pico fractional laser acne scars

    Fractional Pico Laser Acne Scars Treatment

    Clinically proven and safe treatment for your acne scars

    Fractional Pico Laser is FDA-approved for acne scar resurfacing with minimal downtime.

    • Resurfaces Acne Scars
    • Effective Pore Reduction
    • Skin Rejuvenation
    • Skin Tightening and Lifting
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    acne scars treatment

    What is Fractional PICO Laser Acne Scars Treatment?

    Fractional PICO laser is FDA-approved for acne scar resurfacing.  Fractional PICO lasers utlizes a special handpiece with micro-lens array (MLA) that splits the laser beam into small but concentrated microbeams, thus limiting damage to the surrounding skin. The absorption of microthermal energy within your skin initiates a plasma reaction and a cascade of healing events. It resurfaces your skin from within by stimulating collagen growth, elastin formation and dermal remodelling. Demonstrating a high degree of safety, tolerability and efficacy, the fractional pico laser for acne scars is safe for all skin types.  

    OUR APPROACH TO ACNE SCARS

    HOW DOES DR.NG TREAT ACNE SCARS?

    Every single case of acne scar is unique and everyone is treated individually based on your acne scar morphology, scar type and your treatment goals. With a carefully planned patient-tailored combination approach, this will lead to more significant improvements in your acne scar appearance. Drawing upon the latest acne scar techniques coupled with his wealth of experience, Dr. Ng will help craft a personalised treatment plan for you to help repair your acne scars and restore your skin.

    Effective for hyperpigmented and atrophic acne scars

    pico laser is safer in darker skin types with lesser risk of pih

    reduced pain and downtime when compared to ablative lasers

    pico laser acne scars treatment
    Fractional Pico laser acne scars procedure (for illustration only)

    Is it suitable for me?

    Your acne scar treatment plan must take into account the acne scar morphology, scar depth, surrounding skin condition, medical history and past treatment histories. In most cases, where acne scars are a mixed type, we may recommend procedures such as TCA CROSS, subcision, fillers and/or lasers and energy based devices. There is not a single modality or device that will treat all types of mix acne scarring.

    However, for individuals with mild to moderate atrophic acne scarring where the desire for low downtime is more socially acceptable, fractional picosecond laser treatment is an option.

    Fractional pico laser treatment for acne scars is also suitable for darker skin phototypes IV to VI. The unwanted risks of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is mitigated by fractionated microbeams that causes little surrounding tissue damage.

    Cavities (red arrows) from Laser induced optical breakdown

    How does it Work?

    Picosecond laser treatments emit high laser power and ultra short laser pulses (450 picosecond). Did you know that a picosecond is a trillionth of a second? These ultra short pulses create a photomechanical (or photoacoustic) effect without heating up too much of the surrounding skin (photothermal effect). This is reduces downtime and scarring post procedure, and is safer in darker skin types.

    Fractional pico laser treatments allow higher peak energies to be concentrated on laser micro-beams (diffractive lens array), thus minimising collateral damage. The tissue effects centers on a phenomenon known as Laser Induced Optical Breakdown (LIOB).  Basically, optical breakdown of  dermal tissue creates small cavities underneath the skin, whereupon natural healing responds by stimulating new collagen and elastin formation. 

    Atrophic acne scars are the consequence of loss of collagen underneath the skin. Fractional pico lasers for acne scars deliver ultra short pulses beneath the skin to stimulate collagen and elastin, without compromising the outermost skin layer (the stratum corneum). Transformation, regeneration and strengthening of your skin begins from within!

    Fractional Picosecond Laser Difference:

    • FDA-approved
    • Fast and ultrashort pulses
    • Faster healing times. Minimal discomfort.
    • Lower risks of Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)
    • Safe for all skin phototypes
    • Improves scar quality, skin tone and skin texture
    • Adjuvant treatment to other acne scar procedures
    tca cross acne scars ice pick scars
    Mixed Atrophic Acne Scars

    The Evidence for Picosecond laser for acne scars

    A literature review of meta-analysis, retrospective reviews,  and randomised comparison trial show fractional picosecond lasers to be safe and effective for mild to moderate acne scarring. Individuals with darker skin type are better candidates for treatment due to the lower risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

    what are the other acne scar treatments

    The wide variety patients presenting with acne scarring of mixed types requires a patient-tailored combination approach. This may include lasers, subcision, TCA CROSS, excisions for deep scars and filler treatment. An acne scar treatment plan is based on multiple factors that is unique to the individual:

    • Scar type
    • Skin phototype 
    • Pre-existing condition e.g. keloid scarring
    • Historical treatments and response to it
    • Tolerance to pain and downtime

    Releases deep tethered scars within the skin. A variety of approaches is used but a blunt cannula method allows minimal tissue trauma and therefore shorter downtime.

    Fractional lasers or energy-based devices such as Pico fractional laser, INFINI and Genius helps to induce collagen synthesis through a natural wound healing process. The newer microneedling RF treatments such as the Genius is able to deliver precise energy within the skin while sparing the epidermis, making treatments safer and healing times faster.

    Injectable filler treatments such as Hyaluronic acid, Profhilo and Rejuran S elevate scars by restoring volume loss and stimulation of wound healing.

    Vascular lasers improve redness and inflammation on the skin. It is useful for post-inflammatory erythema, rosacea, active acne and facial veins. 

    An alternative to TCA CROSS for deeper ice pick scars is punch excision. A specialised circular blade is used to surgically remove the deep scars and the wound is sutured together. After 5-7 days, the sutures are removed, and the deep scar is converted to a liner scar which can then be lasered to improve its appearance. 

    Keloid scars may result from untreated acne. Keloids are commonly found on the jawline, shoulders and chest. When they cause pain, itch or discomfort, injection steroids help to relieve these symptoms and improve the appearance of your keloids.

    Your active acne needs to be managed first before we can start acne scar treatments. With proper treatment, your acne can be managed effectively. Early intervention in the management of acne scars is recommended for better outcomes.

    Most treatments are tolerated well. A tingling sensation is commonly felt. We use numbing cream prior to your treatment to maximise comfort and experience.

    Common post procedure effects include temporary redness, swelling, itchiness, dryness, acne, small pin point bleeding and tingling. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) with fractional pico lasers is significantly lower when compared to fractional CO2 laser treatments.

    Although recovery in most instances is within a week you may experience a longer recovery when more intense treatment is needed.

    For acne scar resurfacing, wound healing occurs within weeks after your first treatment. Collagen and elastin fibers continue to form and restructure months later. The improve of acne scar appearance continues months after your last fractional pico laser treatment.

    For mild to moderate acne scarring, we recommend an average of 4 fractional pico laser sessions. Treatments are carried out at intervals of 4-6 weeks.

    A gentle cleanser and moisturizers are advisable to keep skin clean and hydrated. You may be prescribed a topical antibiotic to minimize the risk of infections. Stay away from direct and prolonged sunlight, and protect yourself by using a sunscreen (SPF 50 and PA+++).

    Avoid exfoliants, AHA/BHA and retinoids for at least one week after your procedure to avoid unwanted skin irritation.

    Although the clinical data remains limited, there are a number and emerging reports of the utility of fractional pico lasers for non-acne scar types. These may include hyperpigmented scars post-burns, surgery or trauma. In addition, there may be benefits in the treatment of atrophic, hypertrophic scars and striae alba (stretch marks).

    It is important to talk to your doctor regarding off-label treatments in order to assess your suitability for the procedure.

    schedule a consultation for acne scar treatment in singapore

    We treat a range of acne and acne scars at both our clinics in Woodlands and Kovan. Contact us today to schedule a consultation, so Dr. Ng can develop a personalized treatment approach for resolving your skin concerns and helping you to achieve long-term improvements in the health and appearance of your skin.

    Request a CallBack

    Get in touch with us with any questions, pricing, or bookings.

    Or give us a call at +65 6769 6007 | WhatsApp us +65 9855 3022

    More Information:

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    Genius RF Acne Scars
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    Pico Laser for Pigmentation
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    Acne Clinic
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    References:
    1. Bernstein EF, Schomacker KT, Basilavecchio LD, Plugis JM, Bhawalkar JD. Treatment of acne scarring with a novel fractionated, dual wavelength, picosecond domain laser in-corporating a novel holographic beam splitter. Lasers SurgMed 2017;49(9):796–
    2. Brauer JA, Kazlouskaya V, Alabdulrazzaq H, et al. Use of a picosecond pulse duration laser with specialized optic for treatment of facial acne scarring. JAMA Dermatol 2015;151(3):278–
    3. Chayavichitsilp P, Limtong P, Triyangkulsri K, Pratumchart N. Comparison of fractional neodymium doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) 1064nm picosecond laser and fractional 1550nm erbium fiber laser in facial acne scar treatment. Lasers Med Sci 2019;35:695–Tanghetti, E.A. (2016), The histology of skin treated with a picosecond alexandrite laser and a fractional lens array. Lasers Surg. Med., 48: 646-652. https://doi.org/10.1002/lsm.22540
    4. Yang CS, Huang YL, Cheng CY, Hu S, Chang SL, Lee MC. A prospective study of fractionated dualwavelength pico-second laser in treating acne scar. Lasers Surg Med 2020. https://doi.org/10.1002/lsm.23218.
    5. Wu, D.C., Goldman, M.P., Wat, H. and Chan, H.H. (2021), A Systematic Review of Picosecond Laser in Dermatology: Evidence and Recommendations. Lasers Surg Med, 53: 9-49. https://doi.org/10.1002/lsm.23244
    6. Dai YX, Chuang YY, Chen PY, Chen CC. Efficacy and safety of ablative resurfacing with a high‐energy 1,064 Nd‐YAG picosecond‐domain laser for the treatment of facial acne scars in Asians. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine. 2020 Jun;52(5):389-95.
    7. Li J, Duan F, Kuang J. Fractional picosecond laser for atrophic acne scars: A meta‐analysis. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2023 Jun 13.