Book Appointment

Before the pico laser came about, the Q-switched laser was known as the go-to device for treating conditions like melasma, acne scars, wrinkles and pigmentation.

But the pico laser sits as king now ever since it gained popularity not too long ago.

Many might know that I’m a huge fan of the pico laser; I tout it as the celebrity laser that rules all skin issues. After all, this “wow now” technology (as I commonly describe it) is highly loved by celebrities worldwide and in Singapore.

Allow me to explain a little how the pico laser works, and the benefits it brings.

‍

What is a pico laser, and how does it work?

Pico Laser is a powerful, non-ablative laser that works in picosecond pulses to generate effective and immediate results. Compared to regular nano second Q-switched lasers, picosecond lasers produce pulse widths that are about 1000 times shorter.

Now, you may be wondering what’s the big deal about a shorter pulse width. Does it really make a difference? Yes, it in fact does. With a shorter pulse width, it leads to:

• More laser shots fired within the same time frame, resulting in more effective laser absorption by the pigments. This in turn requires lesser sessions and of course a higher clearance rate of pigments.
• Less chance of the laser heating up (due to a shorter pulse duration). This reduces the chance of side effects like post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, a common side effect seen in some laser procedures.
  ‍

What can the pico laser be worked on?

Acne scars

Acne scars are arguably one of the more difficult skin problems to treat, because everyone’s acne scarring is different — this would mean that the best type of acne scar treatment would differ among individuals.

Many popular laser machines for acne scar treatment, such as fractionally ablative lasers or radiofrequency remove about 20-30% of the top layer of skin. This leaves surrounding healthy skin to regenerate any removed skin.

Not only does this result in heat damage, there’s also the risk of mechanical damage to the skin. As such, it’s no wonder that post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and poor wound healing are common side effects of fractional lasers.

This is where the pico laser shines through — not only can it perform the notoriously difficult task of removing acne scars without removing the top layer of skin, it carries virtually zero downtime.

Pico Lasers make use of skin resurfacing to stimulate collagen and elastin production in the dermal layers of the skin. This spike in collagen enables skin to heal naturally.

‍

Fine lines, wrinkles and pigmentation

The pico laser works wonders on persistent skin issues like fine lines, wrinkles and pigmentation.

The pico laser’s increased photo acoustic effect (a process that refers to the breaking down of pigments by laser energy) shatters pigments into the tiniest possible fragments which are then cleared by the body’s immune systems. Due to this enhanced photoacoustic effect, pigmentation is cleared  a lot faster.

As mentioned, the process also stimulates collagen production concurrently — which is perfect for treating fine lines and wrinkles! Patients often report their skin feeling tighter, more radiant and more rejuvenated after.

This is another reason why I’m such a huge fan of the pico laser — it brings along many pleasant, additional benefits.

Tattoos

Sure, tattoo removal via lasers have been around for quite some time, but none has been as effective as the pico laser. In fact, did you know that the pico laser is the only aesthetic laser that provides a safe and effective way of removing tattoos?

The pico laser’s ability to deliver energy pulses in an ultra short time frame enables it to create powerful pressure waves, which shatters tattoo ink into microscopic pieces safely and efficiently.

While most lasers in the market rely on heat or light to shatter tattoo ink, pico lasers use both heat and light to target tattoo ink.

Remember — pico lasers have shorter energy pulses, so even by utilising both heat and light, the risk of thermal damage is still relatively low.

Let’s not also forget that tattoos with brighter colours like red, yellow and orange tend to be harder to remove. But don’t worry — pico lasers are here to save the day!