What is the Icon platform?
Icon is a multi-purpose system in which different handpieces attach to a main unit; each handpiece uses a different wavelength or technology.
With a platform, what matters is not the device name but which handpiece is used for what purpose. According to manufacturer-related sources, the 1540 nm handpiece is used for non-ablative fractional resurfacing, the 1064 nm handpiece for deeper targets, and IPL handpieces for colour-related concerns such as spots and vessels.
So “having Icon” does not describe one procedure. At consultation you should ask which handpiece is planned, why, and how many sessions.
Which concerns can it be used for?
Depending on the handpiece, texture renewal, mild scar appearance, spots, redness and superficial vessels may be addressed.
With the fractional handpiece, renewal may be considered for skin texture, fine lines and some scar types; this is non-ablative, meaning the surface is usually not opened and recovery can be shorter. IPL handpieces may be used for sun spots and superficial redness, and 1064 nm for some vascular and tissue targets.
It is not expected to be enough alone for marked sagging, deep scars or advanced wrinkles, and the most suitable method for your goal may be a different device. Treatment should not be done before the type of a spot is established.
Who may not be suitable, and what are the risks?
Tanning, darker skin types, photosensitising medicines, pregnancy, active infection and isotretinoin use call for caution.
Light and laser energy produce different responses depending on skin type and tanning; the risk of colour change rises in darker skin. Pregnancy, active infection or a cold sore in the area, a tendency to keloids and some medicines can delay treatment. A suspicious mole or spot needs dermatological examination first.
Redness, swelling and tenderness are expected afterwards. Crusting, burns, scarring or colour change have been reported rarely. If a problem persists, contact your doctor and do not try to manage it yourself.
What should be considered with a platform device?
It is important to ask which handpiece will be used, why it was chosen and who will perform the procedure.
Although procedures done with the same device can be grouped, each has its own risks and recovery. Number and spacing of sessions and expected change depend on the type of concern. You are entitled to ask about documentation and the qualifications of the person performing the procedure.
Where a short procedure will not be enough, you should expect honest information and, if needed, referral to another method or specialist.
Frequently asked questions
What type of laser is Icon?
Icon is not one laser but a platform with different handpieces. The wavelength and procedure are decided by the doctor.
Is the Icon procedure painful?
Discomfort varies with the handpiece and the person. Comfort measures are planned by the doctor.
Is there recovery time after Icon?
It depends on the handpiece; redness and tenderness lasting days are usual. The exact time varies between people.
Will spots disappear completely with Icon?
Complete clearing cannot be promised. Response varies with the type and depth of the spot, and some spots can return.
Sources (4)
- U.S. FDA (510(k) Premarket Notification database): 510(k) K110907: PALOMAR ICON (TM) AESTHETIC SYSTEM (2011)
- Journal of Drugs in Dermatology: Fractional laser skin resurfacing (2012)
- Dermatologic Surgery: Review of Lasers and Energy-Based Devices for Skin Rejuvenation and Scar Treatment With Histologic Correlations (2022)
- European Commission: Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/2346 laying down common specifications for the groups of products without an intended medical purpose listed in Annex XVI to Regulation (EU) 2017/745 (2022)
This content is for general information and does not replace a personal medical assessment.