Is there a cancer risk from doing PicoSure for pitted acne scars?

Question

I was recently diagnosed with thyroid cancer and have just completed treatment. I am currently 22, with brown Indian skin. Both of my cheeks are covered in pitted acne scars (mostly boxcar), and there are some on my nose. On top of that, I also have a lot of dark spots left over by acne. My dermatologist mentioned that there are no cancer risks to Picosure. However, I am seeking more information and opinions as I'm unsure if there is radiation in the laser or anything like that.

Bernard Tan, MBBS, MRCSB · Answer

Hi lunaires,gamma radiation is a risk factor for development of Thyroid CancerYou get exposed to these from radioactive sources, in the medical setting these would include X Rays and CT scans (although in low doses)Lasers do NOT generate gamma radiation- Picosure generates a focused beam of light in the visible wavelength 755nm, so there will not be any risk of cancer developmentBest wishesDr Bernard Tan

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

I do like Picosure to treat shallow box car scars, now if they are deep, consider other treatments. Pico will only help with shallow box car scars if you have chromophore. I personally prefer angled Co2 - see drdavinlim IG to understand.

James Okamoto, MD · Answer

Picosure is safe for all skin types and is not carcinogenic (cancer causing), unlike sunlight’s UVA radiation. You should use a good sunblock after Picosure to reduce your risk of skin cancer from UVA, and to prevent the sun damage associated with the sun’s rays. This (and wearing a wide brimmed hat/sun protective clothing) is the best way to reduce your risk of skin cancer.  Picosure does not affect tissue below the skin, and no cancer causing radiation.

David E. Berman, MD (retired) · Answer

there is no reason, that i can fathom, that the Picosure laser would lead to cancer. Since you have darker skin, the picosure laser should be a good choice since other lasers have a much higher risk of causing hyper-pigmentation. It is important that you aim for an improvement and not the elimination of the scarring. I would recommend that you pre-treat for 2-3 weeks before each Picosure laser session with 4-8% hydroquinone. Plan on doing 6 picosure sessions, no sooner than one month apart (longer apart if you get any discoloration) and then re-evaluate. Expect slow gradual improvement, not a quick sudden improvement.david berman md

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

I do like Picosure to treat shallow box car scars, now if they are deep, consider other treatments. Pico will only help with shallow box car scars if you have chromophore. I personally prefer angled Co2 . I wish you the best, Dr Davin Lim. Brisbane. Australia.

Is there a cancer risk from doing PicoSure for pitted acne scars?

Answers (5)

More PicoSure Questions

What can/should I do for hyperpigmentation after PicoSure? (Photos)

I have dark sun spots in the cheek. I tried Clear and Brilliant but it didn’t work. Is PicoSure a good option? (Photo)

How does Halo and BBL compare to PicoSure/picodiscovery lasers for melasma?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS