Cynosure (US Aesthetic Device Manufacturer)
Cynosure Elite iQ 5D
One dual-wavelength platform, four core treatment modes. Laser hair removal, vascular and vein treatment, skin rejuvenation, and pigmentation. Safe and effective across all skin tones.
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Treats
Facial rejuvenation, pigmentation, Hair, veins,
Downtime
None to minimal. Hours to days
Session length
5 to 100 minutes, Results after 1 session, with results lasting 6mos
Sessions
3 to 5 (rejuvenation/pigment), 6 to 8 (hair), 1 to 3 (vascular)
How it works
The Cynosure Elite iQ 5D is a dual-wavelength aesthetic laser platform manufactured by Cynosure, the US aesthetic technology company that pioneered alexandrite and Nd:YAG laser systems in dermatology. The platform combines two of the most clinically proven wavelengths in medical lasers, 755nm alexandrite and 1064nm Nd:YAG, into a single integrated system. This is what allows Elite iQ 5D to handle four distinct treatment modes from one platform: laser hair removal, vascular and vein treatment, skin rejuvenation, and pigmentation work.
The 755nm alexandrite wavelength is highly absorbed by melanin in hair follicles and superficial pigment, making it the gold-standard wavelength for hair removal in lighter skin types and for treating surface sun damage and age spots. The 1064nm Nd:YAG wavelength penetrates deeper into the skin and bypasses surface melanin, which makes it the preferred wavelength for hair removal on medium and darker skin tones, for treating vascular concerns such as facial veins and spider veins, and for stimulating dermal collagen in skin rejuvenation protocols.
For each of the four core treatment modes, the platform is calibrated by your practitioner with parameters specific to the concern being addressed. Hair removal uses precise pulse durations to target the follicle. Vascular treatment uses longer pulse durations to selectively heat the vessel. Skin rejuvenation uses gentler, more diffuse energy patterns to stimulate collagen at depth. Pigmentation work uses higher fluences at the alexandrite wavelength to target surface pigment without affecting surrounding skin.
Elite iQ 5D is equipped with SkinTel, an integrated melanin reader that measures the individual melanin index of each patient's skin and recommends safe and effective laser parameters before treatment begins. This means every session is calibrated to the specific patient rather than relying on visual assessment alone, which is a meaningful safety advantage particularly for patients with medium and darker skin tones. The platform is FDA cleared and Health Canada approved for permanent hair reduction, the treatment of benign vascular lesions, the treatment of benign pigmented lesions, and skin rejuvenation across all Fitzpatrick skin types.
Cynosure Elite iQ 5D has been part of the BioPlus signature technology lineup for years, supporting hair removal, vascular work, rejuvenation, and pigmentation treatment across both clinics. Every Elite iQ 5D session at BioPlus is performed by our certified, fully-trained medical team at both Burnaby and Richmond.
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Treatments performed with this technology
Laser Hair Removal →
Medical-grade hair removal across all skin tones using dual alexandrite and Nd:YAG wavelengths with SkinTel melanin calibration.
Facial Vein Treatment →
Targeted treatment for broken capillaries, telangiectasia, and small facial veins using deep-penetrating Nd:YAG.
Spider Vein and Leg Vein Treatment →
Effective clearance of small leg veins and spider veins through targeted Nd:YAG laser energy.
Skin Rejuvenation →
Non-ablative Nd:YAG protocol to stimulate dermal collagen, improving tone, texture, fine lines, and photoaging.
Pigmentation and Sun Damage →
Targeted treatment for age spots, sun spots, and surface pigmentation using alexandrite wavelength precision.
Rosacea-Related Redness →
Gentle reduction of diffuse redness and visible vascularity associated with rosacea using calibrated Nd:YAG.
Frequently asked questions
What does Cynosure Elite iQ 5D treat?
Cynosure Elite iQ 5D is used at BioPlus across four core treatment categories: laser hair removal across all skin tones, vascular treatment for facial veins and spider veins, skin rejuvenation for tone and texture, and pigmentation treatment for age spots and sun damage. The dual-wavelength platform allows our medical team to switch between modalities based on your specific concern.
What makes Elite iQ 5D different from other laser platforms?
The Elite iQ 5D combines two wavelengths in one platform: 755nm alexandrite and 1064nm Nd:YAG. The alexandrite wavelength is ideal for lighter skin tones and superficial pigment work. The Nd:YAG wavelength penetrates deeper and is safe for medium and darker skin tones, which is why Elite iQ is one of the few laser platforms cleared for safe hair removal and vascular treatment across all Fitzpatrick types. The integrated SkinTel melanin reader calibrates each session to your specific skin profile.
Is Elite iQ 5D safe for darker skin tones?
Yes. The Nd:YAG wavelength in Elite iQ 5D was specifically designed to be safe and effective on medium and darker skin tones. The deeper penetration bypasses surface melanin, targeting the hair follicle or vascular structure underneath without overheating the surrounding skin. The SkinTel melanin reader provides an additional safety layer by measuring your individual melanin index and recommending settings calibrated to your skin.
How does Elite iQ 5D laser hair removal work?
The laser energy targets melanin within the hair follicle, heating the follicle to a level that disables future growth while leaving surrounding skin unaffected. The platform's dual-wavelength capability means alexandrite is used for lighter skin tones and Nd:YAG for medium and darker skin tones. Most patients see significant hair reduction within 6 to 8 sessions spaced approximately four to six weeks apart.
What vascular concerns can Elite iQ 5D treat?
Elite iQ 5D treats a range of vascular concerns including facial telangiectasia (broken capillaries), spider veins, rosacea-related redness, port wine stains, and small leg veins. The deep-penetrating Nd:YAG wavelength targets the haemoglobin within the vessel, causing the vessel to collapse and clear without affecting surrounding tissue.
How does the skin rejuvenation mode work?
The Elite iQ 5D skin rejuvenation protocol uses the 1064nm Nd:YAG wavelength to stimulate dermal collagen production through controlled heating of the deeper skin layers. This improves overall skin tone, texture, fine lines, and the appearance of photoaging. The treatment is gentle, requires no surface disruption, and is suitable across all skin types.
What does an Elite iQ 5D session feel like?
The sensation varies by treatment. Hair removal feels like a brief snap of warmth at each pulse, cushioned by the integrated cooling system. Vascular treatments produce a brief heating sensation as the laser targets the blood vessel. Skin rejuvenation is typically the most comfortable, described as a gentle warming. Topical numbing can be applied for more sensitive treatments if needed.
How long is an Elite iQ 5D session?
Session length depends on the treatment area and concern. Small areas such as upper lip hair removal or a single vascular lesion may take 5 to 15 minutes. Larger hair removal areas such as legs or back may take 30 to 60 minutes. Pigmentation and rejuvenation treatments typically take 15 to 30 minutes depending on coverage.
How many sessions will I need?
Hair removal typically requires 6 to 8 sessions spaced four to six weeks apart, with maintenance treatments as needed. Vascular treatments may require 1 to 3 sessions depending on the depth and severity. Skin rejuvenation and pigmentation treatments typically require 3 to 5 sessions. Your medical team will build a personalised plan during your consultation.
Considering Elite iQ 5D?
Book a consultation with the BioPlus medical team. We will assess your concern across the four Elite iQ 5D treatment modes and recommend the right protocol for your case.
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