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PicoSure Specialist

Gwen Allen, M.D. -  - OB/GYN

Gardena Women's Center

Gwen Allen, M.D.

OB/GYN located in Gardena, CA

PicoSure® is the first and only aesthetic picosecond laser for the safe and effective removal of tattoos and benign pigmented lesions, as well as acne scars, wrinkles and skin revitalization treatments. Clinical data shows better clearance in fewer treatments.

PicoSure

 Impressive results • Fewer treatments • Fewer side effects • Minimal downtime


What is PicoSure®?

PicoSure® is the first and only aesthetic picosecond laser for the safe and effective removal of tattoos and benign pigmented lesions, as well as acne scars, wrinkles and skin revitalization treatments. Clinical data shows better clearance in fewer treatments.

What can PicoSure® do?

Laser Tattoo Removal

How many treatments will it take? PicoSure® laser minimizes the number of treatment sessions required for tattoo removal.  Tattoo treatments are done 6 weeks apart to allow the body’s immune system time to clear the layered ink. The color of the ink will determine the number of treatment sessions typically, average is between 2 to 6 sessions. Also, there is a risk of permanent hypopigmentation that correlates with the number of treatments.

Risk of laser tattoo removals:

The biggest risk in tattoo removal is permanent hypopigmentation (a lightening of the skin caused by the destruction of melanocytes) this is more common in darker skin tones, skin types V & VI with close to a 50% probability of occurrence. Also, the risk of permanent hypopigmentation significantly increases if a person is actively tanning.

The result is tighter, brighter skin that looks, feels and is completely refreshed. There’s virtually no pain so no numbing cream is required. The results are instantaneous and improve over the next 4-8 weeks as the skin undergoes rejuvenation.

Wrinkles, Acne Scars & Skin Rejuvenation

Focus Lens treatments with the PicoSure laser activate your body’s natural skin cell processes for healthy, more youthful looking skin.  Only Focus treatments lighten unwanted pigment AND uniquely stimulate the production of new collagen and elastin— ultimately reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, and brighter younger-looking skin—without the pain or downtime of other laser treatments.

Melasma Treatment

Melasma, also called the mask of pregnancy, is diffuse, prominent facial pigment caused by overproduction of melanin in response to hormonal changes.  Although it can sometimes spontaneously resolve on its own, most Melasma occurs over a period of years and requires stringent regimens to manage. Treating Melasma has been simplified thanks to Cynosure, the makers of the revolutionary PicoSure laser workstation.  Although there is no cure for Melasma, patients can achieve total clearance through a combination of therapies including PicoSure Focus Lens Array, medications like hydroquinone, and regular use of physical sunscreens, like zinc oxide.

Age Spots

    • Skin Cell Activation initiates dermal remodeling, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and acne scars
    • High and low intensity energy lightens unwanted pigment such as freckles and age spots
    • Convenient 10–15 minute treatments
    • A few hours of mild redness vs. 2–6 days of downtime with other laser procedures

Hollywood Peel/Charcoal Peel

Made famous in Hollywood, the popular Hollywood Peel also known as a Charcoal laser peel is now available at GWC Laser & Aesthetics serving the greater Los Angeles area including the South Bay area. The carbon laser peel significantly enhances the results of laser rejuvenation without ANY downtime! 

We compound a proprietary activated carbon mixture that is applied to the face and allowed to dry, which provides an ideal laser target. Pure activated carbon particles absorb dirt, oil, dead cells, sebum and other unwanted contaminants, like leftover makeup, sunscreen & skincare products. Additionally, the carbon particles fill every crevice of the skin and attach to anything that’s causing clogging of the pores. After the mixture is allowed to dry, it is targeted by the revolutionary picosecond pulse from the first and only PicoSure laser. As the laser’s energy instantaneously vaporizes the carbon-mask particles, the engulfed contaminants are also destroyed and removed. Additionally, a Powerful PressureWave forms within the pores as the carbon is vaporized, resulting in controlled dermal inflammation, which leads to the formation of new collagen and elastin. The resulting new tissues tighten skin and diminish pore size. Additionally, unwanted epidermal pigment is destroyed via the brilliant flash of the vaporization. The result is tighter, brighter skin that looks, feels and is completely refreshed. There’s virtually no pain so no numbing cream is required. The results are instantaneous and improve over the next 4-8 weeks as the skin undergoes rejuvenation.

Remove permanent makeup

Occasionally an eyebrow tattoo will contain mixed ink and require a test spot to determine efficacy of treatment and underlying red or yellow ink. In the example below, a 755nm wavelength for a test spot. Here the black ink was removed, and the residual red ink remained.  Using the PicoSure 532nm handpiece the red and/or yellow residual ink can be easily removed.

PicoSure test spot of mixed ink eyebrow tattoo

               

Are PicoSure® treatments painful?

The sensation associated with tattoo removal has been linked to the feeling of being popped by a rubber band.  Here at GWC Laser & Aesthetics, we use an “air chiller” which is the application of cold air to the treatment site during the laser session.   GWC Laser & Aesthetics wants you to have the best experience possible so we also use numbing cream prior to some of the PicoSure procedures such as tattoo removal.

What type of skin can PicoSure® be used on?

The color of your skin helps determine the settings required for tattoo removal. Skin color can be categorized using the Fitzpatrick skin type standard, which was developed in the 1970’s. It measures the amount of pigment in your skin and your skin’s reaction to sun exposure.

 

Contraindications for PicoSure® Laser?

  1. Pregnancy is a contraindication for PicoSure® Laser tattoo removal due to trace metals found in some tattoo inks. 
  2. If your tattoo is new, it is recommended to wait until the tattoo is at least 4 to 8 weeks old.
  3. If you have previously received Gold Therapy, often used to treat Rheumatoid Arthritis.