PicoWay® Body & TattooRemovalRichmond, BC
Erase body pigmentation, scars, and tattoos with photoacoustic sound energy.
The world's leading picosecond laser, optimized for the body. Whether treating 'bacne' scars, sun spots on hands, or unwanted tattoos, PicoWay delivers energy in trillionths of a second to shatter pigment without overheating delicate body skin.
Clear Skin, Anywhere
Body skin heals differently than facial skin. PicoWay's non-thermal 'photoacoustic' effect is crucial for treating the body safely, minimizing the risk of burns or hyperpigmentation common with older lasers.
Body skin heals differently than facial skin. PicoWay's non-thermal 'photoacoustic' effect is crucial for treating the body safely, minimizing the risk of burns or hyperpigmentation common with older lasers.
Pigmentation & Sun Spots
Clears age spots on hands, arms, and décolletage (chest) for a younger appearance.
Body Scars & Texture
Improves surgical scars, stretch marks, and acne scars on the back and shoulders.
Tattoo Removal
Shatters ink of all colors (even stubborn blues/greens) on any skin type.
Who Benefits Most
PicoWay Body is suitable for individuals seeking safe, effective body skin improvements with minimal downtime.
Suitable Candidates
- +Individuals with body pigmentation (age spots, sun spots on hands/arms)
- +Those seeking tattoo removal (all colors, all skin types)
- +People with acne scars or surgical scars on body
- +Individuals with stretch marks seeking improvement
Not Recommended For
- –Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- –Individuals with active infections or skin conditions
- –Those with unrealistic expectations about complete scar erasure
Safe for Every Body
Treating the body requires expertise. At RAAC, we customize protocols to prioritize pigment safety for melanin-rich or reactive skin tones that can be more prone to PIH.
Pigment-Safe Protocols
We specialize in the 1064nm wavelength, the lower-risk option for treating pigmentation on darker skin.
Advanced Scar Protocols
Dr. Jiang's team combines PicoWay with other modalities for C-section or trauma scars.
Fast Treatment
Large spot sizes allow us to treat large areas like full backs or arms quickly.
Holistic Recovery
We pair laser sessions with post-care products specifically for body skin recovery.
What to Expect
PicoWay Body treatments are comfortable and efficient, typically completed in 30-60 minutes per session.
Before Treatment
Avoid sun exposure and tanning for 2-4 weeks prior
Discontinue retinoids or exfoliants 1 week before
Shave treatment area if needed (for pigmentation/tattoo removal)
Arrive with clean, makeup-free skin
During Treatment
Preparation
Protective eyewear is provided and treatment area is cleaned.
Treatment
Laser handpiece delivers precise pulses to target pigmentation or tattoo ink.
Cooling
Built-in cooling keeps skin comfortable throughout the procedure.
After Treatment
Apply prescribed healing ointment for tattoo removal
Avoid sun exposure and use SPF 50+ for 4-6 weeks
Keep area clean and avoid picking at scabs (tattoo removal)
Results develop over 4-8 weeks with progressive improvement
**Tattoo removal typically requires 4-8+ sessions. Pigmentation may require fewer.
Common Questions
Does PicoWay treatment hurt? (Body vs. Tattoo)+
For skin rejuvenation (spots/scars), it feels like mild prickling and is very tolerable. For tattoo removal, it is more intense (like a rubber band snap); we apply strong topical numbing cream to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure.
How many PicoWay sessions are needed for tattoo removal?+
The number of sessions varies by ink depth, age, and color. Typically, 4-8 sessions are needed, spaced 6-8 weeks apart. PicoWay's picosecond technology is significantly faster and more effective than older Q-switch lasers.
Is PicoWay safe for dark or melanin-rich skin on the body?+
Yes. PicoWay uses sound waves (photoacoustic energy) rather than heat (thermal energy). This makes it exceptionally safe for melanin-rich or PIH-prone skin as it minimizes the risk of burns and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Can PicoWay remove stretch marks or surgical scars?+
PicoWay Resolve can significantly improve the appearance and texture of stretch marks and surgical scars (like C-section scars) by stimulating new collagen and elastin production, though complete erasure depends on the individual.
What is the downtime after a PicoWay body treatment?+
Downtime is minimal. For pigmentation or scar treatment, you may experience redness for 12-24 hours. For tattoo removal, the area may frost and scab slightly, requiring specialized post-care for a few days.
Can PicoWay treat sun spots on hands and arms?+
Yes, PicoWay is highly effective at removing sun spots (lentigines) and age spots on the hands, arms, and décolletage, often requiring fewer sessions than other areas due to the nature of the pigment.
Concerns this treatment is used for
Each of these has its own page explaining the cause, the options, and what recovery looks like:
Erase the Past, Reveal the New
Book a consultation with Dr. Charles Jiang to map your body pigmentation or tattoo removal plan. licensed physician oversight, 29+ years of clinical experience. English, Mandarin, and Cantonese consultations available.
What our clinical team has written about this
How it works, who it suits, and what recovery looks like:
- Understanding PicoSure: The Science of Picosecond Lasers
A deep dive into the science of PicoSure, exploring how picosecond technology and PressureWave™ energy revitalize skin at a cellular level under physician supervision.
- Understanding PicoWay: The Science of Picosecond Lasers
Dive into the science of PicoWay. Learn how picosecond laser technology shatters pigment with photoacoustic energy for clearer skin at Richmond Anti-Aging Clinic.
- Tattoo Removal Richmond Hill: PicoWay Laser Guide
Discover advanced PicoWay picosecond laser tattoo removal at Richmond Anti-Aging Clinic (RAAC) in Richmond, BC. Safe, effective, physician-led care with personalized treatment plans.
- Science of PicoWay: A Deep Dive into Picosecond Technology
Explore the clinical science of PicoWay. Learn how picosecond laser technology uses photoacoustic energy to treat pigment and tattoos with physician-led care at RAAC.
Also offered at our Burnaby location
SkinArt MD offers the same treatment. If Burnaby is more convenient, our sister clinic can help.
#101 - 4378 Beresford St, Burnaby, BC V5H 0H6 · +1 (604) 639-2581
