We all have skin issues – either acne scars or pigmentation that we want to resolve. And most of us want to treat it quickly without spending years trying out creams or medications. Although expecting fast results might be unrealistic for some cases, there are many treatment options available in this day and age.
One of the most popular options for treatment for both acne scars, pigmentation, and even tattoos are lasers. Lasers come in different shapes and forms and have been used in aesthetic medicine for a long time but just like any technology lasers also have developed over time. One of the newest and more effective types of laser utilized in aesthetic clinics like Cambridge Medical is the Pico Laser.
What is Pico Laser?
Compared to traditional lasers that use thermal energy to treat darker spots on your skin, the pico laser uses very fast energy to penetrate the skin safely. That’s why with traditional lasers you can get damage to your surrounding tissue, while with the picosecond laser that risk is minimal.
Is it effective for tattoos?
The Pico Laser is one of the most effective treatments for tattoo removals out there. The reason why the pico laser is more effective on tattoos than traditional lasers is because of its technology. As being said, the pico laser uses a shorter pulse duration than older lasers. That allows for the laser to penetrate into the skin and break up the ink particles more effectively without damaging surrounding tissue. After treatment, the ink is absorbed into the body naturally.
Can the Pico Laser remove color pigments?
That can be a hard question to answer because it all depends on the type of pigments used. However, according to one study in which the researchers compared the pico laser to traditional lasers, they discovered that red, yellow and orange pigments cleared up to 100% with the picosecond laser. Tattoos with black ink can also be reduced up to 75% using the pico laser. It usually takes up to 10 treatments to see visible results.
How do I decide on what type of laser should I use?
It’s best to talk to a dermatologist during your consultation and ask any questions you have on mind. Your dermatologist will ask you about your skin concern. They will determine the best way to treat it, and that might not have to include lasers at all.
That being said, if you’re particularly interested in the pico laser, you’d have to know that it works best with tattoo removals and acne scars. A lot of dermatologists use it for pigmentation as well, and it proves to be effective and safe for people who have pigmentation issues as well.
When can I see the results of tattoo removal using Pico Laser?
Most patients see visible fading after the second treatment but it can take up to 10 treatments to actually see your tattoo fade significantly. The good news is that patients can see up to 90% improvement in their tattoo removal using the pico laser.
That being said, keep in mind that treatments should be separated for at least 3 weeks apart so that your skin can recover from the last session.
How can I choose a doctor to perform pico laser treatment in Singapore?
The most important thing you have to know is that only dermatologists and licensed, registered medical professionals are allowed to perform treatments with Pico laser in Singapore. So if you see any spas or hair salons claiming to perform laser treatments stay away from them.
Also, lasers can be quite dangerous in the hands-on unqualified hands, so please do your best efforts to find a certified doctor to treat your issue.
Are there any side effects?
Like any medical procedure, even the pico laser can have some side effects. Most patients note skin redness which usually disappears after a couple of days. Your skin will fully recover from the session in 1 to 2 days for acne scars, and for tattoo removal is can be up to 7 days.
With lasers, there’s also the risk of getting hyperpigmentation but luckily that risk is minimal with the pico laser.
What else can I treat with Pico Laser?
You can treat a lot of skin issues with the pico laser including acne scarring, pigmentation and even wrinkles.
The pico laser is one of the most effective methods to get rid of any unwanted pigmentation such as sun spots, freckles, melasma and so on. The laser is effective because it can penetrate deep into the skin, break down the melanin, all without damaging any surrounding area. The results from pico laser treatment are long-lasting and appear quickly – most patients see improvement in their second session.
As for acne scarring – the pico laser treatment is also an effective way to deal with that stubborn issue. The laser works by penetrating into the skin and promoting collagen production which fills up the scars and after a couple of sessions smoother skin is revealed. Most patients need around 4 sessions to see the desired effect.
What about the cost of Pico Lasers in Singapore?
Laser treatment is definitely not cheap. A session of pico laser treatment can be anywhere between 300$ to 1000$. The fee usually depends on the severity of the issue, the complexity of the issue, the size of the affected area and the doctor’s fee.