Treatment Endpoints:
Epidermal Spots: Mild frosting, no bleeding or pinpoint oozing. Compared to 532nm, frosting must be lighter due to melanin’s good selective absorption of 1064nm. Frosting should primarily occur at the pigmented lesion. If surrounding normal skin shows obvious frosting, the energy is too high, increasing the risk of hyperpigmentation.
Dermal Spots: Obvious grayish-white appearance for darker spots; slight grayish-white or no grayish-white for lighter spots. Mild redness and swelling. 一般的に, no bleeding or oozing.
肌の若返り: Depending on skin type and response, 1-3 passes can be performed. Appearance of some degree of flushing (erythema) and mild swelling (edema). 一般的に, no bleeding or oozing.
Melasma, Pigmented Spots: Slight redness or no obvious reaction.
私. Common Pre-Treatment Questions
1. Client Consultation Questions
Q: Who absolutely cannot undergo Pico laser treatment?
Contraindications (Clearly Stated):
Pregnant or breastfeeding women (safety not fully established).
Active infection in the treatment area (e.g., herpes, active inflammatory acne).
Oral isotretinoin use within the last 6 月 (increases skin fragility).
Keloid predisposition or history of keloids in the treatment area.
Q: Can sensitive skin/skin with telangiectasia (redness/visible capillaries) be treated?
Handle on a Case-by-Case Basis:
✅ Mild Sensitivity: Strengthen hydration and repair for 2 weeks pre-treatment; choose a low energy (1-2 J/cm2) + large spot size (6-8んん) モード.
❌ Severe Sensitivity (accompanied by rosacea, persistent redness): Recommend repairing the skin barrier first.
Q: Will the treatment hurt? Is topical anesthesia needed?
Pain Management Plan:
Superficial Spots (532nm): Mild stinging sensation; anesthesia may not be necessary.
Deep Tattoos (1064nm high energy): Recommend applying compound lidocaine cream topically for 30 分.
注記: Anesthesia may reduce skin sensitivity to energy; energy should be reduced by 10%-15%.
2. Operational Preparation Questions
Q: The client just had sun exposure. How long until treatment?
Sun Avoidance Rules:
After Intense Sun Exposure (skin redness, peeling): Wait at least 4 週.
Insufficient Daily Sun Protection (mild tanning): Use a whitening serum (e.g., containing Arbutin, Phenylethyl Resorcinol [377]) for 2 weeks prior.
Q: Which skincare products need to be stopped before treatment?
Stop 7 days before treatment:
Retinoids (Retinol, Adapalene).
AHAs/BHAs (Alpha/Beta Hydroxy Acids) with concentration > 5%.
Irritating skincare products containing alcohol.
Common FAQs
Q: How painful is the treatment? Is topical anesthesia needed?
The sensation is similar to a rubber band snapping lightly against the skin. If you are sensitive to pain, applying a topical anesthetic cream for 20 minutes is recommended for a painless treatment experience.
Q: What should be done if the client feels significant pain during treatment?
あ: Stop the procedure immediately. Check if the energy setting is too high. Adjust the energy to the client’s tolerance level or enhance the topical anesthesia.
Q: Skin redness and heat after treatment, how long until it subsides?
Normal Reaction:
Mild Erythema (赤み): Lasts 6-48 時間 (cold compresses can speed up recovery).
Significant Redness and Swelling: May last 3-5 日々 (suggests energy was too high; reduce energy by 10%-20% for the next session).
Q: Is post-treatment peeling/crusting an operational error?
Depends on the Situation:
✅ Normal: Micro-crusting (will naturally fall off in 3-5 日々, do not pick).
❌ Abnormal: Large flakes of peeling accompanied by stinging (may indicate excessive thermal damage, requires enhanced repair).
Q: There’s crusting on my face, can I pick it off myself?
Micro-crusting (pinpoint size) is a normal phenomenon after treatment and will naturally fall off in 3-5 日々. Forcibly picking can lead to scarring or hyperpigmentation!
Q: Is post-treatment hyperpigmentation (PIH) normal?
について 10-20% of individuals may experience temporary PIH (Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation). It usually resolves in 3-6 months and requires enhanced antioxidant care (e.g., Vitamin C, Tranexamic Acid).
Q: How to prevent and manage post-treatment PIH?
Key Measures:
Pre-treatment Screening: Avoid using the 532nm wavelength on darker skin types (Fitzpatrick IV-VI).
Post-treatment Care: Combine Hydroquinone cream (2%-4%) + L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), with strict daily sun protection.
During PIH Phase: Usually resolves in 3-6 月. Avoid exfoliating products during this period.
Q: I feel no change after 1 session, is it ineffective?
Pico laser treatment provides gradual improvement. The first session mainly breaks down superficial pigment. Results from metabolic clearance start becoming visible after 2 週. The 2nd and 3rd sessions target deeper spots, leading to cumulative effects.
Q: How soon can the second treatment be done?
For Pigmentary Issues (spots/tattoos), ある 4-6 week interval is recommended to allow sufficient time for skin metabolism. For Anti-aging/Rejuvenation, treatments can be done once a month for 3 consecutive sessions, then switch to quarterly maintenance.
Complication Management
Q: What to do if blisters/oozing appear post-treatment?
Emergency Procedure:
Puncture and drain the blister from the edge with a sterile needle, leaving the overlying epidermis intact.
Apply Fusidic acid cream topically twice daily to prevent infection.
Discontinue all irritating skincare products; use medical-grade dressings/products for hydration.
Q: Spots darkened after treatment?
Possible Reasons:
Insufficient energy failed to completely shatter pigment (manifesting as temporary pigment aggregation).
Melasma misdiagnosed as freckles (melasma requires lower energy + longer intervals).
Management: Follow up after 8 週. Adjust wavelength to 1064nm low energy mode (1.5-2 J/cm2).
Operational Techniques & Risk Avoidance
1. Energy Selection Pitfalls
Common Novice Mistake: Blindly pursuing high energy for “immediate results.”
Risk: Increased rate of hyperpigmentation and scarring.
Correct Strategy: Adopt a “低エネルギー, multiple sessions” approach (e.g., 3 low-to-moderate energy sessions vs. 1 high-risk, high-energy session).
2. Special Area Precautions
Periorbital (Eye Area) 処理:
Must use intraocular shields (metal material for light blocking).
Choose a small spot size (2-3んん) and reduce energy to 70% of the usual setting.
Lip Tattoo:
Prone to bleeding and swelling. Apply pressure and a cold compress immediately post-treatment for 10 分.
Post-Treatment Golden 72 Hours:
Avoid high-temperature environments (sauna, hot baths).
Use saline solution or a gentle, non-foaming cleanser for cleaning.
Choose “medical device grade” (械字号 certified) dressings or products for repair.
Long-Term Maintenance:
Individuals Prone to Pigment Recurrence: Once monthly low-energy maintenance “sweep” 処理 (1-1.5 J/cm2).
Combination Therapy: Pico + IPL/OPT (e.g., Super Photon) combination therapy (spaced at least 4 weeks apart).
read more here: Skin rejuvenation with PICOLAS Mini.
