PicoWay (picosecond laser for pigment, scars & fine lines)

In a sentence: PicoWay fires ultra‑short laser pulses (measured in picoseconds) to break up unwanted brown pigment and gently stimulate new collagen—brightening sun spots and uneven tone, and improving acne scars and fine lines with low downtime.1

Who it’s best for

  • 20s–30s: first sun spots/freckles, early uneven tone; light “skin refresh.”
  • 40s–50s: sun damage (brown spots), melasma under expert care, and early texture change.
  • 60s: pigment clean‑up and glow when you want improvement without the long healing of stronger lasers.

What it can do

  • Fade brown spots and other benign pigmented lesions; specific wavelengths target specific pigments.2
  • Improve acne scars and wrinkles using the fractional “Resolve” handpieces.2
  • Treat certain cases of melasma with cautious settings and strict sun/topical care (your clinic will advise).2

What it can’t do

It won’t tighten a soft jawline like ultrasound or RF devices, and it won’t erase deep etched lines alone. Diffuse facial redness is usually better treated with IPL/vascular lasers.

Treatment & sessions

  • During: a handpiece delivers quick pulses to the target; with Resolve, energy is fractionated into tiny micro‑spots to trigger collagen. Sessions usually take 10–30 minutes depending on area.1
  • How many: single spots may clear in 1–3 sessions; acne‑scar/wrinkle “skin‑refresh” plans often use 3–4 sessions, then maintenance.1
  • When you see it: treated spots may darken first and flake over 3–7 days; brightness and texture improve over the following weeks.3

Healing time & aftercare

  • Downtime: typically low—pinkness and mild swelling for a day or two; pigment spots look darker before they lift.3
  • Comfort: feels like quick snaps; numbing is optional.
  • Aftercare: gentle cleanser/moisturiser, strict SPF, avoid tanning, hot workouts/sauna and strong acids/retinoids for a few days. Your clinic may add a brightening regimen—especially for melasma.

Safety in deeper complexions (skin of colour)

PicoWay is used across skin tones, and its 1064 nm wavelength is often preferred for Fitzpatrick IV–VI because it’s gentler on melanin. The 532/730/785 nm wavelengths can still be used with conservative settings and expert care to reduce PIH risk.2 4

Possible side effects & complications

  • Common: temporary redness, swelling, bronzing/crusting of spots; “sunburn” feeling for several hours.3
  • Less common: post‑inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) or temporary lightening, acne/eczema flares, cold‑sore reactivation (consider antivirals if prone).3
  • Rare: blisters/burns, infection, scarring, or prolonged pigment change; eye protection is mandatory for all lasers. Adverse‑event reports are logged publicly by the FDA.5

Who should avoid or delay (contra‑/precautions)

  • Active infection/open wounds or active cold sores in the area; recent heavy sun/indoor tanning.
  • Photosensitising medications/conditions; recent isotretinoin—timing is individualized by your clinician.
  • Pregnancy/breast‑feeding are typically deferred; history of keloids requires careful assessment.

Regulatory note (U.S.)

FDA 510(k) summaries list PicoWay indications for benign pigmented lesions (skin types I–IV); wrinkles (Resolve handpieces); acne scars (Resolve 1064 nm, skin types II–V); and melasma (Resolve 1064 nm, skin types I–IV). Tattoo removal is cleared at 532/730/785/1064 nm with skin‑type and colour specifics.2

How PicoWay compares

  • Versus 1927‑nm fractional (Fraxel/LaseMD Ultra): PicoWay is stronger for brown spots with shorter social downtime; 1927‑nm excels at overall texture/pigment polish.
  • Versus ultrasound/RF tightening: those lift/firm; PicoWay is primarily for pigment + gentle collagen refresh.
  • Versus other picosecond platforms: device choice and operator skill drive results; PicoWay offers multiple wavelengths and fractional “Resolve/Resolve Fusion.”1

At‑a‑glance

  • Best for: sun spots/freckles, some melasma (expert care), light texture refresh; mild acne scars and fine lines (Resolve).
  • Sessions: typically 1–3 for spots; 3–4 for “refresh” programs.
  • Downtime: usually low (pinkness 1–2 days; spots darken/flake 3–7 days).
  • Operator matters: results and safety depend heavily on the person treating you.

References (open in new tab)

  1. Candela — PicoWay product overview (applications & wavelengths)
  2. FDA 510(k) K220853 — PicoWay indications (pigmented lesions, melasma, acne scars, wrinkles; tattoo removal wavelengths/skin types)
  3. DermNet — Picosecond laser overview (recovery & side effects)
  4. Practical Dermatology — PicoWay in skin of colour (treatment principles)
  5. FDA MAUDE — example adverse‑event log (laser device)

Region notes: PicoWay is available in many countries. Indications and marketing claims can vary by market; always confirm locally.

  • Hits: 27962