PicoWay is a picosecond laser that breaks up pigment mainly with pressure rather than heat, which lowers the risk of heat-related side effects such as PIH. It is used for sun spots, freckles, post-inflammatory marks and tattoos; most pigmentation concerns need 2-3 sessions about 4-6 weeks apart, and treated spots usually flake off within two weeks.
When it comes to treating unwanted pigmentation — sun spots, age spots, freckles, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or even tattoo ink — PicoWay is a widely used picosecond laser technology. At RAAC Richmond, we use PicoWay for its precision, its suitability for a wide range of skin types, and the results it can deliver.
What Is PicoWay?
PicoWay is a picosecond laser manufactured by Candela (formerly Syneron-Candela). Unlike older nanosecond lasers (like traditional Q-switched Nd:YAG), PicoWay delivers energy in trillionths of a second — pulses so fast they shatter pigment through a photoacoustic (pressure wave) effect rather than heat.
Why Picosecond Matters
| Technology | Pulse Duration | Mechanism | Heat Damage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional Q-switch | Nanoseconds (10⁻⁹s) | Photothermal (heat) | Moderate-high |
| PicoWay | Picoseconds (10⁻¹²s) | Photoacoustic (pressure) | Minimal |
This fundamental difference means:
- Less heat = lower risk of burns, PIH, and scarring
- Finer fragmentation = pigment particles are shattered into smaller pieces that the body clears more efficiently
- Safer for darker skin tones = critical for our diverse Richmond community
What can PicoWay treat?
PicoWay is mainly used for sun and age spots, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, freckles and uneven tone, general skin rejuvenation, and tattoo removal, with the handpiece and wavelength chosen for each concern.
Sun Spots & Age Spots (Solar Lentigines)
Years of sun exposure cause melanin deposits in the epidermis and dermis. PicoWay's 532nm wavelength targets superficial pigment with remarkable precision. Improvement after a single session varies, and 2-3 treatments are often needed; results vary from person to person.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)
Dark marks left behind after acne, injuries, or skin procedures. PicoWay is one of the lower-risk lasers for PIH treatment in Asian and darker skin types — a population particularly prone to this condition.
Freckles & Diffuse Pigmentation
PicoWay can address both isolated spots and broader areas of uneven skin tone. The Resolve handpiece creates microscopic treatment zones for a more even, luminous complexion.
Skin Rejuvenation
The PicoWay Resolve fractional handpiece stimulates collagen through laser-induced optical breakdown (LIOB), creating micro-cavities in the dermis that trigger new collagen and elastin production. This improves:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Skin texture and smoothness
- Pore size
- Overall radiance
Tattoo Removal
PicoWay is a tattoo removal laser. With three wavelengths (1064nm, 785nm, 532nm), it can target a range of ink colors, including blues, greens, and reds that some older lasers may have difficulty with. See our detailed tattoo removal guide for more information.
What is a PicoWay treatment like, and how long is recovery?
A PicoWay session feels like brief rubber-band snaps, a full face takes about 15-30 minutes, and treated spots usually darken and flake off over 7-14 days, with mild redness and swelling possible.
Consultation
Your physician examines the pigmented areas, assesses your Fitzpatrick skin type, reviews your medical history, and sets realistic expectations. We photograph treatment areas for before-and-after comparison.
During Treatment
- Protective eyewear is placed
- The laser handpiece is positioned over the target area
- You'll feel a sensation like a rubber band snapping — brief and tolerable
- Each spot takes just seconds; full-face treatments take 15-30 minutes
- No numbing cream is typically needed for spot treatments; full-face sessions may use topical anesthetic
Immediately After
- Treated spots darken (a process called micro-crusting) — this is expected and indicates successful treatment
- Mild redness and slight swelling around treated areas
- The darkened spots naturally flake off over 7-14 days, revealing clearer skin beneath
Recovery Timeline
| Day | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Day 1-3 | Darkened spots, mild redness |
| Day 5-7 | Micro-crusts begin to flake off |
| Day 10-14 | Most spots have cleared |
| Week 4-6 | Full results visible; ready for next session if needed |
PicoWay Cost in Richmond BC
At RAAC, PicoWay treatments are priced based on the area and complexity:
| Treatment | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Spot treatment (individual spots) | Quoted at consultation |
| Full face pigmentation | Quoted at consultation |
| Full face rejuvenation (Resolve) | Quoted at consultation |
| Hands or decolletage | Quoted at consultation |
Most pigmentation concerns require 2-3 sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart. Tattoo removal requires more sessions — see our tattoo removal page for specific pricing.
Is PicoWay suitable for Asian skin?
PicoWay is often considered a lower-risk option for Asian skin because its very short pulses deliver less heat to surrounding skin, but settings still need to be adjusted by your physician for your skin type.
Richmond's diverse population includes many patients of East Asian, South Asian, and Southeast Asian descent — skin types that are at higher risk for post-laser complications like hyperpigmentation. PicoWay's picosecond technology may be a lower-risk laser platform for some patients with these skin types because:
- Minimal thermal damage — the ultra-short pulses reduce heat transfer to surrounding tissue
- Precise targeting — energy is focused on the pigment, not the surrounding skin
- Proven clinical data — extensive studies specifically on Fitzpatrick types III-V
- Adjustable parameters — your physician fine-tunes wavelength, fluence, and spot size for your specific skin
At RAAC, Dr. Jiang has extensive experience treating Asian skin and understands the unique considerations that come with higher melanin content.
How does PicoWay compare with other pigmentation lasers?
Compared with Q-switched Nd:YAG and IPL/BBL, PicoWay relies more on pressure than heat and offers three wavelengths, which is why it is often chosen for darker skin and multi-colour tattoos.
| Feature | PicoWay | Q-Switch Nd:YAG | IPL/BBL | PicoSure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Technology | Picosecond | Nanosecond | Broadband light | Picosecond |
| PIH risk (dark skin) | Very low | Moderate | High | Low-moderate |
| Wavelengths | 3 (532, 785, 1064) | 2 (532, 1064) | Broadband | 2 (532, 755) |
| All tattoo colors | Yes | Limited | No | Limited |
| Downtime | Minimal | Moderate | Variable | Minimal |
| Sessions for pigment | 2-3 | 3-5 | 4-6 | 2-4 |
What can PicoWay be combined with?
PicoWay is often combined with Sylfirm X for redness and texture, DPL for overall tone, medical-grade skincare, and careful daily sun protection, depending on what is driving your pigmentation.
For comprehensive skin transformation, we often recommend combining PicoWay with:
- Sylfirm X RF Microneedling for combined pigment, texture, and redness correction
- DPL Photo Facial for overall skin tone evening
- Medical-grade skincare with retinoids and tyrosinase inhibitors
- Diligent sun protection (SPF 50+, physical blockers)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many sessions will I need? A: Most pigmentation concerns resolve in 2-3 sessions. Deeper or resistant pigment may require 3-4 sessions. Tattoo removal typically needs 4-8+ sessions depending on ink type and color.
Q: Does it hurt? A: Most patients describe a sensation similar to a rubber band snap. It's brief and well-tolerated. Numbing cream is available for larger treatment areas.
Q: Is there downtime? A: Treated spots will darken and flake off over 7-14 days. You can wear makeup after 24 hours. It's a "social downtime" treatment — you can resume daily activities immediately.
Q: Can PicoWay treat my melasma? A: PicoWay can address the pigment component of melasma, but we often combine it with Sylfirm X for the vascular component. Melasma requires a multi-modal approach for best results.
Book Your PicoWay Consultation
Ready to address unwanted pigmentation with picosecond laser technology? Book your consultation at RAAC Richmond for a personalized skin assessment and treatment plan.
RAAC Richmond Anti-Aging Clinic: 5580 No. 3 Rd Unit 110, Richmond BC V6X 0R8. Serving Richmond, Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, and Metro Vancouver.
