If you’re dealing with stubborn age spots or melasma in Toronto, you’re not alone. These common skin concerns affect thousands of Canadians, especially those who’ve spent summers enjoying our beautiful outdoors without adequate sun protection. The good news? Advanced laser technology like PicoSure is helping Toronto residents achieve clearer, more even-toned skin—and the success stories speak for themselves.
Understanding Age Spots and Melasma
Before diving into the success stories, let’s understand what we’re treating.
Age spots (also called sun spots or solar lentigines) are flat, brown patches that develop from years of UV exposure. They typically appear on sun-exposed areas like your face, hands, shoulders, and décolletage. Despite their name, age spots aren’t just about getting older—they’re really about cumulative sun damage over time.
Melasma presents as larger, irregular brown or grey-brown patches, often appearing on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, and bridge of the nose. Often called the “mask of pregnancy,” melasma affects between 15% to 50% of pregnant women, though it can affect anyone due to hormonal changes, birth control pills, or sun exposure. According to research published by the Cleveland Clinic, women are significantly more affected than men, with about 90% of melasma cases occurring in women.
Why Traditional Treatments Often Fall Short
Many Toronto patients come to us after trying multiple creams, serums, and other treatments with limited success. Here’s why:
Traditional laser treatments use heat to break down pigmentation, which can actually push melasma deeper into the skin, making it worse. Chemical peels and topical treatments like hydroquinone work on the surface layer, but melasma often sits in deeper skin layers, requiring a more sophisticated approach.
That’s where PicoSure technology changes the game.
How PicoSure Works Differently
PicoSure delivers ultra-short laser pulses lasting just one picosecond—about one trillionth of a second. Instead of using heat like traditional lasers, it uses pressure waves to shatter pigment particles into tiny fragments that your body naturally eliminates.
This revolutionary approach offers several advantages:
Minimal discomfort: Most patients describe the sensation as tiny snaps against the skin, far more tolerable than older laser technologies.
Quick treatment sessions: Most PicoSure sessions take just 15-30 minutes, making it perfect for busy Torontonians fitting treatments into their lunch hour.
Little to no downtime: You might experience slight redness for a few hours, but you can typically return to your regular activities immediately—including applying makeup after just four hours.
Safe for all skin types: Unlike traditional lasers that can cause complications in darker skin tones, PicoSure’s precision makes it suitable for all skin types, which is particularly important in Toronto’s diverse community.
Real Toronto Success Stories
Sarah’s Journey with Age Spots
Sarah, a 52-year-old marketing executive from North York, had developed noticeable sun spots on her hands and face after years of not wearing adequate sun protection. “I tried every cream available at the pharmacy,” she shares. “Nothing worked until I discovered PicoSure.”
After just three sessions spaced four weeks apart, Sarah saw a dramatic 85% reduction in her age spots. “My colleagues kept asking if I’d gotten a facial or changed my skincare routine. The results were that noticeable.”
Jennifer’s Melasma Breakthrough
Jennifer, a 38-year-old teacher from downtown Toronto, developed melasma during her second pregnancy. “It started as a faint shadow on my upper lip and cheeks, but it kept getting darker. I felt so self-conscious teaching in front of my class.”
Her dermatologist recommended PicoSure as a gentler alternative to traditional laser treatments. After a series of four treatments, Jennifer experienced significant improvement. “It didn’t completely disappear—melasma is stubborn—but it’s now barely noticeable without makeup. I feel like myself again.”
David’s Sun Damage Reversal
David, a 45-year-old construction worker from Scarborough, had extensive sun damage across his face and forearms. “Working outside for 20 years really took its toll,” he explains. “I looked older than my age, and my wife kept nagging me to do something about it.”
After a series of four PicoSure sessions, David experienced between 50-95% improvement in his pigmentation, depending on the treated area. “The spots on my face lightened considerably. I actually look forward to seeing my reflection now.”
What to Expect from PicoSure Treatment in Toronto
Before Your Treatment
Your practitioner will assess your skin type, pigmentation depth, and medical history. It’s essential to avoid sun exposure for two weeks before treatment and stop using retinoids three days prior.
If you have a history of cold sores, inform your provider—laser treatments can sometimes reactivate the virus, but prophylactic medication can prevent this.
During the Session
A topical numbing cream may be applied about 30 minutes before treatment for extra comfort. The laser itself feels like tiny rubber bands snapping against your skin. Most treatments take just 7-20 minutes, depending on the treatment area.
After Your Treatment
Immediately after treatment, you may experience redness and mild swelling, similar to a light sunburn. This typically subsides within a few hours. If treating pigmentation, expect the areas to initially darken before flaking off and lightening over three to four days.
Avoid strenuous activities for 24 hours, and protect your skin diligently with broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen—this is non-negotiable for maintaining results.
How Many Sessions You’ll Need
The number of treatments varies based on your specific condition:
- Age spots: Typically 2-3 sessions
- Sun damage: Usually 3-5 sessions
- Melasma: Often requires 3-6 sessions for optimal results
Sessions are generally spaced 3-6 weeks apart to allow your skin to heal and your body to eliminate the shattered pigment particles.
The Science Behind the Success
Research published by the National Institutes of Health shows that PicoSure’s 755nm wavelength effectively treats melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation with minimal adverse events, even in darker Asian skin types. This is particularly relevant for Toronto’s multicultural population.
The technology doesn’t just remove pigmentation—it also stimulates natural collagen production, improving your overall skin texture, tone, and luminosity. According to Harvard Health, combining laser treatments with proper sun protection and maintenance therapy yields the best long-term results.
Maintaining Your Results
Success with PicoSure doesn’t end when your treatment series is complete. Toronto’s varying seasons—from harsh winters to sunny summers—require year-round vigilance:
Sun protection is essential: Use a broad-spectrum, tinted sunscreen with iron oxide daily. Tinted sunscreens block both UV rays and visible light, which can trigger melasma flares. Remember, UV rays penetrate windows, so protect your skin even when driving or sitting by office windows.
Maintenance treatments: Many patients benefit from touch-up sessions once or twice yearly, especially after summer sun exposure.
Quality skincare: Your provider may recommend complementary treatments like vitamin C serums or gentle exfoliants to maintain your results.
Manage triggers: If hormones triggered your melasma, work with your healthcare provider to manage these factors when possible.
Is PicoSure Right for You?
PicoSure is ideal for Toronto residents who:
- Have stubborn age spots, sun damage, or freckles resistant to topical treatments
- Experience melasma that hasn’t responded to creams or chemical peels
- Want minimal downtime—perfect for our busy city lifestyle
- Have darker skin tones and were told traditional lasers were too risky
- Prefer a gentler alternative to ablative laser treatments
However, PicoSure isn’t suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or if you’ve taken Accutane within the past six months.
Why Choose a Toronto Provider for PicoSure
Toronto boasts some of Canada’s most experienced aesthetic practitioners, with access to the latest technology and ongoing training. When selecting a provider, look for:
- Board-certified dermatologists or experienced medical aestheticians
- Clinics using authentic PicoSure Pro equipment (the latest generation)
- Providers who conduct thorough skin assessments before treatment
- Realistic expectations about results—be wary of anyone promising complete removal of melasma
- Comprehensive aftercare instructions and follow-up protocols
The Cost Factor
While PicoSure represents an investment in your skin’s health and appearance, many Toronto patients find the results justify the cost—especially after spending money on ineffective creams and treatments. Treatment costs typically range from $450-$600 per session, with most patients requiring 3-5 sessions for optimal results.
Some clinics offer package pricing that can reduce the per-session cost. Check whether your health spending account covers cosmetic dermatology treatments.
Toronto’s Unique Considerations
Our city’s climate presents specific challenges for pigmentation concerns:
Winter: While UV intensity is lower, reflection off snow can still trigger melasma. Continue using sunscreen daily.
Summer: Toronto’s increasingly hot summers mean more sun exposure and sweating, which can affect treatment results. Plan treatments during cooler months when possible.
Year-round: Our multicultural population means providers need experience treating diverse skin types—a strength of Toronto’s cosmetic dermatology community.
Looking Forward
The success stories coming out of Toronto’s aesthetic clinics demonstrate that PicoSure technology is transforming how we treat pigmentation concerns. While results vary by individual—and conditions like melasma require ongoing management—the majority of patients experience significant improvement in their skin’s appearance and, more importantly, their confidence.
If you’re tired of covering up age spots with makeup or watching your melasma darken despite your best efforts, it might be time to explore whether PicoSure is right for you. Book a consultation with a qualified Toronto provider to discuss your specific concerns and create a personalized treatment plan.
Remember, achieving clear, even-toned skin is a journey, not a destination—but with PicoSure technology and Toronto’s skilled practitioners, that journey has never been more promising.
Disclaimer: Results vary by individual. This article provides general information and should not replace personalized medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any cosmetic treatment.