Ruby Fractional | Ledian Clinic Roppongi
Ruby Fractional | For Dark Spots, Melasma & Dullness treatment image

Ruby Fractional | For Dark Spots, Melasma & Dullness

A 694nm Q-switched ruby laser delivered as fractional shots. Leveraging high melanin selectivity to brighten skin tone while minimizing downtime.

ruby laser wavelength 694nm
nanosecond pulses Q-switched
MHLW-approved device Approved
typical treatment time 30–45 min

Our Features

FEATURES
01

Melanin selectivity via the 694nm ruby wavelength

The 694nm Q-switched ruby laser is well absorbed by melanin. It selectively targets the melanin behind dark spots, dullness, and hyperpigmentation, and is suited for pigmented lesions in the epidermis and upper dermis.

02

Low-downtime design through fractional delivery

A 9mm fractional handpiece delivers micro-spots so that thermal impact on surrounding tissue is minimized and downtime is shortened. Recommended overlap is 10–20%.

03

Suitable for melasma care

For melasma care—where strong stimulation should be avoided—low-fluence fractional delivery may be used. The doctor adjusts settings based on skin condition.

04

Nanosecond-order Q-switched pulses

Nanosecond-order pulses selectively break down melanin while limiting thermal diffusion to surrounding tissue.

05

Uses a medical device approved by Japan’s MHLW

The clinic uses Quanta System (Italy) Q-Plus R, approval number 22700BZI00042000, a Class III specially controlled medical device approved in Japan.

Q-Plus R — Quanta System Q-switched ruby laser (694nm)
DEVICE

Q-Plus R

Made by Quanta System SpA (Italy)

A medical device that delivers a 694nm Q-switched ruby laser as fractional shots. With high selectivity for melanin, it is used for spots, melasma, dullness, and post-inflammatory pigmentation. MHLW-approved (approval no. 22700BZI00042000, Class III highly controlled medical device).

Technology

How it differs from other pigment-treatment lasers

There are several laser devices for pigment treatment, each with different strengths and downtime characteristics. Ruby Fractional (Q-Plus R) uses the 694nm ruby wavelength for high melanin selectivity, and fractional delivery is designed to minimize downtime.

Figure 01 Melanin response by wavelength
532nm
Q-switched / Pico
For superficial spots
694nm
Ruby Fractional
High melanin selectivity
755nm
Pico (Alex)
Balanced profile
1064nm
Q-switched / Pico
Reaches deeper layers
IPL
Broadband (IPL)
Broad but shallow

Illustrative diagram based on general device characteristics. Actual results vary with treatment settings and skin condition.

Wavelength

532 / 755 / 1064nm
500–1200nm (broadband)
532 / 1064nm
694nm (single, ruby)

Delivery

Picosecond, fractional capable
Broadband pulses
Nanosecond, full-field
Nanosecond, fractional

Melanin selectivity

Moderate–high
Low (broadband)
Moderate
High (694nm)

Downtime

Mild redness (a few hours+)
Minimal
Crusts (1–2 weeks)
Tiny crusts (5 days–1 week)

For melasma

Possible at low output
Risk of worsening
Low-output toning only
Possible at low output

Best-suited spots

Diffuse spots & dullness
Dullness & faint spots
Dense, focal spots
Spots, melasma, dullness & post-inflammatory pigmentation

A comparison based on general device characteristics — effects and indications vary by skin condition. The final treatment plan is determined by the doctor during consultation.

Indications

Which types of pigmentation suit this treatment

Ruby Fractional works best on pigmentation where melanin sits in the surface to upper dermis. Number of sessions and how results appear vary by pigment type, so the doctor advises based on skin assessment during consultation.

Map of pigmentation areas addressed by Ruby Fractional
Illustration of pigmentation types that tend to appear by facial area.
★★★

Pigmentation with high expected efficacy

The 694nm ruby wavelength selectively targets surface melanin.

Solar lentigo

Cause
Long-term UV accumulation
Appearance
Flat brown spots with a clear outline. Increase from the 30s–40s onward.
Common areas
Cheekbones, temples, forehead
Recommended sessions
1–3 sessions

Senile lentigo

Cause
Aging and UV exposure
Appearance
Largely synonymous with solar lentigo. Well-defined; brown to dark brown.
Common areas
Cheeks, temples
Recommended sessions
1–3 sessions

Ephelides (freckles)

Cause
Genetic predisposition + UV
Appearance
Small, scattered brown spots concentrated on both cheeks and around the nose.
Common areas
Cheeks, around the nose
Recommended sessions
3–5 sessions
★★

Pigmentation that responds (requires multiple sessions)

Improvement is pursued through careful output settings and repeated sessions.

Melasma

Cause
Hormonal changes + friction & UV
Appearance
Symmetric, blurry light-brown patches high on both cheeks.
Common areas
Upper cheeks (bilateral)
Recommended sessions
From 5 sessions (low output, cautious)

Post-inflammatory pigmentation

Cause
Inflammation after acne or injury
Appearance
Brown to dark-brown patches with somewhat unclear borders. May fade over time.
Common areas
Around the mouth, cheeks
Recommended sessions
3–5 sessions

Dullness / uneven tone

Cause
Reduced melanin metabolism
Appearance
Broad, vague darkness — an overall facial impression rather than a spot.
Common areas
Whole face
Recommended sessions
3–5 sessions

Less responsive / better treated by other modalities

Cases where Ruby Fractional may not deliver sufficient effect, or where other approaches are more suitable.

Nevus of Ota / ADM (acquired dermal melanocytosis)

Characteristics
Vague blue-gray to grayish-brown tone. Tends to appear on cheekbones and forehead.
Recommendation
Full-field Q-switched is indicated

Deep pigmented lesions

Characteristics
Cases where fractional delivery may not reach deep enough.
Recommendation
Other treatments proposed

Active acne / inflammation

Characteristics
Treatment is undertaken only after inflammation has settled.
Recommendation
Treat inflammation first

Raised moles

Characteristics
A tissue elevation rather than pigmentation.
Recommendation
Excision etc. is indicated

* Results vary by individual. The final treatment plan is determined by the doctor based on skin assessment during consultation.

Treatment Spec

Treatment specifications (per the official manual)

Following the official Quanta System Ruby Fractional treatment manual, the doctor determines wavelength, output, handpiece size, and shot density. Fluence is adjusted within 1.0–1.4 J depending on skin type and area.

Q-Plus R Ruby Fractional handpiece (9mm gray cap)
Ruby Fractional Handpiece 9mm dedicated cap / Q-switched 694nm
Wavelength
694nm Single ruby wavelength
Pulse
Q-switched Nanosecond range
Handpiece diameter
9mm Fractional-dedicated
Shots per full face
~500 Divided by area
Overlap
10–20% Recommended density to avoid burns
Anesthesia
Cream Optional, additional fee
Areas

Treatment guide by area

Treatment approach based on the official manual. Actual output and number of sessions are determined by the doctor after skin assessment.

Cheeks

Treated in 4 sections / care around the lashes

Nose

Zig-zag from nasal wings to tip

Forehead

Treated in 2 sections / care around the hairline

Temples

Treated with care around the hairline

Chin

Treated in 2 sections / lower lip pulled down

Under the nose

Skin stretched, 1–2 rows of shots

* The above is the standard treatment example per the official manual. The doctor adjusts output and protocol based on skin type, pigment lesions, and medical history.

Who It Is For

RECOMMEND
Concerned about dark spots and hyperpigmentation
Considering care for melasma
Concerned about overall dullness and uneven skin tone
Want to improve pores and skin texture
Looking for low-downtime treatment for dark spots and dullness
Did not get sufficient results from other dark-spot treatments

Treatment Overview

OVERVIEW
ItemDetails
DurationAbout 30–45 minutes (about 500 shots for full face, including consultation)
DowntimeDay of: strong redness (makeup recommended from next day) / Next day: redness subsides, mild itching / Day 3+: redness fades / 2–4 weeks: pigment gradually lightens (micro scabs may shed)
FrequencyAround 3–5 sessions every 2–4 weeks. Skin type and energy settings are determined by the doctor.
MakeupLimited on the day of treatment (possible 4 hours later; full makeup recommended from the next day)
BathingShower the same day is OK; avoid bath, sauna, and exercise on the day of treatment
Contraindications
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding
  • active skin conditions or infections
  • photosensitivity
  • keloid-prone skin
  • strong sun exposure within the last 6 months
  • Fitzpatrick skin type V or above
  • medications known to cause photosensitivity

Price

PRICE
ルビーフラクショナル 全顔単発 1回22,500 JPY(Tax incl: 24,750 JPY)
5回コース100,000 JPY(Tax incl: 110,000 JPY)
ルビーフラクショナル 部分(頬・目周り等)単発 1回13,500 JPY(Tax incl: 14,850 JPY)

Book a free consultation

Free consultation available

FAQ

FAQ

About this self-paid (non-insured) treatment

Treatment category
This is a self-paid treatment not covered by Japanese national health insurance. The full cost is the patient’s responsibility.
About efficacy
Outcomes of "Ruby Fractional" vary by individual. We cannot guarantee that all patients will experience the same effect.
Side effects & risks
  • Redness after treatment (a few hours to several days)
  • Formation of tiny crusts (scabs) that flake off naturally
  • Temporary post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (risk increases without adequate UV protection)
  • Rare cases of blistering or pigment loss
  • For melasma, risk of temporary worsening if output settings are not appropriate
Additional notes
UV protection (consistent sunscreen use) is the most important aftercare step.
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