If you’ve been dealing with hyperpigmentation or dark scars that simply won’t go away, you’re not alone. Millions of people have been struggling with stubborn spots on their face and body that refuse to leave despite their best efforts. As a result, their confidence is shot, with many feeling insecure about the appearance of the pigmentation.
Fortunately, laser scar treatments have come a long way within the last decade, and pico lasers have promised to offer what older technology hadn’t: a better and safer treatment to eliminate scars with fewer or no side effects. Although pico lasers were initially used to remove tattoos, they’ve been found to treat acne scarring and photoaging effectively.
Here’s what you need to know about the game-changing laser:
The Advantages of Pico Laser
Pico laser has replaced its predecessor, the Q-switched laser or nanosecond laser, in popularity and effectivity. Pico laser emits shorter pulses of energy, which means more effectiveness and fewer side effects.
Although the Q-switched laser is a technology that is perfectly capable of providing results, researchers and scientists wanted to offer an even better solution. It also produces short pulses of laser energy in nanoseconds, which makes it a candidate for selective removal of pigmentations and tattoos. The shorter the pulse duration, the less risk of thermal damage there will be for the surrounding tissue. In this regard, pico laser has surpassed the Q switch laser, as it releases pulses in picoseconds.
Pico is effective at resurfacing or rejuvenating the skin by inducing Laser-induced Optical Breakdown bodies, or LIOB, in the upper dermis. The topmost layer of the skin will remain intact, and the affected area with LIOB damage will begin a healing process that transforms the collagen and elastin. As a result, it reduces any risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).
The Effects of Pico Laser on Pigmentation and Melasma
While the Q-switched laser was widely considered to be the gold standard for pigmentary conditions, it also carries a high risk of PIH. As Asians have darker skin types, this risk is even more significant. Fortunately, using pico lasers substantially lowers the chances of experiencing PIH, making it the ideal solution for Asian skin.
In fact, a study has shown that pico lasers were a safe and effective treatment for superficial pigmentation like freckles and solar lentigines in Asian skin. Another study analysed the treatment’s effects on conditions like melasma, Hori’s macules, and café au lait macules, with over half of all pigments achieving up to 94 percent lightening.
However, if you are seeking treatment for melasma, it is imperative to consider multiple modalities of treatment. A paper that reviewed the treatment modalities from 2009 to 2019 showed that 42 studies supported the use of Q-switched, pulsed dye laser, and pico laser treatments for melasma.
Meanwhile, another study compared picosecond lasers to Q-switched in treating melasma in Asians. It found that the pico laser showed a faster and more effective clearance of melasma than the Q-switched laser. One research found that people reported mottled hypopigmentation from overusing Q-switched lasers, but did not report the same effect for pico laser treatment.
Using Pico Laser for Tattoo Removal
According to a study, the pico laser has been established as the superior method for removing tattoos. Thanks to the technology, it breaks down ink particles to a greater extent, which can be clearly observed when examining the area with an electron microscope. That means fewer sessions for the patient, causing fewer side effects and a faster recovery period. If you’ve had any tattoos that you regretted getting, you can rest assured that you can have them removed with pico laser.
Using Pico Laser to Treat Acne Scars
While many thought CO2 lasers were the best laser scar treatment, it results in more downtime and an increased risk of PIH thanks to its ablative nature. As pico laser doesn’t have these downsides, they’re much safer and more effective for treating acne scars in Asian skin types. They also have minimal downtime, which means that you won’t have to worry about careful recovery regimen after treatment.
Using Pico Laser to Smoothen Wrinkles
Apart from being an effective acne scar removal, pico laser is also successful at smoothening wrinkles. It also involves minimal pain, downtime, and complications for Asian skin, making it the ideal choice for reversing the effects of ageing.
Although CO2 lasers are also considered to be the best at improving wrinkles, it still has a more extended downtime, more pain, and a higher risk of complications when compared to pico lasers. Ageing skin tends to be more sensitive, so if you’re looking for a safe and painless solution to your wrinkles, pico laser is your best option.
How It Improves Your Skin Tone
Pico laser can do more than reduce scarring and smoothening wrinkles; it can also reduce pores and improve skin texture. Since it encourages collagen production in your skin, you’ll enjoy an improvement in tone, texture, and pigmentation. If you’ve been struggling with rosacea, pico laser can also treat it, making it the holy grail of skin treatments.
Pico Laser: The Solution for Your Skin
People with darker skin tones have often struggled with finding the right treatment for their skin due to the risk of PIH. Fortunately, over the last eight years, pico laser has proved itself to be a safe and effective treatment for numerous dermatological conditions, surpassing nanosecond laser technology in the process.
Many skin laser patients are concerned about the downtime, as many have to follow certain steps to protect their skin after the treatment. With pico laser, you can resume activities within the same day, although you’ll have to take some precautions.
Conclusion
Pico laser is a reliable way to address common skin conditions that haven’t responded to other treatments. With numerous studies to back up its effectivity, you’ll have the assurance that you’ll be getting the new gold standard treatment for reducing pigmentation and improving overall skin appearance in Asian skin types. If you want a safe way to reduce the appearance of dark spots on your skin, pico laser is the way to go.
CLÉO Clinic is a premium aesthetics practice that offers skin treatments tailored to Malaysians that want to enhance their beauty. From laser scar treatment, dermal fillers, microneedling, to body treatments, our team of professionals can make you feel like the best version of yourself. Contact us today to find the right treatment for you!
