Picoway

PicoWay® is an advanced picosecond laser treatment designed to improve skin tone, texture, and clarity with minimal downtime. Using ultra-short pulses of laser energy, PicoWay effectively treats pigmentation, acne scars, fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, and unwanted tattoo ink without damaging surrounding skin. At CK Plastic Surgery, Dr. Charles Kim utilizes PicoWay technology as part of a comprehensive, patient-centered skin rejuvenation approach, combining advanced laser science with precise facial analysis. This non-surgical treatment stimulates natural collagen production, delivering smoother, brighter, and more youthful-looking skin for patients seeking safe, effective laser skin rejuvenation in Los Angeles.

Overview

PicoWay® laser treatment represents the next generation of non-invasive skin rejuvenation technology, offering powerful results with significantly reduced downtime compared to traditional laser therapies. Unlike older nanosecond lasers, PicoWay delivers energy allowing targeted pigment disruption while preserving surrounding healthy tissue. This precision makes PicoWay one of the safest and most effective laser treatments for a wide range of skin concerns and skin types.

At CK Plastic Surgery in Koreatown, Los Angeles, Dr. Charles Kim incorporates PicoWay into a comprehensive aesthetic treatment strategy focused on skin health, facial harmony, and long-term rejuvenation. Each PicoWay treatment begins with a personalized consultation and skin analysis to determine the optimal laser wavelength, treatment depth, and session plan. Dr. Kim’s approach emphasizes conservative energy delivery, layered treatment protocols, and collagen stimulation rather than aggressive resurfacing, ensuring natural-looking, gradual improvement.

PicoWay is highly effective for treating hyperpigmentation, sun spots, melasma, freckles, acne scars, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, fine lines, enlarged pores, and uneven skin tone. It is also FDA-cleared for tattoo removal, including stubborn multicolored inks. By creating a photoacoustic effect rather than heat-based damage, PicoWay breaks pigment into microscopic particles that the body naturally clears, minimizing the risk of scarring, burns, or prolonged redness.

One of PicoWay’s most valuable benefits is its ability to safely treat darker skin tones, which are traditionally more prone to post-laser pigmentation issues. This makes it an ideal option for patients seeking laser skin treatment in Los Angeles’ diverse population. The treatment also stimulates fibroblast activity and collagen remodeling, leading to firmer, smoother skin over time without the need for invasive procedures.

Dr. Kim often integrates PicoWay with other non-surgical aesthetic treatments such as medical-grade skincare, injectables, or customized facial rejuvenation plans to enhance results. This multi-modality approach reflects CK Plastic Surgery’s commitment to personalized care, technological excellence, and evidence-based cosmetic dermatology.

Patients appreciate PicoWay laser treatment for its quick sessions, minimal discomfort, and short recovery period. Treatments typically last 15–30 minutes, making PicoWay a popular lunchtime laser procedure for busy professionals. Results develop progressively over several weeks as collagen production increases and pigmentation fades, delivering refreshed, radiant skin without dramatic downtime.

Overview

Benefits & Candidates

  • Improves skin tone, texture, and overall radiance
  • Reduces hyperpigmentation, sun damage, and age spots
  • Minimizes acne scars and fine lines
  • Stimulates natural collagen and elastin production
  • Safe for all skin tones, including darker complexions
  • Minimal downtime with fast recovery
  • Non-surgical skin rejuvenation with long-lasting results
  • 1. Patients with uneven skin tone, pigmentation, or sun damage
  • 2. Individuals with acne scars or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
  • 3. Healthy adults looking to improve skin quality without surgery
  • 4. Individuals with busy lifestyles who want minimal downtime
  • 5. Patients of all skin types, including darker skin tones
  • The Process

  • Comprehensive Consultation & Skin Analysis
    Personalized assessment of skin type, concerns, and goals.
  • Treatment Planning
    Selection of PicoWay wavelength, energy settings, and session frequency.
  • Skin Preparation
    Cleansing and optional topical numbing for enhanced comfort.
  • PicoWay Laser Treatment
    Precise delivery of picosecond laser pulses to targeted areas.
  • Post-Treatment Care & Recovery Guidance
    Application of soothing products and detailed aftercare instructions.
  • Follow-Up & Maintenance Planning
    Ongoing evaluation and long-term skin rejuvenation strategy.
  • Recovery & Risks

    PicoWay laser treatment is considered a low-risk, non-invasive procedure when performed by a qualified provider such as Dr. Charles Kim. However, as with any laser treatment, patients should understand the recovery process and potential side effects to ensure realistic expectations and optimal outcomes.

    Immediately following treatment, patients may experience mild redness, warmth, or a sunburn-like sensation, which typically resolves within a few hours to 48 hours. Slight swelling is possible, especially in more sensitive areas such as around the eyes. Temporary darkening of pigmented spots may occur before gradual fading as the body clears fragmented pigment particles.

    Downtime after PicoWay is minimal compared to traditional resurfacing lasers. Most patients return to normal activities the same day or the following day. Makeup can usually be applied within 24 hours, depending on skin sensitivity and treatment intensity. Dr. Kim provides detailed post-treatment care instructions, including sun avoidance, daily SPF use, gentle skincare, and hydration to support healing and collagen regeneration.

    Rare risks include blistering, prolonged redness, temporary hyperpigmentation, or hypopigmentation, particularly if post-treatment sun exposure occurs or aftercare instructions are not followed. CK Plastic Surgery follows strict patient safety protocols, conservative laser settings, and individualized treatment planning to minimize these risks.

    Patients typically require a series of treatments spaced several weeks apart to achieve optimal results, depending on the skin condition being treated. Improvements continue to develop over time as collagen remodeling progresses, making PicoWay an excellent long-term investment in skin health.

    Real Results

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    Frequently Asked Questions

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