Extensive exposure to ultraviolet radiation may trigger facial photoaging. This, typically manifests as irregularities in skin texture, skin laxity, wrinkles, and enlarged pores.

One effective rejuvenation solution for such skin disorders is Pico laser treatment.

This blog seeks to unpack the technology behind this treatment, its benefits, and its application use cases.

What is Pico laser treatment?

As a cutting-edge approach in skincare, pico laser treatment distinguishes itself by utilising ultra-short laser pulses to precisely address various skin concerns— without causing considerable thermal damage.

In practice, a Pico laser device is uniquely designed to confine photothermal effects and achieve photomechanical effects and plasma induction. This consequently enables it to target specific areas of one’s skin with short bursts of high-intensity light to treat:

• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Stretch marks
• Melasma
• Acne scars
• Pigmented scars and lesions
• Unwanted freckles
• Dark spots

Pico laser procedure

The majority of Pico laser treatments take place in an outpatient environment. Here are the steps they involve:

• Consultation: The procedure normally starts with a consultation that involves assessing one’s skin type, texture, and specific concerns to determine suitability for the treatment.
• Treatment planning: Subsequently, a personalised treatment plan is created. This plan clearly outlines the number of sessions needed and sets realistic expectations for outcomes.
• Skin preparation: In the next step, one’s skin is cleaned to remove makeup and dirt to ensure the laser can penetrate effectively. A topical anaesthetic may be applied if necessary. Patients are also given protective eyewear to protect their eyes from the laser light during the procedure.
• Laser application: During the procedure, the dermatologist employs a handheld Pico laser device to deliver ultra-short energy pulses to the targeted skin areas. Patients may feel mild discomfort, such as a slight tingling or snapping sensation.
• Post-treatment care: After the session, the treated area is gently cleaned. Afterwards, a soothing ointment is applied. Patients are also typically advised to avoid sun exposure and maintain good hydration.
• Recovery: Minimal downtime is expected. Initial improvements may be visible within a week. However, full benefits may take several weeks to months as the skin heals and rejuvenates.

Pico laser treatment downtime

Minimal downtime is expected since the procedure is non-invasive and no anaesthesia is applied. In fact, because of the photomechanical effect, which prevents heat damage to the skin, patients usually experience significantly less discomfort during treatment.

Treatment areas

The goal of the treatment is to promote the production of collagen and elastin—two essential proteins that maintain the skin’s elasticity, firmness and integrity.

As a consequence, the desired outcome is improved skin texture and tone, giving the appearance of a smoother, plumper, and more youthful complexion.

Pico laser skin treatment

A Picosecond laser device interacts with tissue via two mechanisms namely: photomechanical or photoacoustic interaction/photo-thermo-mechanical disruption (PTMD), and laser-induced optical breakdown (LIOB).

In practice, it works by delivering Picosecond (one trillionth of a second) bursts of energy to different target areas and skin ailments such as:

Acne scars

Pico laser treatment reduces the appearance of acne scars, such as ice pick and rolling scars (most common on the cheeks of the face) and back acne, by deeply penetrating into one’s skin and stimulating collagen production. This consequently helps to ‘remodel’ scar tissue and improve skin texture.

Spot treatment

Pico laser can be employed for spot treatment, such as sunspots, age spots, and freckles. In practice, the ultra-short pulses of laser energy break down the pigmented cells. This consequently allows the body to naturally eliminate them.

Hyperpigmentation

Pico laser may effectively treat superficial and deeper hyperpigmentation, including conditions like melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

The laser’s precise energy delivery targets the excess melanin in the skin. Consequently, it breaks it down into smaller particles that can either be absorbed or eradicated by the body. This consequently enhances the skin texture and radiance.

Pico laser treatment for underarms

Pico laser treatment may be employed in the underarm area to address skin concerns such as pigmentation and uneven skin tone. It is especially effective for treating dark underarm skin, which may have resulted from shaving, friction, or hormonal changes.

The treatment may help to lighten the skin and improve its overall appearance without the need for invasive procedures. Thus, resulting in a brighter underarm area.

Pico laser treatment for tattoo removal

Besides its application to address skin rejuvenation and pigmentation issues, this non-invasive treatment can be employed to remove unwanted tattoos. With high precision, the ultra-short pulses from a Pico laser can target the ink particles embedded in one’s skin.

Afterwards, it breaks them down into smaller fragments that the body can naturally eradicate over time. It is also particularly useful for removing tattoos of various colours such as yellow and red— with a lower risk of scarring and faster recovery in contrast to traditional tattoo removal methods.

Pico laser treatment benefits

Some of the notable benefits that Pico Laser treatments provide include:

• Pico laser can reduce the appearance of acne scars, surgical scars, and stretch marks.
• It can disintegrate excess melanin in the skin, consequently helping to reduce the appearance of pigmentation caused by age spots, sun damage, and melasma.
• It stimulates cell renewal giving the skin a smoother surface.
• Compared to traditional lasers, Pico laser causes minimal damage to the surrounding skin areas, which translates into a shorter recovery period.
•  It is known to be suitable for every type of skin.
•  The treatment has long-lasting results.

Side effects

Skin darkening, temporary swelling, and mild transient redness in the treated area are among the potential side effects of the Pico laser. However, after the therapy, these side effects go away or become less noticeable in a few days to weeks.

Pico laser treatment results

The average results of Pico laser treatment vary depending on the specific skin concern being resolved. However, most patients report noticeable improvements after a few sessions.

Ordinarily, individuals may begin to see appreciable changes in their skin’s appearance within 2 to 4 weeks post-treatment. Afterwards, optimal results are realised after 3 to 5 sessions.

Overall, Pico laser treatment is celebrated for delivering faster and more appreciable results than traditional laser therapies.

What to do after Pico laser treatment?

After the treatment session, patients should avoid:

• Using any retinoids (tretinoin, adapalene, tazarotene) or other exfoliating products.
• Touching, picking, or scraping the treated area.
• Using sun tanning beds.
• Swimming and hot tubs for 48 hours.

Furthermore, apply SPF 30 or higher UVB/UVA sunscreen to the treated region both before and after the operation. To reduce swelling, consider applying a cold compress to the area that has been treated.

How much does Pico laser treatment cost in Malaysia?

The cost of Pico laser treatment in Malaysia is mainly affected by the specific treatment area, the complexity of the treatment, and the clinic amenities, location and reputation. Generally, a single session may range from RM 600 to RM 2,000 or more.

In fact, some clinics offer treatment packages that range from RM 2,000 to RM 15,000 for multiple sessions— availing a more cost-effective option for patients seeking long-term treatment.

Where to get Pico laser treatment?

In Malaysia, Clique Clinic is a leading cosmetic clinic that specialises in noninvasive Pico laser procedures. It offers clients a cutting-edge approach to skin rejuvenation.

The team comprises skilled skin therapists and certified nurses dedicated to delivering exceptional results through personalised Pico therapy tailored to individual needs.

FAQ

Can Pico laser lighten skin?

Yes, this treatment can effectively lighten skin by targeting areas of hyperpigmentation, for example, sunspots, age spots, and melasma.

Does Pico laser make you look younger?

Yes, Pico laser treatment can make one look younger by rejuvenating their skin as it stimulates collagen and elastin production. Additionally, Pico laser effectively targets skin imperfections such as uneven skin tone, pigmentation issues, and acne scars. This, in turn, can lead to a smoother and more even complexion.

Can I wash my face after Pico laser?

Yes, you can gently wash your face after Pico laser treatment. However, it’s imperative to use cool water and a mild, non-irritating cleanser to avoid aggravating any redness or sensitivity that may occur post-treatment.

Can Pico laser remove melasma?

Yes, Pico laser treatment can be effective for reducing the appearance of melasma, with success variations among individuals. This variation is primarily because melasma is a complex condition influenced by various factors.

For example, hormonal changes and sun exposure make it exceedingly challenging to treat effectively solely with lasers.

What products to avoid after Pico laser?

After Pico laser treatment, avoid harsh skincare items like exfoliants, retinoids, and those containing alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) for at least a week. Such products may irritate the sensitive skin and disrupt the healing process.

Additionally, refrain from using fragrance-containing products, makeup, and alcohol-based toners.

How do I take care of my face after Pico laser?

Post-treatment, keep your skin well-hydrated with a soothing moisturizer and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30. This should help shield your sensitive skin from UV rays.

Additionally, avoid hot baths and saunas for several days, and refrain from using makeup for the first 24 hours.

Does skin peel after pico laser?

Yes, skin peeling may occur after Pico laser treatment. This happens as the skin sheds dead cells and begins to regenerate. However, it’s important to avoid picking or scratching the treated area as this may disrupt healing and potentially lead to scarring.

How long does Pico laser take to heal?

Typically, visible improvements start to emerge within 2 to 3 weeks as the skin heals and collagen production increases. Full results often continue to develop over several weeks. This development largely depends on individual skin types and the specific concerns being treated.

How often should I do Pico laser?

The recommended frequency of Pico laser treatments largely depends on the particular skin concern being addressed and an individual’s skin type. Nonetheless, it’s recommended to have periodic sessions spaced about 4 to 6 weeks apart. This frequency allows one’s skin adequate time to heal and regenerate between treatments.

Are PicoSure results permanent?

The results can be considered permanent for specific concerns like scar and tattoo removal. However, for other skin issues like fine lines, wrinkles, and pigmentation, the results may not be permanent.

This is because these conditions can resurface over time because of natural factors like ageing, sun exposure, and lifestyle changes. To maintain optimal results for these concerns, periodic maintenance sessions are often recommended— typically every 4 to 6 months.

How many sessions for Pico laser are needed?

The number of Pico laser sessions recommended typically ranges from 3 to 10. However, this number depends on the specific skin concerns being treated and their severity.

For example, mild issues like minor pigmentation or fine lines dictate fewer sessions. On the other hand, extensive pigmentation or acne scars typically necessitate a more comprehensive approach with multiple sessions.

Maintenance sessions may also be suggested every few months after the initial treatment course to sustain the improvements and address any new skin issues that arise over time.

How painful is Pico laser?

This treatment is generally considered to be less painful in contrast to traditional laser treatments. Most patients tend to only feel mild to moderate discomfort. In fact, because the procedure is relatively comfortable, neither anaesthesia nor numbing cream is really necessary.

While some individuals may experience temporary side effects like redness or a sunburn-like sensation after the treatment, these typically subside within a few hours to a day.

How long does the Pico laser effect last?

Whether the goal is to minimise fine lines and wrinkles or get rid of unsightly pigmentation, Pico laser benefits last for at least six months before they start to lose their effectiveness.

While some results, such as the removal of pigmentation or tattoos, can be permanent, skin texture and fine-line improvements, may dictate maintenance sessions to sustain the results over time.

How long after Pico laser will I see results?

Most patients may begin to notice results from Pico laser treatment within 2 to 4 weeks after their initial session. Such improvements may appear in the form of lightening of pigmentation or enhanced skin texture.

However, significant results tend to become more apparent between 10 to 16 weeks post-treatment. Nonetheless, the timeline for results varies based on individual factors such as skin type, the exact condition being treated, and the number of sessions completed.

Conclusion

All things considered, Pico laser treatment employs a photoacoustic damage approach that is more effective than a thermal damage approach used in traditional laser treatments.

As a result, the treatments accomplish better outcomes for conditions like pigmentation, acne scars, and tattoo removal —with fewer sessions and less discomfort compared to traditional lasers. This is primarily due to their lesser reliance on heat as part of their mechanism of action.

Furthermore, Pico laser treatment is suitable for all skin types, including darker and ethnic skin types, which typically pose challenges for traditional laser treatments.

Overall, it’s essential that you choose a clinic that prioritises patient satisfaction, safety, and efficacy. A practitioner who specialises in Pico laser treatments must also have real-world experience to guarantee proficiency in laser treatments.

Reach out to us at Clique Clinic for more information and personalised treatment plans.