Why Is PicoWay Laser Treatment Popular in Burnaby?
PicoWay is a picosecond laser that breaks up pigment and tattoo ink with very short pulses and less heat than older nanosecond lasers. It is used for tattoos, dark spots, acne scars and skin revitalization, usually over several sessions, and most people return to normal activities the same day or within a day or two.
If you've been searching for laser skin care in the Greater Vancouver area, you've likely come across the name PicoWay.
At Skin Art MD in Burnaby, our physician-led team uses the PicoWay platform for pigmentation, tattoo and texture concerns. Whether you're near Metrotown, commuting from Vancouver, or traveling from Coquitlam, our clinic offers personalized PicoWay Body treatments designed around your unique skin type and goals.
Learn more about PicoWay Body and what it can do for your skin.
Ready to take the first step? Book a Consultation with our team today.
What Is PicoWay Body and How Does It Work?
PicoWay is a picosecond laser system developed by Candela, a medical aesthetic device manufacturer. Unlike older nanosecond lasers, PicoWay fires ultra-short pulses measured in picoseconds — that's one trillionth of a second. This distinction matters enormously for your results.
These ultra-fast pulses deliver photoacoustic energy to targeted skin structures. Rather than relying primarily on heat (photothermal energy), PicoWay uses a shockwave-like effect to shatter pigment particles — whether that's melanin deposits causing dark spots or ink particles from a tattoo — into microscopic fragments that your body's immune system can naturally clear away.
The result: treatment with less heat delivered to surrounding tissue, which may translate to lower risk of side effects and faster recovery compared to traditional laser options.
PicoWay Body specifically refers to the application of PicoWay technology to body areas beyond the face, including the arms, back, chest, legs, and hands — treating pigmentation, scarring, and tattoos wherever they appear.
What Can PicoWay Body Treat?
PicoWay Body is used for tattoos, pigmentation, acne scars and texture, and general skin revitalization on the body:
Tattoo Removal
PicoWay is a widely used platform for tattoo removal. Its multi-wavelength system can target a broad spectrum of ink colours, including notoriously difficult shades like blues, greens, and purples. Fading is gradual over a series of sessions, and results vary based on ink depth, colour, and skin type.
Pigmentation and Dark Spots
Sun damage, melasma, age spots, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) are among the most common reasons people seek laser treatment in Burnaby and across Greater Vancouver. PicoWay's precision targeting can help break up melanin clusters without causing collateral damage to surrounding skin.
Acne Scars and Skin Texture
Using the PicoWay Resolve handpiece, practitioners can stimulate collagen production deep within the dermis — helping to soften acne scars, smooth uneven texture, and improve overall skin tone over time.
Skin Revitalization
Beyond specific concerns, PicoWay treatments may help improve skin luminosity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and dullness, and it is also used for general skin rejuvenation.
How Does PicoWay Compare With Other Laser Options?
PicoWay is a picosecond laser system with multiple wavelengths, so it can target a broad spectrum of tattoo ink colours across many skin types with a short recovery.
| Treatment | Technology | Downtime | Ink Colours Targeted | Skin Tones |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PicoWay | Picosecond laser (multi-wavelength) | Minimal | Broad spectrum | All skin types |
| Q-Switch Nd:YAG | Nanosecond laser | Low–moderate | Limited range | Best for darker tones |
| Traditional IPL | Intense Pulsed Light | Low–moderate | Not for tattoos | Best for lighter tones |
| Fractional CO2 | Ablative laser | High | Not for tattoos | Limited for darker tones |
| PicoSure | Picosecond laser | Minimal | Good range | Most skin types |
PicoWay's range across skin tones and its multi-wavelength system are relevant for the diverse population in Burnaby and across the Lower Mainland; a physician assessment decides which option is suitable.
What Happens During a PicoWay Body Session?
A session involves a consultation and skin assessment, cleansing and optional numbing, laser pulses with protective eyewear for a few minutes up to 45 minutes, then temporary redness or frosting and gradual fading over 4–8 weeks.
Knowing what to expect helps you feel prepared. Here's a step-by-step overview of what a typical PicoWay Body session looks like at our clinic:
Step 1: Consultation and Skin Assessment
Every treatment begins with a thorough consultation. Our physician-led team reviews your medical history, skin type, treatment goals, and any previous laser procedures. This is where we create your personalized treatment plan.
Step 2: Preparation
On treatment day, the target area is cleansed. A topical numbing cream may be applied (particularly for tattoo removal or more sensitive areas) and allowed to take effect before the session begins.
Step 3: The Treatment
Your provider will use the appropriate PicoWay handpiece and wavelength setting for your specific concern. You'll wear protective eyewear throughout. The sensation is usually described as brief snapping or prickling and is generally well-tolerated.
Session length varies: a small pigmentation spot may take minutes, while a large or complex tattoo removal session may take 30–45 minutes.
Step 4: Immediate Aftercare
Following treatment, the skin may appear red, slightly swollen, or have a frosted appearance (particularly in tattoo removal). These are normal responses and typically subside within hours to a few days.
Step 5: Recovery and Results Timeline
Most patients return to normal activities the same day or within 24–48 hours. Sun avoidance and SPF use are essential post-treatment. Visible fading or improvement typically progresses over 4–8 weeks as your body clears treated pigment. Multiple sessions are usually required — your provider will outline a treatment schedule at your consultation.
How Does Skin Art MD Approach PicoWay Body in Burnaby?
At Skin Art MD, PicoWay treatments are physician-overseen, settings are tailored to your skin type and concern, and consultations are available in English or Chinese near Metrotown.
Physician-Led Care: At Skin Art MD, treatments are overseen by physicians, so each assessment draws on medical judgment — not just device training.
Current Technology: We use platforms like PicoWay so patients in Burnaby have access to picosecond technology.
Personalized Treatment Plans: We tailor wavelength selection, pulse energy, and treatment intervals to your skin type, tone, and specific concern, with safety in mind.
Bilingual Staff (English & Chinese): Clear communication about your treatment is part of the care we provide.
Location Near Metrotown: Our Burnaby clinic is accessible for patients coming from Vancouver, Coquitlam, and surrounding areas.
Book a Consultation for a personalized skin assessment.
How Much Does PicoWay Body Cost in Burnaby?
Pricing depends on the size of the treatment area, the number of sessions and the concern being treated, and is set at your assessment.
Contact us for current pricing — our team will provide an itemized quote during your consultation.
What Do People Ask About PicoWay?
Common questions cover what treatment feels like, how the laser works, pulse duration, scarring risk, new tattoos after removal and discomfort.
What is a PicoWay treatment like?
A PicoWay session at Skin Art MD begins with cleansing the treatment area and applying protective eyewear. Your provider guides the laser handpiece across the target zone in a series of precise pulses. The sensation is usually described as tolerable snapping or mild stinging. Sessions typically range from a few minutes to under an hour depending on the area treated. Topical numbing cream is available for comfort.
How does the PicoWay laser work?
PicoWay uses ultra-short picosecond laser pulses to deliver photoacoustic energy beneath the skin's surface. This creates a shockwave effect that shatters pigment particles — whether melanin causing dark spots or ink from a tattoo — into tiny fragments. Your body's lymphatic system then naturally clears these particles over the following weeks. Because the pulses are so fast, less heat is generated in surrounding tissue compared to older nanosecond lasers.
What does this mean for you?
For you as a patient, PicoWay's picosecond technology may mean more effective clearance of pigmentation or tattoo ink, fewer sessions needed, and a lower risk of heat-related side effects such as prolonged redness or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Individual results vary.
What is the effect of pulse duration on the efficacy of tattoo removal?
Pulse duration is one of the most important variables in laser tattoo removal. Shorter pulse durations (picoseconds vs. nanoseconds) allow the laser energy to be delivered faster than the thermal relaxation time of ink particles. This means the energy is used almost entirely to shatter the ink rather than heating the surrounding skin. Shorter pulses can result in more complete ink fragmentation per session and may reduce the total number of sessions required — though results always depend on ink type, depth, and colour.
Is there a scarring risk with PicoWay?
All laser treatments carry some theoretical risk of scarring, but PicoWay's photoacoustic mechanism reduces thermal damage to surrounding tissue, which is the primary driver of scarring in laser procedures. At Skin Art MD, our physician-led team carefully calibrates settings for each patient's skin type and monitors treatment response to minimize risks. Following your aftercare instructions — particularly avoiding sun exposure and not picking at the skin — also significantly reduces any risk.
Can I get a new tattoo after PicoWay removal?
Yes, in most cases. Once the area has fully healed and your provider confirms the skin has recovered adequately — typically several months after your final session — getting new ink over treated skin is generally possible. Individual healing varies, and we recommend discussing your plans with your provider during your consultation so they can factor your timeline into your treatment plan.
Does PicoWay tattoo removal hurt?
Discomfort levels vary between individuals and depend on the location of the tattoo. PicoWay is often described as feeling like repeated snapping of a rubber band. Because PicoWay delivers energy so quickly, some find it more tolerable than older nanosecond lasers. Topical numbing cream is routinely offered at Skin Art MD to improve your comfort during the procedure.
What is PicoWay laser treatment?
PicoWay is a medical-grade picosecond laser platform developed by Candela Medical. It is used for tattoo removal, pigmentation treatment (including age spots, sun damage, and melasma), acne scar improvement, and overall skin revitalization. It is suitable for a wide range of skin tones and can be used on both the face and body. PicoWay laser treatment is widely used in Burnaby and across Greater Vancouver, and most people return to normal activities quickly.
How Do I Book a PicoWay Consultation in Burnaby?
You can book a personalized consultation at Skin Art MD in Burnaby, where the team assesses your skin and goals and explains what to expect and how many sessions may be needed; a physician assessment decides suitability.
Book a consultation — available in English and Chinese.
This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional before undergoing any treatment.
