SERVICES
PicoSure Pro
What Is PicoSure Pro?
PicoSure Pro is an innovative laser treatment that uses the latest technology to treat hyperpigmentation, dark spots, uneven skin tone/texture, and fine lines more effectively and with less down-time than previous laser technologies. Hyperpigmentation occurs when your body produces an excess of melanin, which is the pigment portion that gives skin its color. A surplus of melanin can cause darker patches of skin and commonly occurs in areas of sun exposure such as the face, neck, arms, hands, chest, and legs. PicoSure Pro delivers ultra-short pulses, creating pressure waves that shatter the pigmented lesions, which are then easily eliminated by the body. The breakdown of pigment induces collagen and elastin production and tightening to give you glowing, rejuvenated skin.
How is PicoSure Pro different from other pigment lasers?
Traditionally, pigmented lesions are treated with lasers creating intense heat to remove the pigment from the skin. Intense pulsed light (IPL) and lasers can often be painful, create significant downtime after the treatment, and tend to be most suitable for individuals with lighter skin tones (Fitzpatrick I-III, Caucasian/White). Pigment particles are different in individuals with darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick III-VI) as they tend to be more dense and as a result more difficult to remove. In addition, darker skin and Asian skin tones can see an exacerbation and darkening of the pigmented lesions when exposed to heat - also known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Due to this problematic reaction to heat, intense pulsed light (IPL) and typical pulse-length lasers are not optimal to treat pigmentation concerns in Asian, Hispanic, Middle-Eastern, African-American/Black, and darker skin tones.
PicoSure Pro has an innovative approach to treat hyperpigmentation and melasma in all skin tones without the use of heat as it delivers the laser energy in picoseconds, which is a trillionth of a second, to target the pigmented lesions without impacting or injuring any of the surrounding skin tissue. Since little to no heat is generated, there is minimal down time, and a drastically reduced risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or discoloration after the treatment, while skin texture and tone is vastly improved. PicoSure Pro is a great laser treatment to achieve brighter, healthier skin with less discoloration, smaller pores, reduced hyperpigmentation, and improved skin texture.
How many treatments are needed?
You will notice a marked improvement with a single treatment, however, we do recommend 4-8 treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart for the best results. With a series of treatments the power and intensity of the laser can gradually be increased in the safest manner. The optimal treatment plan will be curated by our practitioners based on your individual anatomy, skin quality, and aesthetic goals.
Is the PicoSure Pro treatment painful?
Because PicoSure Pro does not use heat, the treatment is not painful. We provide cryotherapy. Certain areas may be more sensitive and uncomfortable and can be more tolerable with the use of cryotherapy.
What is the downtime like for PicoSure Pro?
PicoSure Pro has essentially no downtime. Immediately after the procedure, your skin will be pink and slightly swollen, but will typically return back to normal within 24 hours after the treatment. It is normal for the dark spots to appear darker for the first 2-3 weeks after the treatment and will gradually subside with further healing and the destroyed pigment is absorbed by your skin. During recovery, we highly recommend patients to avoid sun exposure and wear SPF daily to protect their sensitized skin.
What products can I use after the treatment?
We recommend avoiding any retinols, hydroquinone, and salicylic acids for 7-14 days before treatment and for 1 week after the treatment. After the procedure, we highly recommend patients to use a gentle cleanser, avoid sun exposure, and wear SPF daily to protect their sensitized skin.
We also recommend using Skinceutical Hydrating B5 Gel, or comparable topical, after your laser treatment to promote skin healing, moisturization, and comfort. Hyaluronic acid restores moisture into the skin, leading to hydrated and cooled skin. You can apply this gel post treatment and continue through the post-laser recovery.
How do I know if this treatment is for me?
Through a consultation with one of our expert practitioners! I recommend getting a consultation with our practitioner to ensure that you are a good candidate for this procedure. Through the consultation, you and your practitioner can ensure your candidacy for PicoSure Pro laser treatment, and determine how many sessions are needed for the best results.