Q: Who's a good candidate for Pico Genesis?

If you have stubborn melasma, uneven skin tone, sun damage , or other hyperpigmentation concerns, Pico Genesis may be an appropriate treatment for you. One of the unique benefits of Pico Genesis is that it's considered safer for people of virtually all skin types and tones. "Pico lasers are a better option than other lasers for those who tend toward hyperpigmentation responses because the laser pulse is so fast, the skin doesn't have as much opportunity to 'heat up' and get the pigment rebound," explains Dr. Rebecca Fitzgerald , a dermatologic surgeon in Los Angeles. That said, there is always a level of potential risk with any laser system; the pico lasers just happen to be among the least risky of lasers, says Dr. Fitzgerald. Your provider may recommend prepping the skin before treatment with a pigment-suppressing topical, if you're at higher risk for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Q: How long does Pico Genesis last?

Pico Genesis results can last for years— if you can prevent new sun damage and spots of hyperpigmentation from forming. Always wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 (higher is better), especially when heading outdoors, and take care to manage conditions like acne, eczema, or psoriasis that may lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Question 1

What is Pico Genesis?

Accepted Answer

Enlighten Pico Genesis laser treatments reduce signs of sun damage and hyperpigmentation, including sunspots, age spots, and melasma. They can also reduce the appearance of large pores and pigmented lesions, smooth fine lines and wrinkles, and help clear up acne. The Pico Genesis is also

Manufactured by Cutera, Pico Genesis uses Enlighten picosecond laser technology (originally designed for tattoo removal) at two different wavelengths, 532 nm green light and infrared light, to deliver quick pulses (one-trillionth of a second long) of light energy to the skin.

The light breaks up high concentrations or clumps of excess pigment (melanin), while stimulating new collagen growth in the dermis, just below the skin’s surface.

Unlike more invasive laser resurfacing procedures, which carry a risk of thermal burns and increased pigmentation problems, the ultra-short pulses of the Pico Genesis target and destroy pigment without damaging the surrounding tissue. Aside from some mild redness and flaking, there's little to no downtime with the treatment.

The laser also treats the dermis layers just below the skin's surface, which stimulates new collagen production and creates a mild firming effect over time.

RealSelf Tip: If you have acne scars, the newer Pico Genesis FX laser treatment may be an even better option. It uses a 1064 nm wavelength to address acne scars, uneven texture, and enlarged pores on all skin types.

Question 2

What are the pros and cons of Pico Genesis?

Accepted Answer

Pros

This relatively painless treatment is fast (about 20 minutes) and can be used anywhere on the face and body.
Downtime is minimal. You may have some redness and light flaking, but you can resume your normal routine, including applying makeup, right away.
The lightning-fast laser pulses reduce the chance of scarring and pigmentation problems (a common concern with most pigment-targeting lasers), even for people with brown and deep skin tones.
It’s not just for brown spots: picosecond technology was developed for laser tattoo removal, and it's still a good option.
Results are long-lasting, provided you practice good sun-protection habits.

Cons

At least three (and sometimes as many as five) Pico Genesis treatments are needed to see significant results. RealSelf members who said it was “Not Worth It” didn’t see many changes after their first treatment.
You’ll be more sun-sensitive afterward, so you’ll need to pay more attention to covering up when you’re outside and be vigilant about applying sunscreen with SPF 30+ to avoid new sun damage.
While it is suitable for people with tan, brown, or deep skin tones, people who naturally have more melanin still have an increased risk of hypo- or hyperpigmentation following a Pico Genesis treatment. If this is a concern, your provider may prescribe a hydroquinone cream to pretreat your skin. This powerful depigmenting agent inhibits melanin production, reducing your risk of complications.
Pico Genesis treatments are operator-dependent, so choose your provider carefully. "Technology is great, but experience with the laser is more important," says Dr. Davin Lim, a dermatologist in Brisbane, Australia.

Question 3

How much does Pico Genesis cost?

Accepted Answer

The price you pay will depend on your provider’s level of experience, their practice location, the number of areas you have treated, and how many sessions you have.

Like other elective cosmetic treatments, Pico Genesis is not covered by insurance, but most providers offer monthly payment plans or financing options.

Question 4

Pico Genesis before and after pictures

Accepted Answer

The Pico Genesis photos in our gallery have been shared by the provider who performed the procedure, with the patient's consent.

Question 5

Who's a good candidate for Pico Genesis?

Accepted Answer

If you have stubborn melasma, uneven skin tone, sun damage, or other hyperpigmentation concerns, Pico Genesis may be an appropriate treatment for you.

One of the unique benefits of Pico Genesis is that it's considered safer for people of virtually all skin types and tones. "Pico lasers are a better option than other lasers for those who tend toward hyperpigmentation responses because the laser pulse is so fast, the skin doesn't have as much opportunity to 'heat up' and get the pigment rebound," explains Dr. Rebecca Fitzgerald, a dermatologic surgeon in Los Angeles.

That said, there is always a level of potential risk with any laser system; the pico lasers just happen to be among the least risky of lasers, says Dr. Fitzgerald.

Your provider may recommend prepping the skin before treatment with a pigment-suppressing topical, if you're at higher risk for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Question 6

How does Pico Genesis work?

Accepted Answer

Unlike traditional lasers that use thermal energy to create controlled injuries that promote skin revitalization, this laser device harnesses a photoacoustic effect that essentially shatters particles of excess pigment.

“It fires so fast, it essentially creates a little earthquake in the skin. This reverberation disrupts the pigment and causes the body to clear it,” explains Dr. Matthew Elias, a dermatologist in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

It's a nonablative laser, which means that it doesn't remove the top layer of skin, unlike most thermal lasers, which inflict thermal damage to resurface skin by vaporizing all (or a portion of) the top layer. This eliminates downtime, reduces the chance of side effects, and eases recovery.

Question 7

What happens during a Pico Genesis treatment?

Accepted Answer

A single session typically lasts about 20 minutes, depending on the size of the treatment area.

Your provider may start by applying a topical anesthetic. Once the treatment area is sufficiently numbed, they’ll begin methodically passing the laser’s three-pronged applicator over your skin.

You may see an improvement after just one treatment, most people need three to five treatment sessions to get the results you want. Results will vary for each person, and your provider will develop a personalized treatment plan.

Question 8

Does Pico Genesis hurt?

Accepted Answer

It doesn't hurt for most people; the closest approximation of the sensation is being snapped repeatedly by rubber bands.

“It feels like being flicked with an elastic band over and over—annoying but not unbearable by any means,” says RealSelf member kangeroomegs.

Question 9

How much downtime will you need?

Accepted Answer

You can expect to have a few days of mild redness or inflammation (the most common side effect) after each session.

The dark spots will get darker at first and then scab over. Once the scabs flake off, the skin that’s revealed should be clearer, brighter, and more evenly toned.

During the healing process, you may feel a bit itchy. Doctors on RealSelf suggest taking an oral antihistamine to help reduce the itch, and your provider may recommend a gentle moisturizer.

Try to resist the urge to pick at the scabs, which can cause scarring.

Question 10

How soon will you see Pico Genesis results?

Accepted Answer

Your skin tone will look brighter and more even within a few days, once the excess pigment has scabbed and flaked off. Most people three or more treatments to see optimal skin rejuvenation results.

The collagen-boosting effects of the treatment take some time to develop, but your skin may look firmer and more refreshed within about three months.

Question 11

How long does Pico Genesis last?

Accepted Answer

Pico Genesis results can last for years—if you can prevent new sun damage and spots of hyperpigmentation from forming.

Always wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 (higher is better), especially when heading outdoors, and take care to manage conditions like acne, eczema, or psoriasis that may lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Question 12

Does Pico Genesis tighten skin?

Accepted Answer

While Pico Genesis offers some mild firming benefits from new collagen production, it's not the go-to solution to tighten loose skin.

For moderate skin laxity, ultrasound and radiofrequency energy treatments are considered better options, while surgical solutions like a facelift is a better bet for more severe loose skin.

PICO GENESIS

Krista Bennett DeMaio

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