Asking a dermatologist to choose their favorite laser is like asking a parent which child they love the most, but WA dermatologist Wm. Philip Werschler, MD is ready to label the “game-changing” PicoLO Premium as “incredibly versatile, delivering a combination of outcomes within a single treatment”—and that’s just for starters.
What are some of the big reasons you like using this laser?
“The laser comes with an amazing array of handpieces with which I perform rejuvenation treatments; including quickly and effectively treating benign pigmented lesions as well as all types of scars, including acne scars. The highly unique 1064nm fractional handpiece allows me to selectively control the depth and volume of LIOB’s generated in tissue by adjusting the depth level sector on the handpiece and the energy level. With this control, I can sculpt the face and reduce pigmentation all in a single treatment. We are also stretching out beyond the face and performing body treatments with positive initial results.”
What can a patient expect during treatment?
“This is highly treatment-dependent based on wavelength, fluence, etc., but it’s generally very well tolerated. Given the controlled picosecond pulse, the laser generates a significant photoacoustic effect with minimal thermal build-up, therefore much less pain than with the previous generation of nanosecond pulse, q-switched lasers. Many patients experience some level of a stinging sensation during treatment, which is easily controlled by adjusting the fluence and/or using a cooling device during treatment.”
What kind of downtime is associated with it?
Generally speaking, there is really little to no downtime with these Pico laser treatments. Although every patient experiences aesthetic treatments differently, the majority of our PicoLO Premium patients exhibit slight to moderate erythema for one-to-two days post-treatment. Application of a cooling and hydrating post-treatment mask calms the skin and reduces any potential downtime.”
What benefits do most patients who get the laser say they experience?
“A major benefit most patients love is it is a non-invasive modality with little to no downtime with a combination of great short and long-term results—for example, skin tightening, pigment reduction, skin brightening, and decreased scarring. LIOB’s in skin generated by the fractional picosecond pulses initiates the body’s wound healing response. The resulting neocollagenesis takes approximately 11–12 weeks post-treatment to fully occur so patients experience an immediate response with continuous improvement as the generation of new collagen continues to tighten and lift the skin. Skin tone and texture also show immediate improvement with continuing improvement over time as the body flushes the fractured pigmentation. Most patients love that it is a non-invasive modality with little to no downtime. Our patients are amazed at the level of improvement that occurs after each treatment.”
