Conditions
Picosecond Laser Skin Rejuvenation
Picosecond laser technology is among the newest laser skin resurfacing technologies on the market. A leader in laser skin resurfacing therapies, Dermatology Associates of Plymouth Meeting is proud to offer the Discovery Pico laser for patients who will benefit from picosecond laser technology. For patients interested in tattoo removal, wrinkle reversal or acne scar remedies, picosecond laser skin rejuvenation is likely a smart choice.
What is Picosecond?
Picosecond laser skin rejuvenation is FDA-approved for laser treatment of pigment—most notably, tattoos. Picosecond technology refers to the rate at which laser energy is delivered to the skin. In this case, a laser beam at a specified energy level is delivered within a picosecond (one trillionth of a second). This is an extremely rapid rate of laser beam delivery which essentially remodels the skin and triggers an intense collagen production response. The best part of picosecond laser skin rejuvenation is the limited downtime and is safe for all skin types. Patients only experience a few hours of pink, sensitive skin after treatment.
Dermatology Associates of Plymouth Meeting uses the Pico Discovery laser made by Quanta. This laser goes beyond conventional picosecond lasers by combining the highest power possible with more wavelengths and treatment modes. The strength and precision of the Discovery Pico laser make it possible to achieve optimum outcomes in fewer sessions—saving patients time and money while delivering amazing results.
Emerging Option for Tattoo Removal
We all have things in our past we’d like to erase. For many of us, this includes one or more tattoos. Luckily, picosecond laser technology makes it possible to remove body ink faster and more effectively than ever before. If you are considering laser tattoo removal, it is important to keep in mind that not all lasers for tattoo removal are created equally. The colors of your tattoo matter, as well as how deep the ink is embedded. Not all tattoo removal devices have the wavelengths that can target the full spectrum of pigment colors. Removing light blue and green pigments are notoriously difficult. Our Discovery Pico laser can effectively treat all tattoo colors and do so precisely and evenly—reducing the discomfort and recovery time often associated with laser tattoo removal. The expert skill level of our board-certified dermatologist and laser expert, Dr. Thomas Griffin, at Dermatology Associates of Plymouth Meeting combined with the Pico Discovery laser can result in the best possible laser tattoo removal outcome with the best possible experience.
Improve Acne Scarring
Effective treatment of acne scars remains a major challenge, but picosecond laser therapy makes it easier. We know how psychologically debilitating acne scars and pockmarks can be for our patients, which is why we are excited to offer picosecond laser therapy to help reduce the appearance of acne scars, and in some cases, erase them completely. The Discovery Pico laser uses revolutionary technology to trigger the production of new skin cells that will replace the older scar tissues. As new skin cells form, acne scars and pockmarks will gradually fade away as the damaged tissues are naturally replaced. This is different from the typical treatment for acne scarring, which is a fractional ablative laser (although we have this option as well). These lasers are rougher on the skin and work by removing layers of skin to even out its tone, which can take up to a month to heal. The picosecond laser does not remove parts of the skin and thus results in a faster, less painful healing process. For patients who are unable to take time off from work for healing, the picosecond laser may be a better option. Patients who undergo picosecond laser therapy for acne scars will experience very little, if any downtime or discomfort, and depending on the severity of scarring, multiple appointments may be recommended.
Wrinkle Reversal
Picosecond laser therapy works for wrinkle reversal by using an add-on to the Pico Discovery laser that redistributes the picosecond beam into hundreds of microbeams to smooth the skin. It is a relatively painless procedure that does not require any downtime. It works to reverse wrinkles in two ways. First, it drives vigorous collagen remodeling due to the effect of the laser on the skin and the ablation of tissue. Second, it creates microscopic holes in the skin that do not immediately close, which allows cosmeceuticals, vitamins, growth factors or other topical compounds to penetrate deep into the dermis. Picosecond laser therapy treatments are completely customizable based on your goals. You can opt to receive treatment more gently over the course of multiple sessions, or for faster results, you may choose to receive fewer, more aggressive treatments. Either choice will still result in rapid healing and low downtime.
Achieving the Skin of Your Dreams
Whether you need to have tattoos removed, reverse acne scars or reduce signs of aging, Dermatology Associates of Plymouth Meeting is here to help you achieve your goals. We offer many other technologies for skin rejuvenation that, when combined with picosecond laser therapy, produce optimal results. As a leader in laser skin resurfacing, we also offer Q-Switched laser resurfacing and Halo. There are similar therapies to picosecond laser therapy that may be a better option for you depending on the severity of your skin issues and your goals. You may also be an excellent candidate for BroadBand Light Therapy (BBL), the world’s most powerful intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment.
When you visit our office for your initial consult, your pre-existing conditions will be assessed for free via the Canfield VISIA Camera System, which provides our dermatologists with an in-depth view of your skin and the ability to foresee potential skin problems. After a thorough review of your skin issues and goals, we will work together with you to develop a customized plan to achieve your healthiest skin possible.
Schedule your appointment at Dermatology Associates of Plymouth Meeting for more information on how picosecond laser therapy can remove tattoos and improve your skin. We are eager to develop a customized plan to help you achieve healthier, clearer skin.