Fractional Pico Laser Acne Scars
Fractional pico laser is currently US FDA cleared for the treatment of acne scars. Demonstrating a high degree of safety, tolerability and moderate efficacy, fractional pico laser for acne scars is safe in all skin types.
Who is suitable for Fractional Pico Laser treatments?
Mild to moderate atrophic acne scarring where the desire for low downtime is more socially acceptable.
Acne scarring in darker skin types with or without concurrent pigmentation concerns such as Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentaion (PIH).
How does Fractional Pico Laser for Acne Scars 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, thus minimising collateral damage. The tissue effects centers on a phenomenon known as Laser Induced Optical Breakdown (LIOB). Basically, small cavities are created 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!
How long is the recovery time for Fractional Pico Laser for Acne Scars?
Although recovery in most instances is a few days, you may experience a longer recovery where more intense treatment is needed for more stubborn acne scars.
Common post procedure effects include temporary redness, swelling, itchiness, dryness, acne, small pin point bleeding and tingling. Hyperpigmentation with fractional pico lasers is significantly lesser compared to fractional CO2 laser treatments.
Who is not suitable for treatment?
- Infected skin
- Open skin wounds
- Active acne
Are Pico laser treatments painful?
Most treatments are tolerated well. A tingling sensation is commonly felt. We use numbing cream prior to your treatment to maximise comfort and experience.
How soon can I see results?
Depending on the type of condition treated, you may notice early results after the first treatment session.
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 fractional pico laser treatment.
How many Fractional Pico Laser sessions are needed?
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.
How do I take care of my skin after treatment?
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.
How much does Fractional Pico Laser Acne scars treatment cost?
Fractional pico laser acne scars treatment depend on the size of treatment area and taking into consideration your medical and treatment history. A consultation and assessment of your acne scar type, scar depth and skin type are factors we take in account when advising the costs of the treatment.
Treatments are from $450 onwards.
More Information:
Picocare 450 – Picosecond Nd:YAG laser
References:
- Bernstein EF, Schomacker KT, Basilavecchio LD, PlugisJM, Bhawalkar JD. Treatment of acne scarring with a novelfractionated, dual wavelength, picosecond domain laser in–corporating a novel holographic beam splitter. Lasers SurgMed 2017;49(9):796–802.
- Brauer JA, Kazlouskaya V, Alabdulrazzaq H, et al. Use of apicosecond pulse duration laser with specialized optic fortreatment of facial acne scarring. JAMA Dermatol2015;151(3):278–284.
- Chayavichitsilp P, Limtong P, Triyangkulsri K, Pra–tumchart N. Comparison of fractional neodymium dopedyttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) 1064nm picosecondlaser and fractional 1550nm erbium fiber laser in facialacne scar treatment. Lasers Med Sci 2019;35:695–700.
- ang CS, Huang YL, Cheng CY, Hu S, Chang SL, Lee MC. Aprospective study of fractionated dualwavelength pico–second laser in treating acne scar. Lasers Surg Med 2020.
