It’s that time of year again—summer’s over, but the sun’s left its mark.
If you’ve noticed those pesky dark patches (aka melasma) becoming more visible, you’re not alone. Sun exposure can make melasma more noticeable, and after months in the sun, it’s no surprise that you’re seeing it more clearly now.
But don’t worry!
The good news is that there are effective treatments out there to help tackle melasma, and one of our absolute favorites is PicoSure.
It’s a cutting-edge laser treatment that can seriously fade those stubborn spots without damaging your skin.
Let’s dive into why PicoSure is a game-changer for treating melasma and how we use it to get fantastic results for our clients at West Wilson Aesthetics.
What Is PicoSure, and How Does It Work?
PicoSure is a revolutionary laser treatment that was introduced by Cynosure in 2012. Unlike traditional lasers that use heat, PicoSure uses ultra-short pulses (think trillionths of a second) to target and break down pigment in the skin.
The pulses are so quick that they don’t create much heat, meaning there’s less risk of damaging surrounding skin tissue.
This is what makes PicoSure ideal for treating melasma—especially because melasma is notoriously difficult to treat without irritating the skin.
The laser works by sending pressure waves into the skin to break down the excess pigment (melanin) that causes those dark patches, all while being gentle enough not to cause unnecessary irritation.
The PicoSure Treatment Process: Step by Step
So, how exactly do we use PicoSure to treat melasma? Let’s walk through the process so you know exactly what to expect:
Consultation and Assessment
Before jumping into any treatment, we always start with a thorough consultation. This helps us assess your skin, understand the severity of your melasma, and determine if PicoSure is the best option for you.
Some clients may have skin sensitivities, or health conditions, or be on medications that make them more reactive to laser beams.
We’ll go over all these factors to ensure that PicoSure is the right fit.
If everything looks good, we’ll create a personalized treatment plan, including how many sessions you’ll need and any pre-treatment steps to follow.
Pre-Treatment Preparation
Prepping your skin for PicoSure is key. In the weeks leading up to your appointment, it’s important to avoid sun exposure, sunless tanning creams, and tanning beds. We also highly recommend using our Brightening Pads in the weeks leading up to treatment to best prepare your skin.
If you can’t avoid being out in the sun, don’t forget to slather on broad-spectrum sunscreen every couple of hours.
The night before your treatment, make sure to clean the area thoroughly and remove any makeup, oils, or impurities.
You may also want to shave the area, depending on where your treatment is focused.
The PicoSure Treatment
Here’s the exciting part! When you come in for your PicoSure treatment, you’ll be surprised at how quick and easy it is. The procedure itself usually takes about 30 minutes, depending on the size of the area we’re treating.
During the treatment, you’ll relax while we use the PicoSure device to target the hyperpigmented areas.
The laser emits ultra-short pulses that break up the pigment, and you’ll feel minimal discomfort, thanks to the cooling devices we use to keep you comfortable.
Post-Treatment Care
After your treatment, we’ll spend a little extra time ensuring everything looks good and there’s no adverse reaction. Some redness or sensitivity is totally normal, but it usually clears up within a few hours to a couple of days.
Make sure to follow our post-treatment instructions carefully. Keep the treated area clean, moisturized, and protected from the sun.
You might experience some tenderness, but applying Aloe Vera gel and avoiding harsh skincare products will help.
If you notice any scabbing or crusting, avoid picking at it! Just apply a topical antibiotic and let it heal naturally.
Follow-Up Care and Maintenance
Melasma is a stubborn condition, so don’t expect it to vanish after just one session. Most clients need at least three PicoSure sessions, spaced a few weeks apart, to see the best results.
After each treatment, we’ll assess your progress and adjust the plan as needed.
Between sessions, be gentle with your skin. Use mild soap and pat the area dry. And we also recommend using our Intensive Post-Treatment Cream to help speed up recovery.
Continue applying sunscreen religiously, and avoid activities that could irritate your skin—like soaking in hot tubs, swimming, or strenuous exercise.
Why PicoSure Works for Melasma
So why is PicoSure so effective for melasma? It comes down to the laser’s precision and gentleness. Unlike IPL or other treatments that rely on heat, PicoSure’s ultra-short pulses target the pigment in your skin without damaging surrounding tissue.
This reduces the risk of making melasma worse or causing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which is always a concern with darker skin tones.
Plus, PicoSure works on a variety of skin types, making it a versatile treatment for anyone struggling with melasma.
Whether your melasma is caused by sun exposure, hormonal changes, or genetics, PicoSure can significantly reduce its appearance with minimal downtime.
Final Thoughts: Why We Love PicoSure for Melasma
If you’re tired of dealing with melasma and frustrated by treatments that don’t work, it might be time to give PicoSure a try.
While no treatment is a one-size-fits-all solution, PicoSure is one of the most effective tools we have for fading those stubborn dark spots and giving your skin a fresh, even tone.
Here at West Wilson Aesthetics, we’ve seen fantastic results with PicoSure, and we’d love to help you achieve the same.
If you’re in the Mt. Juliet, Tennessee area and are ready to start your melasma treatment journey, give us a call at 615-601-8949 or use our easy booking tool to schedule your consultation online!
Until next time.
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