It is estimated that more than 20 million Americans are affected with scars caused by acne. Most acne scars are formed by picking/squeezing whiteheads, blackheads, or cystic acne resulting in scarring. Now, the number of Americans affected by acne scars has the opportunity to drastically decrease with the help of a new laser skin treatment. The PicoSure® Laser is here.
While there are a number of treatments available that improve acne scars, none of them are as effective as PicoSure® Laser treatments. It is important to understand that other treatments out there are often used “off-label” and are considered simply experimental until FDA approval. FDA approval is only achieved by conforming to strict guidelines in clinical trials for many months or years to show safety, efficacy and controlled results. Many try and many fail. The PicoSure® Laser is still the only FDA approved treatment for Acne Scars.
Why PicoSure® Laser Treatment Works
Pico is used as a prefix, in units of measurement, defined as 1 trillionth of a second. The word “Pico,” in PicoSure®, refers to the speed of the laser energy output and rate at which the energy is delivered (1 trillionth of a second.) Other laser devices operate in the billionths of a second or less. Slower lasers take more time for the energy to be delivered and remain on the tissue longer increasing the chance for burns and other damage (i.e. hyper/hypopigmentation) from excess laser energy or heat. By releasing ultra-short and faster pulses of laser energy into the skin, we avoid unwanted side effects.
When the FDA was testing the PicoSure® Laser in 2014, it was officially approved in July for an indication to treat Acne Scars. 86% of the patients in the clinical trial showed significant scar improvement.
The laser energy safely remodels the collagen and important structures of the skin without permanent damage to the surrounding tissue.
However, the PicoSure® Laser isn’t just for correcting scars from acne. It’s also the first and only FDA approved laser for tattoo removal treatment. The controlled short bursts of safe laser energy are focused at the desired treatment area and break up the ink into microscopic particles that leave no scars or damaged skin.
What to Expect During a PicoSure® Laser Treatment
PicoSure® Laser treatments usually take between 15 to 20 minutes. A majority of patients will begin to see real results after 1 session and full correction after three sessions. Your skin may appear red or feel flush after your first treatment, that’s completely normal. You may apply ice to the area(s) at 5 minute intervals for the first day to relieve any sensation of heat (if any.) If redness occurs, it will typically last 1-2 days.
Since Dr. Blanchar’s office is located in sunny Fort Lauderdale, Florida, we strongly advise our patients to avoid excessive sun exposure as best as they can for up to 2 weeks before their appointment. If you have sunburn or show signs of obvious sun exposure, the treatment will be postponed for another 2 weeks.
Interested in PicoSure® Laser Treatment?
The PicoSure® Laser is the most advanced generation of Aesthetic Lasers available in the U.S. today.
We are pleased to offer the laser in our office 8:30am - 5:00pm, Monday thru Friday. Call 954-776-6992 to schedule your appointment or free consultation with Richard Blanchar, M.D.
