In the ever-evolving landscape of medical and cosmetic advancement, the picosecond Laser has been presented and quickly gained traction over the past few years. Needless to say, the rapid adoption of the picosecond laser is justifiable because of its outstanding features.
As a matter of fact, this cutting-edge technology is a game-changer for skin lovers like us, serving as the focal point where skincare meets technology, offering a transformative solution with minimal pain and side effects.
But for those of you who aren’t familiar with picosecond Laser, read along to learn what picosecond Laser is and what benefits does it have to offer people who are looking for innovative ways to achieve their skin goals. Then, we’ll look at some of the common side effects after getting the picosecond laser treatment and provide some ways to properly care for your skin post-treatment.
Picosecond Laser: A Brief Overview
First things first, what is the Picosecond laser technology? Picosecond pulse duration lasers (PS), known in short as picosecond laser, is a short and quick pulse of light (less than 1 nanosecond to be exact) with durations measured in picoseconds.
Over the years, the roles of picosecond lasers have evolved. Originally, picosecond lasers were used to remove unwanted body tattoos of various colors but were particularly effective with blue and green tattoos. Compared to nanosecond Q-switched lasers, picosecond lasers were known to be more effective, required fewer treatments, and posed fewer side effects.
In the modern day, this revolutionary technology has become a precise, safe, and effective tool used to treat various skin imperfections such as acne scars, wrinkles skin discoloration, unwanted tattoos, and the effects of premature aging caused by prolonged sun exposure.
Various studies have shown that while other types of lasers may require up to 10 treatments to see results, picosecond lasers can achieve similar results in under 2 treatments (if procedure is done at an expert picosecond laser skin clinic).
Benefits of Picosecond Laser
What benefit comes with getting picosecond laser? Let’s find out.
| Benefits of Picosecond laser | How ? |
| Improved skin texture | The picosecond laser breaks down the skin tissue in the targeted area and stimulates the production of new skin cells. While the new skin cells form, collagen and elastin are also generated to promote the healing process. |
| Reduced pigmentation | When the skin is exposed to too much sunlight, pigmentation, age spots, and melasma develop and darken over time. The picosecond laser breaks down the skin tissue with excess melanin, making the pigmentation go away. |
| Scar reduction | Picosecond laser treatment can significantly reduce the appearance of scars caused by acne, surgery, and stretch marks. |
| More precision | This advanced technology is known for enhanced precision while minimizing the damage caused to the skin around the targeted area. |
| Less downtime | With fewer side effects, patients who undergo the picosecond laser treatment will experience fewer side effects when compared to other laser treatments. |
Side Effects of Picosecond Laser
If results are quick, does that mean that the side effects of picosecond lasers are significant?
No. Most of the time, the effects of picosecond laser treatment are mild and tolerable. However, patients with darker skin tones may experience more severe side effects. Some potential side effects include:
Reference :
- Pain
- Redness
- Swelling
- Bleeding
- Peeling
- Hyperpigmentation or Hypopigmentation
These side effects are temporary and usually subsides within 24 hours.
Due to its preciseness, the picosecond laser only destroys the abnormal pigmentation on the targeted areas while minimally damaging the surrounding area of healthy skin. Therefore, its downtime is much less than other older laser technologies. For most patients, they are generally able to immediately return to their daily routines after the procedure.
Manage the Side Effects of Picosecond Laser
Next, let us share some of the best ways to manage these side effects.
Stay Hydrated:
Staying hydrated is the key to keeping your skin healthy and glowy. Especially if your skin is in healing mode, drinking an adequate amount of water can aid the natural healing process and maintain skin health.
Follow Post-Treatment Care Instruction:
Most importantly, to reduce the risk of complications such as scarring, it is advisable to strictly follow the post-treatment care instructions and allow the skin to naturally heal. For example, some skin clinics may provide guidelines on skin cleaning, ointment application, and the avoidance of certain ingredients.
Consult with a Qualified Skin Clinic:
Immediately contact the skin experts for help if you notice irregular side effects during the recovery period. Avoid picking and touching your skin or overanalyzing your skin conditions by searching for information on the internet. The providers at the skin clinic will be able to provide appropriate guidelines on further actions and address all your skin concerns.
As we all have witnessed, the advancement of the beauty industry today is unstoppable. Technology is being leveraged to create and innovate new products, offering countless beauty enhancement options for us to try – advanced skin care ingredients, smart skincare devices, clean and sustainable beauty products, and personalized skincare creation, the list goes on and on.
Similarly, professional skin clinics are always on the hunt for the latest beauty enhancer methods for their patients. If you’re intrigued with what picosecond laser can do for your skin, get in touch with a skin clinic that’s an expert in using the picosecond laser technology.
At the end of the day, all we want is youthful and flawless skin. If this phrase resonates with your skin goals, the picosecond laser procedure might be what you’re looking for. Its outcomes are evident, and supported by various academic research, before and after images, and numerous success stories. Just be sure to consult a professional dermatologist before proceeding any treatment.
Reference
Ali, F.R., & Niaimi, F.A. (2018). Picosecond laser. DermNet All about the skin. https://dermnetnz.org/topics/picosecond-laser
Become Aesthetics Clinic. (2023, December 20). What are pico laser treatment side effects? https://www.becomeaesthetics.com.sg/what-are-pico-laser-side-effects/
DSC. (2020, November 12). Everything you need to know about pico laser technology.https://dscbeauty.com/2020/11/12/everything-you-need-to-know-about-pico-laser-technology/
Jakus, J., & Kailas, A. (2017). Picosecond lasers: a new and emerging therapy for skin of color, minocycline-induced pigmentation, and tattoo removal. The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology, 10(3), 14.
SL Aesthetic Clinic. (2022, October 7). 5 surprising benefits of pico laser you may not know. https://slclinic.com.sg/5-surprising-benefits-of-pico-laser-you-may-not-know/
V Medical Aesthetics Laser Clinic. (2023, December 13). 3 common side effects of pico laser treatment. https://www.vaestheticsclinic.com.sg/pico-laser-3-common-side-effects/
