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PicoSure Laser is a 755nm Alexandrite picosecond laser developed and produced by Cynosure (Boston, Massachusetts, USA). Picosure Laser is US FDA approved to treat a variety of skin concerns including: pigmentation, tattoo removal, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, acne scars, sun damage, dull skin and open pores. PicoSure Laser treatments clear blemishes and revitalise skin safely and effectively.
Picosure is a picosecond laser which emits a focused laser beam for a trillionth of a second. The shorter pulse duration means that the laser energy is highly concentrated to produce a photomechanical effect- the direct conversion of laser energy to mechanical energy upon contact with the target tissue. Melanin or tattoo pigment in the skin is thus shattered into dust-like fragments and cleared by the lymphatic system. In addition, the PicoSure laser treatment involves the use of the patented Focus Lens Array- a diffractive lens that concentrates laser energy to create Laser Induced Optical Breakdown (LIOB) in the skin- a controlled injury that spares the epidermis and stimulates a wound healing response that increases collagen and elastin production, with the end result being skin rejuvenation.
PicoSure Laser has a pulse duration measured in picoseconds (a trillionth of a second), which is an advancement from the traditional Q-Switched nanosecond lasers, which emit a laser beam for nanoseconds (billionth of a second). The fast pulse duration allows for laser energy to be directly converted to mechanical energy (“photomechanical effect”) instead of thermal energy (“photothermal effect”). In simple terms, due to the extremely quick laser energy pulses, the PicoLaser Laser can achieve better and faster results with a lower risk of traditional laser complications such as burns or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, as more laser energy is directly absorbed by the target and less gets converted into unwanted heat energy.
Since PicoSure was launched in 2012, there have been a number of other picosecond lasers being developed based on PicoSure Laser’s design. Most of these picolasers were developed in Korea and are advertised at cheap prices in Singapore, such as the now-infamous $88 picolaser treatments. The reason why PicoSure Laser can continue to command premium prices is backed by science- PicoSure Laser is the only picosecond laser utilising the 755nm wavelength, all other picolasers work on the 1064nm wavelength. The 755nm wavelength is ideal for the treatment of pigmentation as it has 50 times more affinity for melanin than blood (melanin: blood absorption coefficient), as compared to the 1064nm wavelength, which has a melanin :blood absorption coefficient of 16 times. The 755nm wavelength allows for more precise targeting of melanin pigment, while sparing the surrounding blood vessels. The 755nm wavelength of PicoSure Laser helps the doctor give better and faster treatment results with less pinpoint bleeding and redness after treatment.
In summary, PicoSure Laser delivers faster treatment results with less downtime, hence the higher price
Since PicoSure Laser obtained US FDA approval in 2012, it has been clinically validated all over the world, with over 80 published peer-reviewed clinical studies supporting the safety and effectiveness. With a track record of over 10 years, PicoSure Laser is regarded as the picosecond laser of choice for academic medical centres (such as Singapore’s National Skin Centre) as well as results-driven medical clinics. Amongst doctors, PicoSure Laser has been nicknamed the “Ferrari of lasers” for its performance that delivers. You won’t find the PicoSure laser at the mass market chain clinics due to the high cost of the laser device.
Guide to Laser Treatment at Bay Aesthetics Clinic
PicoSure Laser is used to treat:
3) Ageing skin
A detailed medical consultation and skin analysis with our doctors to develop a bespoke treatment protocol designed specifically for your skin’s needs.
To ensure a comfortable experience, a numbing cream is applied to the treatment area for ~20 minutes.
The PicoSure laser treatment takes 10 to 15 minutes, during which you will feel a snapping sensation, which most patients describe as a “rubber band feeling”, which is not painful.
To support the skin’s recovery and enhance your results, you may choose to include Dermalux LED Therapy (10–20 minutes) and an application of Calecim Stem cell serum after the treatment.
With minimal downtime, you can return to your daily activities immediately.
Avoid direct UV exposure for 1 week. Pause skincare products containing Vitamin C, Retinols, and Alpha/Beta Hydroxyl Acids for 5–7 days to prevent irritation.
Our team will provide detailed aftercare instructions for optimal healing and long-lasting results.
When it comes to treating pigmentation, the PicoSure Laser is nicknamed the “Ferrari of picolasers” for its reputation and performance. The key difference is the wavelength- PicoSure Laser utilises an Alexandrite Laser medium for the 755 nm laser wavelength- no other laser manufacturer has been able to reverse engineer this technology. All other picolasers use Nd-Yag (Neodymium Yttrium Aluminium Garnet) as a laser medium on the 1064nm wavelength. As explained above, the 755nm laser wavelength is the optimal wavelength for the treatment of pigmentation due to the precise targeting of melanin pigment. However, PicoSure technology doesn’t come cheap, and the cost of a PicoSure Laser can probably buy a real Ferrari sports car. Hence, you won’t see clinics using PicoSure Laser offering $88 picolaser treatments.
Both PicoSure Laser and fractional CO2 laser can be used to treat acne scars. PicoSure Laser has less downtime and has less risk of complications such as infection or hyperpigmentation as compared to fractional CO2 Laser; hence is the preferred laser for treating acne scars in darker skin types. While PicoSure Laser works well for superficial to moderate acne scars, deeper acne scars will still require the more powerful fractional CO2 laser treatment.
PicoSure Laser treatments are generally safe and considered a low-risk treatment, with many working professionals doing PicoSure Laser during their lunch break.
Rarely, pigmentation may become worse after Picosure Laser treatment (eg Melasma flare up), which occurs due to a variety of factors (suboptimal post-laser care, UV exposure, melasma triggers, etc). When used to treat tattoos, patients may develop blisters and scabbing due to the high laser power required.
The full effects of PicoSure Laser treatment are seen after 3-4 treatments. Expect natural, subtle results- this will not change your appearance too drastically but instead leave your skin looking refreshed and rejuvenated. After the initial 5-6 treatments done once a month, it is recommended to perform PicoSure treatments every 2 months to maintain the results. Due to healthcare advertising regulations, before and after photos of patients cannot be displayed publicly, but will be shown during the consultation. To see our portfolio of cases, contact us.
Picosure Laser treatment is not painful, and the results can be seen after 3-5 treatments. We know because we have tried it on ourselves! It is one of the most popular treatments at Bay Aesthetics Clinic for a good reason! Read here for more PicoSure Laser reviews.
At Bay Aesthetics Clinic and Medical Spa, Medical Directors Dr Bernard Tan and Dr Hoe Ying Min are both experienced doctors with over 20 years of combined experience and thousands of patients. With their steady hands, deep knowledge of aesthetic medicine and a keen eye for beauty, they have accumulated a loyal following of regular patients. A high volume of PicoSure Laser treatments are performed at Bay Aesthetics Clinic- 2000 treatments and 10 Million Laser shots in the past 12 months! (Based on machine servicing data). PicoSure Laser usually attracts discerning and well-researched clients who are willing to pay more for quality treatments in a reputable clinic. Ultimately, the value proposition of PicoSure Laser is that of a clinically proven treatment with faster results and less downtime.
To see our portfolio of PicoSure Laser before and after cases (real patients with real results!). Please contact us.
The laser treatment takes 10-15 minutes, with a topical anaesthetic applied for 15-20 minutes before. This can be done as a lunchtime treatment
Skin will be mildly red and tight for 1-2 days. Unlike other lasers, there will not be any peeling or flaking.
Clients are advised to avoid sun exposure for a week and to use post-laser recovery skincare. Retinols, AHAs/BHAs and Vitamin C serums should be stopped for 3 days prior to and 7 days after a treatment.
Most clients see an improvement after 2-3 treatments, with significant results after 4-6 treatments.
