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15 Green Lane East, Remuera,  Auckland, New Zealand
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Monday - Friday: 7:30 am - 5:30 pm

Why choose this method?

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Utilising the latest Pico-second technology, Picoway is regarded as one of the best lasers in treating skin pigmentation, tattoo removal and provides minimal downtime treatment of acne scarring, improvement of skin tone, fine wrinkling, pore size, skin rejuvenation and addresses post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Mild and early acne scars can also be treated with Picoway. Picoway is the preferred laser treatment for rejuvenating darker skin types. Picoway laser treatments can clear pigmentation up to 10 times faster than treatments without lasers.

Treatment at a Glance

For

:

Pigment, skin rejuvenation, wrinkles, acne scarring

Procedure time

:

5-20 minutes

Duration of results

:

Years

Number of sessions

:

1-4 sessions

Recovery

:

0-4+ days

Anaesthetic

:

Topical anesthetic cream

Your specialist

:

Dermatologist, Laser nurse specialist

How much

:

$-$$

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Our results speaks for themselves (Before & After)
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After
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Pico Laser and how has it evolved over time?

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Picoway is a type of laser that is defined by its pulse duration. They are a type of laser used by dermatologists that provide short bursts of energy to target pigment without transferring heat to the skin. At Scars and Lasers, we have the Picoway by Candela. This laser offers much more power than its predecessor and includes many more usable wavelengths, including the 532, 730, 785, and 1064 nm, as well as fusion modes. With this system, we can effectively treat a wide range of skin conditions, such as pigmentation, fine lines, enlarged pores, age spots, birthmarks, and mild to early acne scarring. Picoway is safe for all skin types and can be used on both the face and body with minimal downtime.

What are the primary skin conditions that pico lasers can treat?

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Picoway is versatile and can effectively treat a variety of skin conditions. However, they excel in treating the following:

  • Picoway provides safe and effective skin rejuvenation, reducing pigment, improving wrinkles, minimizing open pores, and increasing skin luminosity.
  • Skin rejuvenation in darker skin types, such as those with Asian, Middle Eastern, Central and South American, or Islander skin. Picoway can improve dermal toning while reducing sun spots, background pigment, post-inflammatory pigmentation, and non-specific dyschromia (pigment).
  • Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) in all skin types, which can result from acne, dermatitis, burns, and other causes.

What is the recovery time associated with Picoway treatments?

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The recovery time following a Picoway treatment can vary depending on several factors, including the specific condition being treated and the laser settings utilised during the procedure. When treating birthmarks or acne scars, patients can typically expect a recovery time ranging from 3 to 6 days.

During a clinical examination, we will assess your specific case and provide you with an accurate estimate of the healing time frame that you can expect following a Picoway treatment.

Is Picoway painful during treatment?

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Pain varies depending on the condition being treated. We use topical anaesthetic cream for all picosecond patients.

Is it possible to wear makeup after a Picoway laser treatment, and are there any precautions or recommendations to keep in mind?

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After a picosecond laser treatment, it's best to avoid makeup for at least 48 hours. Some redness may be present on the treated area for 3 to 24 hours, and there may be temporary swelling and bruising depending on the treatment settings. You dermatologist / laser nurse will provide you with instructions on aftercare and any necessary downtime prior to the laser treatment.

What are the potential side effects of Picoway?

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While expected recovery outcomes are predictable and often necessary, there is a marked difference between those and unwanted side effects. For instance, broken skin and crusting may be an expected outcome when treating certain scars and birthmarks, but it would be considered a side effect when using Picoway for skin rejuvenation.

Some unwanted side effects of Picoway lasers include:

  • Prolonged healing, crusting, and bruising, particularly when using high settings.
  • Skin colour changes that last longer than 10 days, especially in patients with darker skin.
  • Acne-like spots and dots, also known as LIOBs, which typically fade within 2-6 days.
  • If you have a history of cold sores, prophylactic antivirals will be prescribed prior to treatment.
  • Scarring, although this is a very rare occurrence.

Can Picoway really treat acne scars?

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Picoway is effective in treating pigmentation, including pigmented acne scars, specifically grade 1 scars. If acne scars are red, a condition called post-inflammatory erythema (PIE), vascular lasers like Excel V, or V BEAM Perfecta, Laser Genesis, or BBL Hero, are the best options for treatment.

However, if the acne scars are brown, a condition called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, Picoway is appropriate for treatment.

In summary:

  • Picoway is effective in treating brown pigmented acne scars.
  • Other lasers and treatments are better at treating depressed acne scars.
  • Picoway can improve pore sizing and overall skin quality.

To determine if Picoway is appropriate for your specific acne scar type, please book an appointment with our clinical team at Scars and Lasers.

How long does it take for Picoway to work?

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The duration it takes for Picosecond lasers to work varies depending on the targeted area. Age spots and sunspots clear the quickest, usually within a few days to a week.

Below is an approximate timeline:

Pigmentation: Age spots typically require 1-2 sessions. You may begin to see a difference within 3-8 days, depending on the lesion and treatment settings.

Acne scars: Picosecond is useful for improving early or mild acne scars (less than 4 to 6 months old). The number of sessions required will depend on the extent of acne scars. Multiple sessions may be necessary to achieve optimal results.

Fine lines/Wrinkles/Skin rejuvenation: 1-3 sessions are required for best results, and it takes 3-8 weeks to see results. Best results are seen when collagen stimulation is maximal between week 12 and 16.

Enlarged pores: Most cases require 2-4 sessions, and results can be seen at 4 weeks. Maximal results are seen at 16 weeks.

Birthmarks: Picoway is marginally better than nanosecond lasers. CALM birthmarks, late onset Hori's, Ota, and other dermal melanosis can improve. However, this still requires between 2-12 sessions depending on the pathology.

How can you prepare for Picoway laser treatment?

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Laser treatment is a significant investment in terms of time, effort, and finances. To prepare for Picoway laser treatment, you should keep the following points in mind:

  • Make sure your dermatologist is certain about the depth and type of pigmentation or scars before treating them, as using incorrect settings can worsen the condition.
  • Prioritise sun protection by using SPF 50+ sunscreen twice a day, regardless of exposure. Using too little sunscreen will not be effective in protecting your skin.
  • Consider all available options to treat your skin condition. While Picosecond lasers may be the best choice for some, there may be faster, more cost-effective alternatives available for others.

Contact Our Friendly Staff

For all appointment enquiries, medical referrals and urgent enquiries please contact us at info@scarsandlasers.co.nz or (09) 524 5011.

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