Pico Laser Treatments: What You Need to Know

Have you noticed the term “pico laser” popping up more and more often in your social media feed? It may be because this treatment has become one of the most popular procedures in aesthetic medicine these days.

Pico laser Singapore treatments may be used to address various concerns, from pigmentation and scarring to skin texture issues. In this guide, we’ll show you what you need to know.

What Is a Pico Laser?

A pico laser is a type of laser that fires energy in pulses lasting just picoseconds. A picosecond is equivalent to a trillionth of a second.

This makes the pulse with pico lasers far shorter than the nanosecond pulses used by older lasers. The result is extremely rapid energy delivery that enables precise targeting.

A pico laser can thus be used to do something like shatter pigment particles in your skin to remove dark spots. The shortness of its pulses keeps the damage tightly controlled, preventing the laser from overheating the tissue surrounding the particles.

This is what sets pico lasers apart from traditional lasers. They have less thermal damage and a lower risk of scarring, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and similar side effects.

What Can Pico Laser Singapore Procedures Treat?

Pico laser is known for its versatility, as it can address multiple concerns. The technology is now clinically used across a broad spectrum of aesthetic skin conditions, having gone past its original application in tattoo removal.

Pigmentation and Melasma

Pico laser is often used to address uneven skin tone, sun spots, and melasma (stubborn brown patches on skin that are often triggered by hormones or sun exposure).

The treatment breaks down excess melanin, which is the pigment responsible for discolouration. Again, the short pulses of energy it delivers make this possible without burning the skin surface.

Acne Scars

Pico lasers can be used to stimulate collagen and elastic production deep within the skin for scarred areas. This can help remodel scar tissue over time.

Tattoo Removal

This was one of the first uses of pico laser technology. It’s especially effective for this purpose because its ultra-short pulses break ink particles into smaller fragments than nanosecond lasers can.

When that happens, it enables the body to eliminate the fragments far more efficiently, flushing them out as part of its natural processes.

Skin Rejuvenation

Beyond targeted concerns, pico lasers can also be used to help improve overall skin appearance. It can be used to trigger the skin’s repair response with controlled micro injuries in order to improve texture and refine enlarged pores, for example.

What to Expect during a Pico Laser Treatment

If you’re considering a pico laser session, it may help to understand what it usually looks like.

The typical session will last from 45 to 60 minutes, but may vary based on the individual and the goal of the treatment. A numbing cream is usually applied beforehand to help with discomfort, which is often described as minimal.

Mild redness and swelling are fairly common after treatment. They typically resolve within a few hours to a day after. 

Depending on your specific skin concern, your doctor may recommend up to 6 sessions of pico laser treatment for desired results. These sessions must also be spaced apart to ensure that your skin has sufficient time to heal in between sessions.