Picosure Laser Treatments

Unwanted pigmentation on the skin is frustrating in any form – age spots, sun spots, discoloration, or even tattoos you’ve outgrown. As we age, various forms of hyperpigmentation can develop on the skin. Too much sun exposure can lead to sunspots, flat brown spots that develop due to overexposure to UV light. Decreasing collagen and elastin in the skin can also create fine lines and wrinkles. The tattoo you got in your 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 that can treat the skin with three different wavelengths – 532nm, 755nm, and 1064 nm wavelengths. These different wavelengths allow for the careful treatment of various pigments. Due to this flexibility, Picosure laser treatments can help reduce the appearance of brown spots or other pigmentation, improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles, and remove tattoos of all colors.

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 shows signs of aging due to genetics, sun damage, wrinkling, or acne scars, Dr. Green can quickly reverse these changes with a combination of the best skincare and laser treatments with little or no downtime.

What is Picosure Laser Treatment?

Created by the company Cynosure, Picosure laser treatments were initially designed to help with tattoo removal but are now commonly used to treat various issues, including fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation, freckles, dark spots, and overall anti-aging skin revitalization. Picosure is an FDA-approved laser that utilizes ultra-short pulse energy bursts for effective skin rejuvenation. It is suitable for all skin types and routinely removes wrinkles, improves skin texture, treats acne scars, and removes sun spots and unwanted pigmentation 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.

Picosure Lasers for Acne Scars

Acne scars form due to inflammation associated with breakouts of acne lesions, causing irreparable damage to the underlying skin tissue. Often, acne scars can be even more challenging to treat than the initial breakouts themselves. Luckily, for those patients who are suffering from acne scars, there is 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 essential to have a consultation for acne scar treatment with a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist, such as Dr. Michele Green in NYC, who has 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 does the number of treatment sessions. However, for the most part, this laser treatment requires very little recovery time and has minimal side effects. Optimal results may require multiple treatment sessions, depending on what is being treated. To determine whether these treatment types suit 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 to optimize skin rejuvenation.

How does the Picosure Laser work?

The Picosure laser relies on a photothermal impact in trillionths of a second. Picosure’s picosecond technology also tailors the laser’s pulse duration into short bursts to spare the skin from significant thermal damage. With Picosure’s picosecond laser pulse duration, patients can safely experience skin correction in fewer treatments. The Picosure laser can target melanin 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 can naturally eliminate the pigmentation cells.

The Picosure laser also contains unique Focus Lens Array technology to create microscopic, photomechanical reactions along the skin’s surface. This converts the laser energy into gentle pressure waves, activating skin cell signaling and stimulating 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 downtime.

What is the Picosure laser good for?

The Picosure laser differs from traditional lasers because it uses three different wavelengths to address various skin conditions and hyperpigmentation, tailored to many different spot sizes. The treatment is ideal for hyperpigmentation, such as sunspots, age spots, acne scars, and other forms of scarring. It can also address fine and wrinkles that develop on the skin due to the natural aging process. Patients wishing to remove an old tattoo can also receive Picosure laser treatment with excellent results. The different wavelengths address different pigment colors, with 755nm best for black, blue, and green ink, 532nm for yellow, orange, and red, and 1064nm for dark ink in patients with darker skin tones.

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 tattoo removal method. The Picosure’s 532nm, 755nm, and 1064 nm wavelengths can help to remove a wide variety of tattoo inks. The 532nm wavelength effectively removes 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 for eliminating black ink on patients with darker skin types. Additionally, the boost mode on the Picosure laser safely and effectively treats recalcitrant tattoos through 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.

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 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 revolutionary for skin rejuvenation and tattoo removal, emitting extremely short pulses of light into the skin to eliminate unwanted pigment and induce collagenases. 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 concise bursts of laser allow Picosure to produce similar cosmetic results to an ablative laser but with virtually no patient discomfort or downtime.

How does Picosure laser work for skin revitalization?

As we age, the production of the structural proteins collagen and elastin decreases, leading to increased skin laxity and the development of fine lines and wrinkles. Over time, sun exposure can lead to the formation of sun spots, also known as age spots or liver spots, that form on the skin’s surface and appear as hyperpigmentation, and blemishes from old acne scars can continue to mark the face. These signs of the natural aging process can affect patients of all skin types. They can be frustrating to deal with, which is why the Picosure laser is an excellent option for facial revitalization. With three different wavelengths of light, the Picosure laser technology works to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation on the face without damaging the surrounding skin. The laser emits short bursts of energy, destroying pigmentation at the treatment site and producing collagen for smoother, more evenly textured, youthful-looking skin.

Acne after 3 treatments: Source – Picosure

Will Picosure remove tattoos completely?

Picosure can effectively, safely, and permanently remove tattoos from the skin’s surface for various 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 entirely 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

How much downtime is there with the Picosure Laser?

Picosure laser treatment is associated with minimal downtime. Following the treatment session, patients may experience mild facial redness or swelling that typically resolves within several hours. Both before and after Picosure laser treatment, you must avoid direct sun exposure and tanning beds, and wear high-SPF sunscreen daily, to protect healthy skin. As Picosure laser treatment targets melanin in the skin, sun protection is paramount. After treatment, the skin may feel slightly “sunburned,” and mild redness may appear on the treatment site. However, these effects should subside quickly, and patients can resume regular activity immediately post-treatment, though we recommend patients avoid strenuous activity for a few days.

What is the 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 to discuss your medical history, current skin condition, and individual needs and goals. If Picosure laser treatment is the right option for you, you’ll engage in a scheduled treatment session tailored to your cosmetic objectives.

The Picosure Laser treatment is a quick, safe, non-invasive cosmetic procedure requiring no downtime. Most patients feel minimal discomfort throughout the process, but Dr. Green may apply a topical numbing cream to decrease the potential discomfort further. During a Picosure laser session, Dr. Green will use a handheld device to apply the Picosure laser energy to the treatment area, which will remove unwanted pigment in as little as 20 to 30 minutes. The sensation typically feels like a skin warming – 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 skin’s surface for several hours.

Wrinkles after 4 Picosure treatments – Source: Picosure

What to expect after Picosure laser treatment

Picosure laser treatment is quick, painless, and requires as little as 20-30 minutes. No downtime is needed following the procedure, and patients can immediately return to their regularly scheduled activities. The risk of any adverse events is minimal. At most, patients may experience redness, swelling, and skin irritation at the treatment site, but these side effects should subside within several hours. Once the procedure has been completed, Dr. Green will schedule additional treatment sessions as needed.

How many Picosure treatments do you need?

The number of treatment sessions necessary depends on several factors, including the skin condition that is being treated, the size and scope of the treatment area, and the patient’s unique aesthetic goals. Typically, patients require between three and six treatment sessions spaced four to eight weeks apart to eliminate signs of pigmentation on the skin, whether that is a tattoo, acne scarring, sun spots, or other discoloration. When you consult with Dr. Green, she will determine the number of sessions necessary to meet your needs.

Does Picosure Laser hurt?

The Picosure laser treatment with Focus Lens Array technology is considered to be a pain-free treatment. Most patients find discomfort relatively 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 clean the skin an hour before the laser treatment session and cover the entire 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 mild facial redness and skin swelling, which typically resolves 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 removing unwanted pigmentation, it is recommended that patients with melasma do not have laser treatment of any kind. Melasma is a skin condition characterized by patches of brown or grey-brown skin darker than the rest of the surrounding skin. Melasma is caused by several 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 in the deeper layers of the skin, making it even more challenging to remove. For her melasma patients, Dr. Green recommends undergoing treatments such as chemical peels, Mesopeels, microneedling with depigmentation solution, or Cosmelan treatment to avoid exacerbating the condition and achieve the best cosmetic results.

Before & After: 5 VBeam treatments for Rosacea

Picosure Laser treatment FAQs:

What does Picosure laser do?

Picosure laser treatment is an innovative procedure that can address many ailments for complete skin rejuvenation. The treatment may be best known for its ability to remove unwanted tattoo pigmentation. 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 eliminating 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 for eliminating 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, the skin’s surface, 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 several functions, giving the skin structure 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 the Picosure laser triggers collagen and elastin production, the skin’s structure 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 the skin. During the treatment session, a handheld device is applied to the skin’s surface to give the dermis a pulse of energy. The pulse causes the existing collagen in the skin to contract and stimulates the production of new collagen, providing a lifting, tightening effect and firmer, smoother skin that lasts.

How many sessions of Picosure to remove tattoos?

The number of sessions of Picosure laser therapy needed for tattoo removal depends on the size of the tattoo, the colors used in the ink, and the patient’s skin tone. Most patients require six to eight sessions to fully erase the pigmentation from the tattoo space four to six weeks apart. However, once the treatment is performed, the tattoo removal is permanent and will not require further treatment sessions.

How long between Picosure treatments?

The recommended length of time between each Picosure treatment ultimately depends on the purpose of the treatment, your particular aesthetic goals, needs, and the size and scope of the treatment area. Most patients will require treatment for optimal results spaced eight to ten weeks apart. When you have your 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 will it take 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. Patients typically need between three and six sessions spaced four to eight weeks apart for optimal results. The treatment results 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, the tattoo’s pigmentation 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 associated with skin patches darker than 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 challenging to treat and remove successfully. 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 skincare, 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 treated area. In general, however, the cost of laser tattoo removal for Picosure Laser Treatment sessions depends on the size and intricacy of the tattoo. Typically, the price of a Picosure Laser treatment for pigmentation or skin rejuvenation will be comparable to that of an extensive laser tattoo removal treatment session. Treatment costs can also depend on the institution you receive treatment at. While medical spas frequently have specials available to decrease prices, receiving treatment from a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Green is safer and more effective. Geographic location can also impact 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, and 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 wavelength frequencies, Picosure treatment can target many colors for tattoo removal, including red, orange, and yellow, which are typically much more difficult to remove. Unlike other lasers, Picosure can be used for patients of all skin types, including those with dark skin types. While some lasers can harm patients with dark skin, Picosure lasers at 1064nm are very safe and effective in removing tattoos and hyperpigmentation for patients with skin types IV-VI. For patients interested in removing an unwanted tattoo, eliminating unwanted pigment, or achieving skin rejuvenation with no discomfort or downtime, the Picosure laser treatment is worth it. When you consult 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.

Is Picosure safe for dark skin?

Unlike other traditional lasers, the Picosure laser is safe for all skin types and can be used on patients with darker skin types. Some laser treatments are unsafe for patients with darker skin, which can be more susceptible to laser burn and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. When placed on the 1064nm wavelength, the Picosure laser can be used on darker skin to remove hyperpigmentation and tattoos without causing any damage to the skin. Dr. Green is an expert at treating patients of all skin types and can recommend the treatment or series of treatments that will be safest for your skin.

What type of laser is Picosure?

The Picosure laser is a picosecond laser, which 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 on destroying pigmentation cells without causing any damage to the surrounding skin or tissue. The pulses also penetrate the deeper layers of the skin for complete pigment elimination. The picosecond laser technology’s speed also helps eliminate potential patient discomfort throughout the laser treatment and minimizes the required downtime following the procedure. The cutting-edge technology enables patients to achieve skin rejuvenation with minimal discomfort and downtime and 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 hyperpigmentation issues and can be used for tattoo removal. Picoway differs from Picosure in that it is produced by the company Candela. Unlike Picosure, which requires alternate headpieces to produce different wavelengths, Picoway can use three different wavelengths (532nm, 785nm, and 1064nm), all within a single headpiece. This means Picoway can offer more powerful pulses at 532 and 1064nm. Picosure and Picoway require no downtime following treatment and produce similar results. When 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 similar skin conditions include 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 the specific skin concerns you want to address and your overall aesthetic goals. Dr. Green will then work with you to develop a completely personalized cosmetic treatment plan incorporating the best specially formulated skincare products and in-office procedures to deliver your ideal results.

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 for which patients consult Dr. Michele Green daily. 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. She offers many 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 a ‘less is more’ philosophy when it comes to treatment, Dr. Green customizes the treatment plans of each patient so that it caters best to their unique needs and overall aesthetic goals. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Green and learn more about Picosure and other skin rejuvenation laser treatment options, call the NYC-based office at 212 535 3088 or contact us online today.