PicoWay Laser in Burnaby Pigment and Melasma-Type Patches
Picosecond pulses, physician-planned, at Metrotown
PicoWay is a picosecond laser that delivers energy in extremely short pulses to break up pigment, acting mainly through pressure rather than heat. Skin Art MD offers it in Burnaby for facial pigment concerns, with a physician assessment first. It is also used for tattoo removal, covered on our tattoo removal page.
- 4–6 wks
- Typical gap between sessions
- 1–2 wks
- Treated spots may darken, then flake
- 2–6
- Sessions commonly planned, depending on the concern
- 4–6 wks
- Typical gap between sessions
- 1–2 wks
- Treated spots may darken, then flake
- 2–6
- Sessions commonly planned, depending on the concern
What Does PicoWay Treat on the Face?
PicoWay is a picosecond laser: pulses so short they act mainly through a photoacoustic effect rather than heat, breaking pigment into fine particles the body clears. At Skin Art MD in Burnaby it is used for facial pigment such as sun spots and melasma-type patches. A physician assessment decides suitability and the plan.
Melasma is long-standing and tends to return, so care focuses on gentle, repeated sessions and sun protection rather than a one-off fix. PicoSure with its Focus lens is used here for texture and pores, and PicoWay mainly for pigment. Body treatment and tattoo removal have their own pages.
Pigment Clearing
Sun spots, age spots and other superficial pigment can be targeted with the Zoom handpiece.
Low-Heat Approach
Very short pulses act mainly through pressure rather than heat, which matters for skin prone to pigment rebound.
Gentle Rejuvenation Mode
The Resolve handpiece uses a fractional pattern to support collagen without breaking the surface.
How Does a Picosecond Laser Work?
A picosecond is one trillionth of a second. At that speed the energy acts as a shockwave on pigment rather than a prolonged heat load.
Multiple Wavelengths
Wavelength options, including 1064 nm for deeper targets and 532 nm for superficial ones, let the physician match the target.
Zoom Handpiece
Adjustable spot size for individual spots and larger patches.
Resolve Handpiece
A fractional pattern that creates microscopic zones beneath the surface to prompt collagen.
Cold-Air Cooling
A cold-air device is used during treatment for comfort.
Who Do Clinicians Consider for PicoWay?
Pigment concerns differ widely, and some need a different approach. A physician assessment decides suitability and sets realistic expectations.
Concerns People Raise
- +Melasma-type patches
- +Sun spots, age spots and freckle-like marks
- +Pigmented acne marks
- +Hori's macules
- +General uneven tone
Reasons the Physician May Advise Waiting
- –Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- –Recent oral acne medication such as isotretinoin; tell us at booking
- –Skin infection in the area
- –A recent tan; treatment is usually delayed about four weeks
- –A history of keloid scarring, or medicines that make skin sensitive to light; the physician will ask
What Is Different About PicoWay at Skin Art MD?
A laser is a tool; the plan matters. Here it sits inside a physician-led clinic at Metrotown.
Physician-Led Clinic
Plans sit within the care of the clinic's medical director, Dr. Charles Jiang.
Realistic Plans
Pigment such as melasma is managed over time. We outline a staged plan rather than promise a single-session change.
Combination Options
The physician may discuss peels or other skin care alongside laser for stubborn pigment.
Cooling for Comfort
A cold-air device is used during treatment.
Which Areas Can PicoWay Treat?
Facial pigment is the focus of this page; body areas and tattoos have their own pages.
Face
Spots, patches and general tone.
Hands and Chest
Sun-exposed areas that often show pigment.
Acne Marks
Pigmented marks left after breakouts.
Underarms
Darkened pigment in folds, as the physician advises.
Tattoos
Tattoo removal with PicoWay is covered on our tattoo removal page.
What Happens During a PicoWay Visit?
Sessions are quick. Most people describe small snaps, like a rubber band, with cold air for comfort.
Before Your Visit
Avoid sun and tanning for about four weeks beforehand
Tell us about medications, pregnancy and recent procedures
Arrive with a clean face, without makeup
Plan for several sessions; a common course is 2–6 sessions about 4–6 weeks apart
During Your Session
Eye Protection
Protective eyewear goes on first.
Test Spot
A few test pulses confirm how your skin responds.
Treatment
Pulses are delivered over the area with cold air running. Many facial sessions take about 30 minutes or less in total.
Cooling
A soothing application and cooling follow.
After Your Session
Pigment spots can darken and then flake over about 1–2 weeks; this is expected
Redness usually settles within hours to a few days
Use gentle products and daily sunscreen; do not pick at crusts
Avoid tanning and strong sun, before and after treatment
Change builds gradually over weeks to months; melasma-type patches may need maintenance and ongoing sun protection
**Individual results vary. A physician assessment decides suitability.
PicoWay Burnaby Questions Answered
What is PicoWay used for, and how does the face page differ from PicoWay Body?+
PicoWay is a picosecond laser used for pigment such as sun spots and melasma-type patches, and also for tattoo removal. This page covers pigment on the face. PicoWay Body covers hands, chest, scars and tattoo removal on the body. A physician assessment decides which concern and area your plan should focus on.
How is PicoWay different from PicoSure, Q-switched lasers or IPL?+
PicoWay and PicoSure are both picosecond lasers; PicoWay is used here mainly for pigment, with Zoom and Resolve handpieces, and PicoSure with its Focus lens for texture and pores. Q-switched (nanosecond) lasers use longer pulses, and IPL uses broad-spectrum light rather than a single laser wavelength. A physician assessment helps choose the device for your concern.
Does PicoWay hurt?+
Most people describe small snaps like a rubber band against the skin, eased by cold air. Sensation varies by person and area, so tell the team if it feels too strong. Topical numbing may be discussed for sensitive areas.
How many sessions are needed for melasma, and how far apart?+
Melasma is managed over time. A common course is about 2–6 gentle sessions spaced roughly 4–6 weeks apart, adjusted to how your skin responds, followed by maintenance and daily sun protection. The physician sets the plan and results vary.
Is PicoWay used on Asian skin tones?+
Picosecond lasers are used on a range of skin tones because the very short pulses act mainly through pressure rather than prolonged heat, but this does not remove the risk of pigment change. Suitability depends on your skin and history, and a physician assesses it first.
What is recovery like, and can I wear makeup or go back to work?+
Redness usually settles within hours to a few days, and treated pigment can darken and flake over about 1–2 weeks. Most people return to normal activities the same day. The team will tell you when makeup is fine to use after your session. Use daily sunscreen and avoid picking.
Why do I need to avoid the sun, and can I have PicoWay in summer?+
Sun and tanning increase active pigment, which raises the risk of uneven results, and UV can bring pigment back after treatment, especially melasma. We ask for about four weeks of sun avoidance beforehand, and a recent tan delays treatment. Many people therefore prefer cooler months, and the team will advise on timing.
Can PicoWay remove cosmetic eyebrow tattoos?+
It can be used on old brow tattoos, with a test spot because some colours can shift. See the tattoo removal page.
When will I see results from PicoWay?+
Treated spots often darken and then flake over about 1–2 weeks, with lightening building over the following weeks. Tone and texture change gradually over weeks to months. A common course is 2–6 sessions, and melasma-type patches may need maintenance. Results vary, and the physician reviews expectations with you at the assessment.
How much does PicoWay cost in Burnaby?+
Pricing depends on the area and the number of sessions and is confirmed at consultation.
Where is it offered near Vancouver?+
Skin Art MD is at #101 – 4378 Beresford St, Burnaby, near Metrotown Station on the Expo Line, open Tuesday to Sunday 10:00 to 18:00.
How long does a PicoWay session take?+
Treatment time depends on the area and the concern. Many facial sessions take about 30 minutes or less in total, and the laser itself is only part of that. Allow extra time for cleansing, eye protection, a test spot and aftercare instructions.
Book PicoWay in Burnaby
Skin Art MD is at #101 – 4378 Beresford St, Burnaby, near Metrotown Station. A physician assessment guides your plan.
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