Why PicoWay Laser Treatment Is Popular in Burnaby, BC
If you've been searching for advanced laser skin care in the Greater Vancouver area, you've likely come across the name PicoWay. And there's a very good reason why PicoWay laser treatment is popular in Burnaby — it delivers real, measurable results for a wide range of skin concerns, from stubborn pigmentation and tattoo removal to overall skin revitalization, all with minimal discomfort and little to no downtime.
At SkinArtMD in Burnaby, our physician-led team uses the PicoWay platform to help patients reclaim clearer, more radiant skin. 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? Understanding the Technology
PicoWay is a picosecond laser system developed by Candela, one of the world's leading medical aesthetic device manufacturers. 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: highly effective treatment with significantly 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?
Many of our clients in Burnaby come to SkinArtMD with a variety of skin concerns that PicoWay Body can help address:
Tattoo Removal
PicoWay is widely recognized as one of the most effective platforms for tattoo removal. Its multi-wavelength system can target a broad spectrum of ink colours, including notoriously difficult shades like blues, greens, and purples. Patients often tell us they're amazed at how much fading can occur even after just a few sessions — though 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, making it a popular choice for overall skin rejuvenation.
PicoWay Body vs. Alternative Treatments: A Comparison
| 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 versatility across skin tones and its multi-wavelength system make it a particularly compelling option for the diverse patient population we see at SkinArtMD in Burnaby and across the Lower Mainland.
What to Expect: The PicoWay Body Treatment Experience
Knowing what to expect helps you feel prepared and confident. 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. Most patients describe the sensation as brief snapping or prickling — generally well-tolerated, and often more comfortable than older laser technologies.
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 for optimal results — your provider will outline a recommended treatment schedule at your consultation.
Why Choose SkinArtMD for PicoWay Body in Burnaby?
With so many clinics offering laser treatments across Greater Vancouver, it's worth asking what sets SkinArtMD apart.
Physician-Led Care: At SkinArtMD, treatments are overseen by experienced physicians. This means every patient assessment draws on deep medical expertise — not just device training. Your safety and outcome matter above all.
Advanced Technology: We invest in industry-leading platforms like PicoWay because we believe our patients in Burnaby deserve access to the same technology used in top medical aesthetic centres worldwide.
Personalized Treatment Plans: No two patients are the same. We tailor wavelength selection, pulse energy, and treatment intervals to your skin type, tone, and specific concern — maximizing efficacy while minimizing risk.
Bilingual Staff (English & Chinese): SkinArtMD is proud to serve Burnaby's diverse community in both English and Chinese. Clear communication about your treatment is part of the care we provide.
Convenient Location Near Metrotown: Our Burnaby clinic is easily accessible for patients coming from Vancouver, Coquitlam, and surrounding areas — with flexible appointment times designed around your schedule.
Limited consultation spots are available each week. Book a Consultation to secure your personalized skin assessment.
PicoWay Body Cost in Burnaby
Pricing for PicoWay Body treatments at SkinArtMD depends on the size of the treatment area, the number of sessions required, and the specific concern being addressed. Contact us for current pricing — our team will provide a transparent, itemized quote during your consultation so there are no surprises.
Many patients find that the long-term results and reduced risk of side effects make PicoWay a worthwhile investment compared to less advanced alternatives. We also offer personalized treatment packages for patients committing to a full course of sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a PicoWay treatment like?
A PicoWay session at SkinArtMD 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. Most patients describe the sensation 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, but many patients find PicoWay more comfortable and more efficient than traditional laser alternatives.
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 minimizes thermal damage to surrounding tissue, which is the primary driver of scarring in laser procedures. At SkinArtMD, 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. Most patients describe PicoWay 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 SkinArtMD to improve your comfort during the procedure.
What is PicoWay laser treatment?
PicoWay is an FDA-cleared, Health Canada-compliant 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 popular in Burnaby and across Greater Vancouver for its combination of effectiveness, safety profile, and minimal downtime.
Next Steps: Your Path to Clearer Skin Starts Here
Now that you understand what makes PicoWay Body such a trusted option for skin pigmentation and tattoo removal in Burnaby and beyond, the next step is simple: schedule your personalized consultation at SkinArtMD. Our team will assess your skin, discuss your goals, and create a customized treatment plan — giving you a clear picture of what to expect, how many sessions you may need, and what results may look like for your skin specifically.
Book a Consultation and take the first step toward the skin you've been looking for.
Ready to See What PicoWay Body Can Do for You?
Our medical team at SkinArtMD in Burnaby is ready to create your personalized treatment plan. Whether you're dealing with an unwanted tattoo, stubborn pigmentation, or simply want healthier, more luminous skin, PicoWay Body may be the solution you've been searching for.
Book your complimentary consultation today — available in English and Chinese. Limited spots are available each week, so we encourage you to reach out soon.
This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional before undergoing any treatment.
