PicoWay
Book NowPicoWay® is a non-invasive picosecond laser treatment that uses ultra-short pulses of laser energy to target unwanted pigmentation, tattoo ink, acne scars, and signs of skin aging. The advanced photoacoustic technology breaks pigment into tiny particles while also stimulating collagen and elastin beneath the skin, helping improve skin tone, texture, and overall clarity with minimal downtime. PicoWay® can be used for dark spots, sun damage, multi-colour tattoo removal, acne scars, and wrinkles, with treatments customized according to each client’s skin type and concerns. At Platinum Medical Spa in Edmonton, PicoWay® treatments are personalized to help clients achieve clearer, smoother, more even-looking skin and natural-looking rejuvenation.
Avoid direct sun exposure, tanning beds, spray tans, and self-tanning products for at least 4 weeks before your PicoWay® treatment. Do not arrive for treatment with a recent tan or sunburn, as this may increase the risk of burns, irritation, or unwanted pigmentation changes. Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every day, reapplying when exposed to sunlight, and use hats or protective clothing when possible.
Approximately 5–7 days before treatment, avoid products that may irritate or sensitize the treatment area unless your provider instructs otherwise. These may include tretinoin (Retin-A®), retinol, adapalene, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, benzoyl peroxide, exfoliating scrubs, astringents, and other strong active skincare products. Avoid chemical peels, aggressive exfoliation, waxing, or other treatments that leave the skin irritated before your appointment. Your provider may modify these instructions depending on your skin and the type of PicoWay® treatment being performed.
Tell your provider about all prescription and over-the-counter medications before treatment, particularly medications that may increase sensitivity to light. Examples that may require individual review include certain antibiotics such as doxycycline, minocycline and other tetracyclines, some sulfonamide medications, certain diuretics, amiodarone, and other medications labeled as photosensitizing. Taking a photosensitizing medication does not automatically mean PicoWay® cannot be performed, but the medication, dose, treatment area, and laser wavelength should be evaluated first. Do not discontinue a prescribed medication without speaking with your prescribing healthcare professional. Dermatology guidance recommends medication review before laser procedures because some medications can increase skin sensitivity to light.
Inform your provider if you take aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil®/Motrin®), naproxen (Aleve®), warfarin, apixaban (Eliquis®), rivaroxaban (Xarelto®), clopidogrel (Plavix®), or other medications that affect bleeding or bruising. Also disclose supplements such as vitamin E, fish oil/omega-3, ginkgo, garlic, ginseng, or other herbal products. Depending on your treatment and medical history, your provider may give specific instructions. Never stop aspirin, anticoagulants, antiplatelet medications, or another prescribed medication without authorization from the clinician who prescribed it. The AAD notes that medications and supplements, including aspirin and vitamin E, should be reviewed before laser procedures because they may affect healing or treatment planning.
Tell your provider if you are currently taking or have recently taken isotretinoin (Accutane®), if you have a history of cold sores or herpes simplex outbreaks, or if you have a history of abnormal scarring, keloids, poor wound healing, immune suppression, or other significant skin or medical conditions. Patients prone to cold sores may require preventive antiviral medication prescribed by their healthcare provider when treating certain facial areas. Also inform the clinic if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to become pregnant so treatment appropriateness can be assessed. Current evidence does not support an automatic six- to twelve-month ban on all fractional or non-ablative laser procedures after isotretinoin, so this should be assessed individually rather than using an outdated blanket rule.
Arrive with the treatment area clean, dry, and completely free of makeup, sunscreen, moisturizer, oils, lotions, perfume, deodorant, and other topical products unless your provider gives different instructions. Do not pick, scratch, or irritate the treatment area before your appointment. Contact the clinic before arriving if you develop a sunburn, rash, active cold sore, infection, open wound, significant irritation, or other new skin condition in the area being treated. Your provider may recommend postponing treatment until the skin has fully recovered. By booking or proceeding with treatment, you acknowledge that outcomes are not guaranteed and depend on individual factors, as well as adherence to pre and post care instructions.
Helps reduce dark spots, sun damage, freckles, and uneven pigmentation for a clearer, more even-looking complexion.
Stimulates collagen and elastin beneath the skin to help improve acne scars, texture, and overall skin smoothness.
Ultra-short picosecond pulses break tattoo pigment into smaller particles, helping fade black and multi-colour tattoos over a series of treatments.
PicoWay® delivers ultra-short laser pulses while keeping the outer layer of skin largely intact, supporting effective treatment with relatively little downtime.
PicoWay® is an advanced picosecond laser system that delivers ultra-short, high-powered pulses of energy beneath the skin’s surface. Unlike traditional heat-based laser treatments, PicoWay® primarily uses a photoacoustic effect to target unwanted pigment while helping preserve the surrounding skin.
The treatment can address dark spots, sun damage, freckles, uneven pigmentation, acne scars, fine lines, wrinkles, and unwanted tattoos. PicoWay Resolve® also stimulates collagen and elastin production, helping improve skin texture and create a smoother, more refreshed appearance.
At Platinum Medical Spa in Edmonton, PicoWay® treatments are customized according to your skin type, concerns, and treatment goals. Whether you want to improve pigmentation, soften acne scars, rejuvenate your complexion, or fade an unwanted tattoo, PicoWay® offers a versatile, non-invasive approach with relatively minimal downtime.
Mild redness, swelling, warmth, tingling, pinpoint bleeding, or purplish spots may occur after PicoWay® treatment. These reactions are generally temporary and may last from several hours to a few days depending on the treatment intensity and area treated. A cool compress may be applied intermittently to help soothe discomfort and swelling. Do not apply ice directly to the skin. Contact your provider if you develop severe or worsening pain, extensive blistering, rapidly increasing swelling, or another reaction that concerns you.
Wash the treated area gently, typically twice daily, using lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free cleanser. Pat the skin dry rather than rubbing it. Apply a gentle, non-comedogenic moisturizer or hydrating product such as hyaluronic acid if recommended by your provider. Temporary dryness, tightness, or mild itching can occur during healing. Do not scrub, exfoliate, use cleansing brushes, or aggressively massage the treated skin.
Avoid potentially irritating skincare for approximately 7 days after treatment or until the skin has completely healed. This includes retinol, tretinoin/Retin-A®, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, benzoyl peroxide, exfoliating acids, scrubs, astringents, and other strong active ingredients. Do not restart prescription topical products until your provider confirms it is appropriate. If the skin remains irritated after 7 days, continue gentle skincare and contact the clinic before restarting active products.
Protect the treated area carefully from UV exposure after PicoWay®. Avoid intentional sun exposure and tanning for at least 2 weeks, and follow your provider's recommendation if longer protection is required. Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher before going outdoors and reapply approximately every 2–3 hours while exposed to daylight. Hats, shade, and protective clothing are strongly encouraged. Recently treated skin is particularly vulnerable to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, so consistent sun protection is an essential part of the healing process.
For PicoWay Resolve®, avoid applying makeup for at least 24 hours after treatment, or longer if redness, pinpoint bleeding, irritation, or broken skin remains. Do not scratch, pick, peel, or remove any crusting or scabbing that develops. Allow the skin to heal naturally to reduce the risk of infection, scarring, or unwanted pigmentation changes. Avoid activities that could injure or excessively irritate the treated area, and avoid swimming, soaking, hot tubs, or whirlpools until the skin has healed.
Tattoo-removal areas may require additional wound care. Keep the area clean and protected, and if instructed by your provider, apply a thin layer of a healing ointment such as petrolatum/Aquaphor® and cover it with a non-stick dressing until the skin has healed. Do not pick blisters, crusts, or scabs. Contact Platinum Medical Spa promptly if you experience increasing redness, significant tenderness, pus or drainage, signs of infection, severe blistering, worsening pain, or another unexpected reaction. Treatment aftercare can vary depending on whether PicoWay® is being used for tattoos, pigmentation, acne scars, or skin rejuvenation, so always follow your provider's individualized instructions.
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