Tattoo ink, brown pigmentation, wrinkles, and acne scars respond to laser energy in different ways. PicoSure® gives our dermatologists another way to work with selected pigment and textural concerns using very short pulses of energy. At DermSurgery Associates in Houston and Greater Houston, Texas, treatment is available through physicians such as Ming H. Jih, MD, PhD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist with fellowship training in laser and dermatologic surgery.
How Does PicoSure Work?
PicoSure is a picosecond laser, meaning its energy is delivered in pulses measured in trillionths of a second. Different wavelengths and treatment accessories allow the technology to be used for several purposes, including tattoo removal, benign pigmentation, wrinkles, and acne scars.
The settings are selected according to the target. Breaking up tattoo ink, for example, is different from working with a brown spot or encouraging textural improvement.
What Can PicoSure Treat?
PicoSure may be used at our practice for concerns that include:
- Unwanted tattoo ink
- Freckles and selected benign brown spots
- Other areas of pigmentation
- Acne scars
- Wrinkles and skin revitalization
A pigmented spot should be medically identified before anyone attempts to remove it with a cosmetic laser. New or changing lesions may need evaluation rather than lightening.
Patients primarily researching ink removal can learn more about our laser tattoo removal services.
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I’ve been seeing Dr. Ryan Ryahi since 2020 for my psoriasis, after trying several different treatments with other doctors without much success. He was finally able to get my psoriasis…
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Who May Be a Candidate for PicoSure?
We look at the condition being treated, your complexion, medical history, previous procedures, and what you hope to change.
Tattoo treatments require additional considerations, including ink color, density, depth, size, location, and whether the tattoo has already undergone removal sessions.
Because our laser treatments include several technologies, PicoSure is used when its wavelengths and pulse characteristics make sense for the specific target.
What Happens During Treatment?
Protective eyewear is worn during the procedure. Depending on the area and type of treatment, topical numbing medication may also be used.
The handpiece delivers rapid pulses to the selected area. For tattoos, that energy breaks the ink into smaller particles that the body gradually clears. Pigment and rejuvenation procedures use different settings selected for the tissue being treated.
What Should You Expect Afterward?
Recovery is not identical for every PicoSure procedure. Skin-rejuvenation treatments may leave temporary redness, while pigment or tattoo work can produce a more noticeable local reaction.
You will receive aftercare instructions for the procedure performed. Sun protection is especially important when pigment is being treated. Changes appear gradually, and a series of visits may be needed.
Why Choose DermSurgery Associates for PicoSure in Houston?
PicoSure is one part of a larger laser practice rather than the only device available. Dr. Jih specializes in cosmetic and laser surgery of the skin and has extensive experience working with laser-based procedures.
That background is particularly useful because PicoSure treats very different targets. Tattoo ink, pigmentation, acne scars, and wrinkles do not use one universal setting or treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions About PicoSure
Usually not. Tattoo removal is gradual. Ink color, density, depth, size, age, and previous removal attempts can all affect the number of sessions.
No. Different pigments absorb different wavelengths of light, so the color of the ink plays a role in treatment planning.
PicoSure has several wavelengths and treatment configurations. We select the settings with your complexion and the condition being treated in mind because pigment changes are a consideration with any laser procedure.
No. PicoSure uses ultrashort picosecond pulses. Other laser resurfacing procedures affect tissue differently and may involve a different degree of recovery.
No. Tattoo ink and natural pigment absorb laser energy differently. The wavelength, energy, and treatment technique are selected for the specific target rather than using one setting for every condition.
Avoid unnecessary tanning and tell us about medications, previous laser procedures, pigment changes, and any history of abnormal scarring. You will receive additional instructions based on the area being treated.
Sometimes. If several treatments are part of your cosmetic plan, we can determine the order and spacing so the skin has enough time to recover between procedures.
Discuss PicoSure in Houston
If you are considering treatment for pigmentation, tattoo ink, acne scars, or another concern, an examination can help determine whether PicoSure is a useful option. Contact us at DermSurgery Associates or call 713-791-9966 for a visit in Houston or Greater Houston, Texas.
