Pico laser

How long does the appointment take?

An appointment is 1 hour long, including numbing for 20 minutes

How does Pico laser work?

The laser disrupts the layer of the skin that has melanin.  That layer then slowly rises to the surface before either falling off as a flake or lightens gradually as tiny pieces fall off.

Does Pico laser hurt?

Numbing cream isn't always needed, but it's available.

What is the downtime from Pico laser?

We aim for pinkness for a couple of hours.  Brown spots will darken over 3 days and then lighten over 1-2 weeks.  You can use makeup immediately afterwards.

What is the aftercare for Pico laser?

Avoid the sun or use sunscreen for 2-4 weeks.

Can I use skin lightening cream at the same time as I'm getting Pico laser treatment?

Yes, hydroquinone cream is offered as option for enhanced benefit.

Do I have to stop using my skin care products before the Pico laser treatment?

You will want to stop any acids (glycolic acid, for example) for 1 week prior to treatment.

Will the spots come back after Pico laser treatment?

Sun exposure will cause new melanin to be deposited in the sun, so avoiding the sun is important.  Hormonal melasma tends to come back, and patients usually choose to get a treatment every 3 months for maintenance.  

How many Pico laser treatments will I need?

Usually, a treatment lightens the area by 25-50%.  Most patients choose 2-3 treatments.

What Pico laser do you use and does it matter?

Pico lasers are made by different companies and are called different names, for example PicoSure by Cynosure or Picoway by Syneron Candela.  We use the Pico laser by the well-known Cutera brand, and it's called Enlighten Pico Genesis.  The settings matter more than the brand name.  It is up to the doctor to use the device effectively by deciding on the wavelength, duration, size, frequency, and number of passes.  

Why can't I use IPL for dark spots?

IPL is great for spots if you have white skin AND the brown spots aren't melasma

.  If you are a light-skinned Asian, Persian, Latino, there is a 50/50 chance that you will burn and the spots won't go away.   

How do I know if I have melasma?

Melasma is patchy, whereas sun spots are discretely round.  Both women and men can get melasma.  Melasma can look mottled and can make the skin seem dirty.