The picosecond laser is one of the latest laser technologies used in dermatology. It has a picosecond (<10ps) ultra-wide pulse width. In 2012, it was approved by the US FDA and was used in the treatment of approved diseases. Before the advent of the picosecond laser , The treatment equipment for pigmented diseases is mainly Q-switched laser, and its pulse width is nanosecond level. The picosecond pulse width is 1000 times shorter than that of a Q-switched laser. And the energy density is higher, the color base is targeted, and the damage to the surrounding skin is less.
Different from the traditional selective photothermal action, the main action mechanism of picosecond laser is photomechanical action. When the picosecond laser acts on the target cell, it can generate a “mechanical wave” on the target base. The high energy generated by the wave can vaporize the cell, and the pigment particles in the cell are completely shattered into dust, which can be better protected. The uptake and metabolism of antigen-presenting cells may change the physical properties of some pigment particles so that they do not develop color. At the same time, due to its short pulse width, the damage to surrounding tissues is reduced, and the risk of stimulating melanin regeneration is also significantly reduced.
Picosecond lasers currently mainly include 532nm, 755nm, and 1064nm lasers. In dermatology, it is mainly used for the treatment of pigmented diseases (such as tattoos, Ota nevus, chloasma, coffee spots, freckles, etc.), acne scars, photoaging, etc. It is expected to treat skin tissue proliferative diseases and soft fibroids and vulgaris in the future. Warts etc. Compared with the past nanosecond laser, the high-energy mechanical effect of picosecond laser is more effective, with shorter downtime and fewer adverse reactions.
