however they can be more expensive.
Skin rejuvenation / texture / wrinkles	Non-ablative skin resurfacing with minimal downtime; good effect on fine lines & mild acne scarring.	Ablative lasers (Fractional CO₂ like the CO2RE laser) may produce more dramatic effect per session but with more downtime & risk. IPL good for colour/pigment but less powerful for deep scars or wrinkles.
Comfort & safety across skin types	RevLite SI is safer on darker skin when settings adjusted; multi-wavelength helps.	Some older lasers or high-powered systems cause more pigment changes in darker skin; Picosecond may be gentler in some cases, depending on equipment.
Number of sessions	Often 4-8 for pigmentation / skin rejuvenation; 6-10+ for tattoos.	Alternative lasers may reduce session count, but cost per session often higher.

 

Aftercare & Maximising Results

Your clinic should give you aftercare instructions, but here are key tips to ensure best outcomes:

• Keep the treated area clean. Use mild soap; avoid abrasive products.

• Avoid sun exposure; use high-SPF broad spectrum sunscreen daily. Pigmented areas are sensitive.

• Use moisturiser, gentle skin care; avoid retinoids or exfoliants until skin has healed as advised.

• Do not pick or scratch any crusting or scabs.

• Follow the schedule of sessions; do not rush or try to compress into shorter intervals than recommended.

• Stay hydrated, have good nutrition — for skin healing.

FAQs

Will RevLite SI completely remove my tattoo?

It depends on tattoo age, ink type & colour, how well ink was applied, skin type, location. Many get near-complete removal; some colours are more stubborn. An expert consultation will help you get a realistic idea.

Is it painful?

The sensation is usually mild to moderate; many compare it to a rubber band flick. Topical anaesthetic or cooling may be used to reduce discomfort.

How many sessions will I need?

For tattoos, professional ones often need 6-10 or more sessions. For pigmentation or skin rejuvenation, often 4-8 sessions. Your clinician will tailor depending on your skin and condition.

Is there downtime?

Usually minimal. Some redness, slight swelling; more if treating large area or delicate pigment. Most people can resume normal activities swiftly.

Can you treat all skin types with RevLite SI, including darker ones?

A: Yes, with suitable settings and experienced practitioner, RevLite SI can be used safely on darker skin types. The multi-wavelength and pulse modes help adjust the risk.

Why Choose RevLite SI Q-Switch Laser

• More wavelengths enable treatment of a broader spectrum of pigment and tattoo colours.

• The PTP dual-pulse mode improves comfort and results.

• Spot size control (Smart Infinite handpiece) allows safer large-area treatments and precise work on small lesions.

• Uniform beam profile helps reduce hotspots and side risks.

• Proven track record in clinical studies.

Summary

The RevLite SI laser is a powerful, versatile, multi-wavelength Q-switched laser system ideal for:

• Removing tattoos of many colours

• Treating pigmentation (sunspots, freckles, melasma)

• Improving skin tone, texture, fine lines, and acne scarring

It does this with high precision, relatively low downtime, and can be tailored to different skin types via adjustable spot sizes, different wavelengths, and advanced modes like PTP.

For anyone in Manchester considering laser treatment—particularly tattoo removal—RevLite SI is among the leading options. If you are considering RevLite SI, book a consultation with our therapist at CLNQ Manchester to discuss your specific tattoo, skin type, pigmentation, and get a personalised plan.