REMOVE SUN SPOTS WITH PICO LASER

Too much summer fun under the sun can lead to sun spots. hyper-pigmentation and skin damage. Putting on the right sunscreen may help, but years of sun damage will eventually show up as we age. Thankfully, with modern technology, there is now a safe and effective way to remove sun spots with pico laser.

Discover more with our in-depth review, before and after results and everything you need to know about Pico Laser treatments in Malaysia here.

What is Pico Laser?

Pico Laser is a non-invasive laser that uses ultra-short wavelengths that are extremely precise to target only collagen, fibers or pigment. It is suitable to treat all skin colours, even dark and tanned skin. Pico laser is a safe and effective way to combat preexisting dark spots and acne scars on the skin.

Where and how to get Pico Laser done in Malaysia?

When deciding where to get Pico Laser done, you will need to ensure that it is strictly done by a doctor at a registered clinic in Malaysia. There are a lot of beauty parlors masquerading as clinics or medi-clinics these days with unlicensed operators. You will also need to research the machine used as there are plenty of counterfeit devices out in the market which might not produce the same results and may cause unwanted side effects. Amongst the top-rated pico laser machines used by doctors in Malaysia are PicoCare, PicoWay, PicoSure and PicoPlus. 

We reviewed the Pico Laser treatment at one of Malaysia’s leading aesthetic clinics – O2 Klinik Signature in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur, to see if it could really help with our sun-damaged, extra sensitive skin. All procedures here are overseen and done by qualified doctors so rest assured, you’re in good hands.

The laser treatment first starts with a consultation with the in-house doctor. Photos are taken and the doctor will assess your skin condition beforehand. You’ll learn the differences between sun damage, hyperpigmentation, freckles and genetic meleasma during this session. The doctor will then advice on how many sessions you’ll require and also which spot/s to target for best results.

Although Pico Laser is deemed suitable for all skin types, those with overly sensitive skin (like us), will be advised to calm the skin down with natural aloe vera gel and given a topical cream to apply for a couple of weeks before getting any treatment done. This is to ensure that the skin is fully prepped and that the best results are achieved per doctor’s advice.

Next comes the Pico Laser treatment. Face is cleansed by the doctor’s assistant and numbing cream is applied over the affected areas. In our case, it was mainly on our face. The Pico Laser treatment starts with a whole face coverage followed by targeted spot treatment. The burning question comes next: Is Pico Laser painful? Not really. With the numbing cream in effect, you’ll still feel a slight tingling sensation, much like little pricks or rubber bands snapping on the skin which lasts a nano second. A cooling fan is blown on the face simultaneously so you’ll be distracted by the breeze which is enough to get through the entire session.

Once the laser is done, you’ll be put under a soothing LED light therapy for 10 minutes. A moisturiser and sun block is then applied and off you go.

How long is a Pico Laser session?

On average, a Pico Laser treatment only takes up to 10 minutes per session. The numbing cream is left on for around 20 minutes and the LED therapy or calming mask – depending on your skin condition, will take another 10 – 15 minutes.

For your first Pico laser session at O2 Klinik, do set aside an hour to include the doctor’s consultation. Subsequent visits will only take 30minutes or so, which can be done as a lunchtime procedure.

What are the side effects after a Pico Laser treatment?

There is no downtime immediately after a Pico Laser treatment. Given, some of the targeted areas will be red and the effect will last for a couple of hours after treatment. Scabs on the targeted areas will appear within a couple of days. As the skin begins to heal itself, these will naturally dry up and fall off within a week or so, depending on how fast your skin regenerates.

For sensitive skin, redness is more apparent right after the laser treatment, however, you will be given antihistamines to help calm down the skin. For our specific case, it only took less than an hour for the redness to disappear.

Pico Laser After Care

Avoid unnecessary scratching and rubbing, whilst refraining from the use of make up after a laser treatment. It is also advisable to avoid the use of topical skincare products that are abrasive or contain ingredients that can be harsh on the skin such as exfoliators, retinol products or those high in parfums for at least a week post-treatment. It is important to ensure that you are regularly cleansing your skin with warm water using a gentle cleanser or micellar water and a light oil-free moisturiser to keep the skin hydrated. Application of a hydrating mask is also encouraged at least twice a week to maintain the skin’s moisture levels.

Similarly to pre-treatment care, try to avoid excessive sun exposure, swimming in pools, long baths and even going to the sauna. As much as you can, do refrain from any activity that may expose your skin to bacteria or cause further sensitivity. After a laser treatment, it is also suggested to avoid other facial procedures such as fillers, botox or chemical peels in order to not disrupt the skin’s natural healing process.

A gentle yet good sunscreen is also highly recommended to be applied daily to further protect the skin from redeveloping melasma.

How soon to see results of Pico Laser?

The skin responds almost immediately to laser treatments, and some may notice an improvement in radiance and skin tone within the same day. For lightening of dark spots, sun spots, melasama and/or hyper-pigmentation, results can be seen within one to three weeks after a single pico laser treatment. For best results to remove sun spots and pigmentation, it is recommended that you follow the doctor’s advice on how many follow-up sessions are required.

Our Pico Laser Review Verdict

Seeing is believing and the results have spoken for itself. We did three sessions to remove sun spots with Pico Laser and the before and after photos have shown lightening of sun spots and a more even skin tone. In reality, our facial pores have reduced and after the third session, our skin feels smoother and is definitely less bumpy, less patchy and less sensitive. Not all of our melasma have totally disappeared and this is probably going to take a few more sessions in the near future for flawless skin – providing we diligently apply our sunscreen and try not to tan too often.

We highly advice getting the pico laser treatment done when you aren’t planning on a beach holiday soon. You will need to stay out of the sun for a few weeks so do keep that in mind.

Would we recommend this and continue the treatment as needed? Yes!

How much is a Pico Laser Treatment?

Pico Laser treatment, when done at an aesthetic clinic in Malaysia costs RM200 upwards, depending on the specific type of treatment. O2 Klinik currently offers a full-face Pico Laser trial at a special price of just RM199.

If you’re looking for an accredited aesthetic clinic to remove sun spots with pico laser by a real doctor in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Penang, Kedah, Perak or Johor, find your nearest O2 Klinik Aesthetic branch and schedule an appointment for a consultation now at www.aesthetic.o2klinik.com

O2 KLINIK was founded in January 2012 by a group of medical doctors with the aim of providing services in general medicine, preventive medicine, regenerative and anti-aging medicine, dermatology and aesthetic medicine, screening and diagnostic medicine.

As the largest aesthetic group in Malaysia, O2 Klinik Aesthetic has over 30 branches nationwide. More information can be found on O2’s Instagram and Facebook.