PicoWay & PicoSure Laser Treatment in San Diego
Are you looking for a way to remove unwanted tattoos, reduce the signs of aging, or address pigmentation concerns? At Cosmetic Laser Dermatology, our expert dermatologists offer two gentle yet powerful laser systems: PicoWay® and PicoSure®. Both use picosecond technology to stimulate the production of new collagen and elastin to treat acne scars and wrinkles, remove unwanted brown spots and pigmentation, and remove unwanted tattoos of almost any color. Best of all, pico lasers are safe to use for any and all skin colors and types!
Achieve Your Best Skin Yet with Pico Lasers
Using advanced picosecond laser technology, we can effectively address multiple skin concerns:
Take a Behind the Scenes Look at PicoWay Laser
PicoWay Can Help Treat Acne Scars
PicoWay Can Help Treat Sun Spots and Melasma
Laser Tattoo Removal with PicoWay
HEAR FROM OUR HAPPY PATIENTS
I trust Farzaneh Momeni completely with my skin. She is by far the best clinical aesthetician I’ve ever known. My skin has improved dramatically since I began monthly facials with her. Her treatments are 100% results-driven so if this is what you seek, look no further. Also, the entire Team at West Dermatology are top-notch. They’re always friendly, professional, & helpful, & greet everyone with a smile. 10 Stars all around!
My new regular cosmetic dermatology office. Dr Zubair is amazing and really patient with me. He has helped me over the last year with keloid scar removal, jaw Botox, and full facial acne scar treatment (ultra clear). The office is clean and the nursing/medical assistant staff is accommodating on all levels. I will always recommend this office and Dr Zubair to friends and family.
Most professional and most impressive! The service from the physicians to office staff is superb!
I live in Orange County and drove all the way out to see Dr. Wu because a friend of mine referred him (she had amazing results from her face and neck procedure). Dr. Wu is truly an artist! He made me feel extremely comfortable during my procedure. I was anxious when I got there, but he (and his staff) have such great energy and are so very kind and gentle that you can't help but feel at ease! The office was immaculate and they adhered to covid rules (sanitizing, temp checks, masks). This is my go-to place from now on and Dr. Wu is my go-to guy! Can't wait to see my final results! Thank you Phyllis (pre-op) for being so wonderful and informative! You were so very helpful and kind! I'll definitely be back!
Leysin and the entire team at Cosmetic Laser Dermatology are fantastic. They are professional, caring and communicative. The laser treatment was comfortable, efficient and effective! I highly recommend this practice. I definitely will come back and recommend her and Cosmetic Laser Dermatology to my family and friends.
Dr. Goldman is amazing! I came here for my permanent eyeliner removal (which is not offered anywhere near me), and they are completely removed in just one session. They use a special contact lens to protect your eyes from the laser, and there are no damages to my eyelashes. The healing was also nice and smooth. They have everything you need. I live almost 3 hours away, but it was totally worth the trip. For anyone who is looking to remove their permanent makeup, this is the right place to go :)-
Dr. Butterwick is fantastic, all of her team as well. They make sure your experience is pleasant and painless as possible. My tattoo removal and my injectables look amazing. I highly recommend her for any skin treatment.
Cosmetic Laser Dermatology was recommended to me by my dermatologist. He recommended Dr. Monica Boen. I'm so glad I took his recommendation. Everyone here at Cosmetic Laser Dermatology was super nice and friendly. Very welcoming. I came here for hair removal treatment. I did 4 sessions with Dr. Boen. Dr. Boen made me feel so comfortable and at ease when I talked to her. She explained everything before she did my treatment. I loved that. She was really easy to talk to. I definitely will come back and recommend her and Cosmetic Laser Dermatology to my family and friends.
This office is awesome. My visit today was with Dr. Groff. His bed side manner is so fun and welcoming. He understood my concerns and recommended a treatment plan that I feel was reasonable. I love his staff! They take there time to make sure you understand the treatment and after care. Everyone in the office, from the front desk to the nurses in the back, are so friendly and beautiful. They are very prompt and I trust my care with CLD. I can't wait for my next visit. See you guys in a few weeks!
"Dr. Sabrina Fabi is genius! Her technique is unlike anyone, her eye is precise, and her kindness and caring manner comes from the depth of her soul. She's simply brilliant! It's no wonder people travel the country just to be treated by her."
I wish I could give them 10 stars! I had such an awesome experience for my first visit and I am referring everyone I know to this office. From the super friendly staff to the state of the art procedures, they are the cream of the crop.
“I came to participate in a research study. All of the Doctors and staff at C.L. Dermatology are very professional, warm and friendly. All our my needs were anticipated and the hospitality of this office is like a five star hotel.”
How Do Pico Lasers Work?
PicoWay and PicoSure are cutting-edge laser systems that deliver ultra-short pulses of energy to target a variety of skin concerns.
PicoWay Technology
PicoWay’s three wavelengths and large spot sizes allow for effective tattoo removal and skin rejuvenation, while its 40% shorter picosecond pulses minimize downtime and side effects. PicoWay creates tiny optical densities deep within the skin, stimulating the production of collagen, hyaluronic acid, and elastin, resulting in improved skin tone, clarity, and texture. It also helps to even out irregular pigmentation and improve overall skin appearance.
PicoSure Technology
PicoSure’s advanced technology pulses at a rate 100 times shorter than traditional nanosecond lasers, enabling a powerful photochemical impact without harming the surrounding skin. This laser system shatters tattoo ink and pigmentation into smaller particles, aiding the body’s natural elimination process. Its photo-mechanical mechanism minimizes disruption to the epidermis, leading to enhanced comfort, reduced skin redness, fewer treatments, and faster skin clearance.
Both PicoWay and PicoSure offer swift treatments, reduced discomfort, and minimal risk of thermal damage, making them ideal for all skin types and colors.
What to Expect from Pico Laser Treatment
During your initial consultation, we will assess your skin concerns and develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs and goals.
Treatment Session
Your eyes will be protected throughout the procedure. You may feel a brief sensation of heat, similar to a rubber band snapping against your skin. The laser will target each area of concern until it has been completely covered. Cold air may be applied to the skin’s surface to minimize discomfort.
Comfort
Most patients tolerate PicoWay and PicoSure treatments well, with minimal discomfort. If needed, we can apply topical numbing cream or injections of local anesthetic to ensure your comfort during the procedure.
Downtime
After treatment, you may experience temporary redness, swelling, or a “white frosting” appearance in the treated area. These side effects typically subside within a few hours to a few days. You can resume your regular activities immediately after treatment, but it’s important to protect your skin from sun exposure.
Results
The number of treatments needed will depend on your concerns and goals. You may notice initial improvements in your skin’s appearance after the first session, with continued progress as you undergo additional treatments. Our dermatologists will work closely with you to monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed to help you achieve optimal results.
Why You'll Love Us
First PicoSure in Southern California
As the home of the first PicoSure laser in Southern California, and after completing multiple research trials on pico lasers, you can be assured you are in the best hands at Cosmetic Laser Dermatology. Our expertise with picosecond technology is unmatched in the region.
Cutting-Edge Dual Technology
We offer both PicoWay and PicoSure systems, giving us more treatment options than any other practice. PicoWay’s three wavelengths and large spot sizes excel at tattoo removal and skin rejuvenation, while PicoSure’s advanced photochemical impact delivers powerful results without harming surrounding skin.
Safe for All Skin Types
Unlike traditional lasers, both PicoWay and PicoSure are safe and effective for all skin types and colors. With swift treatments, reduced discomfort, and minimal risk of thermal damage, these systems provide superior results for everyone.
Proven Research Leadership
Our dermatologists have completed multiple research trials on pico laser technology, ensuring you receive treatments based on the latest scientific developments. With over 35 years of laser expertise, we deliver the most advanced picosecond treatments available.
Superior Comfort and Results
Experience faster treatment times, fewer sessions needed, reduced discomfort and downtime, minimal risk of side effects, and customizable treatment plans. Achieve radiant skin with a more even tone and smoother texture through our advanced pico laser technology.
Our Renowned Dermatologists
We are proud to share that Dr. Goldman, Dr. Butterwick, Dr. Groff, Dr. Fabi, & Dr. Boen have once again been recognized as Castle Connolly Top Doctors in 2026!
Cosmetic Laser Dermatology has been voted Best Cosmetic Dermatology Practice in San Diego Magazine’s 2025 “Best of San Diego” readers’ poll!
Dr. William Groff was voted Best Cosmetic Dermatologist, Best Cosmetic Surgeon, and Best Dermatologist for 4 consecutive years by the San Diego Reader Best Poll.
Dr. Mitchel Goldman was voted #1 Cosmetic Dermatologist in America by Newsweek
Dr. William Groff was voted Best Cosmetic Dermatologist and Best Cosmetic Surgeon for 8 consecutive years by the San Diego U-T Best Readers Poll.
Drs. Goldman, Butterwick, and Fabi made the top 8 in Newsweek’s Best Cosmetic Dermatologists in America for the last two years in a row
Voted in the top 10% of Realself Doctors by achieving high patient satisfaction and getting favorable feedback on Q&A
Dr. William Groff was voted Best Dermatologist for 10 consecutive years and Best Cosmetic Surgeon for 9 consecutive years by the La Jolla Light Best Readers Poll.
Drs. Goldman, Butterwick, Groff, Fabi, and Boen were named Castle Connolly Top Doctors in 2025, making us one of the Top 3 Practices in California with the most Castle Connolly Top Doctors in Dermatology.
Dr. Boen has been recognized as a Top Doctor in 2023 and 2024 by San Diego County Medical Society.
Dr. Butterwick, is a distinguished facial cosmetic surgeon certified by the American Board of Facial
Cosmetic Surgery (ABFCS).
PicoWay & PicoSure Laser Treatment FAQs
PicoWay and PicoSure target specific areas of the skin to remove tattoos or treat pigmentation problems. Because they use shorter pulse durations than other systems, treatments are more efficient than other laser devices and result in optimal outcomes for patients.
The number of treatments varies depending on your skin condition and response. For tattoo removal, location, size, and color density impact clearance speed. On average, 3-10 sessions are necessary for tattoos, while 2-5 treatments are common for skin rejuvenation. Our dermatologists provide personalized treatment plans.
Always choose a board-certified dermatologist for all laser skin treatments. Board-certified dermatologists have the greatest understanding and knowledge of laser procedures and know how to deliver the best results while minimizing risks of permanent damage.
You might be an excellent candidate if you wish to remove a tattoo anywhere on your body or have unwanted, benign pigmented lesions. Pico lasers are safe for all skin types and colors. Schedule a consultation with our board-certified dermatologists for personalized assessment.
Yes, both PicoWay and PicoSure are FDA-approved systems. These approvals mean the treatments are not only safe but effective for appropriate candidates when performed by experienced dermatologists.
Yes, both PicoWay and PicoSure can effectively reduce the appearance of melasma and post-inflammatory pigmentation problems, providing clearer, more even skin tone.
Yes, both systems can treat all ink colors, including challenging red and yellow pigments. PicoWay’s three wavelengths and PicoSure’s advanced technology make them effective for multicolored tattoos. A consultation is essential to determine the best approach for your specific tattoo.
Both PicoWay and PicoSure have been shown to more effectively and rapidly treat black tattoos than conventional Q-switched lasers, requiring fewer treatment sessions for optimal clearance.
Treatment costs depend on various factors, including size, color, location, and specific concerns being addressed. We offer consultations with board-certified dermatologists to determine the best treatment plan and associated costs for your unique needs.
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