PICO Picosecond Laser

As photomedicine continues to advance, picosecond laser (Pico Laser) has become a forward-looking option for many pigmentary and skin-quality concerns. Its core advantage is an extremely short pulse duration, which can raise treatment efficiency while lowering the risk of thermal injury to surrounding tissue — a new benchmark for non-invasive skin care.

How it works

The name comes from a pulse width at the picosecond scale (10⁻¹² seconds). In that instant, laser energy produces a strong photomechanical effect rather than the photothermal effect used by conventional lasers. Target tissue — abnormal melanin clusters in the skin — is shattered into fine dust-like particles, then cleared through the lymphatic system and normal metabolism. Because heat diffusion is so brief, thermal coagulation of nearby healthy tissue is markedly reduced, supporting safety and a shorter recovery.

Indications and benefits

Picosecond laser has several main uses:

• Pigmentary lesions: Benign epidermal and dermal pigment, including freckles, sun spots, seborrhoeic keratoses (age spots), and more stubborn concerns such as acquired dermal melanocytosis (Hori’s naevus) and melasma, can respond well.
• Skin quality and collagen induction: With a fractional picosecond tip, energy can form micro-shock zones in the dermis, triggering natural repair and stimulating type I and type III collagen and elastin. This can refine enlarged pores, rough texture and fine expression lines for smoother skin.
• Brighter, more even tone: Reducing surface melanin and supporting keratin turnover can even skin tone and add glow as an additional cosmetic benefit.

What to expect

Picosecond laser is non-invasive. Before treatment, the therapist sets wavelength and energy according to skin type and lesion depth. You may feel a light snap or pinprick; topical anaesthetic is usually applied first. A full-face session typically takes about 15–30 minutes.

Short-lived redness and mild swelling in the treated area are common and usually settle within a few hours to 24 hours. Because the epidermis is largely intact, most people can resume daily activity and light makeup at once.

Before and after care

To support results and keep risk low, follow these points:

Before treatment

• Confirm you have not taken photosensitising medicines or oral retinoids in the past two weeks.
• Pause AHAs, salicylic acid and high-strength vitamin A derivatives for one week beforehand.
• Avoid excessive sun exposure or tanning beds before the session.

Aftercare

• Sun protection: UV defence is reduced after treatment. Use both chemical and physical protection: a broad-spectrum SPF 50+, PA++++ product, plus a parasol, wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. For at least one to two weeks, avoid prolonged outdoor sun and tanning beds; reapply sunscreen about every two hours when outdoors.
• Repair moisture: Use a gentle, fragrance-free repair moisturiser to support the barrier and ease tightness.
• Avoid irritants: Pause AHAs, BHAs, retinol/retinoids, alcohol toners and exfoliation for about one week.
• Avoid heat: For several days, skip saunas, steam rooms, hot baths and intense exercise that causes heavy sweating.
• Do not pick: If fine scabs or pigment specks appear, let them shed naturally — do not scratch or scrub.
• Return promptly if swelling persists, or if blisters, marked pain or rebound darkening appear.