What is Pico Laser?
Pico Laser isn’t tied to a specific brand or machine; it’s a category of laser technology. The term “Pico” denotes its ability to emit laser beams in extremely short bursts, measured in picoseconds.
This innovative laser technology boasts an extraordinarily brief pulse duration, lasting mere picoseconds (10-12 seconds), equivalent to a trillionth of a second, while generating impressively high-power energy, reaching up to 1.8 GW. It operates across various wavelengths—532nm, 755nm, and 1064nm—capable of precisely targeting damaged melanocytes at different skin depths. Consequently, it offers a safe and efficient solution for various pigmentation issues.
Initially recognized for tattoo removal, the inaugural Picosecond laser utilized for pigmentation removal was the 755nm Alexandrite laser. Subsequent advancements saw manufacturers adapting the design of their nanosecond 532nm and 1064nm Nd YAG lasers—originally operating with a pulse duration of 10-9 seconds or a billionth of a second—to produce picosecond pulses.
The Alexandrite picosecond laser delivers distinctive therapeutic effects. Leveraging high peak power and ultra-short pulse duration, Pico Lasers excel in breaking down melanin into significantly smaller particles compared to nanosecond lasers, thus enhancing pigmentation elimination efficiency.
With a pulse rate 100 times shorter than nanosecond lasers, Pico Lasers harness more photoacoustic (sound) energy to target pigmentation while minimizing thermal energy. Consequently, the drastically shorter pulse duration reduces the risk of skin overheating and subsequent hyperpigmentation.
Research indicates that these lasers emit energies at picosecond frequencies, selectively targeting melanin pigments while safeguarding adjacent tissues from thermal damage.
Moreover, Pico Lasers yield faster and more effective results, necessitating fewer treatment sessions.
How Pico Laser Works on Your Skin
Pico Laser technology works by precisely targeting pigmented areas on the skin, offering a fast and effective solution while stimulating elastin production, enhancing the skin’s softness and youthful look.
This advanced technology directs ultra-short laser light pulses at specific areas, effectively breaking down skin pigments without significantly heating surrounding skin cells, unlike the longer pulses used in nanosecond lasers. The disintegrated pigments are then naturally eliminated by the body’s lymphatic system over time, improving the skin’s appearance.
The exceptional precision of Pico Laser allows for the efficient use of photoacoustic energy, ensuring outstanding results without damaging the skin’s surface layer. This precision and the laser’s gentle impact mean treatments are comfortable, with patients experiencing little to no discomfort.
Pico Laser is adept at creating Laser Induced Optical Breakdown (LIOB), a process that promotes deep dermal rejuvenation through a non-thermal, photomechanical effect. This is particularly beneficial for treating acne scars, thanks to the technology’s ability to induce deep dermal cavitation without harming the skin.
