If you are dealing with uneven skin tone, sun damage or a complexion that just looks tired, you might feel that topical creams aren't doing enough. When surface skincare hits a wall, many people turn to laser technology. In the Greater Toronto Area, the PicoSure laser is a non-surgical option for certain pigmentation concerns and for improving the appearance of skin tone and texture.
What makes this system different is how it works on your skin. Traditional lasers rely mostly on heat, which can irritate the skin and mean days of recovery. PicoSure is a picosecond laser: it delivers energy in pulses measured in trillionths of a second1. These ultra-short pulses create a pressure effect under the surface that breaks up unwanted pigment while limiting heat damage to the surrounding tissue, so downtime is usually minimal, depending on the treatment.
Does Pico Laser Make Your Skin Look Younger?
PicoSure may help improve the appearance of skin tone, texture and fine lines. As we age, the skin slowly makes less collagen and elastin, the two proteins that keep it firm, smooth and springy, and that slowdown eventually shows as fine lines and a loss of elasticity.
Unlike older treatments that remove the top layer of skin, picosecond technology uses rapid pressure waves to send a wake-up call to the deeper layers. Over time, the changes this sets off in the skin may improve the look of fine lines and texture.
How Soon Can I See Results From Pico Laser?
Because PicoSure relies on ultra-short pulses rather than heat, your skin doesn't need weeks to recover. Some people notice brighter, smoother, fresher-looking skin a few days after their first session, and more gradual improvements develop over the following weeks.
For deeper concerns such as stubborn sun spots, acne scars or fine lines, the change is gradual. Your body needs time to clear the treated pigment, so spots usually fade over the weeks after each session, while collagen-related changes in acne scars and fine lines build over a series of sessions and usually show a few months after the last one2.
How Much Skin Damage Does Pico Laser Cause?
It's normal to worry about skin damage when you hear the word “laser”. PicoSure is designed to limit stress on the skin. Some earlier laser treatments relied more heavily on heat, which could cause redness, peeling or other reactions, depending on the treatment.
PicoSure works differently. Its pulses are so short that it breaks up pigment mainly through pressure rather than heat, which limits thermal damage to the surrounding tissue2. It is a non-invasive treatment, although temporary redness or other short-term skin reactions can still occur, depending on the treatment.
How Do I Choose Between Different Pico Laser Brands?
When you research picosecond lasers, you'll likely see a few brand names, such as PicoSure and PicoWay. They use different laser sources and wavelengths, so the right one depends on the skin concern you want to treat.
PicoSure is built around a 755 nm alexandrite wavelength, which targets melanin-containing pigment and blue, green and black ink, and is used for pigmented spots and skin revitalization3. Add-on 532 nm and 1064 nm wavelengths, also used on systems such as PicoWay, treat red, orange and yellow inks and black ink in darker skin types. A consultation with an experienced practitioner is the best way to decide which technology and approach suit your skin type and goals.
How Do I Find the Best Pico Laser Clinic Near Me?
Finding the right clinic in the Greater Toronto Area means looking beyond the closest location or the lowest price. PicoSure is a precise medical device, and the safety and quality of a treatment depend on the practitioner's training and experience, the treatment settings and your own skin.
To find a safe, reputable clinic in Markham, Toronto or North York, keep these steps in mind:
- Check for medical oversight: look for a clinic with trained, licensed medical professionals who have experience with picosecond laser treatments.
- Verify the technology: make sure the clinic uses a device licensed for use in Canada.
- Read real local reviews: look for honest feedback from past clients about the cleanliness of the clinic, the professionalism of the staff and how comfortable they felt during treatment.
- Book a consultation first: a good clinic offers a consultation to examine your skin, discuss your medical history and build a realistic, personalized plan for you.
How Do Pico Lasers Differ From Older Tattoo Removal Methods?
Earlier tattoo-removal lasers used longer pulses, so treatment could heat the surrounding tissue and cause reactions such as blistering or changes in skin colour, depending on the treatment.
PicoSure's ultra-short pulses break tattoo pigment into smaller fragments mainly through a pressure effect while limiting heat in the surrounding tissue, and the body's natural processes then clear the fragments. The response and the number of sessions vary with the tattoo, its ink colours, your skin type and the treatment settings. Our article on how many PicoSure tattoo-removal sessions you may need goes into more detail.
What's the Success Rate of Pico Laser Removal?
How well PicoSure works depends on the condition being treated and on the individual. It targets tattoo pigment and certain pigmented lesions, and the body then gradually clears the fragmented pigment. Several factors shape the response:
- Ink and spot colours: the 755 nm wavelength targets blue, green and black tattoo pigments; the 532 nm and 1064 nm wavelengths may be used for other colours, depending on the treatment plan.
- Age and depth: the tattoo's age, the depth and colour of the pigment, the type of pigmentation, your skin type and the treatment settings all play a part.
- Your body's natural clearance: the body clears fragmented pigment gradually, which is why fading happens over time.
Ready to Reveal a Brighter, More Radiant Complexion?
If you're ready to address dull skin, dark spots or uneven tone, PicoSure offers an advanced, low-heat approach to skin revitalization. Book a consultation at Rejuuv Medi Spa in Markham, Toronto (Yorkville) or North York to find out how a personalized treatment plan could help you reach your skin goals.
You can also read more on our PicoSure laser treatment page, or see other options for pigmentation and uneven tone.