PicoSure® Pro

PicoSure® Pro Laser

Advanced Skin Revitalization & Black Tattoo Removal in Toronto

North York Dermatology Clinic is pleased to offer PicoSure® Pro, an advanced picosecond laser system from Cynosure.

Unlike conventional laser systems that depend primarily on heat, PicoSure Pro delivers ultra-short pulses of energy measured in trillionths of a second. This rapid delivery creates a photoacoustic effect that targets pigment while minimizing unnecessary heating of surrounding skin.

At North York Dermatology Clinic, PicoSure® Pro is used for:

Skin Revitalization: Improve tone, texture, pigmentation, and signs of aging with advanced PicoSure® Pro treatments.
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Black Tattoo Removal: Target unwanted black tattoo ink with precise laser technology designed to gradually break down pigment.
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PicoSure® Pro Skin Revitalization

PicoSure® Pro provides a non-surgical treatment option for patients who would like to improve pigmentation, skin texture and signs of aging with minimal downtime.

The technology delivers ultra-short bursts of laser energy to targeted areas of the skin. In addition to addressing unwanted pigment, PicoSure® Pro can stimulate the skin’s natural renewal response, helping improve the appearance of the skin over a series of treatments.

What can PicoSure® Pro treat?

• Sun spots and age spots
• Freckles and unwanted brown pigmentation
• Uneven skin tone
• Melasma and other difficult-to-treat pigmentation
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Acne scars
• Enlarged pores
• Dull or uneven skin texture

How Does PicoSure® Pro Work?

PicoSure® Pro delivers energy in extremely short picosecond pulses. The rapid energy delivery creates a pressure-based effect within targeted pigment while limiting unnecessary heat exposure to surrounding tissue. For skin revitalization treatments, the laser can also stimulate the skin’s natural healing and renewal processes.

What Does the Treatment Feel Like?

Most patients tolerate PicoSure® Pro treatment well. The laser pulses are often described as feeling similar to the snap of a thin rubber band against the skin. Depending upon the treatment area and individual sensitivity, topical numbing cream may be considered.

How Long Does a Treatment Take?

Treatment time depends on the area being treated. Smaller areas may be completed quite quickly, while larger treatment areas require more time. Certain PicoSure® Pro skin treatments may be performed in approximately 10 minutes, depending on the size of the treatment area.

How Many Treatments Will I Need?

The number of treatments depends upon the skin concern, skin type and treatment goals. For many skin revitalization concerns, a series of treatments provides the best results. The treatment plan will be individualized following assessment at North York Dermatology Clinic.

Is There Downtime?

PicoSure® Pro generally involves relatively little downtime. Temporary redness or mild swelling can occur after treatment. Some patients describe the treated area as feeling similar to a mild sunburn. Pigmented spots may temporarily darken before gradually fading or shedding.

PicoSure® Pro Black Tattoo Removal

Whether a tattoo no longer suits you or previous laser treatments have left stubborn residual ink, PicoSure® Pro provides an advanced option for black tattoo removal.

At North York Dermatology Clinic, our PicoSure® Pro tattoo-removal service is specifically offered for black tattoo ink.

How does PicoSure® Pro remove tattoo ink?

PicoSure® Pro delivers extremely short pulses of laser energy directly into tattoo pigment. Rather than relying principally on prolonged heating of the tattoo ink, PicoSure® Pro produces a rapid pressure effect that breaks the pigment into much smaller particles. The body’s natural processes can then gradually eliminate these particles.

Why PicoSure® Pro for black tattoos?

Black tattoo ink can sometimes remain even after previous laser treatments. PicoSure® Pro is designed to treat hard-to-remove black ink as well as stubborn tattoos that have undergone previous treatment.

How Many Treatments Will I Need?

Tattoo removal requires multiple sessions. The number of treatments depends on the amount and density of tattoo ink, tattoo size, location on the body, age of the tattoo, whether it has previously been treated and individual response. Cynosure's Canadian patient information suggests approximately 3–6 treatments may be recommended, although individual requirements vary. Treatments are typically spaced approximately 6–8 weeks apart.

What Does Tattoo Removal Feel Like?

Patients commonly describe laser tattoo removal as feeling similar to quick snaps against the skin. Treatment comfort varies according to the tattoo's size, location and individual sensitivity. Options to improve comfort can be discussed before treatment.

Can Every Tattoo Be Removed?

No laser can guarantee complete removal of every tattoo. Ink composition, tattoo depth, density, age and individual biological factors all influence the response to treatment. Because our PicoSure® Pro service is specifically intended for black tattoo removal, patients with coloured tattoos should discuss alternative treatment options with our team.

What to Expect At Your Consultation

Before treatment, one of our providers will evaluate your skin or tattoo and discuss:

• Your treatment goals
• Whether PicoSure® Pro is appropriate for you
• The approximate number of sessions anticipated
• Treatment intervals
• Expected recovery
• Potential risks and side effects
• Pre-treatment and post-treatment instructions

Every patient is different, and treatment recommendations are individualized.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is PicoSure® Pro the same as a traditional laser?

No. PicoSure® Pro is a picosecond laser, meaning its pulses are delivered in trillionths of a second. The extremely rapid pulses create a strong photoacoustic or pressure effect rather than depending primarily on prolonged thermal energy.

Does PicoSure® Pro have downtime?

For skin revitalization, downtime is generally limited, although temporary redness and swelling may occur. Tattoo-removal treatments can produce a stronger local skin reaction, and specific aftercare instructions will be provided.

How soon will I see results?

This depends upon what is being treated. Pigmentation and skin-quality improvements generally develop progressively following treatment. With tattoos, the ink gradually fades as the body removes fragmented pigment between treatment sessions.

How do I know whether PicoSure® Pro is right for me?

A consultation is the best way to determine whether PicoSure® Pro is appropriate for your skin concern or black tattoo.