Pico Laser (or picosecond laser) is a laser device that uses very short pulse duration(< 1 nano second or 100x shorter than a Q-Switched laser) which causes photoacoustic /machanical damage to target endogenous pigmentation and exogenous ink particles ie tattoos, and promoting elastin production by creating laser induced optical breakdown.
Picosecond laser is mainly used for pigmentation removal, acne scars, skin rejuvenation and brightening, and tattoo removal.
Pico lasers uses pulse duration of < 1 nanosecond, which predominantly causes photoacoustic damage( pulses of the light measured by changes in pressure ie sound waves) compare to nano lasers that cause photothermal destruction of pigment or ink particles(pulses of light measured by production of heat). This results if effective clearance of abnormal pigment, as the skin heats up less which reduces the risk of hyper-pigmentation which can sometimes form in nano lasers.
A picosecond laser selectively destroys the target pigment without damaging healthy, normal tissue. This allows rapid clearing of the abnormal pigmentation with minimal collateral damage to surrounding tissue. Pico Laser, pigmentations and tattoos can clear much faster than a tradional Q-Switched Laser (i.e. lesser sessions).
It depends on individual’s pain tolerance and location of the pigmented lesion, most patients are able to tolerate the lasers sessions without much discomfort, feels like tiny warm pricks on the skin.
Picosecond laser treatment is almost well tolerated. In few patients can experience a ertyhema, oedema or pinpoint bleeding after the laser, which goes away within a few hours.
You can return to work or daily activities immediately after the laser. However, it is advised to stay avoid prolonged or intentional strong sun exposure for a week after the laser to avoid hyper-pigmentation. For certain patients, some greying/browning/darkening of the existing pigmentation may be expected before it fades off. This is normal and one shouldn’t be worried as it will fade off in time.
It depends on condition and the type of pigmentation, number of treatments can vary. A few factors may influence the outcome of the treatment; nature of pigmentation, skin type, skin condition, sun exposure etc.,On an average, about 3 – 5 treatments will be required for best results.
Yes, in most of the pigmentation disorders and tattoos, will not return after removal. However, in few 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.
