MY PICOSURE TREATMENT EXPERIENCE - DID IT WORK? DOES IT HURT?

Unedited photo of bare skin taken December 2018

WHAT IS PICOSURE?

As per Cynosure website: PicoSure® is the world’s first, fastest and most effective picosecond aesthetic laser. This unparalleled breakthrough in laser technology delivers ultra-short pulse bursts of energy to the skin in trillionths of a second. Picosecond pulse width is 100 times shorter than nanosecond technology, enabling unmatched photomechanical impact for better clearance with fewer treatments and less fluence. Picosure laser toning is comparable to nanosecond or traditional Q-switched lasers. 

It was explained to me on the day of treatment that Picosure is more effective than laser treatment. You will need lesser sessions and it will achieve better results. Picosure will also assist with smoothing out the textural problems of your skin. 

TREATMENT PREPARATION 

I was advised that the level of bacteria on your skin will be assessed prior to your picosure treatment. Treatment may not be as effective if there is a high level of bacteria. Crystal - the owner of Bella Pelle (also a highly experienced registered nurse who had worked as a theatre nurse in plastic surgery before venturing into lesser invasive cosmetic procedures) advised that she would not perform Picosure on clients with a high level of bacteria on their face as it will not be effective. 

My cleansing method is quit rigorous. I double cleanse, gentle exfoliation once a week and mud mask once per week. When I remember, I will do a chemical exfoliation.

I removed all my makeup before treatment and applied numbing cream which was removed prior to the treatment. 

DURING TREATMENT

I lied horizontally on a bed and I had to wear protective patches on my eyes to protect them from the pulses. The pulses were only slightly painful... I'd say less painful than laser. However the sensitive parts from my cheekbones did hurt. The procedure lasted for about 10-15 minutes, this included specific spot treatment and overall pulses for the entire face.

AFTER TREATMENT 

Crystal provided me with a cold compress to prevent swelling etc. I also had LED light therapy to help with the healing process at the clinic. I was not allowed to us any harsh skincare including vitamin C for approximately 2 weeks. I also had to be gentle with cleansing. 

Following my treatment the parts that received spot treatment and the sensitive areas were red. Overall my face wasn't too red and Crystal advised I had reacted well to the treatment. 

AFTER TREATMENT SUN CARE

It is imperative that you protect your skin from the sun after Picosure. I applied SPF 30 sunscreen before heading out and wore a hat. 

approx. 45mins post treatment

HOW MANY TREATMENT SESSIONS?

Crystal had recommended a further 3 sessions for me to get rid of all my pigmentation

1-3 DAYS POST TREATMENT 

Redness diminished the following day after treatment. The areas where I had received spot treatment got darker and I was able to see the formation of a small scab.

7 DAY POST TREATMENT

After 5 days, the pigmentation scabs had fallen off my face revealing fresh skin with no pigmentation.

1 week post treatment

2 WEEKS POST TREATMENT

Full pigmentation reduction, most of my freckles have either faded or fallen off. My pores were reduced and uneven skin tone looking  a lot better. 

5 MONTHS POST TREATMENT

I went to Fiji for a week between the 5 months and got a lot of sun, I did SPF like no tomorrow but I still came home with a distinct tan.

 In terms of the uneven skin tone situation, I think I needed more follow up treatment to maintain the plump skin but the condition is better overall. 

Pigmentation wise a couple of pigmentations did come back (on my nose and on the side of my face) while the rest did not emerge which I was quite happy about. 

I've never had laser pigmentation removal so I can't really comment on the comparison. But I was quite happy with the outcome - after just 1 session. However it is a very expensive treatment so I suppose the result matched my expectations. 

COST OF TREATMENT

$750 - $1000 per treatment. in Sydney.  It's quite hefty. If I had the money, I'd go and get the further sessions.

WEBSITE:

Find our more about Picosure: http://cynosureaustralia.com/technologies/picosure/
Book your own Picosure treatment at Bella Pelle:  https://www.instagram.com/bella_pelle_cosmetic_clinic/

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