What is Pico Laser Treatment?
Also called a picosecond laser, pico laser treatment is a groundbreaking new, non-surgical, non-invasive laser skin treatment that can treat a variety of cosmetic concerns and is safe on many different areas of the body.
The pico laser for treating:
- Sun damage
- Dark spots
- Unwanted freckles
- Pigmented lesions & scars
- Melasma
- Stretch marks
- Acne scars
- Wrinkles & fine lines
In some cases, it can even be used to effectively remove unwanted tattoos. While lasers are most commonly used on the face, the pico laser has also been proven for safe use on the neck, chest, legs, arms, hands, back, and behind.
This means that there is finally a laser treatment that can get rid of back acne scars and other embarrassing body acne scars for good!
What Makes Pico Lasers So Unique?
Most lasers used for cosmetic treatments work roughly the same way: the device pushes energy waves deep into the skin to promote healing and boost collagen production. However, pico laser treatment is a little bit different. This laser uses high energy instead of heat to destroy skin discolorations, while promoting the production of elastin and collagen. When the body produces a greater quantity of these proteins, it results in firmer skin, improved skin texture, and greater smoothness.
This laser gets its name from the time metric “picosecond,” which is one trillionth of a second, because the laser delivers energy in ultra-short bursts.
Because of the speed of the energy pulses, pico laser treatment is considered one of the most gentle laser treatments on the market. It is also one of the fastest. You could pop in for an appointment the way you would for a mani/pedi and be out in half the time!
Benefits of Pico Laser Treatment
There are many types of cosmetic laser treatments, one of which is the fractional CO2 laser. The CO2 laser is designed for resurfacing, which promotes your body’s natural healing by creating a small amount of damage to the surface of the skin. While many patients have been satisfied with their CO2 laser results, this treatment can be less than desirable for other patients because of the discomfort and the longer recovery time.
Whereas the CO2 laser requires up to 1 week of downtime, no makeup for 1-2 weeks, no sun exposure, and post-treatment redness, the pico laser does not. Because this laser treatment does not damage the surrounding skin, it comes with almost no downtime – usually 1-2 days maximum – less redness and swelling, and allows you to wear makeup soon after. The pico laser is also less uncomfortable than other laser treatments; in some cases, patients may not even require topical
Is the procedure painful?
This is based on individual’s pain tolerance and location of the pigmented lesion(s). Most patients are able to tolerate the lasers sessions without much discomfort. The laser feels like tiny warm pricks on the skin.
Are there any side effects?
A small portion of patients can experience a pinkish flush or mild itchiness after the laser. This goes away within a few hours.
Is there any downtime?
You can return to work or daily activities immediately after the laser. One should avoid prolonged /intentional sun exposure for a week post-laser to avoid hyper-pigmentation. Creams are sometimes prescribed for this purpose as well.
For certain patients, greying/browning/darkening of the existing pigmentation may be expected before it fades off. This is normal and one shouldn’t worry as it fades off in time.
How many sessions are required?
Depending on condition and the type of pigmentation, number of treatments can vary. A few factors influence the outcome of the treatment; nature of pigmentation, skin type, skin health, hormones, sun exposure, acne, etc.
On average, about 4 – 6 treatments will be required for best results.
Are results permanent?
Most pigmentation, like tattoos, will not return after removal. However, due to sun exposure, aging and hormonal changes (mostly in women), new pigmentation can develop.
It is important to apply sunscreen to prevent new pigmentation from forming. Regular maintenance treatments with the Pico Laser or Q-Switched Laser can also benefit some patients.