Pico Laser Treatment
What Is Pico Laser Treatment?
Pico laser treatment is a laser technology used to address skin concerns such as pigmentation, enlarged pores, scars, and tattoo removal. It can also help reduce fine lines and wrinkles that develop with ageing.
This treatment delivers ultra-short laser pulses to target specific skin layers with precision, minimising the risk of thermal damage to surrounding tissues. Compared to traditional laser methods, pico laser treatments typically involve reduced downtime and fewer side effects, making it a suitable option for various skin types.
As with any medical procedure, a consultation with a qualified professional is recommended to determine its suitability for your specific concerns.
Key Features of Pico Laser in Singapore
Improved Effectiveness in Treating Pigmentation
Pico laser technology utilises ultra-short laser pulses to target pigmentation accurately with minimal impact on surrounding tissues. The shorter pulses reduce heat production, lowering the risk of thermal damage and side effects. This process also supports collagen and elastin production, promoting firmer and refreshed skin over time.
Minimised Impact on Surrounding Tissues
The short duration of each laser pulse enables quick dissipation of heat, reducing its effect on surrounding tissues. This method lowers the likelihood of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and other side effects, making it a safer option for a variety of skin types.
Minimal Discomfort and Short Recovery Time
The ultra-short pulses of the Pico laser typically cause less discomfort during the procedure. Furthermore, the treatment involves little to no downtime, making it a practical choice for individuals looking to address skin concerns without significant disruption to their daily routine.
A consultation with a qualified medical professional is recommended to assess your needs and determine if this treatment is suitable for your skin concerns.
What Skin Concerns Can It Treat?
Pico Singapore is a versatile laser equipped with six handpieces emitting four different wavelengths. Hence renders effectiveness over a broad spectrum of skin issues.
Pigmentation
Your skin gets its color from the pigment called melanin which is produced by melanocytes. They are triggered excessively in response to UV rays in sunlight, hormonal changes, skin inflammation, and genetic factors. Excessive accumulation of melanin in a localized area gives rise to troublesome brown patches or dark spots in the skin.
Your skin gets its color from the pigment called melanin which is produced by melanocytes. They are triggered excessively in response to UV rays in sunlight, hormonal changes, skin inflammation, and genetic factors. Excessive accumulation of melanin in a localized area gives rise to troublesome brown patches or dark spots in the skin.
You could say goodbye to the following pigmentation issues with Pico laser Singapore.
1. Freckles – The tiny, flat brown spots that often appear in areas exposed to the sun.
2. Solar Lentigo – Also known as age spots or liver spots. Darker and bigger than freckles. Emerge out with aging and exposure to UV light.
3. Melasma – Patchy pigmentation common among females with darker skin tones, classically associated with hormonal changes of pregnancy.
4. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation – Skin darkening after injuries like thermal burns, dermatitis, or infection. Caused by overproduction and irregular dispersion of melanin.
5. Hori’s Nevus – The bilateral blotchy blue-gray to gray-brown macules on the cheeks, generally seen in middle-aged women of Asian descent.
6. Tattoos – The decorative, symbolic, or pictorial designs made by inserting ink pigments into the dermal layer of skin.
Skin Rejuvenation
Maintaining healthy, glowing, youthful skin is a challenge, with the inevitable process of aging and concurrent hormonal imbalances. But Pico Singapore can do wonders to peel the years away by stimulating collagen production and accelerating healing mechanisms of the skin. Following are few conditions where this skin rejuvenation process comes into play.
1. Acne scars – Skin follicles clog with oil, dead skin, and bacteria resulting in acne. These blemishes heal, leaving discolored spots behind.
2. Pores – Excess sebum secretion, reduced skin elasticity, and chronic acne bring about enlarged pores in your skin.
3. Fine lines and wrinkles – As a natural process with aging, the skin texture becomes thinner, drier, less elastic, and more prone to damage resulting in wrinkles, creases, and lines.
Skin Redness
Increased blood flow to an area of skin gives rise to flushing or blushing. It could manifest in the following modes.
1. Inflammatory acne – Increased local blood circulation due to general inflammatory response.
2. Post-inflammatory erythema – Red or pink spots left behind by acne breakouts.
3. Rosacea – Chronic condition causing redness and visible blood vessels on the face commonly in fair-skinned middle-aged women.
How Does Pico Laser Work
Pico laser operates by delivering ultra-short picosecond pulses of energy to targeted areas of the skin. These pulses create a photoacoustic effect, which breaks down unwanted skin pigments into smaller particles. The body’s natural processes then absorb these particles, and the lymphatic system eliminates them as waste.
The energy pulses are delivered in trillionths of a second, producing only a minimal amount of heat. This heat is rapidly dissipated, preventing it from being absorbed by surrounding skin and reducing the risk of damage to nearby tissues.
This precise mechanism allows the Pico laser to address skin concerns effectively while minimising discomfort and downtime.
Why Should I Choose Pico Laser Treatment?
Pico laser is a safe FDA-approved treatment with minimal side effects and little-to-no downtime. It has higher efficacy over other traditional laser options as laser beams are directed precisely to the target site. Hence treatment itself is quick and brings gratifying results in fewer treatment sessions. Since it uses ultra-short bursts and is non-thermal, collateral damage to the surrounding tissue is minimal. Pico laser is also appropriate for all skin types ranging from lightest to darkest skin tones and can be used on many body parts like the face, chest, hands, and legs.
Getting Ready For Laser Treatment
To get the best outcome from treatment, avoid direct sun exposure for at least four weeks before the treatment and use sunscreen regularly. The doctor will brief you on the procedure before the job begins. The first move of the process is cleaning the skin by removing make-up, sunscreen, or any dirt on the surface. Medical facial cleansing will exfoliate the dead skin on the surface so that laser beams can penetrate effectively and maximize efficacy. Then a layer of numbing cream is applied to the site targeted for Pico laser therapy and left for 10-20 minutes.
Laser Treatment Experience
During your personalized Pico laser therapy doctor will gently pass the handpiece over your skin and direct laser beams to the target area. Most people get a feeling just like snapping a rubber band repeatedly over the skin. Generally, the treatment is well tolerated and will be done before you know it. At the end of the session, a soothing moisturizer cream is applied. Laser therapy can take 15-30 minutes, depending on your skin condition.
Tips For After Treatment Care
Do not forget to watch your step even after the treatment. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight for the next 7-10 days. Continue to use a sunscreen of SPF30 or above while taking good care of your skin. Apply a gentle cleanser and recovery moisturizers as per the medical prescription.
Side Effects Of Pico Laser
Mild redness and warmth of the skin are common immediately after the treatment. These effects usually fade within a few hours. In some cases, existing pigmentation may temporarily darken before gradually lightening over the next few days.
The treatment does not typically result in scabbing, flaking, or peeling, allowing most people to resume their regular activities shortly after the procedure. It is advisable to follow any post-treatment care instructions provided by your doctor to support optimal recovery and results.
How Often Should You Do It?
Initial treatment can be spaced at one-month intervals till you gain the results you wish to achieve. Afterward, to maintain your skin, follow-up treatments will be scheduled once every two to three months.
How Many Sessions Do You Need?
In most cases, you need four to eight sessions to get the best outcome. However, this can vary depending on the skin tone and the type of pigmentation. If you have darker pigmentation, that might demand more treatment sessions.
Cost Of Pico Laser Treatment In Singapore
The cost of Pico laser treatment in Singapore typically ranges from $250 to $600 per session. The total cost varies depending on several factors, including:
- Number of Treatment Sessions: The total number of sessions required depends on the skin concern and desired outcomes.
- Type of Condition: Conditions such as pigmentation, tattoo removal, wrinkles, acne scars, and other concerns may influence the cost.
- Skin Type: Sensitive skin may require additional sessions or adjustments in treatment.
- Additional Care: Costs may also include follow-up appointments, checkups, and prescribed medications as part of the treatment plan.
About Dream Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery
Bespoke surgical for cosmetic or medical reasons is what Dream covers to bring out the beauty in every individual. Going beyond the aesthetics and working on physical anomalies are what we value the most in leading our patients to cherish self-improvement and confident lifestyles.
Derived from Associate Professor Vincent Yeow’s long-standing experience performing plastic surgery in Singapore, our treatment plans deliver physical remodelling in our patients’ favour. One of the notable remodellings is droopy eyelid correction. The ptosis surgery used for treatment eventually fixes drooping eyelids, improves vision and enhances appearance.
Most importantly, as a trustworthy plastic surgery and aesthetic clinic, we treasure positive and natural outcomes for each individual. We will ensure to deliver the beauty refinement of your dream without compromising your safety and privacy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Pico Laser in Singapore
Does Pico Laser Treatment Hurt?
Pico laser treatment is generally well-tolerated. During the procedure, you may experience a mild snapping sensation, similar to a rubber band against the skin. Most people report little to no discomfort and find the experience manageable without the need for local anaesthesia or numbing cream.
For those who are more sensitive to pain or prefer additional comfort, a topical numbing cream can be applied to the treatment area before the procedure. Discussing your preferences with your doctor beforehand can help ensure a more comfortable experience.
How Long Do The Results Last?
The results of Pico laser treatment vary based on the condition being treated:
Permanent Results: Treatments for scars, tattoos, and certain pigmented spots are typically permanent because the laser removes the pigment or ink entirely.
Time-Limited Improvements: For treatments targeting pores, wrinkles, or pigmentation, the results are influenced by the natural ageing process and may gradually diminish over time.
The longevity of the results depends on factors such as ageing and lifestyle. Your doctor will recommend a personalised maintenance plan, which may include periodic touch-up treatments every 6 to 12 months, to help sustain the results.
How Do Pico Lasers Differ From Other Types Of Lasers?
The primary difference between Pico lasers and other lasers lies in the pulse duration. Earlier laser technologies emitted continuous waves or longer pulse durations measured in nanoseconds. In contrast, Pico lasers deliver pulses measured in picoseconds, which are significantly shorter.
The shorter pulse width of Pico lasers allows for precise targeting of pigmentation concerns, reducing the heat generated and minimising the impact on surrounding tissues. This approach supports safer outcomes with fewer side effects typically associated with laser treatments for pigmentation.
Pico lasers are an effective option for addressing various skin concerns when appropriately selected for specific treatment needs. A consultation with a qualified doctor can help determine the most suitable approach for your condition.
What Types of Scars are treated with the Pico Laser?
Pico laser treatment is commonly used to address various types of scars, including:
Acne Scars: Helps improve the appearance of atrophic scars, such as ice pick, boxcar, and rolling scars, by stimulating collagen production.
Surgical Scars: Reduces the visibility of scars caused by surgical procedures by targeting pigmentation and promoting skin rejuvenation.
Trauma Scars: Minimises the appearance of scars resulting from injuries, such as cuts or abrasions.
Stretch Marks: Although not a traditional scar, the treatment can help reduce the visibility of stretch marks by improving skin texture and tone.
The suitability of Pico laser treatment for scar management depends on the type, severity, and age of the scar. A consultation with your doctor will determine the best approach for your specific concerns.