Picosure Laser Treatments
Unwanted pigmentation on the skin is frustrating in any form – be that age spots, sun spots, discoloration, or even tattoos that you’ve outgrown. As we age, various forms of hyperpigmentation can develop on the skin. Too much sun exposure can lead to sunspots, which are flat brown spots that develop as a result of overexposure to UV light. A decreasing amount of collagen and elastin in the skin can also lead to the development of fine lines and wrinkles. The tattoo that you got in youth may no longer be appropriate for your circumstances in life. Luckily, discoloration on the skin, fine lines and wrinkles, and even unwanted tattoos can all be addressed with the Picosure laser treatment, available at the New York City dermatology office of Dr. Michele Green.
The Picosure laser is an innovative device which can treat the skin with three different wavelengths – 532nm, 755nm, and 1064 nm wavelengths. These different wavelengths allow for the careful treatment of a variety of different pigments. Due to this flexibility, Picosure laser treatments can help to reduce the appearance of brown spots or other pigmentation, improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles, and remove all different colored tattoos in their entirety.
If you’re frustrated by the appearance of age spots, sun spots, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation or discoloration on your skin, or are looking to remove an unwanted tattoo, NYC-based, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green is here to help. Dr. Green offers a range of laser skin treatments, for skin tightening, sun damage, laser hair, redness, rosacea, acne, stretch marks and cellulite. For over 25 years, she has been consistently voted as one of the best dermatologists in New York by Castle Connolly, New York Magazine and Super Doctors. Whether your skin is showing the visible signs of aging, due to genetics, sun damage, wrinkling, or acne scars, Dr. Green can reverse these changes easily with a combination of the best skincare and laser treatments with little or no downtime.
What is Picosure Laser treatment?
Picosure laser treatments were initially designed to help with tattoo removal, but are now commonly used to treat a range of different issues including fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation, freckles, dark spots, and overall anti-aging skin revitalization. Picosure is an FDA-approved laser and utilizes ultra-short pulse energy bursts to provide effective skin rejuvenation. It is suitable for all skin types and is routinely used to remove wrinkles, improve skin texture, treat acne scars, and remove sun spots and unwanted pigmentation, all while leaving the surrounding skin unharmed. Picosure can handle tattoos of all different ink colors, including tattoo pigment that is difficult to treat, such as orange and yellow.
How does the Picosure Laser work?
The Picosure laser relies on a photothermal impact in trillionths of a second. Additionally, the Picosure’s picosecond technology tailors the pulse duration of the laser into short bursts in order to spare the skin from high thermal damage. With Picosure’s picosecond laser pulse duration, patients can safely experience skin correction in fewer treatments. The Picosure laser it able to target melanin in order to treat a range of unwanted pigmentation and pigmentary conditions, and has customizable treatments to address 2-6mm, 8mm, and 10mm spot sizes. Once the targeted melanin is destroyed, the body is able to naturally eliminate the pigmentation cells.
The Picosure laser also contains unique Focus Lens Array technology is designed to create microscopic, photomechanical reactions along the surface of the skin. This essentially converts the laser energy into gentle pressure waves which activate skin cell signaling and stimulate the body’s natural healing process. This cell signaling to the dermis increases collagen and elastin in the skin, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and, in some cases, acne scarring. The breakthrough of Picosure Focus Lens Array technology enables skin revitalization without the need for downtime.
How Much Downtime is there with the Picosure Laser?
Picosure laser treatment is associated with minimal downtime. Following the treatment session, patients may experience a mild amount of facial redness or swelling that typically resolve on its own within several hours. Both before and after Picosure laser treatment, it is imperative that you avoid direct sun exposure and tanning beds, and wear high-SPF sunscreen daily, in order to protect healthy skin. As Picosure laser treatment targets melanin in the skin, sun protection is of the utmost importance. After treatment, skin may feel slightly “sunburned”, and mild redness may appear on the treatment site. However, these effects should subside quickly and patients can resume normal activity immediately post-treatment, though we recommend patients avoid strenuous activity for a few days.
Which cosmetic skin conditions does Picosure laser treat?
The Picosure laser uses three different wavelengths to address a wide variety of skin conditions and hyperpigmentation, tailored to many different sizes of spots. The treatment is ideal to treat hyperpigmentation in the form of sunspots, age spots, acne scars, and other forms of scarring. It can also be used to address fine and wrinkles that develop on the skin as a result of the natural aging process. Patients who are wishing the remove an old tattoo can also receive Picosure laser treatment with excellent results. The different wavelengths available work to address different colors of pigment, with 755nm best for black, blue, and green ink, 532nm good for yellow, orange, and red, and 1064nm good for dark ink in patients with darker skin tones.
Picosure Laser Treatment for Skin Rejuvenation
Although the Picosure laser was initially designed for tattoo removal, it has since been FDA-approved for overall skin rejuvenation. The Picosure laser is an excellent treatment option for patients who are looking to diminish the appearance of unwanted pigmentation, such as age spots, sun spots, or brown spots. Additionally, its ability to ignite new elastin and collagen production within the dermis can help to create a more youthful appearance by reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The Picosure Focus laser treatment is a revolutionary treatment for skin rejuvenation and tattoo removal, emitting extremely short pulses of light energy into the skin to eliminate unwanted pigment and induce collagenesis. The advanced, innovative laser technology enables Picosure to improve the complexion by stimulating new collagen production, enhancing the underlying structural support of the skin. The incredibly short bursts of laser allow Picosure to produce similar cosmetic results to that of an ablative laser, but with virtually no patient discomfort or downtime involved whatsoever.
Alex Trivantage laser for tattoo removal, 8 treatments
How does Picosure work for Tattoo Removal
As the Picosure Laser was initially developed for laser tattoo removal, it’s an FDA approved method of tattoo removal.The Picosure’s 532nm, 755nm, and 1064 nm wavelengths can help to remove a wide variety of tattoo inks. The 532nm wavelength is effective in removing warm colors such as red, orange and yellow, and the 755nm wavelength easily removes black, blue, and green ink colors. The 1064nm wavelength delivery is an excellent option in removing black ink on patients with darker skin types. Additionally, the boost mode on the Picosure laser safely and effectively treats recalcitrant tattoos through the use of a shortened pulse width. Dr. Green offers a variety of non-invasive laser tattoo removal treatment options, including the AlexTrivantage laser. When you consult with Dr. Green at her private dermatology office in the Upper East Side neighborhood of Manhattan, she will work with you to create a customized treatment plan for your tattoo removal that incorporates the treatment most suitable for your skin tone, skin type, skin condition, and specific needs and goals.
Can Picosure completely remove tattoos?
Picosure is able to effectively, safely, and permanently remove tattoos from the surface of the skin for a wide variety of patients. Picosure Laser Treatments can be applied to most areas of the body, and patients typically find that unwanted pigment and tattoo ink can be fully removed in a series of 3-6 treatment sessions, spaced 4 to 8 weeks apart, depending on the tattoo and your skin tone. Once all of the treatments have been performed, the tattoo will be permanently removed from the body.
What is Picosure Laser Treatment process?
The process for Picosure Laser Treatment is simple and convenient. First, you’ll meet with Dr. Green for an initial consultation where you can discuss your medical history, current skin condition, and individual needs and goals. If Picosure laser treatment is determined to be the right option for you, you’ll engage in a scheduled treatment session, tailored to meet your cosmetic objectives.
The Picosure Laser treatment is a quick and safe non-invasive cosmetic procedure that requires no downtime. Most patients feel minimal discomfort throughout the procedure itself but Dr. Green may apply a topical numbing cream in order to further decrease the potential discomfort. During a Picosure laser session, Dr. Green will use a handheld device to apply the Picosure laser energy to the treatment area, which in turn will remove unwanted pigment in as little as 20 to 30 minutes. The sensation typically feels like a warming of the skin – akin to being out in the sun too long – and as though a rubber band is being snapped against the skin. The slight warming feeling will disappear soon after the treatment has finished though patients may experience redness or irritation on the surface of the skin for several hours.
Does Picosure Laser hurt?
The Picosure laser treatment with Focus Lens Array technology is considered to be a pain-free treatment. Most patients find that discomfort is quite minimal during treatment – if there is any discomfort at all. To minimize any discomfort, a topical numbing cream can be applied to further limit any potential discomfort during the treatment. The numbing cream should be applied to clean skin an hour before the laser treatment session and cover the entire treatment area. The numbing cream is removed just before the laser treatment. There are very few side effects following treatment with the Picosure laser. The most common side effects include a mild amount of facial redness and skin swelling, which typically resolves on its own within several hours after treatment. Most patients do not experience any pain or tenderness in the treatment area following their laser treatment.
Are there any side effects to Picosure Laser Treatment?
Picosure Laser Treatment is considered a non-invasive laser treatment with minimal side effects. Patients may experience redness or tenderness on the skin which should subside shortly after a treatment session. Additionally, patients are advised to avoid direct sunlight after treatment, as this may damage healthy skin in the treatment area, leading to hyperpigmentation.
Although Picosure laser is indicated for the removal of unwanted pigmentation, it is recommended that patients with melasma do not have laser treatment of any kind. Melasma is a skin condition that is characterized by patches of skin that are brown or grey-brown in color and darker than the rest of the surrounding skin. Melasma is caused by a number of contributing factors including genetics, hormones, and environmental conditions (sun damage), and patients with melasma are most commonly affected on the cheeks, chin, forehead, and upper lip. The laser treatment may cause pigmentation to become further entrenched into the deeper layers of skin, making it even more difficult to remove. For her patients with melasma, Dr. Green instead recommends undergoing treatments such as chemical peels, mesopeels, microneedling with depigmentation solution, or Cosmelan treatment in order to avoid exacerbating the condition and achieve the best cosmetic results.
Picosure Laser treatment FAQs:
What does Picosure laser do?
Picosure laser treatment is an innovative procedure that is able to address many different ailments for complete skin rejuvenation. The treatment may be best known for its ability to remove unwanted tattoo pigmentation and with three different wavelengths of light energy, Picosure lasers can eliminate any color on all skin types. In addition to tattoo removal, Picosure lasers can remove other forms of hyperpigmentation, including sun spots, age spots, birthmarks, and freckles. Acne scars can also be eliminated with the treatment for a clear and bright look to the skin. To remove the areas of pigmentation, the Picosure laser uses varying wavelengths of light to target the melanin or pigmentation in the skin, destroying it. In addition to addressing areas of hyperpigmentation, Picosure lasers can also help with skin tightening and the elimination of fine lines and wrinkles. Patients will see the optimal results after 2-6 treatments.
Does Picosure tighten skin?
While Picosure laser treatment is well known the elimination of hyperpigmentation and tattoo removal, the treatment can also be used to decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by tightening the skin. When the Picosure Focus Lens Array is applied to the treatment area, the wavelengths of light react with the epidermis, which is the surface of the skin, to send a message to the inner layer of skin, known as the dermis. As a result, the body increases production of the proteins known as collagen and elastin. Collagen and elastin are naturally occurring proteins in the body with a number of functions, among them giving structure to the skin for a smooth, firm, youthful look. As a result of the natural aging process, the production of collagen and elastin decreases in the body, which can contribute to the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and the development of lax skin. When collagen and elastin production are triggered by the Picosure laser, the structure of the skin improves, tightening the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
If skin laxity is a patient’s primary concern, Dr. Green may recommend a non-invasive treatment option such as Thermage. Thermage is a skin-tightening treatment that relies on radiofrequency energy to deliver heat application to the dermal layers of skin. During the treatment session, a handheld device is applied to the surface of the skin and used to deliver a pulse of energy to the dermis. The pulse causes existing collagen in the skin to contract, and also stimulates the production of new collagen, providing a lifting, tightening effect and firmer, smoother skin that lasts.
How long between Picosure treatments?
The recommended length of time between each Picosure treatment ultimately depends on the purpose of the treatment, you particular aesthetic goals and needs, as well as the size and scope of the treatment area. Most patients will require between three and six treatments for optimal results spaced four to eight weeks apart. When you have you initial consultation with Dr. Green, she will be able to assess the treatment area and provide you with a more concrete estimate of your treatment plan and session schedule.
How long to see results after Picosure for tattoo removal?
Picosure laser treatment for tattoo removal works to break up the pigmentation cells below the surface of the skin. For optimal results, patients will typically need between three and six sessions spaced four to eight weeks apart. The results of the treatment will typically become available two to three weeks following each session and will improve gradually after each treatment. The results will continue to improve after each session until the pigmentation from the tattoo has been erased. After the treatment procedure, the pigmentation from the tattoo will be permanently removed.
Can Picosure make melasma worse?
Treatment with Picosure laser can potentially worsen the appearance of melasma. Melasma is a skin condition that is associated with patches of skin that are darker in color than the rest of the surrounding skin, most commonly seen on the cheeks, chin, upper lip, and forehead. Although the Picosure Laser targets melanin in the skin, Dr. Green recommends that patients with melasma do not engage with Picosure Laser treatments. Laser treatments can cause the unwanted pigment to become further entrenched into the deeper layers of the skin, making it much more difficult to successfully treat and remove. Although she does not recommend laser treatments for the diminishment of melasma, Dr. Green is an expert in treating patients with melasma, and offers safe and effective skin care, chemical peels, and Cosmelan in-office alternatives to reduce the appearance of melasma on the skin. Learn more about treatment for melasma.
How much is Picosure Laser Treatment?
The answer to how much does Picosure cost varies widely depending on the size and skin condition of the area being treated. In general, however, the cost of laser tattoo removal for Picosure Laser Treatment session, depends on the size and intricacy of the tattoo. Typically, the cost a Picosure Laser spot treatment for pigmentation or skin rejuvenation will be comparable to that of a large laser tattoo removal treatment session. Treatment costs can also depend on the type of institution at which you receive treatment. While medical spas frequently have specials available to decrease the total price, it is safer and more effective to receive treatment from a board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Green. Geographic location can also have an impact on price, with prices varying across the country from New York to San Francisco.
Is Picosure worth it?
Picosure is a safe and effective laser treatment with many purposes, capable of tattoo removal, elimination of unwanted hyperpigmentation, as well as overall skin rejuvenation by reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. When it comes to tattoo removal, the procedure is permanent and highly effective with results visible after only three to six sessions, depending on the size and color of the tattoo. With the three different wavelength frequencies, Picosure treatment can target a vast array of colors for tattoo removal including red, orange, and yellow, which are typically much more difficult to remove. Unlike some other kinds of lasers, Picosure can be used for patients of all skin types including patients with dark skin types. While some lasers can be harmful to patients with dark skin, Picosure lasers at 1064nm are very safe and effective to remove tattoos and hyperpigmentation for patients with skin types IV-VI. For patients that are interested in removing an unwanted tattoo, eliminating unwanted pigment, or achieving skin rejuvenation with zero discomfort or downtime, the Picosure laser treatment is absolutely worth it. When you consult with Dr. Green at her boutique dermatology office in New York City, she will work with you to determine if Picosure laser treatment is the best procedure for addressing your specific concerns and achieving your ideal cosmetic results.
What type of laser is Picosure?
The Picosure laser is what is known as a picosecond laser, which is a type of laser that employs very short and quick pulses of light to target hyperpigmentation or pigment cells of tattoo ink. The short bursts of light are hyper-focused to destroy pigmentation cells without causing any damage to the surrounding skin or tissue. The pulses also work to penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin for full pigment elimination. The speed of the picosecond laser technology also helps to eliminate any potential patient discomfort throughout the duration of the laser treatment, as well as minimizes the amount of required downtime following the procedure. The cutting-edge technology enables patients to achieve skin rejuvenation with minimal discomfort and downtime as well as fewer treatment sessions.
Is Picoway better than Picosure?
Picosure and Picoway are both picosecond lasers that employ short bursts of energy to the treatment area with some key differences. Both work to address issues with hyperpigmentation and can also be used for tattoo removal. Picoway differs from Picosure in that it is produced by the company Candela. Unlike Picosure, which requires alternate headpieces in order to produce different wavelengths, Picoway can use three different wavelengths (532nm, 785nm, and 1064nm) all within a single headpiece. This means that Picoway can offer more powerful pulses at 532nm and 1064nm. Both Picosure and Picoway require no downtime following treatment and produce very similar results. When it comes to choosing which will work best to address your specific needs, it is best to consult with a board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Green.
Other laser skin treatment options
Other popular aesthetic laser options to treat a similar range of skin conditions include both Thermage and the BBL Broadband Laser for skin tightening. For those individuals looking to treat unwanted pigment issues, non-surgical options include the Fraxel® laser for scars, pigmentation and laser resurfacing or the AlexTrivantage laser to help remove all colored tattoos, sun spots and pigmented lesions. Other options for improving the tone and texture of the skin include Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy and the VBeam laser for redness and rosacea. When you consult with Dr. Michele Green, at her private NYC dermatology office in the Upper East Side of Manhattan, you will have the opportunity to discuss with her in-depth regarding the specific skin concerns that you would like to address, as well as your overall aesthetic goals. Dr. Green will then work with you to develop a completely personalized cosmetic treatment plan that incorporates the best specially formulated skincare products and in-office procedures to deliver your ideal results.
Before & After: 5 VBeam treatments for Rosacea
Acne scar treatments and Picosure Laser
Acne scars form as a result of inflammation associated with breakouts of acne lesions causing irreparable damage to the underlying skin tissue. Often times, acne scars can be even more difficult to treat than the initial breakouts themselves. Luckily, for those patients who are suffering from acne scars, there are a range of in-office cosmetic procedures available that can be used to help diminish their appearance, including laser treatments, such as the Picosure laser treatment, Fraxel Dual, eMatrix laser, Clear + Brilliant, V-Beam laser, and procedures such as chemical peels, TCA Cross, Aquagold microneedling, and dermal fillers. Since every individual experiences acne breakouts in a unique way, and there are multiple different types of acne scars, it is important to have a consultation for acne scar treatment with a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist, such as Dr. Michele Green in NYC, who has the expertise and experience to recommend the procedures that are best suited to your skin tone, skin type, and the specific types of acne scars that are present.
Downtime after each treatment varies, as do the number of treatment sessions. However, for the most part, this laser treatments requires very little recovery time and have minimal side effects. Depending on what is being treated, optimal results may require more than one treatment session. To find out whether any of these treatment types are suitable for you, you can discuss your concerns with Dr. Green and formulate a treatment plan through a virtual or in-person consultation.
Additionally, for patients seeking skin rejuvenation for fine lines and wrinkles, Dr. Green offers a variety of injectable cosmetic treatment options, such as Botox and popular hyaluronic acid fillers like Juvederm, Restylane, and Sculptra. These injectable treatments can often be combined with laser treatments in order to optimize skin rejuvenation.
How to get started with Picosure laser skin revitalization
Unwanted pigmentation, sun spots, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation are some of the most common skin conditions which patients consult Dr. Michele Green on a daily basis. If you are frustrated by an uneven skin tone and interested in diminishing the appearance of unwanted pigmentation, sun damage, or facial discoloration, treatment with the Picosure laser may be the solution for you. Not only does it treat sun spots, age spots, fine lines, and wrinkles, but it produces new collagen stimulation and provides an all over more youthful appearance.
Dr. Michele Green is an internationally renowned board-certified dermatologist and expert in skin rejuvenation treatments, offering a host of the best non-invasive procedures at her private and discreet NYC dermatology office. Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, and Super Doctors consistently identify Dr. Green as one of New York’s best physicians. Embracing a holistic approach and ‘less is more’ philosophy when it comes to treatment, Dr. Green customizes the treatment plans of each individual patient so that it caters best to their unique needs and overall aesthetic goals. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Green and find out more about Picosure and other skin rejuvenation laser treatment options, call the NYC-based office at 212 535 3088 or contact us online today.