A picosecond (Pico) laser is a non-ablative cosmetic device that uses ultra-short energy pulses, measured in trillionths of a second, to target specific skin concerns. This rapid energy delivery creates a photoacoustic effect, shattering pigment or stimulating collagen with minimal heat damage to surrounding tissue. Because Pico lasers are designed to be gentler than older technologies, understanding the physical sensation and preparation methods helps set realistic expectations.
The Sensation During Treatment
The feeling experienced when the laser fires is often described as quick and sharp, which is distinctly different from the lingering heat of older laser systems. Many patients compare the sensation to a rapid series of tiny pinpricks or the flick of a small rubber band against the skin. Because the energy pulses are extremely short, the discomfort is immediate and brief, rather than a sustained burning feeling.
The intensity of the sensation varies significantly based on the treatment goal and the necessary energy settings, known as fluence. Tattoo removal typically requires a higher energy setting to shatter deep ink particles, which can result in a more pronounced snapping feeling. Conversely, procedures for skin rejuvenation or treating mild pigmentation often use lower settings, leading to a much milder, tingling, or warming sensation. The speed of the picosecond pulse helps minimize thermal injury, contributing to a more tolerable experience than traditional nanosecond lasers.
Techniques Used to Minimize Discomfort
Practitioners employ several methods to actively reduce the patient’s discomfort throughout the session. One common strategy involves applying a topical anesthetic cream to the treatment area approximately 30 to 60 minutes before the procedure begins. This numbing agent works to significantly dull the skin’s sensitivity, reducing the intensity of the snapping sensation.
Another frequently used technique is the application of forced cold air using specialized cooling devices, such as a Zimmer machine. This device blows a continuous stream of chilled air directly onto the skin before, during, and after the laser passes over the area. The intense cold acts as a local analgesic, distracting nerve endings and lowering the perceived pain threshold. Some Pico laser handpieces also incorporate integrated contact cooling tips that chill the skin surface directly. This combination of surface cooling and topical numbing ensures the treatment is well-tolerated, even for intense procedures like tattoo removal.
Variables That Affect Pain Perception
The experience of discomfort is highly subjective and depends on several factors specific to the individual and the treatment plan. A person’s inherent pain tolerance plays a large role, as one individual may find the sensation mildly irritating while another perceives it as painful. Psychological factors, such as anxiety or the expectation of pain, can also influence how the brain processes the physical stimuli.
The area of the body being treated is another important determinant of pain level. Areas where the skin is thin or lies directly over bone, such as the ankles, forehead, or collarbone, generally have a higher concentration of nerve endings and are more sensitive. Conversely, fleshier areas tend to be less uncomfortable during the treatment. The specific laser settings, which are adjusted based on the depth of the target pigment and the patient’s skin type, also directly correlate with the level of sensation experienced.
Post-Procedure Sensations
Once the laser session is complete, the immediate sensation on the treated skin is commonly compared to a moderate sunburn. This feeling of warmth and tenderness is a normal, transient response to the energy delivered into the skin. This acute discomfort is generally mild and manageable without the need for prescription pain medication.
Common temporary side effects include mild redness (erythema) and localized swelling (edema) in the treated area. These reactions are signs that the body’s healing process has been activated. For most people, this residual discomfort, redness, and swelling subside significantly within a few hours and typically resolve completely within 24 hours. Applying a clean, cold compress afterward can help reduce swelling and soothe the sunburn-like feeling.