Pico Laser is a powerful yet gentle tool used in aesthetic dermatology for treating pigmentation, acne scars, tattoos, and early signs of ageing. Unlike older laser technologies, it uses ultra-short bursts of energy delivered in picoseconds — one trillionth of a second — allowing it to treat skin with exceptional precision and minimal heat damage.
This technology is favoured for its non-ablative nature (meaning it doesn’t remove the top layer of skin) and minimal downtime, making it suitable for a wide range of skin types, including darker tones. Backed by clinical studies and FDA clearance, Pico Laser has quickly become a go-to modality for safe, progressive skin improvement.
What Exactly Is a Pico Laser?
A Pico Laser delivers energy in picoseconds, or one trillionth of a second. This ultra-short pulse duration makes it significantly faster than traditional nanosecond lasers (like Q-switched types), allowing it to target skin concerns with minimal heat and less risk of damage.
Pico Lasers are non-ablative, meaning they do not vaporise or peel the skin’s surface. Instead, they work below the skin to treat pigment and stimulate collagen. Many systems are FDA-cleared and CE-marked for indications such as pigmentation, acne scars, and tattoo removal, ensuring their safety and efficacy under medical use.
What Makes It Unique
What sets Pico Lasers apart is the combination of ultra-short pulse duration and high peak power. This produces a photomechanical (vibrational) effect rather than a photothermal (heat-based) one. The result is less trauma to surrounding skin and faster healing — a major advantage for people with medium to dark skin tones who are more prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).
Because of these features, Pico Laser treatments are known for:
- Minimal discomfort during treatment
- Faster recovery times
- A lower risk of adverse effects
How Pico Laser Works Inside the Skin
Pico Laser’s unique technology works on a cellular level, delivering ultra-short pulses that cause controlled disruption beneath the skin — without damaging the outer layer. The following mechanisms explain how it treats pigment, scars, and overall texture:
| Mechanism | What It Does | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Photomechanical effect | Vibrates and shatters pigment particles | Less heat → safer for darker skin tones |
| LIOB (Laser-Induced Optical Breakdown) | Creates microzones of controlled dermal injury | Stimulates collagen without surface damage |
| Selective targeting | Focuses energy on pigment or dermis only | Protects healthy surrounding tissue |
Pico Laser vs Other Technologies
Understanding how Pico Laser compares to other laser technologies can help set realistic expectations and guide treatment choices — especially when safety and downtime are top concerns.
| Feature | Pico Laser | Q-Switched Laser |
|---|---|---|
| Pulse Duration | Picoseconds (trillionths of a second) | Nanoseconds (billionths of a second) |
| Energy Delivery | Less heat, more vibration (photoacoustic) | More heat, thermal effect |
| Pigment Clearance | Shatters pigment into finer particles | Larger fragments — slower clearance |
| Recovery Time | Shorter | Longer for some skin types |
Because of its faster pulse duration and lower heat profile, Pico Laser reduces the risk of PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation), especially in darker skin tones.
Pico vs Ablative Lasers (e.g. CO₂, Er:YAG)
| Feature | Pico Laser | CO₂ / Er:YAG (Ablative) |
|---|---|---|
| Treatment Depth | Targets below the surface | Vaporises outer skin layers |
| Downtime | Minimal (1–2 days redness) | Longer (up to 1–2 weeks) |
| Risk Level | Lower risk of infection or scarring | Higher risk, especially in dark skin |
| Ideal Use | Pigment, texture, mild rejuvenation | Deep wrinkles, resurfacing needs |
Pico is not meant to replace ablative lasers when dramatic lifting or deep resurfacing is needed, but it’s an excellent low-risk option for everyday concerns.
What Pico Laser Is Used For — And Why It Works
Pico Laser is known for its versatility in aesthetic medicine. Its ultra-fast, non-ablative energy allows for effective treatment of a wide range of skin concerns — from pigmentation to texture, tattoo removal, and early signs of ageing.
Pigmentation Treatment
Pico Laser is commonly used to treat pigmentation issues such as:
- Freckles
- Sunspots
- Melasma
It works by breaking melanin clusters into microscopic fragments, which are then naturally cleared by the body. The 1064 nm wavelength is ideal for deeper pigment and darker skin types, while the 532 nm wavelength is suited for more superficial pigment.
Acne Scars & Skin Texture
For acne scars and uneven skin texture, Pico Laser’s LIOB (Laser-Induced Optical Breakdown) mode creates microzones in the dermis that stimulate collagen without damaging the epidermis.
- Best for rolling and boxcar scars
- Safe for all skin tones
- Gradual results with little to no downtime
Tattoo Removal
Pico Laser is among the most effective options for fading or removing unwanted tattoos:
- Breaks ink into tiny fragments for easier immune clearance
- Effective for black, blue, and green pigments
- Often requires fewer sessions than Q-switched lasers
However, it may be less effective for white or fluorescent inks, which can reflect the laser energy.
Skin Rejuvenation
Pico Laser also improves overall skin tone, brightness, and firmness by stimulating collagen production without ablating the skin.
- Subtle glow and smoothness
- Fewer fine lines
- More even skin tone
This makes it a strong option for preventive anti-ageing care or those with dull, uneven complexions.
Clinical and Scientific Backings
Pico Laser technology is more than a trend — it’s backed by regulatory approvals and a growing body of peer-reviewed studies that support its safety and effectiveness across skin types and concerns.
Global Approvals
Pico lasers have been cleared by regulatory agencies around the world for various skin indications:
- FDA-cleared for the treatment of pigmented lesions, acne scars, and tattoo removal.
- CE-marked in Europe, indicating compliance with safety and efficacy standards.
- Used widely across Asia and North America in dermatology and aesthetic medicine practices.
Approved for multiple indications across major platforms
Peer-Reviewed Research
Pico lasers are supported by several clinical studies across dermatologic concerns:
- Pigmentation: A 2021 study showed up to 80–95% clearance of solar lentigines and freckles with picosecond lasers after multiple sessions. Melasma, however, requires careful handling and often responds better with combination therapy.
Source – Research Gate - Acne Scars: Picosecond fractional laser modes (via LIOB) have been shown to stimulate new collagen and improve acne scar texture by 30–50% over 3–5 sessions, with low risk of hyperpigmentation.
Source – Practical Dermatology - Darker Skin Types: The 1064 nm wavelength — commonly used in Pico lasers — penetrates deeper with less melanin absorption, making it safer for Fitzpatrick skin types IV–VI. Studies report low incidences of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) when the correct settings and spacing are used.
Source – PubMed
Limitations of Pico Laser Technology
While Pico Laser is highly effective for pigmentation, acne scars, and tattoo removal, it does have limitations. It isn’t suitable for treating vascular conditions like broken capillaries, nor is it ideal for lifting sagging skin or addressing deep wrinkles — these often require other technologies such as RF microneedling or surgical options. Tattoo inks like white, yellow, or fluorescent shades can also resist laser treatment or darken temporarily. Additionally, Pico Laser requires multiple sessions to achieve full results; it’s not a one-time fix. For a more detailed breakdown, see our full guide on the limitations of Pico Laser.
Final Thoughts
Pico Laser offers safe, non-ablative skin improvement backed by strong clinical data and regulatory approvals. Its ability to treat pigment, acne scars, tattoos, and early signs of ageing — without damaging the skin surface — makes it a powerful option for a wide range of skin types, including darker tones.
Dr. Justin Boey, Medical Director of Sozo Clinic combines deep clinical knowledge with an eye for detail, using the science behind Pico Laser to set realistic goals and prevent the disappointment that often comes from expecting instant results. Like any advanced treatment, the outcome depends on proper diagnosis, technique, and follow-up care — which is why Dr. Boey tailors each wavelength, pulse duration, and treatment schedule to match your unique skin profile and long-term goals.
