PicoSure™ (Cynosure) is an aesthetic laser that was first developed to remove unwanted tattoos, but newer techniques rejuvenate skin by improving skin texture and discoloration. What makes this laser unique is that it is the first and only picosecond laser on the market, delivering ultra-short bursts of energy to your skin in trillionths of a second. For many tattoo types, PicoSure showed to be less painful, with fewer treatments needed (as few as 4-6, compared with up to 10-15 with nanosecond lasers), a faster recovery time, and far more effective at removing certain tattoos colors (greens, blues, and purples).
While PicoSure is was first used for the removal of tattoos, newer clinical research shows impressive changes on acne scars, textural changes, skin discoloration and aging in general. Impressively, the rejuvenation techniques allow for minimal downtime with just a few hours of appearing pink.
PicoSure can be used on all skin types, but must be performed by experienced dermatologists for safety. Darker skin types require more delicate delivery of laser energy. Talk to your dermatologist or plastic surgeon about the best strategy for you.
PicoSure treatments are quick but can cause some minor discomfort. Some treatments require no numbing, but some may require numbing in the doctors office. The discomfort of a PicoSure treatment is often compared to a rubber band snapping the skin, but is tolerable with appropriate pain management.
Immediately following treatment the surface area may feel like a mild sunburn, but painless unless rubbed against.
PicoSure sessions take about 15 minutes each on average; however, your actual session length will depend on the size of your tattoo or treatment area.
$300 – $1400 per session depending on what is being treated.
When using PicoSure for rejuvenation, acne scars, and discoloration, it is common for the skin to appear pink for a few hours after treatment. It is important to wear sunscreen to the affected areas for a few days after treatment.
When using PicoSure for tattoo removal, it is common for your tattoo to briefly turn a whitish color and then swell or turn red, but this only lasts from a few hours up to a day post treatment. In some cases, mild blistering will appear at the treatment site for a few days. After PicoSure treatment it is important to keep your tattoo or treatment areas covered with ointment and a bandage for the first day, and avoid exposure to the sun or tanning beds for a week after treatment to prevent hyperpigmentation (darkening).
PicoSure reduces, or often completely removes, the appearance of unwanted tattoos and pigmented skin lesions; other treatment strategies reduce the appearance of scars, stretch marks, fine lines, wrinkles, pores, and uneven skin tones, resulting in a more youthful, even complexion.
With PicoSure, results are usually visible immediately following treatment, but because it can treat a range of conditions, the extent of improvement and healing time varies according to the surface area being treated.
PicoSure treatment courses depend on what is being treatment. But treatments spaced every 3 to 6 weeks can be typical.
Only a board certified (ABMS, ASPS, ASAPS, AAD) dermatologist or plastic surgeon who specializes in the PicoSure laser should administer this treatment.
PicoSure treatment is heavily marketed for tattoo removal, but the anti-aging benefits are wondrous…talk to you doctor about how to leverage this new treatment for reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and pores.
PicoSure treatment is known to work miracles on most tattoos…but a black cat across your thigh might be a bit tricky…be sure to ask your doctor what the expected outcome of treatment is so you’re not disappointed with your results.
Should this treatment cause your skin to blister, avoid touching it at all costs…rather, apply ointment, like Aquaphor, and a bandage to ensure best results.
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