Pico Laser Side Effects: What You Need To Know

The popular PicoWay® laser offers significant benefits with minimal downtime. However, like any cosmetic procedure, it can have side effects.

In this blog post, I’ll walk you through what you can expect and how to best prepare for your treatment.

What Is PicoWay Laser Treatment?

The PicoWay laser and its counterpart PicoSure® deliver energy in ultrafast pulses lasting just a picosecond (one trillionth of a second). They treat various skin conditions, including wrinkles, fine lines, discoloration such as sun spots and freckles, melasma, and scarring.

The fractionated non-ablative laser energy breaks down excess pigment into tiny particles without damaging the skin’s surface. Once the pigment is fractured, your body naturally eliminates it over time. Additionally, the laser stimulates your skin’s collagen and elastin production, making your skin look and feel younger.

Common Side Effects

Let’s look at some of the most frequently experienced side effects of PicoWay laser treatment:

• Redness and Swelling: Some of the most common side effects of PicoWay laser treatment are temporary redness and swelling. These aftereffects usually occur immediately after the procedure and can last a few hours to a few days. The severity of these symptoms varies depending on your skin type and the intensity of the treatment. To minimize discomfort, apply a cool compress to the affected area.

• Mild Discomfort: Some patients report mild discomfort—a slight tingling or prickling sensation—during and after treatment. While the PicoWay laser is designed to be as gentle as possible, everyone’s pain threshold differs. If you’re concerned about discomfort, speak to your practitioner. We can apply a topical numbing cream to help manage any discomfort.
• Changes in Skin Color: Hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) or hypopigmentation (lightening of the skin) can happen. These changes are usually temporary and resolve on their own over time. Follow all pre- and post-treatment care instructions to minimize the risk of pigmentation changes.

• Blistering and Scabbing: The treated area may develop small blisters or scabs. This is often a normal part of the healing process and should be left undisturbed to heal naturally. Picking at scabs can lead to scarring or infection, so it’s important to let them fall off on their own. If you experience blistering or scabbing, keep the area clean and apply a gentle moisturizer to aid healing. If you see signs of infection, call your provider.

Rare Side Effects

Though extremely rare, these side effects should be noted as potential risks:

• Infection: There is a slight risk of infection following treatment, which is minimized when a qualified and experienced practitioner performs the procedure. Following post-treatment care instructions, such as avoiding sun exposure and keeping the treated area clean, will also help prevent infection.

• Scarring: This is an extremely rare side effect. When it does occur, it’s usually a result of improper aftercare or a preexisting tendency to develop keloids or hypertrophic scars. If you have a history of scarring, discuss this with your practitioner before undergoing treatment.

Take the Next Step

Picoway’s many skin benefits are well worth the temporary aftereffects for most patients. If you’re considering PicoWay laser treatment, request a consultation or call Advanced Aesthetics at (208) 676-8346. Rely on our experienced team for safe, effective treatments and impressive results.