Over the past decade, laser and light-based aesthetic treatments have revolutionized non-invasive skin rejuvenation. The development of picosecond and fractional technologies enable providers to safely and effectively treat a wide range of aesthetic concerns including acne scarring, age spots, fine lines and wrinkles. These procedures provide patients with minimally invasive options for reversing the signs of photoaging and improving the overall appearance and health of their skin.

History and Development

The first Aesthetic Lasers Devices for dermatologic uses were introduced in the 1960s. Early pulsed dye lasers were primarily utilized for treating vascular lesions like port wine stains and hemangiomas. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, long-pulsed Nd:YAG lasers were commonly used to remove unwanted hair and treat pigmented lesions. Significant advancements occurred with the debut of ablative CO2 and Er:YAG lasers which allowed resurfacing of photodamaged skin but resulted in prolonged downtimes.

To minimize risks and recovery times, non-ablative fractional technologies were conceived using arrays of microscopic treatment zones with spared intervening columns of untreated skin. Early Fractional lasers relied on thermal heating of columns of tissue using Infrared light to stimulate neocollagenesis. Later picosecond lasers were developed to induce optical breakdown within the epidermis and dermis using extremely short high energy laser pulses measured in trillionths of a second. This enabled selective targeting of chromophores while minimizing thermal damage.

Picosecond Laser Treatments

Picosecond laser platforms including the PicoSure, PicoWay and Klorane systems utilize ultra-short pulses that safely and effectively treat a variety of aesthetic issues. These lasers precisely target multiple chromophores including melanin, hemoglobin and water simultaneously, enabling treatments for pigmented and vascular lesions, acne scarring, wrinkles and skin laxity in one session.

For pigmented lesions including melasma, age spots and sunspots, picosecond lasers efficiently fragment melanosomes containing melanin pigment allowing for natural exfoliation. This results in lightening and clearing of hyperpigmentation. When treating red facial veins and broken capillaries, these lasers utilize a unique dual wavelength that selects hemoglobin as the chromophore. This selectively coagulates targeted blood vessels for long-lasting improvement.

In addressing acne scarring and wrinkles, picosecond lasers stimulate fibroblasts and collagen production through non-ablative fractional photothermolysis. The creation of microscopic thermal injury columns triggers an inflammatory response and wound healing cascade that leads to neocollagenesis and dermal remodeling over the course of several months. The novel sub-surface fractional stacking technique allows for deeper treatment with minimal downtime and pain.

Clinical Adoption and Outcomes

Reliable clinical outcomes data and physician training programs have enabled more widespread adoption of picosecond laser systems in medical spas, dermatology and plastic surgery practices. Compared to other laser platforms, picosecond devices offer faster treatment times, less discomfort and pain, milder side effects and faster recovery. Patients report high satisfaction with results including skin tightening, acne scar fading and reduction of fine lines, wrinkles, dyspigmentation and vascular lesions after just one treatment.

With their safety profiles and ability to streamline treatment of multiple conditions, picosecond lasers have gained popularity as workhorse aesthetic devices. They allow providers to see more clients and perform combined treatments in less time, improving practice revenue and efficiency. Going forward, enhanced picosecond platforms may facilitate additional applications such as body and face contouring for those seeking non-invasive body sculpting procedures.

 Through advancements in laser technology, modern aesthetic practices now have highly effective non-invasive options to offer patients seeking skin rejuvenation and pigment correction. Of these technologies, picosecond lasers stand out for addressing a wide range of aesthetic concerns simultaneously with minimal risk and recovery times. As clinical outcomes validate their capabilities, these lasers will continue gaining ground as essential revenue drivers for medical aesthetics practices across various specialties.

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