At Dr Joney De Souza Skin & Laser in Marylebone, one of the appeals of PicoSure is how little downtime it needs. Even so, good aftercare protects your result and keeps the skin comfortable. This guide explains PicoSure recovery step by step, the aftercare that helps, and when you will see your result. As a rule, most people return to normal life quickly.
At Dr Joney De Souza, we use both PicoSure treatment heads. That includes the Focus lens, which targets skin rejuvenation, not only the head that treats pigmentation. Many clinics use the pigmentation head alone, because the Focus tip carries an extra cost to the clinic. We also include around 30 minutes of numbing and a full 45-minute treatment, rather than a rushed 15-minute session with no numbing. In practice, that means a more thorough and more comfortable treatment.
Key takeaways
Immediately after treatment, the skin often looks pink and feels warm. This is normal and usually fades within a few hours. Some patients notice mild swelling, especially around the eyes. Because the laser is non-ablative, there is rarely any open wound. To understand the treatment, see our PicoSure laser page.
Over the next few days, treated pigment can look darker before it clears. Then it gradually flakes away as the skin renews. It is important to let this happen naturally. Picking can disturb healing, so gentle care is best.
Good aftercare keeps recovery smooth and protects your result. With this in mind, the following steps help.
Above all, protect the skin from the sun while it settles. Sun exposure is the main cause of pigmentation returning, so daily SPF genuinely matters.
Most patients return to work the same day or the next. Makeup can usually go on once the redness settles, often within a day. Even so, always check with your clinician first. Gentle, mineral makeup is kindest while the skin recovers.
First, the skin looks fresher once any flaking clears. Then, as pigment continues to break down, clarity improves over the following weeks. For pigment and sun damage, results build across a short course. To learn more, read our PicoSure for pigmentation guide.
Recovery and results go hand in hand. Therefore, following your aftercare closely makes a real difference. Daily sun protection, gentle skincare and patience all help. Your clinician also reviews your progress and advises on any further sessions.
At Dr Joney De Souza Skin & Laser, every PicoSure plan is doctor-led and tailored to your skin. To see options and current pricing, visit our PicoSure laser page and our prices list. Alternatively, book a consultation.
At Dr Joney De Souza Skin & Laser in Marylebone, every treatment is doctor-led and tailored to you. To discuss your goals and see current pricing, explore the treatment page or book a consultation with our team.
Common questions our Marylebone team hears about this treatment.
PicoSure involves little to no downtime. Mild redness and swelling usually settle within a few hours to a day, and most people resume normal life quickly.
Downtime is minimal. Because the treatment is non-ablative, there is rarely any open wound, just brief redness and possible mild swelling.
Most patients can apply gentle mineral makeup once the redness settles, often within a day. Always check with your clinician first.
Rather than peeling, treated pigment may darken and then flake away over several days as the skin renews.
Apply daily SPF, moisturise gently, avoid harsh actives and heat at first, and let any flaking pigment shed without picking.
It is best to avoid hot workouts, saunas and swimming for a few days while the skin settles.
Skin often looks fresher within days. For pigment and sun damage, clarity continues to improve over the following weeks.
Sun exposure is the main cause of pigmentation returning, so daily SPF protects both your skin and your result.
Tattoo treatment can cause more pinpoint scabbing and takes longer overall, with several sessions spaced weeks apart.
Avoid sun exposure, picking flaking skin, harsh exfoliants and excess heat until your clinician advises the skin has settled.
