Welcome to your comprehensive PicoWay aftercare guide. PicoWay is an advanced laser technology available on the market, renowned for its effectiveness for tattoo removal, skin rejuvenation, and addressing pigmentation issues like melasma and age spots.
This guide provides detailed PicoWay aftercare instructions to help your skin heal optimally and to ensure you achieve the best possible results from your PicoWay laser treatment.
Table of Contents
About PicoWay Laser Energy
PicoWay is a state-of-the-art pico laser that emits ultra-short picosecond pulses of laser energy—measured in trillionths of a second—to target unwanted pigment and stimulate the skin’s natural healing processes.
Unlike traditional lasers, PicoWay emits less heat, reducing discomfort and the risk of side effects. This advanced technology allows for effective treatment of various skin conditions with little to no downtime, making it suitable for all skin types, including darker skin tones.
Benefits of PicoWay:
- Effective Tattoo Removal: PicoWay laser tattoo removal can address a wide range of ink colours and depths.
- Skin Rejuvenation: Stimulates new collagen and elastin production to reduce the appearance of scars, wrinkles, and signs of aging.
- Pigmentation Treatment: Targets pigmentation issues such as melasma, age spots, sun spots, and birthmarks.
- Minimal Downtime: The ultra-short laser pulses result in fewer treatments needed and quicker recovery times.
- Versatility: Suitable for treating acne scars, skin texture irregularities, and other skin conditions.
Pre-Treatment Preparation
Proper preparation is essential for optimal results and to minimise potential side effects. Please follow these guidelines before your PicoWay treatment:
- Avoid Sun Exposure: Minimise ultraviolet exposure and avoid tanning for at least 2 weeks before your treatment. Protect your skin with a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or greater.
- Discontinue Certain Medications: Stop using aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and certain herbal supplements (gingko, ginseng, garlic, fish oil, vitamin E, iron) 7 days prior to treatment, as they may affect healing and increase bruising.
- Skincare Products: Cease the use of topical medications like retinol or Retin-A 7 days before your appointment.
- Medical History: Inform your clinician if you have a history of cold sores or herpes simplex virus. They may prescribe antiviral medication to prevent an outbreak.
- Hydration: Drink at least 2 litres of water the day before your appointment to keep your skin hydrated, which can aid in the healing process.
Day of Treatment
On the day of your treatment, please:
- Arrive Early: Get to the clinic 10 minutes before your scheduled appointment and continue to hydrate, especially if your booking is later in the day.
- Skin Preparation: Ensure your skin is clean and free of makeup, lotions, perfumes, or any other skincare products.
- Avoid Flammable Products: Do not use hairspray or other flammable items, as the laser equipment can interact with these substances.
- Medications: Take any prescribed antiviral medication at least 2 hours before your appointment.
Post-Treatment Care
Proper aftercare is essential to allow your skin to heal and to achieve the best possible outcome. Follow these aftercare instructions carefully:
- First 4 Hours: Do not wash the treated area. Allow the skin to begin the healing process without disturbance.
- First 24 Hours: Avoid makeup and skincare products. Do not apply any products to the treated area to prevent irritation.
- First 72 Hours:
- Avoid heat and activities that cause sweating.
- Stay away from alcohol consumption, swimming pools, hot showers, saunas, and steam rooms.
- Refrain from strenuous exercise that induces excessive perspiration.
- Avoid using vitamin C products or any active ingredients that may irritate the skin.
First Week
Adopt a gentle skincare routine for the first week after your Picoway treatment. Use a gentle cleanser, and apply cool medical or hydrating sheet masks daily to soothe the skin. Always use a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Don’t forget to reapply every 2-3 hours, especially if outdoors.
Try to avoid sun exposure as much as possible to protect the treated area from pigment changes. Do not exfoliate or use scrubs, peels, or any professional treatments. Refrain from using irritating skincare products containing retinoids or acids.
Tattoo Removal Aftercare:
If PicoWay was used for tattoo removal, apply a thin layer of Aquaphor ointment and cover with a non-stick dressing for 7-10 days. Keep the area clean and dry.
Avoid physical activity that may cause trauma to the treated area for 1-2 weeks.
Expect some redness, swelling, bruising, or discolouration. The treated pigment may darken before it lightens. Do not scratch, pick, or rub the area to prevent scarring.
Continue to drink plenty of water to aid the skin’s healing process. If this is your first tattoo removal procedure, mild side effects like pinpoint bleeding, peeling, or discomfort are normal. If you experience severe pain, blistering, or signs of infection, contact the team at Wonderlab immediately, or seek medical advice.
Resuming Normal Activities
Once the skin has healed, typically after 2-5 days, you may resume your normal skincare routine.
You can begin to wear makeup again after the skin has fully healed, usually within a week.
Multiple treatments are often necessary for optimal results. Your dermatologist will advise you on the appropriate treatment plan.
Safety and Considerations
Always communicate any health concerns or conditions with your provider before undergoing PicoWay laser treatment. Results may vary based on individual skin types and conditions. Some patients may require fewer treatments due to the advanced laser technology of PicoWay, some may require more.
Protective eyewear will be provided during the procedure to safeguard against laser exposure. Continuous sun protection is essential to maintain the results and prevent further skin damage.
Request a Consultation
If you’re considering PicoWay laser treatment for tattoo removal, skin rejuvenation, or other skin concerns, please request a consultation with our team of experienced cosmetologists. We will create a personalised treatment plan tailored to your needs, helping you achieve youthful, radiant skin with minimal downtime.
If you have any questions or experience unexpected side effects, please contact the team at Wonderlab. Your health and satisfaction are our top priorities.