Non-Surgical Wrinkle Treatment That Rebuilds Collagen and Elastin with Picosecond Lasers
PicoWay is an FDA-approved picosecond laser that is not only known for its tattoo and pigment removal capabilities. As it continued to grow in use, it was also proven to work in reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
Wrinkles result from a loss of collagen in the skin which is a process that is typical with ageing. But with early intervention, it’s possible to address this concern without having to undergo surgery. The PicoWay Resolve is a laser option that acts gently on the skin while it transforms the skin from the inside to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How does PicoWay Resolve work?
The PicoWay Resolve runs on a picosecond pulsed laser system which shortens the pulse duration from nanosecond to picosecond. A picosecond is a trillionth of a second which means that the pulses fired are short and rapid. Compared to the photothermal approach which heats up the skin, a picosecond laser creates a “photoacoustic” effect that prevents the skin from heating up.
The PicoWay laser reaches under the skin to initiate its regenerative effects, but it leaves the outer layer of the skin intact. It targets the dermis, which is the second layer of your skin to create tiny open spaces within to accommodate collagen and elastin growth. This is a restorative action that treats acne scars and wrinkles.
The PicoWay Resolve laser works from the inside out without causing damage to the outer layers of the skin.
2. Who are the right candidates for a PicoWay Resolve wrinkle treatment?
This laser allows for the treatment of a variety of skin types, making it ideal for people of color who wish to address their fine lines and wrinkles.
3. What conditions prevent patients from qualifying for the PicoWay Resolve treatment?
- You are not advised to undergo treatment if you have recently tanned skin. You must avoid the sun and tanning beds for 30 days prior to treatment. If you fail to avoid the sun, blisters and hypopigmentation/hyperpigmentation may occur. You must also avoid direct sun exposure for another month after treatment.
- Accutane therapy must be stopped 6 months prior.
- History of photosensitivity to infrared light or seizure disorders
- Photosensitizing medications must be stopped 7 days prior.
- Acne breakout or infected areas cannot be treated.
- Pregnancy
- Topical medications and skincare products (acids, glycolics, retinoids, AHA, BHA) must be discontinued 72 hours pre- and post-treatment.
- Active skin infections: open wounds or skin that is infected cannot be treated.
- Must not have had fillers in the last 30 days prior.
4. What can I expect with this treatment?
It takes more than one treatment to achieve the desired results. Based on the doctor’s assessment of your skin, she will determine the number of treatments you need and how often you will receive them. Each session will take about 15-20 minutes, and these will be spaced about 3-8 weeks apart. A study showed that this treatment did not show serious unexpected side effects or considerable pain.
5. Is the PicoWay Resolve laser painful?
We always make sure that you are comfortable during each treatment. A topical anaesthetic cream can be applied to enhance comfort, but you may opt-out of this step as some find the treatment tolerable even without it.
6. Does PicoWay Resolve treatments have any downtime?
PicoWay Resolve has minimal to no downtime. Pain is tolerable with this treatment and immediate responses include redness and mild swelling. These reactions typically resolve spontaneously in less than three days. But even after every session, patients can resume their usual activities and even apply makeup over wrinkle treated skin.
7. How much does a PicoWay Resolve treatment cost?
The treatment cost will vary depending on the type of treatment, size of the treatment area, number of treatment sessions and other factors.
Sources:
Chung, H.L., et. al. (2021, May 4). Efficacy and safety of treatment with fractional 1,064-nm picosecond laser with a diffractive optic element for wrinkles and acne scars: a clinical study. Annals of Dermatology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8137336/.
Sunmin, Y., et. al. (2020, June). Split-face comparison of the picosecond 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser using a microlens array and the quasi-long-pulsed 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser for treatment of photoaging facial wrinkles and pores in Asians. National Library of Medicine. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31734761/.
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 Clinic 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.