Picosecond laser performed under the supervision of MOH-accredited consultant dermatologists at DermAlly. Multi-wavelength technology calibrated for Asian skin, with treatment plans built around your underlying skin diagnosis.
Pico Laser refers to a category of picosecond laser technology. The term “picosecond” describes the duration of each pulse of energy, which is one trillionth of a second.
At this speed, the laser interacts with pigment differently from older systems. Instead of relying mainly on heat, this photoacoustic laser delivers energy in ultra-short bursts that create a pressure wave within the skin. This pressure breaks pigment into much smaller fragments. These fragments are then gradually cleared through your body’s natural processes.
This is a key distinction. Traditional Q-switched lasers rely more on a photothermal effect, where heat is used to damage pigment. While effective, heat can also affect the surrounding skin. In Asian skin types, this increases the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) and makes treatment more complex, as excess heat may trigger further pigment production.
By shifting more of the effect towards mechanical fragmentation rather than heat, Pico Laser treatments are designed to reduce this thermal spread when used appropriately. This is one reason they are often considered when planning a laser for Asian skin pigmentation, where minimising unintended inflammation matters.
It is also important to understand that a Pico Laser is not a single machine or brand. It refers to a category of laser technology. Different platforms offer different wavelengths, which determine how deeply the laser penetrates and what types of pigmentation it can target.
In practice, outcomes depend less on the machine’s label and more on how the treatment is selected and administered. Choosing the right wavelength, energy level, and treatment approach for your specific condition determines whether a Pico Laser is appropriate and how your skin responds.
A picosecond laser delivers energy in extremely short bursts. At this speed, the effect is primarily mechanical rather than thermal.
Instead of heating pigment, the laser creates a rapid pressure wave within the skin. This breaks down pigment into fine particles that your body can gradually clear. In practical terms, this is why a photoacoustic laser behaves differently from older systems that rely on heat.
Because less heat is transferred to the surrounding tissue, there is typically less unintended inflammation. This matters in Singapore, where predominantly Fitzpatrick III–V skin types are common, and excess heat can trigger pigment rebound. For this reason, Pico Laser treatments for pigmentation are often considered when planning a laser for Asian skin pigmentation, where controlling post-treatment inflammation is key.
That said, lower risk does not mean no risk. The likelihood that post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation treatment will be necessary still depends on how the laser is selected and used.
A single setting does not define a Pico Laser. It works across different wavelengths, and each wavelength targets different depths and types of pigment.
In practice, the right wavelength is not chosen in isolation. It depends on your skin tone, the depth and type of pigment, and the clinical objective. This is why a Pico Laser’s settings are calibrated based on diagnosis, not just the device itself.
At DermAlly, the Pico Laser is used for a defined range of pigmentary, post-inflammatory, and skin-quality concerns. Suitability is not assumed. It is determined during consultation, when your dermatologist assesses the type of pigmentation, its stability, and how your skin is likely to respond.
Pico Laser is commonly used for superficial and mixed-depth pigmentation when appropriately selected.
This includes:
Freckles and lentigines can respond well to Pico Laser pigmentation treatment, but they are also influenced by UV exposure. Long-term control depends on consistent sun protection, not just laser sessions.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) refers to the brown marks left behind after inflammation heals. This may follow acne, eczema, or skin irritation.
This differs from post-inflammatory erythema (PIE), which presents as red marks and is vascular in origin.
While PIE typically responds better to vascular-targeting yellow laser treatments, pico laser for PIH is often combined with:
The goal is gradual fading while minimising further inflammation.
Melasma behaves differently from other forms of pigmentation. It is a chronic, treatment-resistant condition influenced by multiple factors, including UV exposure, heat, hormones, and genetic predisposition.
Pico Laser may be considered in selected cases of melasma, typically using low-fluence “toning” settings. This approach is sometimes referred to as pico toning in Singapore.
Importantly, the Pico Laser is not a standalone solution for melasma. It is one component of a broader management plan, which may include:
Recurrence is common, so melasma management is ongoing rather than a one-off course, and expectations are framed around control rather than complete clearance.
Pico laser is also used for tattoo removal. It works by breaking down tattoo ink into smaller particles that the body can gradually clear. Multiple sessions are typically required, and the number varies depending on:
Different wavelengths target different ink colours, allowing a broader range of pigments to be addressed over time.
Outcomes are gradual, with tattoos fading over multiple sessions rather than clearing all at once, so complete tattoo removal with a Pico Laser is not always achievable. This will be discussed during the consultation based on your specific tattoo characteristics.
Beyond treating several types of pigmentation, the Pico Laser can also achieve skin rejuvenation. This includes:
The result is often described as a clearer, more even complexion. The term “glass skin” originates in Korean skincare and is commonly used as a search term. Still, clinically, the focus remains on improving tone and texture rather than achieving a specific aesthetic label.
A key principle in dermatology is that treatment follows diagnosis. Pico Laser is one tool, but it is not always the right first step.
Treatment is usually deferred if there is an active infection at the site, whether fungal, bacterial, or viral, as this can worsen with laser exposure. Similarly, untreated inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis need to be stabilised first before considering any laser-based approach.
Certain medications and medical contexts also affect suitability. Recent isotretinoin use requires careful timing, and photosensitising medications can increase the risk of adverse reactions. Pregnancy is generally treated as a relative contraindication, with elective procedures often postponed.
There are also situations where a different laser or treatment strategy may be more appropriate. Some deeper dermal pigmentation conditions, such as Hori’s naevus or nevus of Ota, may respond better to alternative Pico Laser wavelengths depending on depth and behaviour. In melasma, particularly more severe or unstable cases, aggressive laser settings can trigger rebound pigmentation, making a laser-first approach less suitable.
Practical factors matter as well. If you are unable to commit to strict sun protection after treatment, laser outcomes for Asian skin pigmentation are likely to be inconsistent, and the risk of recurrence or worsening pigmentation increases.
Our dermatologists in Singapore will recommend an alternative pathway if the Pico Laser is not the right starting point for your skin.
Consult our dermatologists to determine what your skin actually needs.
Melasma requires a different approach from other types of pigmentation. Laser sessions on their own are rarely sufficient.
When a Pico Laser is used, it is typically at lower energy “toning” settings and combined with:
Treatment is planned over the long term. The goal is control and stability, not one-off clearance.
For PIH, a Pico Laser can help break down residual pigment, but results depend heavily on ongoing sun protection and skincare compliance outside the clinic.
Without proper sun protection:
Outcomes tend to be more stable when UV exposure is minimised, allowing the skin to clear pigment without ongoing stimulation.
Not all pigmentation behaves the same way, even if it looks similar on the surface. This includes:
Each of those responds to the laser differently. Treating them as one category often leads to inconsistent or disappointing results.
This is why diagnosis comes before device selection. The type and depth of pigment determine whether the Pico Laser is appropriate and how it should be used.
Acne marks are not all the same.
Many patients have both. In these cases, different treatments are used in combination rather than relying on a single modality.
If acne is still active, it is managed first before considering laser treatments. While a Pico Laser helps with the marks left behind, it does not treat the underlying drivers of acne. Addressing ongoing inflammation reduces the risk of new marks forming while existing pigmentation is being treated.
Your treatment begins with a consultation with an MOH-accredited consultant dermatologist.
This includes:
From this, the dermatologist determines whether Pico Laser is appropriate or whether another approach is more suitable. A written treatment plan is provided so you understand the rationale, expected course, and alternatives.
Preparation depends on the condition being treated and the planned laser settings.
For higher-energy sessions, topical priming may be recommended. This typically involves four to six weeks of melanin-suppressing agents to reduce baseline pigment activity before treatment.
You may also be advised to:
On the day of treatment, your skin is cleansed, and protective eyewear is provided.
The picosecond laser is then delivered using settings calibrated to your skin type and treatment goal.
Wavelength and energy levels are adjusted based on the depth and type of pigment being treated, rather than using a fixed setting for all cases.
After treatment, soothing measures are applied to the skin, followed by sunscreen.
You will receive written aftercare instructions, which may include:
These steps help reduce the risk of irritation and support more stable outcomes.
Follow-up allows your dermatologist to assess how your skin is responding and adjust the Pico Laser treatment plan if needed.
For conditions such as melasma, treatment is not defined by a fixed number of sessions. Instead, a maintenance approach is used, with intervals and adjunct treatments tailored to the pigmentation’s behaviour over time.
| Aspect | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Treatable Areas | Face, neck, hands, and selected body areas, depending on the condition |
| Session Duration | Typically 15–30 minutes, depending on treatment area and coverage |
| Treatment Frequency | Usually spaced 2–6 weeks apart, adjusted based on indication and skin response |
| Typical Course | Varies by concern:
|
| Downtime | Minimal; mild redness may occur, with possible small scabs on treated spots lasting 3–5 days |
| Suitability | Determined during consultation, settings are calibrated for Fitzpatrick III–V skin types commonly seen in Singapore |
Preparation focuses on reducing baseline skin irritation and pigment activity before treatment.
A Pico Laser procedure in Singapore is typically straightforward and performed in-clinic.
Post-treatment effects are usually mild and temporary.
Aftercare plays a key role in how your skin recovers:
These measures help reduce irritation and support a more stable recovery process after a Pico Laser treatment.
As with any laser procedure, Pico Laser treatment carries potential side effects. These are usually mild and temporary, but vary depending on your skin type, the condition being treated, and how your skin responds.
Common, short-term effects include:
There are also less common risks to be aware of:
For tattoo removal, additional considerations include:
Your dermatologist will discuss your individual risk profile during your consultation.
Different lasers serve different roles. The right choice depends on your diagnosis, not just the device itself.
Pico Laser targets pigment. It is used for concerns such as sun spots, freckles, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Yellow laser, by contrast, targets blood vessels. It is commonly used for redness, rosacea, and PIE.
Many patients have a combination of pigment and vascular concerns. In these cases, both lasers may be used as part of a combined plan rather than choosing one over the other.
Q-switched lasers use nanosecond pulses, which are longer in duration than picosecond pulses. This results in a greater reliance on heat (photothermal effect) to break down pigment.
Picosecond laser systems deliver energy in shorter bursts, producing more of a mechanical (photoacoustic) effect with less thermal spread to surrounding tissue.
In Asian skin types, where PIH is a concern, this difference in energy delivery can influence how the skin responds. The choice between the two depends on the type and depth of pigmentation being treated, the patient’s skin type, and clinical assessment.
These two treatments serve very different purposes.
Pico Laser is primarily used for pigment removal and overall tone refinement. It does not remove or resurface the skin.
The fractional CO2 laser is an ablative treatment. It removes controlled columns of skin to stimulate more significant collagen remodelling. This is typically used for deeper acne scars, more advanced photoageing, and texture concerns.
The choice between them depends on whether the main issue is pigment or structural changes in the skin.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) uses a broad spectrum of light rather than a single wavelength. This makes it less selective in how energy is delivered to the skin.
Pico Laser uses targeted wavelengths and ultra-short pulses, allowing more controlled delivery of energy to pigment.
In darker Fitzpatrick skin types, broader-spectrum treatments may carry a higher risk of unintended pigment changes. The decision to use IPL or Pico Laser depends on your skin type, the condition being treated, and how your skin has responded to previous treatments.
At DermAlly, treatment is led by MOH-accredited consultant dermatologists. Pico Laser is performed under medical supervision, with settings selected based on your skin type, condition, and risk profile across two locations: Camden Medical Centre (Orchard) and Katong i12 (East Coast).
Our approach is diagnosis-led. Pigmentation is first identified as lentigines, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, melasma, or deeper dermal conditions before any laser is recommended. This reduces the likelihood of using a treatment that does not match how your skin behaves.
We are also explicit about where the Pico Laser fits, and where it does not. If another approach is more appropriate, it is discussed up front rather than proceeding with a standard protocol.
Treatment does not end with the laser session. Where needed, we integrate topical regimens, sun protection guidance, and longer-term planning into your care, particularly for conditions such as melasma, where recurrence is common.
Consultation for Pico Laser at DermAlly begins with a comprehensive clinical history covering the nature and duration of the pigmentation concern, previous treatments and responses, current skincare products and medications, sun exposure habits, hormonal history where relevant for conditions such as melasma, and any history of photosensitivity or inflammatory skin conditions.
Physical examination includes assessment of the type, distribution, colour, border definition, and symmetry of pigmentation. Where indicated, further evaluation is performed using dermoscopy to assess pigment depth and pattern, and Wood’s lamp examination to help distinguish epidermal from dermal pigmentation.
Where clinically indicated, further assessment may include:
Following assessment, the dermatologist confirms whether Pico Laser is the most appropriate treatment and outlines a written plan covering the confirmed pigmentation type, the wavelength and approach selected, the expected number of sessions, realistic outcomes, sun protection requirements, and any combination treatments such as topical therapy or yellow laser that may be incorporated alongside it.
Patients are also advised on what to expect during and after sessions, including the possibility of temporary darkening of treated spots before fading occurs, and when to return for follow-up review.
Singapore’s Private Hospitals and Medical Clinics (PHMC) Act and Healthcare Services Act (HCSA) restrict the use of before-and-after photography in medical advertising. DermAlly fully adheres to these guidelines.
During consultation, our dermatologists discuss realistic expectations based on your specific pigmentation type, skin tone, and Pico Laser treatment plan. We support these guidelines as part of patient-centred ethical practice.
The number of sessions varies depending on the type and depth of pigmentation. Superficial concerns such as lentigines or freckles may respond over three to six sessions, while deeper or more complex conditions can require a longer course. Sessions are typically spaced a few weeks apart. Your dermatologist will assess how your skin responds and adjust the plan accordingly, rather than setting a fixed number from the outset.
Most patients describe the sensation as a light snapping or rubber band feeling against the skin. It is generally tolerable without anaesthesia, though numbing cream can be applied if needed. Sensitivity varies depending on the treatment area and settings used. Discomfort is temporary and stops once the session is completed, which typically takes 15 to 30 minutes.
Pico Laser may be used in selected cases of melasma, usually at lower energy settings. However, melasma is a chronic and treatment-resistant condition influenced by UV exposure, heat, and hormones. A laser is not a standalone solution and is typically combined with topical therapy and strict sun protection. Results vary, and recurrence is common even with appropriate management.
Some forms of pigmentation can recur, particularly those influenced by ongoing triggers such as sun exposure or inflammation. For example, freckles and melasma are prone to returning over time. Pico Laser can help reduce existing pigment, but long-term control depends on factors such as sun protection, skincare, and your skin’s response. Maintenance treatment may be recommended in some cases.
Pico Laser is often considered for darker Asian skin types because it delivers energy in very short pulses, with less thermal spread than older systems. This may reduce the likelihood of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation when used appropriately. However, risk is not eliminated. Settings must be carefully calibrated, and pre- and post-treatment care, including sun protection, remains important.
The main difference lies in pulse duration. Pico Lasers use picosecond pulses, while Q-switched lasers use longer nanosecond pulses. Shorter pulses produce more of a mechanical effect that breaks pigment into smaller particles, while longer pulses rely more on heat. This difference can influence how the skin responds, particularly in individuals prone to pigmentation changes.
It is common for treated pigment to appear darker temporarily after a session. This happens as pigment particles break down and rise closer to the surface before being cleared by the body. In some cases, small scabs may form over these areas. This is part of the expected treatment response and usually resolves over several days.
Freckles can lighten with treatment, but they are influenced by UV exposure and genetic factors. Even after successful sessions, they may return over time, particularly with ongoing sun exposure. Pico Laser is used to reduce visible pigment, but long-term management depends on consistent sun protection and, in some cases, maintenance treatments.
Laser treatments are generally considered elective and are usually deferred during pregnancy. While there is limited evidence of harm, changes in skin behaviour during pregnancy can make responses less predictable. Your dermatologist may recommend postponing treatment until after delivery, depending on your individual situation.
Yes, the Pico Laser is often combined with other treatments depending on your skin concern. For example, vascular lasers may be used alongside it for redness, while topical therapies are commonly prescribed for conditions such as melasma or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. The combination is tailored to your diagnosis rather than applied as a standard protocol.
Pricing varies depending on the treatment area, complexity of the condition, and whether additional therapies are required. At DermAlly, pricing is consultation-led, as the treatment plan is customised based on your diagnosis. Your dermatologist will outline the expected course and cost range after assessing your skin.
Patients can wear makeup the next day, once any immediate redness has settled. If there are small scabs over treated areas, it is advisable to avoid covering or disturbing them until they resolve naturally. Your dermatologist will advise you based on your specific treatment and your skin’s response.
In many cases, a Pico Laser is combined with other treatments to address different aspects of the same condition. This is particularly relevant when both pigment and vascular or inflammatory components are present.
The combination is tailored to your diagnosis and skin response, rather than applying a fixed set of treatments to all patients.
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