Sun damage and signs of aging never become obvious until it’s already too late. People believe their skin is clear and blemish-free until they look in the mirror and notice spots that weren’t there before. Most individuals associate brown spots and other skin imperfections with advanced age, but these are sometimes visible even in your 30s.

PicoWay® Laser is one of the most effective options to resolve pigmentation and skin texture issues. But how exactly does the procedure work, and what can you expect in the long term? This blog will offer insight into how Dr. Ostad uses the PicoWay® laser to improve a patient’s skin quality.

Understanding the PicoWay® Laser Technology

PicoWay® Laser technology delivers ultra-short laser pulses that are measured in picoseconds. The photoacoustic energy shatters pigment into tiny particles, whether it’s from excess melanin or pigment from a tattoo. The body eventually clears the broken-down cells away and leaves smoother, blemish-free skin behind.

The technology also uses photoacoustic, high-speed energy instead of traditional laser heat to promote sub-surface remodeling. The process breaks down the pigment while keeping the surrounding surface intact, which stimulates neocollagenesis. This eventually helps the skin become firmer and reduces textural issues, whether they are caused by injury or aging.

Effects of the PicoWay® Laser and How It Helps

The mechanism of PicoWay® Laser helps clients improve their skin quality and addresses multiple concerns with just one treatment. Picosecond treatments are an effective way to remove professional black tattoos, but they also resolve sun damage and natural aging signs. Benefits include the following: 

• Evens the Skin Tone

Sun damage frequently leads to sun spots and other pigment irregularities, whereas hormonal changes can contribute to melasma. PicoWay® Laser has multiple wavelengths, set at 532 nm, 730 nm, and 1064 nm, which access different levels of the skin. This allows Dr. Ariel Ostad to customize the procedure based on the type and depth of the treatment.

• Refines the Skin Texture

Acne and other inflammatory issues can lead to pitted scars that do not resolve with time. Aging can also cause pores to become enlarged due to collagen loss, which increases the chances of an acne breakout. Modern PicoWay® Laser settings make the most of the fractional photoacoustic delivery to stimulate the production of new collagen and elastin. 

• Reduces Aging Signs

Clarity and superior skin texture are difficult to achieve when you have fine lines and crepey skin to deal with. While the primary purpose of PicoWay® Laser is to reduce the intensity of pigmentation spots, the photoacoustic energy of the laser also stimulates the fibroblasts. This supports the production of collagen to reduce mild sagging, skin laxity, and fine lines, leading to more youthful features.

• Reduces Inflammatory Redness

PicoWay® Laser uses picosecond energy pulses to go after the inflammatory pigments and dilated blood vessels. The photoacoustic energy is then absorbed by the hemoglobin in the blood vessels, causing them to break down and become reabsorbed. 

Its ability to stimulate collagen and elastin production also helps reduce the intensity of flushing episodes. The blood vessels are no longer as obvious underneath the skin, making it effective in rosacea and other vascular conditions.

What to Expect during a PicoWay® Laser Treatment

PicoWay® Laser treatments are generally brief and last no longer than 15 to 30 minutes, without including the consultation that discusses your goals. It’s a well-tolerated procedure where patients feel no more than a quick tingling or snapping, with no anesthesia required. That said, individuals susceptible to discomfort can ask for a topical numbing agent to improve comfort. 

Side effects are common within the first 24 to 48 hours, with most clients experiencing redness and tenderness. The effect is similar to a light sunburn and should fade when using a medical-grade soothing gel. The PicoWay® Laser is gentle and does not cause peeling or crusting, which means it improves the skin tone without interrupting your social activities. 

PicoWay® Laser treatments are gentle and offer mild improvement after just one treatment. This is why it’s best to go through a series of three to four treatments, set one month apart, for optimal results.

The Timeline for PicoWay® Laser Results

PicoWay® Laser treatment results are most effective when the patient has realistic expectations. Here is a timeline to consider: 

• Days 1-3: The immediate phase, where clients still note some redness, along with darkened pigment zones. This is a sign that the PicoWay® Laser worked and the body is getting ready to remove the spots.
• Days 4-7: The shattered pigment fragments start to flake and clear, making the treated area look brighter. Redness fades, and the skin tone starts evening out. 
• Weeks 2-4: Skin clarity keeps improving and looks more luminous. Pores begin to appear slightly smaller, and mild textural issues become less obvious.
• Months 2-3: After two or three sessions, acne scars begin to fade, and the surface feels smoother to touch. Large pores are significantly smaller, and the complexion looks clearer in natural light.
• Months 3-6: Collagen production has improved enough that the fine lines have significantly softened. Mild skin laxity improves, and the tissue feels denser, fuller.

It’s best to be patient with the results without rushing the treatments. Long-lasting results appear with gradual stimulation.

Get Your PicoWay® Laser Treatment Today

PicoWay® Laser treatments are a powerful tool to remove various skin imperfections caused by aging or sun exposure. Understanding how the treatment works is the first step towards obtaining clear skin. Schedule an appointment for PicoWay® Laser with Dr. Ariel Ostad today!

For more information about PicoWay® Laser treatments, contact Dr. Ariel Osad, M.D., at 212-517-7900. We can book a consultation and offer the insight you need for the correct skin treatment. As an alternative, fill out the provided online contact form, and we’ll get in touch with you shortly.