PicoWay Body in Burnaby Pigment, Scars and Stretch Marks
Wavelength-matched picosecond treatment for body skin
PicoWay is a picosecond laser with three wavelengths (532, 785 and 1064 nm) that the physician matches to the target. Skin Art MD offers it for body pigment, scars and texture in Burnaby. Tattoo removal has its own page.
- 3
- Wavelengths: 532, 785 and 1064 nm
- 30–60 min
- Typical Session
- 4–6 weeks
- Typical spacing for pigment sessions
- 3
- Wavelengths: 532, 785 and 1064 nm
- 30–60 min
- Typical Session
- 4–6 weeks
- Typical spacing for pigment sessions
What Does PicoWay Body Treat?
PicoWay Body uses a picosecond laser on areas such as the hands, arms, chest and back. Very short pulses act mainly through a photoacoustic effect, and the physician picks 532, 785 or 1064 nm to match the target. At Skin Art MD in Burnaby it is discussed for sun spots, scars and stretch marks; a physician assessment decides suitability.
Body skin is thicker and heals more slowly than facial skin, so settings and aftercare are planned for the area. The face version has its own page, and tattoo removal is covered on the Tattoo Removal page.
Body Pigment
The 532 nm wavelength is used for superficial pigment such as sun spots on the hands, arms and chest.
Scars and Texture
Sub-surface picosecond energy is discussed for the texture of scars and stretch marks on the back, shoulders and abdomen.
Wavelength Choice
Three wavelengths allow the physician to match the target rather than use a single setting.
How Do Three Wavelengths Fit Different Targets?
Different pigments absorb different wavelengths. PicoWay offers three, so the physician can match energy to the target and the depth.
1064 nm
Penetrates deepest and is absorbed by dark pigment; it delivers less heat in melanin-rich skin.
785 nm
Suited to blue and green targets.
532 nm
Suited to superficial pigment and red or orange targets.
Picosecond Pulses
Pulses of a trillionth of a second act as a shockwave on pigment rather than a prolonged heat load.
Who Do Clinicians Consider for PicoWay Body?
A physician assessment decides suitability, including skin type, the area and history.
Concerns People Raise
- +Sun spots and age spots on hands, arms and chest
- +Acne scars on the back, shoulders or chest
- +Stretch marks and surgical scars
- +Uneven pigment on the body
Reasons the Physician May Advise Waiting
- –Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- –Skin infection or open wounds in the area
- –A history of keloid scarring, assessed case by case
- –A recent tan; treatment is usually delayed about four weeks
- –Isotretinoin in the past 6 months or a light-sensitising medication
- –An active cold sore, rash or eczema flare in the area
What Is Different About Body Laser at Skin Art MD?
Matching wavelength to target matters more than raw power. Here the plan 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.
Wavelength Selection
The wavelength is chosen for your target rather than a fixed setting.
Aftercare Plan
Body skin heals more slowly than the face, so a tailored aftercare and sun-protection plan is provided.
Multilingual Team
Consultations are available in English, Mandarin and Cantonese.
Which Body Areas Can PicoWay Treat?
Suitability for each area is confirmed at consultation.
Hands and Arms
Sun spots and age spots.
Back and Chest
Acne scars and pigment.
Décolletage
Mottled sun-related pigment.
Abdomen and Hips
Stretch marks and scars.
Scar Tissue
Texture of some scars, as the physician advises.
What Happens During a PicoWay Body Visit?
Each session starts with choosing the wavelength. Sessions typically run 30 to 60 minutes depending on the area.
Before Your Visit
Avoid sun and tanning on the area for about four weeks
Tell us about medications, pregnancy and recent procedures
Come with clean, product-free skin
Pause retinoids and exfoliants on the area for about a week
Tell us about isotretinoin or any medication that makes skin light-sensitive
During Your Session
Preparation
Eyewear is fitted, the area is cleansed and the wavelength is confirmed.
Treatment
Picosecond pulses are delivered across the area; you may feel a snapping sensation.
Cooling and Aftercare
Cooling is applied and written aftercare is provided.
Follow-Up
The next session is planned once the skin has settled, often about 4 to 6 weeks later for pigment.
After Your Session
Redness and mild swelling are common for a day or two
Treated pigment can darken and flake for about a week
Keep the area moisturized and protected from sun
Use broad-spectrum sunscreen on treated areas for several weeks
Temporary lighter or darker patches can occur, more often in darker skin; they usually fade but can rarely persist
Less often, blisters or scabs form; let them heal without picking
**Individual results vary. A physician assessment decides suitability.
PicoWay Body Questions Answered
What is PicoWay Body?+
A picosecond laser treatment for body skin, with three wavelengths the physician matches to the target. It is discussed for pigment, scars and stretch marks.
How is it different from PicoWay for the face?+
The body version addresses thicker skin and different areas, with settings and aftercare planned accordingly.
Does PicoWay remove tattoos?+
Yes, picosecond lasers are used for tattoo removal. See the Tattoo Removal page for sessions and colours.
Can PicoWay treat sun spots on hands and arms?+
Superficial sun spots are a common target. A physician assessment confirms.
Can it help with stretch marks and scars?+
Picosecond energy is discussed for the texture of some scars and stretch marks. Results vary.
What is recovery like?+
Redness and mild swelling for a day or two are common, and treated pigment can darken and flake for about a week.
Is it used on darker skin tones?+
The 1064 nm wavelength delivers less heat in melanin-rich skin. Suitability depends on your skin and history.
How many sessions are needed?+
For superficial sun spots on the body, about 2 to 5 sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart are common; scars and stretch marks usually need a longer series, and results vary. The physician sets the plan.
How is it different from PicoSure Body?+
PicoSure Body uses a 755 nm alexandrite laser with a Focus lens; PicoWay uses three wavelengths. A physician assessment helps choose.
How much does it cost in Burnaby?+
Pricing depends on the area and 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. Book a consultation online or call +1 (604) 639-2581.
What side effects are possible?+
Redness and mild swelling for a day or two are common, and treated spots may darken and flake for about a week. Less often, blisters, temporary lighter or darker patches or, rarely, a texture change can occur. Sun protection and following the aftercare plan lower these risks.
Book PicoWay Body 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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How it works, who it suits, and what recovery looks like:
- PicoSure Laser Burnaby: How Picosecond Technology Works
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