Are you one of those lucky gals who’s constantly looking to upgrade her self-care with good skincare choices? Welcome to my beauty tribe.
Having never experienced a PicoSure Laser Energy Treatment before, I decided that my first time would be at the M∙A∙C∙ Clinic – one of Malaysia’s prestigious aesthetic institutions pioneering safe aesthetic treatment and skincare solutions for over 20 years.
Appointment set, I swapped my lunch break for a quick fix-me at the M∙A∙C∙ Clinic (No 12, Lorong Maarof, Bangsar). Arriving at the clinic a little before time to get familiar with the procedure, I met Dr Victor Ong, Medical Aesthetic Doctor at the M∙A∙C∙ Clinic for my skin consultation.
I was immediately made comfortable and taken through the treatment process to understand how a PicoSure Laser works. Especially, how it would work on my `exotic’ skin tone. I was keen to address specific skin concerns of pigmentation that had bothered me on account of Malaysia’s tropical sun exposure.
WHAT IS PICOSURE?
To set the tone for the uninitiated, PicoSure is the world's first picosecond aesthetic laser for multiple aesthetic applications including tattoo removal, acne scar treatment, removal of pigmented lesions, and wrinkle treatment. PicoSure utilizes the 755nm wavelength that naturally targets melanin, delivering ultra-short pulse bursts of energy to the skin in trillionths of a second.
In simple language, the treatment gently targets and eliminates pigment through the skin layers without harming the surrounding skin.
Step 1: Relaxed and face cleansed of any make-up, an in-house aesthetician prepped my face with the application of numbing cream. "Safety is a priority,” Dr Ong reassured me. Do note, this step is very essential to avoid any pain one may feel, especially if it’s your first time. The numbing process is a 45-minute window before your laser treatment begins.
Step 2: Escorted into the treatment room to begin the treatment, the first setting of the PicoSure laser is intended to achieve an overall face toning and skin brightening focused to address uneven skin pigmentation. "All is well,” Dr Victor assured me as the numbing cream held on to its promise of no pain. About 10 minutes later (depending on your skin condition) it was all over.
Step 3: Resting for a five-minute break to allow my face to recover from the laser heat, I experienced little sensations erupting across my face. "Nothing to worry. As collagen has been activated and the skin is responding to the nourishment it is receiving from an increase in blood circulation," explained Dr Ong.
That’s great news. A change in laser setting is done again, this time the beam is targeted downwards with energy focused to reach deeper into the skin layers. Dr Ong informed me that this specific laser setting is intended to stimulate and generate natural collagen, boosting a natural facelift, and a tightening of pores, as also targeting scars and breaking down pigmentation.
"The honeycomb pattern in the laser lens fractionates the single laser beam into multiple smaller, but higher-powered beams of light, that hits the skin with higher intensity. This produces a cavitation effect under the intact skin which is perceived by the skin as an injury, leading to a cascade of natural healing responses from which new collagen is produced,” Dr Ong elaborated.
About 10 minutes later -- my face a little swollen and stinging from the post-treatment experience -- I immediately noticed a healthier, visible facelift in an hour. Must mention that the sensation of heat you feel is natural, so panic you must not. More good news? There is no downtime. Go straight home and let your daily routine follow its natural beat.
Beauty is our birthright. Let’s own it, safe and healthy.
If you would like to experience a PicoSure Laser treatment, make your appointment at https://www.mac-clinic.my/ or, call 03-20936136 / 012-5028212 / +60 12-307 3131.
The writer is an International Lifestyle Journalist, Destination Influencer, and Author of The Stiletto Foodie – A Blog Binge in Malaysia, published by Ukiyoto. She is based in Kuala Lumpur and can be reached at etheldacosta@gmail.com or www.etheldacosta.com