What can I expect from the 1st and 2nd treatment of Picosure Focus? I'm afraid of spending so much $ for no result.

Question

I had my first Picosure Focus treatment 2 days ago. The doctor told me that I wouldn't really see results after the 1st but should after the 2nd. What I am hoping for most is fading/elimination of age spots. I'm curious how the 2nd treatment will suddenly lighten spots when the 1st one does nothing visible. Is that your experience? Should I see the fading soon after the 2nd treatment? The doctor said my spots weren't that bad but they are spots that haven't budged for years, even with IPL.

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Hi Zozuna this is a difficult question to answer without photos.  We usually eliminate sun spots on the first or second visit but you should ALWAYS see results after one visit.  If not, you're at the wrong practice.  The fact that you did not achieve good results with IPL is not a concern as q-switched lasers like the Picosure are very different.With that said, many Hispanics and Asians at out practice consistently refer to Melasma as "sun damage".  If you have Melasma it can look like brown spots but typically the areas are much larger than sun spots.  They are patches of diffuse pigment, mostly on the cheeks.Either way, both conditions are treatable.  To see before and after photos of our patients that have had q-switched laser treatments for sun damage, click on the link below.

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

You should see some results after the first Picosure treatment. Picosure is new technology that usually yileds results after one treatment and in general requires less treatments to treat hyperpigmentation. It takes some time to see results therefore, treatments are spaces out around 6 weeks. Make sure to ask your provider to take before and after photos. If you do not see any results express your concern with your provider. Good luck!

Hardik Soni, MD · Answer

You should see some results after the first Picosure treatment. Picosure is new technology that usually yields results after one treatment and in general requires less treatments to treat hyperpigmentation. It takes some time to see results therefore, treatments are spaces out around 6 weeks. Make sure to ask your provider to take before and after photos. If you do not see any results express your concern with your provider. Good luck!

George Commons, MD (retired) · Answer

With the Picosure you will see some results with the very first treatment and  further results with the 2nd and 3rd treatment.   Every patient is different but results are pleasing.    My Best,  Dr Commons

David E. Berman, MD (retired) · Answer

we recommend patients do 3x a month apart. It takes time. Dr. Kaplan below is incorrect. the Pico is not a q laser but has very different technology. it is quite revolutionary since it has profound changes without the redness seen with other lasers. however it still takes time.david berman md

What can I expect from the 1st and 2nd treatment of Picosure Focus? I'm afraid of spending so much $ for no result.

Answers (5)