PicoSure® is a picosecond Alexandrite aesthetic laser platform for multiple aesthetic applications including tattoo removal, acne scar treatment, removal of pigmented lesions and wrinkle treatment.
PicoSure can improve their skin and reduce signs of aging but with minimal risks, pain and downtime of traditional laser treatments. Using highly targeted energy, PicoSure gently disrupts the particles responsible for a range of pigment conditions like freckles, sunspots and other discoloration. With the Focus lens, PicoSure can improve wrinkles, age lines and even acne scars.
Focus Lens Array
Focus™ Lens Array precisely redistributes 755 nm energy to revitalize skin.
PicoSure’s Focus Lens Array creates microscopic, photomechanical reactions in the epidermis that communicate with the dermis, leading to increased collagen and elastin in the skin. This enables skin revitalization with minimal downtime
Clinical Indications: From tattoo removal to pigmentations and acne scars
The 755nm wavelength is able to target black, blue, and green tattoo inks. It is also able to:
- Tailor treatments using variable spot sizes
- Use boost mode to better treat recalcitrant tattoos with shortened pulse width
PicoSure’s Focus Lens Array can also improve their skin and reduce signs of aging. Using highly targeted energy, PicoSure is effective for a range of pigment conditions like freckles, sunspots and other discoloration. With the the Focus lens, Picosure can also reduce unwanted wrinkles, acne scars and improve skin texture similar to other fractional lasers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why PicoSure Laser Treatment?
It’s important to consider your options. Face-lifts, fillers, and toxins are alternatives to Picosure Laser Treatment. Each procedure is associated with different downtime, risks, and side-effects. We suggest you discuss with our doctor to select the most suitable treatment for your skin problems.
What causes unwanted pigment?
Melanin gives us our skin color. Pigmented lesions including sunspots, age spots, and brown patches, are dark in color because the melanin is concentrated in one area of the skin. Most pigmented lesions come from sun exposure while some patients are born with them. Hormonal changes can also induce pigment changes in the skin such as melasma.
What types of pigmented lesions can PicoSure remove?
Lasers remove a variety of unwanted pigment. Age spots, freckles, and brown patches can all be improved with PicoSure.
How many treatment sessions will it take?
You may require a few treatment sessions to improve the look of your skin and achieve a more youthful appearance. Darker, deeper and larger pigmented lesions may require additional treatments; however during the consultation, our doctor will discuss treatment expectations with you.
What does the treatment feel like?
Most patients find the procedure tolerable and require no numbing cream or anesthesia. PicoSure delivers energy in ultra-short bursts, and patients often compare the laser pulse to a snap of a thin rubber band.
What type of post treatment care is necessary?
After the procedure, the treatment area may be tender. It is important to keep the area clean and to avoid any irritation. Our doctor will provide additional after care instructions as needed to ensure a quick recovery.
How does the PicoSure technology work to remove tattoos?
Once the ink has been broken down, your body absorbs the tiny, dust-like pieces through your lymphatic system. This component of your immune system filters the ink and eliminate the ink particles through your body’s waste. PicoSure’s technology is designed to trigger your body’s immune response during the procedure, to prevent discomfort and promote healing. New collagen and elastin are created at a cellular level without any damage or burning to your skin.
What else can PicoSure do?
In addition to tattoo removal, PicoSure is an effective tool for treatment of skin discolorations and pigmentations, acne scars, and wrinkles.
What does the procedure feel like?
Most people experience very little discomfort and describe skin revitalization treatments as feeling like the snapping of a rubber band. Because tattoo removal treatments use more energy, patients may experience more discomfort, but our doctor may offer numbing cream or other aids to minimize discomfort.
How long does the procedure take?
Procedure time depends on the size of the area to be treated, and 10-20 minutes is common for average sized tattoo and skin revitalization treatments.
Do I have to avoid the sun before and after treatments?
The sun exposes the skin to harmful radiation. To protect itself, the body produces extra melanin, causing the skin to tan. Since PicoSure targets melanin to remove excess pigment, a heavy tan may interfere with treatment. After laser treatments for removal of tattoos and unwanted pigment, the skin is more vulnerable to sunlight so minimizing sun exposure and use of sunscreen of SPF30+ is recommended.
How many treatments are necessary?
- The number of PicoSure treatments for unwanted pigmentation will vary depending on the condition being treated and how each individual responds.
- For tattoo removal, the size, location and density of ink play important roles in how quickly clearance can be achieved, but 4-10 treatments is common for modern tattoos.
- The number of treatments for skin revitalization is largely dependent on the clinical condition being addressed but a series of treatments are common. Our doctor will be able to provide you with a personalized plan.
How long do the results last?
Tattoo removal and acne scar results are permanent. Skin revitalization treatment results are long lasting, but some pigment conditions can be recurrent. Some patients find that a PicoSure Focus treatment every few months can help prevent accumulation of pigment and slow the appearance of wrinkles.
Will there be scarring?
The incidents of scarring are not common. Tattoo removal treatments require more energy than skin revitalization and some patients may experience hypopigmentation (a lightening in skin color of the treated area) but this is usually temporary and normal skin colour is typically restored once healing is complete.
What is the recovery time?
Recovery times are dependent on the condition being treated and each patient’s ability to heal. Typical treatment intervals are 4-6 weeks for pigmented lesions and 6-8 weeks for tattoo removal. Treatments for acne scars and wrinkles using the Focus lens array can be performed every 3-4 weeks. Our doctor will create a personalized treatment plan for you.
Should I use a topical anesthetic while providing this treatment?
Topical anesthetic may be administered to increase comfort during the procedure; although this is not routinely needed.
How long is the downtime?
There is minimal downtime with PicoSure facial rejuvenation. Patients may experience erythema that typically resolves within a few hours, but in some cases, may linger up to 24 hours. Since each patient is unique, we highly recommend following the outlined clinical guidelines to help optimize safety and efficacy before treatment.
References & Journals:
Successful and Rapid Treatment of Blue and Green Tattoo Pigment with a Novel Picosecond Laser
Brauer JA, Reddy KK, Anolik R, et al. Arch Dermatol. 2012;148(7):820-823.
Treatment of Tattoos with a Picosecond Alexandrite Laser: A Prospective Trial
Saedi N, Metelitsa A, Petrell K, et al. Arch Dermatol. 2012;148(12):1360-1363.
Use of a Picosecond Pulse Duration Laser with Specialized Optic for Treatment of Facial Acne Scarring
Brauer JA, Kazlouskaya V, Alabdulrazzaq H, et al. JAMA Dermatol. Published online November 19, 2014.
Picosecond Lasers: The Next Generation of Short-pulsed Lasers
Freedman J., Kaufman J., Metelitsa A., Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery. Vol. 33, December 2014.
Treatment of Nevus of Ota with a Picosecond 755-nm Alexandrite Laser
Chesnut C., Diehl J., Lask G. Dermatol Surg. 2015;41:508–536.
Clearance of Yellow Tattoo Ink With a Novel 532-nm Picosecond Laser
Alabdulrazzaq H., Brauer J., Bae YS., Geronemus R. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine. 2015; Lasers in Surgery and Medicine 47:285–288.