FAQs

1. What is PicoLO?

PicoLO is a next generation, picosecond Nd:YAG laser with wavelengths of 1064nm and 532nm designed to treat pigmentation and perform tattoo removal, scar correction and skin rejuvenation. PicoLO utilises picosecond laser technology that delivers ultra-short bursts of energy to the skin in trillionths of a second. The PicoLO laser pulse is so fast and powerful that it changes the way the laser delivers energy to the targeted cells. It utilises photoacoustic impact to directly target skin blemishes, pigmented lesions, age spots, and tattoos, removing them without risking the damage which can occur with nanosecond lasers utilising photothermal (heat) energy. In other words, instead of using heat as previous generations of lasers did — and potentially causing damage to the skin — it impacts the targeted layer of skin like a shockwave. This makes it safer to use and capable of more precise applications than earlier generations of lasers.

2. How is PicoLO compared to other picosecond lasers?

PicoLO delivers energy at very high speed of picoseconds, with the strongest peak power of 1.3GW and stable pulse duration available. This means that the energy enters and leaves the skin more quickly than other picosecond lasers, minimising side effects, pain and damage to the skin. Its largest of the variable spot sizes allows for faster treatment times as well as reduces the number of sessions required to produce the desired effects on the skin.

3. What can PicoLO treat or be used for?

PicoLO can be used for a number of medical and aesthetic procedures such as the treatment of pigmentation disorders such as lentigo, melasma and freckles, reducing acne scars, fine lines and wrinkles, correcting scars, tightening pores, removing tattoos, and overall rejuvenation of the skin.

4. How many treatment sessions are needed?

As every patient is different, he or she should discuss his or her goals with the physician who will then recommend a customised treatment programme. The frequency of treatments can be adjusted as treatments progress.

5. Is the treatment painful?

Patients rarely feel discomfort and the treatment can be performed without local anesthesia. However, if a patient is sensitive to pain, a topical anaesthetic can be applied to the treatment area prior to the procedure.

6. Is there a downtime after a PicoLO treatment?

There is minimal to no downtime after a PicoLO treatment. Patients might experience slight swelling or redness on the treated areas but that should disappear within a few hours. Patients should avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight for a few days after treatment and should always be sure to apply sunscreen. Healthy lifestyle choices such as a healthy diet, regular exercise and a proper skincare regimen will help you to get the most from the treatment.

7. Are there any contraindications?

PicoLO is not suitable for patients who:

a. are hypersensitive to light in the near infrared wavelength,

b. take medication which is known to increase the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight,

c. have seizure disorders triggered by light,

d. take or have taken oral isotretinoin, such as Accutane, within the last six months, although it’s acceptable for a patient on a low dose (0.25mg/kg wt) to undergo the treatment

e. have a significant systemic illness such as lupus or an illness localised in area being treated,

f. have common acquired melanocytic nevi

g. are predisposed to the development of malignant melasma,

h. have herpes simplex in the area being treated,

i. have shingles in the area being treated,

j. are receiving or have received gold therapy (metal threads), and

k. are pregnant or breastfeeding (lactating)

8. How long will the results last?

For the treatment of atrophic and hypertrophic scarring, the results are permanent. A patient’s age and lifestyle can have an impact on the longevity of PicoLO anti-ageing and rejuvenating treatments. After the initial round of treatments, it is recommended to undergo touch-up treatments every six months of so.