I have literally had no results from 2 PicoSure Focus treatments. I am committed to 3 so what should I do if still none after 3?

Question

This is being done at a respected Dr's office. My main goal is to eradicate/fade brown spots. After the 2nd one my spots were quite dark for at least 5 days. I was hopeful 2nd would produce results but nope - pics at 3rd appt proved there was MAYBE a 5% improvement overall but not even 1 age spot looked better. From my research it doesn't seem possible that after 3 treatments with this laser there would be zero improvement of any spots. If that turns out to be the case, how should I handle it?

Laura Riehm, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  We've been using the PicoSure FOCUS treatment for 2 and half years with great success.  It does require a series of treatment, usually a minimum of 4.  Depending on the depth of your pigment, you may need several more treatments.  If the pigment is not moving at all after 2-3 treatments, we sometimes will treat patients with the PicoSure Flat Lens.  You may not be a candidate based on your skin type.  You might contact the office in advance of your next appointment to discuss your concerns.  Best of luck.

Emil A. Tanghetti, MD · Answer

Without having a little more information regarding the type of brown spots you are treating or the energy that you were treated with it is hard to know what exactly is going on here. Stubborn pigmentation can require at least 3 treatments with the PicoSure Focus. Generally for my patients who are looking for quicker results, I will also supplement their in-office treatments with products to use at home, which could include prescription hydroquinones, like Obagi or Triluma. You may want to consider adding a topical treatment like this to boost your results. Good luck!

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

Picosure is great for overall skin rejuvenation, however if you are targeting a specific spot, I often use the other setting, ie. non focus setting to get the lesion to frost, or use the older nano laser. This is a more reliable method of treating spots, Picosure Focus is excellent for over all rejuvenation. Some spots can be treated with a longer dwell time till it frosts, but this is dependent on the expertise of your specialist who performs this procedure. All the best, Dr Davin Lim. Brisbane. Australia.

David E. Berman, MD (retired) · Answer

some people do need more than 3 treatments. also they can increase the energy they set on the laser. it does not sound like you have had any bad effects from the Pico, just not much improvement. when you go in for your third treatment, tell them that you have not noticed much change and they can either increase the energy or do more passes to the area. Lasering is not an exact science. it is the best laser on the market for your problem but people respond differently and it takes tweaking the settings depending on how the patient responds.good luckdavid berman md

I have literally had no results from 2 PicoSure Focus treatments. I am committed to 3 so what should I do if still none after 3?

Answers (4)