Pico Toning

Pico toning

Features of pico toning

01 | Little downtime

Because the laser is used at low power, heavy scabbing is unlikely, and most people can return to their daily routine straight after. There may be temporary redness or a warm feeling after treatment, which usually settles with time.

02 | Works on dullness across the whole face

The laser is applied to the whole face, not just individual spots. It works gradually on accumulated melanin, aiming for brighter, clearer-looking skin.

03 | Also used for melasma

Unlike ordinary spots, melasma can get worse with strong stimulation. Pico toning uses careful, low-power treatment, aiming to improve melasma. Depending on the condition of the melasma, laser treatment may not be recommended. The doctor decides whether it is suitable at the consultation.

04 | Also suited to regular skin maintenance

This treatment is not intended to clear spots in a single session. With repeated sessions, the overall tone of the skin is evened out little by little.

About the device

Device

PicoWay, made by Syneron Candela

Type

Picosecond laser (picosecond KTP / Nd:YAG laser)

Pulse duration

The laser fires in picoseconds (trillionths of a second) — shorter than the nanoseconds (billionths of a second) of the conventional Q-switched lasers traditionally used for tattoo treatment. Because each pulse is so short, less heat is produced; the treatment aims to raise peak power while keeping pain and strain on the skin down.

Wavelengths

It has three wavelengths — 532 nm, 730 nm and 1064 nm — which are used according to the colour and depth of the pigment.

Approval

Japanese medical device approval number 23000BZX00270000. The device is approved in Japan and by the U.S. FDA for the treatment of deep and superficial pigmented lesions of the skin and for tattoo removal.

Treatment time and what to expect

• Treatment timeAbout 15–20 minutes (whole face)
• AnaesthesiaMost people can have it without numbing cream
• Make-upAllowed straight after treatment
• Showering / face washingAllowed the same day
• DowntimeMild redness or warmth straight after treatment usually settles within a few hours
• Number of sessionsSeveral sessions, aiming for gradual improvement
• Next sessionOnce every 2–4 weeks (about once a month); at least 2 weeks apart

Aftercare

• Moisturise well on the day of treatment
• During the course of treatment, stop home peels and strong active skincare ingredients
• If you have melasma, keep avoiding rubbing your skin and keep protecting it from UV
• Use sunscreen and protect the area from UV thoroughly
• Do not pick off scabs
• Do not rub the treated area hard
• Avoid getting a suntan during the course of treatment
• On the day of treatment, avoid strenuous exercise, saunas and alcohol

Who cannot receive this treatment

We cannot treat you if any of the following apply

• You are pregnant or breastfeeding
• You have an infection, inflammation, herpes or a skin condition in the treatment area
• You tend to form keloids
• You are sensitive to light, or are taking a medicine that increases sensitivity to light
• You have epilepsy
• You have gold threads in the treatment area
• The treatment area is strongly suntanned or sunburnt

Depending on your health and any medicines you take, we may also ask you to postpone treatment for other reasons. The doctor decides whether the treatment is suitable for you at the consultation.

Side effects and risks

The main effects are mild redness, warmth and a prickling sensation straight after treatment. These usually settle the same day or by the next day. Rarely, darkening or loss of pigment, temporary worsening of melasma, dryness or fine scabs may occur. The change may not be sufficient even after repeated sessions.

* This is private (self-funded) treatment, not covered by insurance. Results vary from person to person and are not guaranteed.
* If you notice any symptoms that concern you, please contact the clinic promptly.