What are Pico Lasers?
Pico laser or “picosecond laser” is a type of laser technology for pigmentation removal in Singapore. The “pico” in pico laser actually stands for picosecond, which refers to its one trillionth of a second pulse duration.
It is generally considered to be an improvement on the more traditional Q-switched lasers which are nanosecond lasers (one billionth of a second).
Compared to traditional nanosecond lasers, picosecond lasers have the following benefits:
Higher Efficacy
Increased Safety
Reduced Discomfort
What conditions can the picosecond laser treat?
The Lutronic Picoplus Picolaser is a very versatile laser. It comes equipped with 4 separate wavelengths and 6 handpieces that allows it to target a wide range of skin issues.
Some of the conditions that Pico lasers can treat include:
Pigmentation
- Solar Lentigo (Sunspots, Age spots, Liver spots)
- Melasma
- Freckles
- Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
- Hori’s Nevus
- Tattoos
Skin Rejuvenation
Redness
- Inflammatory Acne
- Red acne marks (Post inflammatory erythema)
- Rosacea
- Facial flushing
How does the Pico Laser work?
The Pico laser works by firing laser beams with extremely short pulse durations at your skin. Due to its ultra-short pulse duration, picosecond laser pulses allow each shot to deliver more laser energy and more shots to be fired in each second.
This increases the photoacoustic effect (process of laser energy mechanically breaking down pigments), enhancing the laser’s ability to shatter pigments into the smallest possible fragments for clearance by the body’s immune system.
Compared to Nanosecond lasers, Pico Lasers can break down pigments into much smaller fragments because of higher power, enhanced photoacoustic effect and ultra-short laser pulse durations.
As such, pigmentation is cleared faster with fewer treatment sessions required to see results.
Concurrently, the treatment process stimulates collagen growth, an essential protein in our skin’s tissue. This increases tissue density and elasticity, giving you clearer, brighter and younger-looking skin.
What can I expect during a pico laser treatment?
Patients may experience a mild prickling sensation during treatment. The cold air blower will be used concurrently to reduce discomfort and skin redness. Overall, the treatment is well tolerated by patients and only mild discomfort is reported.
The treatment duration is approximately 15 minutes and there is no downtime when using the 1064nm wavelength Pico Laser.
It should be noted that other types of Picolaser treatments may have some downtime. During your initial consultation, Dr. Edwin will go through exactly what will happen with you in detail.
What are some of the side effects? Is there any downtime?
For treating pigmentation issues, the Pico laser is generally considered to be safer than the traditional Q-switched nanosecond laser. Studies have shown that the risk for PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) is also lower.
Some patients may experience mild redness lasting a few hours. There is no downtime such as peeling / scabbing. Patients will be provided with a soothing cream that will greatly aid in recovery and reduce redness
What are some causes of pigmentation?
There are many reasons why someone will develop pigmentation issues. If you’d like to find out more about managing pigmentation, click here
What is the PICO Gold Toning Laser for?
The picosecond gold toning laser uses the 595nm wavelength to target red lesions such as active acne, red acne marks / scars (post inflammatory erythema) and rosacea.
Learn more about red acne marks here
Learn more about Rosacea treatment here
It works by destroying the hemoglobin (red colour causing pigment) in the blood vessels which have accumulated in these areas. These blood vessels are the cause of facial redness.
The gold toning laser is non ablative and hence, does not burn or remove the outer layer of skin. As such, there is minimal to no downtime. There may be slight redness after laser which lasts for a few hours.
There is no need for numbing cream as discomfort is mild. Most patients will experience a warm or hot sensation over the lasered area.
FAQs
