Picosecond lasers represent a laser technology employed in dermatology and aesthetic medicine for diverse skin treatments. They produce laser pulses at the picosecond level, equivalent to one trillionth of a second. Such brief pulse durations enable the precise treatment of particular skin issues, while reducing harm to adjacent tissue.
Dr. Manoharan was among the early adopters of this technology in Australia, particularly for complex pigmentation disorders. He has also formulated specialized protocols for skin rejuvenation and acne scar treatments, notably for darker skin tones.
Common applications of picosecond lasers include:
- Tattoo Removal: Picosecond lasers effectively fragment tattoo pigments into tinier particles, facilitating their removal by the body. Initially designed for this purpose, the technology’s versatility has since been explored, leading to a range of treatment applications.
- Pigment and Melasma Treatment: Picosecond lasers specifically target and disintegrate excess melanin in the skin, diminishing the visibility of pigmentation issues such as sunspots, age spots, and melasma. Dr. Manoharan has formulated protocols that integrate skincare, prescription fading agents, and picosecond laser treatments to deliver outstanding results for this complex condition. Additionally, picosecond lasers serve as an effective maintenance tool for the long-term management of melasma.
- Skin Rejuvenation: Picosecond lasers boost collagen production, enhancing skin texture, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, and fostering overall skin rejuvenation. They induce “laser-induced optical breakdown,” a process that selectively destroys minute areas of the deeper skin layers, prompting the generation of new collagen and elastin, leading to healthier, revitalized skin with minimal downtime. This method is especially beneficial for Asian skin and darker skin tones, offering a “lunchtime procedure” where patients can apply makeup and return to work immediately afterward.
- Scar Treatments: Picosecond lasers address scars in two ways. For hyperpigmented scars, they reduce pigmentation to better match the surrounding skin. Dr. Manoharan has also developed techniques utilizing the photoacoustic effect and “laser-induced optical breakdown” to restructure scars and encourage skin normalization.