Discovery Pico is a cosmetic dermatological treatment device equipped with cutting-edge pico laser technology. It features lasers with three different wavelengths, each of which exerts optimal effects on specific pigments and depths.
Furthermore, it is capable of irradiation with three different pulse widths—picosecond, microsecond Q-switched, and millisecond long-pulse—as well as fractional irradiation, which delivers the laser in a dot-like pattern.
By selecting the optimal wavelength, pulse width, and irradiation method according to each individual’s skin condition and concerns, it provides customized treatment with a wide range of functions, from addressing spots, tattoos, uneven color, pores, and acne scars to improving skin firmness and elasticity.
List of Treatments Available with Discovery Pico
- Pico Laser Spot Irradiation
- Pico Toning
- Pico Fractional
- Ruby Fractional
- Q-Switched YAG Laser Spot Irradiation (532nm, 1064nm)
- Q-Switched Ruby Laser Spot Irradiation
- Long Pulse YAG
- QYAG Toning
- QYAG Double Pulse Toning
Evolution of Laser Technology: What is Pico Laser?
Pico laser is one of the most advanced laser treatment technologies, characterized by its ability to deliver energy to the skin in an extremely short period of time called a “picosecond” (one picosecond is 10⁻¹² seconds), as the name suggests.
Short Pulse Width:
Pico lasers have a much shorter pulse width than conventional Q-switched lasers (1 nsec = 10⁻⁹ seconds). Laser energy is instantly transmitted to the target (melanin or tattoo ink), but because of the short pulse width, the diffusion of heat to the normal skin tissue surrounding the target is suppressed. As a result, it is possible to perform treatments effectively while minimizing damage to the skin.
Acoustic Effect:
One of the characteristic therapeutic effects of pico lasers is the “acoustic effect.” This effect occurs when the ultra-short pulses of the pico laser instantly transmit energy to the target (e.g., melanin or tattoo ink). At this time, the target substance expands rapidly, creating a phenomenon where microscopic bubbles or plasma are generated. This “acoustic effect” allows for the effective removal of only the target while protecting the surrounding normal skin tissue.
Pico Laser Spot Irradiation
- Spots caused by sunburn
- Acquired Dermal Melanocytosis (ADM)
- Tattoos and Permanent Makeup
Pico laser utilizes its unique ultra-short “picosecond” pulse width and the resulting “acoustic effect” to effectively remove specific pigment targets with minimal damage to the surrounding skin. Therefore, compared to conventional Q-switched lasers, pico laser is particularly effective for faint spots, uneven color, and fine skin tone irregularities.
Furthermore, even in cases where multiple treatments are required, such as ADM, tattoos, or permanent makeup, the high efficacy of the pico laser can reduce the number of treatment sessions.
On the other hand, for dark or thick spots, a Q-switched YAG laser may be more suitable. Selecting the optimal laser treatment according to the type, depth, and condition of the spot is the key to obtaining the best results.
Pico Spot Irradiation Treatment Description
| Number of Treatments: | 1 to 2 sessions for spots; multiple sessions are required for birthmarks, ADM, tattoos, and permanent makeup. |
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| Downtime: | Tape protection for 1 week. |
| Possible Side Effects: | Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation (most recover over time), and scarring. |
| Precautions for the Procedure |
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Pico Toning
- Melasma, dullness, and uneven color
- Enlarged pores
- Improvement of firmness and radiance
Toning is a treatment method that utilizes laser energy to finely break down melanin pigment in the skin. This microscopic destruction promotes the skin’s natural regeneration process without causing significant damage or inflammation. The irradiated melanin is broken down into small particles and expelled through the body’s natural metabolic processes, which can be expected to unify skin tone and reduce unevenness and spots. Furthermore, toning treatment stimulates collagen production in the skin, contributing to improved firmness, elasticity, and overall skin quality.
In Pico Toning specifically, a laser with an ultra-short picosecond pulse width is used. For this reason, it is characterized by its ability to deliver high energy to the skin in a shorter time compared to conventional nanosecond Q-switched laser toning. This high-speed energy delivery achieves effective treatment while minimizing heat damage.
Pico Toning Treatment Description
| Number of Treatments: | 8 to 10 sessions |
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| Downtime: | None |
| Possible Side Effects: | Worsening of melasma, folliculitis, and vitiligo. |
| Precautions for the Procedure |
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Pico Fractional
- Pores
- Acne Scars
- Skin quality improvement and uneven color
Pico Fractional is one of the most advanced laser treatment methods, where high-density pico laser is irradiated onto the skin in a dot-like (fractional) pattern. The characteristic of this treatment is that it performs irradiation in an extremely short time called a picosecond. This short pulse width causes a phenomenon called Laser-Induced Optical Breakdown (LIOB) inside the skin.
LIOB refers to a phenomenon that forms microscopic cavities deep within the skin. Due to the formation of these cavities, the skin receives a natural stimulus, promoting the production of new collagen and elastin. As a result, skin remodeling progresses, improving firmness and elasticity.
Pico Fractional is effective not only for improving firmness and elasticity but also for the condition of acne scars and pores, as well as overall improvement of skin tone. This leads to healthier and more youthful-looking skin.
Pico Fractional Treatment Description
| Number of Treatments: | 3 to 5 sessions |
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| Downtime: | 3 to 5 days of redness and swelling |
| Possible Side Effects: | Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, worsening of melasma, and burns. |
| Precautions for the Procedure |
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Ruby Fractional
- Scattered spots across the entire area
- Birthmarks and ADM
Ruby Fractional is an advanced fractional treatment method based on a ruby laser with a wavelength of 694nm. Because this laser has a high absorption rate for melanin, it is particularly effective for treating spot removal where melanin pigment is abundant. However, after conventional ruby laser treatment, scabs could form, requiring the area to be protected with tape. Ruby Fractional significantly speeds up recovery after treatment by irradiating the laser in fine dots, making tape protection unnecessary. Although the effect of a single treatment is slightly weaker than that of conventional ruby laser, it allows for the treatment of ADM and faint spots—which were difficult to treat with light therapy—while minimizing downtime.
Ruby Fractional Treatment Description
| Number of Treatments: | 2 to 3 sessions for spots; multiple sessions are required for ADM. |
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| Downtime: | 3 to 5 days of redness and swelling |
| Possible Side Effects: | Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, worsening of melasma, and burns. |
| Precautions for the Procedure |
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QYAG Double Pulse Toning
- Improvement of melasma and hyperpigmentation
Double pulse toning is a technology that splits a single laser irradiation into two pulses. Since the diffusion of pain and heat becomes milder, it is also suitable for people with sensitive or weak skin. It can be used safely for hyperpigmentation and melasma caused by highly active melanocytes, and is also effective for improving hyperpigmentation caused by skin troubles such as atopic dermatitis. Furthermore, because there is little pain during treatment, it is an easily acceptable treatment method even for those sensitive to pain.
Double Pulse Toning Treatment Description
| Number of Treatments: | 8 to 10 sessions, once every 2 weeks to 1 month. |
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| Downtime: | None |
| Possible Side Effects: | Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, worsening of melasma, and burns. |
| Precautions for the Procedure |
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Recommended Combined Treatments to Enhance Pico Laser Effects and Reduce Downtime
Caresys uses a technology called electroporation to promote skin recovery and deliver Pepbuw, which contains seven growth factors and peptides, deep into the skin. Additionally, Caresys can cool the tip to -20 degrees Celsius, making it ideal for soothing redness and inflammation after the procedure.
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The Matricol Pack is made of 92% natural collagen. It was created by applying pure collagen sheets for burn treatment, which were developed in Germany for skin regeneration therapy.
It is ideal for recovering from skin damage after fractional skin treatments.
Upon request, we prescribe Tranexamic acid to suppress inflammation and hyperpigmentation, and the Kampo medicine “Eppi-ka-jutsu-to” to suppress inflammation, swelling, and redness.