The PicoWay laser is widely known for tattoo removal, but it also earned notoriety in getting rid of acne scars. The device is a recent addition to the aesthetic market with an impressive streak of successful cases attributed to the technology used.
There are several lasers that use different wavelengths in a fractionated way. The problem is that they tend to cause injury which ends up increasing the chances of pigmentation especially among individuals with darker skin. PicoWay provides another option for those who struggle and are frustrated with their unrelenting acne scars.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How does PicoWay Acne Scar Removal work?
Picoway works in the picosecond domain with both fractional and non-fractional capabilities. It delivers short pulses in a trillionth of a second with handpieces that come in three different wavelengths (532nm, 785nm, and 1064nm) to target the various cases of acne scarring. The same level of pulsation also ensures that the least amount of heat is transferred into the skin.
The bursts of energy create a photo-mechanical impact to address grade I and II scars. In fact, a study by Bernstein et. al. showed that the 1064 and 532 nm picosecond lasers incorporated with holographic beam-splitting handpiece was safe and effective for the treatment of facial acne scars. Its action starts from within to stimulate collagen and elastin production as opposed to “frying” off the top layer of the skin. By restoring the skin’s underlying layers and outward appearance gradually improve.
2. How is it done?
A numbing cream will be applied over the area prior to the treatment. The doctor sets the device to the appropriate settings that can target the type of acne scarring you have. Once everything is prepared, the treatment starts by gliding the handpiece over the target areas.
After the session, expect your face to still feel numb. It may turn a bit red and will feel slightly warm, but this can be relieved by applying a cold compress. You will then be advised to protect the treated areas from sun exposure.
3. Who is it for?
This treatment is recommended for the following patients:
- Healthy males and females
- Those suffering from moderate to severe facial acne scars
A patch test will be done prior to the treatment to check how your skin reacts to the laser.
This treatment is NOT advised for the following:
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women
- Those with hypersensitivity to light exposure
- Active sun tan in the facial area
- Those suffering from skin or inflammatory conditions in the target areas
- Those with a history of keloid scarring
- Individuals who are taking medications that causes photosensitivity
4. How does it feel?
PicoWay Scar Removal treatment causes mild to moderate discomfort. While the procedure is generally bearable, a numbing cream will also be applied at the start.
5. Is the treatment safe for all skin types?
PicoWay is safe to use for all skin types. Unlike other laser devices, the ultrashort pulses make it possible for the treatment to be safe and gentle for Asian skin, especially for dark skinned individuals.
6. What makes PicoWay different from other lasers?
The selling point of this treatment is its ultrashort and ultrafast pulses which only delivers photoacoustic energy instead of thermal energy. It saves you from potential injury and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. The same mechanism also means that there will be lesser treatments than what you would get with other lasers.
Since it comes with a broader range of wavelengths of energy to target the scars, it stimulates collagen on a deeper level. Furthermore, the fact that it is safe to use for all skin types makes it favorable for dark-skinned individuals who are often not advised with these types of treatments.
7. How long does a session take?
Each PicoWay Acne Scar Removal session takes 15-20 minutes. Minimal downtime is required after your treatment as the skin can look red and feel tender.
8. What is the minimum treatment interval?
Treatments are spaced four weeks apart. This allows the skin structures to rejuvenate and heal before it can go for another session.
9. What are the side effects involved with PicoWay Acne Scar Removal?
Post-treatment side effects for PicoWay Acne Scar Removal are mostly limited to mild to moderate redness and swelling which will resolve in a few hours. Once that subsides, the targeted scars will appear darker than usual and it will be sensitive to touch for about 24 hours.
10. How much does a PicoWay Acne Scar Removal treatment cost?
The cost of each session will depend on the severity of the patient’s acne scars. An in-person consultation is needed so that the doctor can properly assess your acne scars and map out an appropriate treatment plan for you. From this, she can now give you a quotation.
Your acne scars don’t have to define your face, neither should they make you feel self-conscious for the rest of your life. Book your appointment with Dr. Anita Soosay today and give PicoWay Acne Scar Removal an opportunity to repair the havoc left by acne on your skin.
DISCLAIMER:
The Aesthetics Centre website content including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material is a general information intended for educational purposes only. Please note that individual client’s circumstances may vary and each treatment may not be suitable for all, just as how the content in this website does not intend, in any way, to substitute for a detailed and personal consultation with a licensed practitioner.
Seek consult with a medical professional, or contact The Aesthetics Centre for an appointment, before making any decisions or for guidance about specific aesthetic treatment or procedure.
If some of your questions or concerns are not addressed above, feel free to book your consultation at The Aesthetics Centre. Book your private consultation with us today so that we can extensively evaluate your case and provide the appropriate treatment.
Please bear in mind that not all patients are alike, some will require a slightly different approach than others. You will be given a specific price quotation after an initial consultation. Our staff are always ready to address any questions and to discuss this procedure with you in detail.
The Aesthetics Centre website provides general information about aesthetic/cosmetic procedures. General information is not a substitute for professional medical advice and treatment, hence it should not be accepted in place or in preference to a consultation with a certified professional.