Discovery Pico Laser
Pico Laser Treatment Los Angeles, California
Rejuvenate your skin with cutting-edge Pico laser treatments at DSC. The Discovery Pico laser is a powerful FDA-cleared laser that can remodel collagen and elastin, is gentle enough for laser toning facials, and can treat pigmentation, birthmarks, acne scars, enlarged pores, wrinkles, and even tattoos. This Pico laser is highly versatile with three wavelengths that can be set to picosecond or Q-switch (nanosecond) settings. Gentle enough for laser toning facials but also powerful enough for laser tattoo removal and birthmark treatment, the Discovery Pico laser is suitable for all skin types.
Pico lasers are considered cutting-edge laser technology because of two primary mechanisms of action: the photoacoustic/photomechanical effect and light induced optical breakdown. Pulse duration, or the time needed to deliver one pulse of laser energy, is a highly important factor to consider when it comes to laser treatments. Traditional lasers with wavelengths comparable to Pico lasers feature millisecond or nanosecond pulse duration. A picosecond is 1*10^-12 seconds, which is 1/1000th of a nanosecond (1*10^-9 seconds). Delivery of laser energy in such short bursts minimizes thermal exposure in surrounding tissue and unwanted side effects by association. This makes Pico lasers an excellent option to treat pigmented lesions, especially in skin types IV and up, which are more prone to hyper- or hypopigmentation.
Pico lasers also have a unique effect, known as the photoacoustic effect, wherein they mechanically disrupt skin instead of relying on bulk heating (photothermolysis) to induce change. Mechanical disruption makes Pico lasers the premier choice for laser tattoo removal. When laser energy is delivered in picosecond bursts, tissue temperature spikes and drops so rapidly that the resulting thermal expansion converts to acoustic shockwaves, “shattering” targeted tissue instead of damaging it with heat. Treatments are characterized by loud “snapping” sounds as the laser fires. The photoacoustic effect means tattoo ink is broken down more effectively, which reduces discomfort, downtime, and the number of necessary treatments. By the same principle, a Pico laser can also treat various birthmarks, such as Nevus of Ota or cafe au lait spots.
Light induced optical breakdown, or LIOB, is another principle of Pico laser treatment and has a broad range of skin rejuvenation effects. In a fractional setting, the Discovery Pico laser creates microscopic treatment zones rather than targeting the entirety of the skin’s surface. This concentrates laser energy in the treatment zones, allowing for deeper penetration into the dermis and the creation of plasma vacuoles. The rapid creation, expansion, and subsequent collapse (cavitation) of these plasma vacuoles creates tiny lesions in the skin that stimulate collagen production and kickstart skin remodeling. Fractional laser treatments have reduced downtime in comparison to fully ablative laser treatments since surrounding tissue is spared. This makes the Discovery Pico an excellent laser treatment for wrinkles, enlarged pores, photoaging, acne scars, collagen synthesis, and overall skin rejuvenation.
Ready to transform your skin with a Discovery Pico laser treatment? The Discovery Pico laser can treat a wide range of skin concerns on all skin types. Laser tattoo removal, acne scar improvement, wrinkle reduction, and pigmentation treatment – the Discovery Pico laser can do it all. Minimize downtime and maximize results with a Discovery Pico laser treatment!
Before and After
FAQ’s
What is a Pico laser treatment like?
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Topical numbing may be applied before treatment as needed. For laser toning treatments, no numbing is necessary because the sensation of the laser is warm but very comfortable. Metal goggles will be placed over the eyes to protect the eyes from laser light during treatment. For treatments close to, or around the eye, a metal eye shield may be placed in the eye, similar to a contact lens, in lieu of the goggles. Treatment feels and sounds like the snapping of a rubber band. For more ablative treatments, cooling is done during and post-treatment to calm skin.
How many Pico laser treatments do I need?
Because the Discovery Pico laser has such a wide range of applications, the number of treatments needed depends on a variety of factors, namely: what the treatment is for, skin type, and initial skin condition. For laser tattoo removal, the number of treatments depends on the size of the tattoo, the colors used, and the condition & depth of the tattoo. Bright ink colors like reds and greens generally need more treatments than black or dark blue ink. Generally, several treatments may be necessary to fully clear tattoos. At DSC, we also recommend sectioning large tattoos into separate treatment sessions to reduce complications while healing. Similar principles may apply for treatment of birthmarks, such as Nevus of Ota or Hori Nevus.
For skin rejuvenation, pore refinement, acne scars, or pigmentation treatments, we generally recommend at least five to six treatments, depending on severity of condition, four weeks apart. Melasma dyspigmentation requires a highly regimented treatment, and can require anywhere from three to ten or more treatments. Different presentations of acne scarring may require adjunctive treatments in combination with Pico laser.
For individual questions, feel free to schedule a complimentary consultation with our expert consultants!
How soon can I be retreated?
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In general, we recommend four weeks between treatments. For laser toning treatments or select melasma pigmentation cases, we may recommend retreatment as soon as three weeks apart. Because results can take several weeks or months to be apparent for acne scar treatment or laser tattoo removal, we may recommend anywhere between four to eight weeks between treatments. Each case is individualized and may be slightly different.
Is there any downtime?
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Downtime will depend on treatment type and settings. For a Pico laser toning facial, there is no downtime. There may be a little pinkness that will fade within several minutes of treatment completion.
For more ablative treatments, such as for laser tattoo removal or acne scar treatment, the healing process can take several days as the skin scabs and heals. There may be swelling, redness, oozing, and pinpoint bleeding immediately post-treatment. Individual metabolism, autoimmune conditions, and lifestyle will influence how long this process takes, which can be anywhere from a few days to ten or more days. Generally, the stronger a treatment is or the larger the treated area is, the longer the downtime.
What to do to prepare for a Pico laser treatment?
Avoid sun exposure, illness, and vaccinations for a minimum of two weeks prior to laser treatment. Reschedule treatment while cold sores are active until after they have healed. Daily use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen will ensure best treatment results. It is recommended to use a quarter teaspoon of sunscreen on the face and neck for each application, with reapplication as necessary. Discontinue use of active topicals (e.g. retinoids, chemical exfoliants like AHA’s, pigment-inhibiting products) a few days before treatment to reduce chance of skin irritation.
What aftercare do I need?
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As with all laser treatments, proper aftercare will ensure the best results. Avoid steam, sauna, and exposure to very hot water for 24 hours post-treatment to prevent risk of heat-induced blistering. This is advised regardless of treatment intensity. Avoid sun exposure and discontinue use of active topicals, exfoliants, and any potentially irritating skincare products (e.g. vitamin C, retinoids, pigment-inhibiting products) for a few days pre- AND post-treatment. A gentle cleanser, bland moisturizer, and broad-spectrum SPF are recommended for use post-treatment as necessary. Products to reduce irritation like hydrocortisone or to speed up wound healing can be used as needed. Specifics will be discussed pre- and post-treatment by DSC providers.
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Client’s Testimonials
A Bit of Our Trusted Reviews
“First time laser treatment here! Great service and knowledgable staff. Highly recommend people who are looking for any beauty service. The front desk is very friendly!”
- Winnie Y., Pasadena, CA
“Went in so I can check out the laser treatments offered. I asked alot of questions and tried to side track the consultation lady but she seemed to know what she was talking about. I ended up going with an acne facial first then I will have laser treatments for my mild acne spots.”
- Mommy S.Azusa, CA
“Went in so I can check out the laser treatments offered. I asked alot of questions and tried to side track the consultation lady but she seemed to know what she was talking about. I ended up going with an acne facial first then I will have laser treatments for my mild acne spots.”
