Laser Skin Treatments at DAELA Portland

4-Weeks Prior:

• Avoid sun exposure: Minimize sun exposure and use broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher on the treatment area for at least four weeks before the procedure.
• Sun exposure can increase the risk of complications such as burns, hyperpigmentation, and uneven results.

2 Weeks prior:

• Avoid certain medications and skincare products: Avoid using retinoids, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and other exfoliating agents for
•  Inform your provider about any prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, supplements, or topical products you are using.

3-Days Prior:

• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to the procedure to keep your skin hydrated and enhance the healing process
• Avoid smoking and alcohol: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can impair the skin's ability to heal properly and increase the risk of complications. Try to avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption in the days leading up to the procedure.
• Discontinue any irritant topical agents for 2-3 days prior to treatment.
•  Discontinue supplements such as iron supplements or herbal supplements such as ginkgo, ginseng or garlic and fish oil. 

The day of the treatment:

• Shave the treatment area (But not your brows please!): 
• Avoid waxing, plucking, or using depilatory creams, as these methods can disrupt the hair follicles and interfere with the effectiveness of the laser treatment.
• Arrive for treatment with clean skin. There should be no lotion, make-up, perfume, powder or bath/shower oil present on the skin in the area to be treated.

After undergoing laser skin treatments, it's crucial to follow proper post-care instructions to optimize results and minimize complications.

Here are some general guidelines:

1. Follow your dermatologist's instructions: Your dermatologist or skincare professional will provide specific instructions tailored to your skin type and the type of laser treatment you received. Follow their guidance closely.

2. Protect your skin from the sun: Avoid direct sun exposure for a few weeks following the treatment, as your skin will be more sensitive to UV rays. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, and wear protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses when outdoors.

3. Keep your skin hydrated: Use gentle, non-irritating moisturizers to keep your skin hydrated. Avoid products containing harsh chemicals, fragrances, or exfoliating agents until your skin has fully healed.

4. Avoid picking or scratching: It's normal for your skin to feel sensitive or itchy after laser treatment, but avoid picking, scratching, or rubbing the treated area to prevent infection and scarring.

5. Use gentle skincare products: Avoid using harsh or abrasive skincare products for at least a week after treatment. Stick to gentle cleansers and moisturizers recommended by your dermatologist.

6. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.

7. Avoid heat exposure: Avoid hot baths, saunas, steam rooms, and intense workouts that cause excessive sweating for the first few days after treatment.

8. Be patient: It may take some time for your skin to fully heal and for you to see the final results of your laser treatment. Be patient and follow your skincare professional's advice for the best outcome.

• Esthetic skin treatments with the PicoWay laser are fairly quick and involve minimal discomfort.
• Topica numbing is not required or necessary!
• The setting on the PicoWay Resolve Resurfacing tool is lower than a tattoo removal setting.
• The sessions are quick, effective, and provide minimal discomfort!

The Picoway Resolve is a fractional picosecond laser system primarily used for non-ablative skin resurfacing and rejuvenation.

• It's designed to address various aesthetic concerns and offer several skin treatments.
• Here are some of the esthetic skin treatments available with Picoway Resolve:

1. Skin Rejuvenation: Picoway Resolve can improve overall skin tone and texture by stimulating collagen production. It can reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and enlarged pores, resulting in smoother and more youthful-looking skin.

2. Acne Scar Treatment: The laser energy from Picoway Resolve can target and break down scar tissue caused by acne, helping to improve the appearance of acne scars. It promotes collagen remodeling, which can lead to smoother skin texture over time.

3. Pigmentation Correction: Picoway Resolve can target and lighten various types of pigmentation irregularities, including sun spots, age spots, and melasma. The laser energy breaks down excess melanin in the skin, leading to a more even complexion.

4. Tattoo Removal: While Picoway Resolve is primarily used for skin rejuvenation, it can also be effective for tattoo removal. The picosecond pulses of laser energy break down tattoo pigment into smaller particles, which are then naturally eliminated by the body's immune system.

5. Scar Revision: In addition to acne scars, Picoway Resolve can be used to improve the appearance of other types of scars, including surgical scars and stretch marks. The laser stimulates collagen production, which helps to soften and smooth the scar tissue over time.

• It's important to note that the effectiveness of Picoway Resolve treatments may vary depending on factors such as the patient's skin type, the severity of the condition being treated, and the number of treatment sessions. Additionally, it's crucial to consult with a qualified practitioner to determine the most suitable treatment plan based on your individual needs and goals.

Yes, esthetic skin treatments with the Picoway laser typically require multiple sessions for optimal results.

• The exact number of sessions can vary depending on various factors such as the specific treatment being performed, the severity of the skin condition, individual skin characteristics, and the desired outcome.
• For example, treatments like skin rejuvenation, pigmentation correction, acne scar treatment, and wrinkle reduction generally involve a series of sessions spaced several weeks apart. This allows the skin to heal between treatments and for the effects of the laser to gradually become apparent.
• The number of sessions needed can range anywhere from three to six or more, depending on the individual's response to treatment and the extent of improvement desired. Some patients may see noticeable improvement after just a few sessions, while others may require additional treatments to achieve their desired results.
• It's important for patients to discuss their treatment goals and expectations with a qualified practitioner who can assess their skin condition and recommend a personalized treatment plan. The practitioner can provide guidance on the number of sessions needed and the interval between treatments to achieve the best possible outcome while minimizing the risk of side effects.

Procedure Overview:

1. Consultation: Before the treatment session, you would typically have a consultation, which can be done in-person, via phone or email. During this consultation, your skin type, concerns, and treatment goals will be assessed to determine if PicoWay is suitable for you.

2. Preparation: On the day of the treatment, your skin will be thoroughly cleansed and prepped for the procedure. This may involve removing any makeup or skincare products.

3. Anesthesia: Depending on your pain tolerance and the intensity of the treatment, a topical numbing cream may be applied to the treatment areas to minimize discomfort.

4. Laser Treatment:

   a. Face: The laser will be carefully applied to the entire face, targeting areas of concern such as fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation, and acne scars. The PicoWay laser emits ultra-short pulses of energy, which penetrate the skin to break down pigment and stimulate collagen production without causing damage to the surrounding tissue.

   b. Neck: The treatment will then be extended to the neck area, addressing concerns such as neck lines, creases, and uneven skin tone.

   c. Décolletage: Finally, the laser will be applied to the décolletage area (the upper chest and cleavage), targeting sun damage, wrinkles, and pigmentation.

5. Post-Treatment Care: After the session, your skin may appear red or slightly swollen, similar to a mild sunburn. We will apply soothing creams help alleviate any discomfort and promote healing. It's essential to follow their post-treatment instructions carefully, which may include avoiding sun exposure, wearing sunscreen, and using gentle skincare products.

6. Follow-Up Sessions: While you may notice improvements in your skin's appearance after just one session, multiple sessions are usually recommended for optimal results. The number of sessions required will depend on your individual skin concerns and treatment goals.

7. Results: Over the following weeks and months, you should start to see improvements in the texture, tone, and overall appearance of your skin as collagen production is stimulated and pigment is gradually broken down and eliminated by the body.

You may experience mild redness in the area immediately following treatment. This redness can last anywhere from 8 to 36 hours.

We will apply a cooling lotion that dramatically reduces redness.

Some patients might also experience some mild swelling and itchiness, which should resolve itself soon after treatment and can also be treated with antihistamines.