If you’re interested in laser treatments to reverse sun damage, smooth wrinkles, or reduce acne scars, you don’t have to settle. PicoSure is an advanced and increasingly popular technique used to battle these common skin complaints. While most laser treatments use a constant stream of intense heat, the PicoSure option uses bursts of concentrated energy to pinpoint the areas you would like treated. Because of these short bursts, PicoSure exposes your skin to less irritation. Less irritation means less downtime and pain for you. Learn more about why more Hillelson-Whipple Clinic patients are choosing the PicoSure laser option over traditional lasers.
The Process
The PicoSure process is much different from the traditional laser options available through your dermatologist. This option uses a unique wavelength of light at 755 nm through a specialized lens. This lens is proven to convert the laser energy into a gentle pressure, rather than continuous exposure to heat that traditional lasers use. Because this process is pressurized, the energy contracts the cells and activates it to create new collagen and elastin with minimal pain. This is all done without burning or damaging the skin. You will have no downtime afterward. Just healthier and younger-looking skin. The process allows for long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing results for various types of pigmentation issues.
The Procedure
The PicoSure procedure is becoming increasingly popular due to its effectiveness and efficiency. You can expect the procedure to only last about 20-25 minutes. During the procedure, you will wear a specialized headpiece that administers the picosecond laser energy. The laser will pass across the skin, whether it is an entire space or just an affected area. Once the laser passes over the area, the procedure is done. With the laser only making short bursts over the affected skin, and unlike traditional laser treatments, you will only feel minimal discomfort. Likewise, your healthy skin will not be subjected to damage because the laser only targets the wrinkles, discoloration, or scars that are being treated.
Even 10 minutes post-procedure, you will start to see cellular changes called Intra-epidermal Laser Induced Optical Breakdowns. These form and cause pressure waves throughout the top layers of skin. This activates the cells to begin repairing what’s needed. Within 24 hours, your cells will begin the healing response after being subjected to the laser. This healing process will encourage increased collagen and elastin. Together, these factors help your skin look renewed.
Recovery
After the PicoSure procedure, you will find that there is minimal downtime and pain. The pain is equivalent to a minor sunburn but goes away quickly. You may also find that you have slight redness to the treated areas. Any swelling or redness tends to go away in just 1-3 hours. Depending on the size of the area treated, you may need follow-up procedures to see the results you need. You can typically space your treatments every 2-4 weeks.
Schedule Your Consultation
If PicoSure sounds like an option you would like to pursue for your pigment conditions or tattoo removal, the professional staff at Hillelson-Whipple would love to offer you a consultation. Give us a call today at 804-290-0060 to discuss if the PicoSure laser is right for you.