At Aesthetic Medicine Sydney, Pico laser technology represents the most advanced generation of laser treatment, utilizing ultra-short picosecond pulse durations to deliver targeted energy for pigmentation removal, tattoo clearance, skin rejuvenation, and textural refinement. Our Pico laser system features three specialized wavelengths—755 nm, 532 nm, and 1064 nm—enabling precise treatment customization across all skin types and a comprehensive range of dermatological concerns with exceptional efficacy and minimal thermal damage.
The revolutionary picosecond technology (trillionths of a second) shatters pigment particles and stimulates collagen remodelling through photomechanical rather than photothermal mechanisms, resulting in superior clearance rates, reduced treatment sessions, faster recovery, and significantly lower risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation compared to traditional nanosecond lasers.
Treatment Applications
Pico laser may be recommended for:
Pigmentation disorders including melasma, sunspots, age spots, and freckles
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone
Professional and amateur tattoo removal across all ink colors
Acne scarring and textural irregularities
Fine lines, wrinkles, and skin rejuvenation
Enlarged pores and rough skin texture
Birthmarks and vascular lesions (depending on wavelength)
Overall skin quality enhancement and tone improvement
Understanding Pico Laser Wavelengths
1064 nm (Nd:YAG) Wavelength
The 1064 nm wavelength penetrates deepest into the dermis with minimal melanin absorption, making it the safest and most effective option for treating darker skin types (Fitzpatrick IV-VI). This wavelength excels at removing black and dark blue tattoo inks, treating dermal pigmentation, and addressing deeper textural concerns with reduced risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. The 1064 nm setting is also utilized for collagen remodeling and skin rejuvenation across all skin types.
532 nm (KTP) Wavelength
The 532 nm wavelength targets superficial pigmentation, red and orange tattoo inks, vascular lesions, and epidermal concerns. This shorter wavelength is absorbed by both melanin and hemoglobin, making it ideal for treating superficial pigmented lesions, red ink tattoo removal, cherry angiomas, and broken capillaries. The 532 nm setting is most appropriate for lighter skin types due to increased melanin absorption and higher hyperpigmentation risk in darker complexions.
755 nm (Alexandrite) Wavelength
The 755 nm wavelength is specifically absorbed by melanin, making it exceptionally effective for treating pigmented lesions, stubborn melasma, freckles, and sun damage. This wavelength also demonstrates superior efficacy in removing green and blue tattoo inks that are notoriously difficult to clear with other wavelengths. The 755 nm setting is particularly beneficial for lighter skin types (Fitzpatrick I-III) seeking aggressive pigmentation treatment, though careful parameter selection allows safe treatment of appropriately selected darker skin types.
How does PICO work?
Pico laser technology delivers energy in trillionths of a second (picoseconds), creating a powerful photomechanical impact that shatters pigment particles into microscopic dust-like fragments without generating excessive heat. These ultra-fine particles are more easily eliminated by the body's lymphatic system, resulting in faster clearance with fewer treatments compared to traditional Q-switched nanosecond lasers.
For skin rejuvenation and scarring, the photomechanical effect creates controlled micro-injuries in the dermis that stimulate robust collagen and elastin production through a process called laser-induced optical breakdown (LIOB). This triggers intensive tissue remodeling without significant thermal damage to surrounding structures, producing exceptional textural improvement with minimal downtime and reduced complication risk.
The ability to precisely select wavelength, pulse duration, and energy settings allows our practitioners to customize treatment for your specific concern, skin type, and therapeutic goal with unprecedented precision and safety.
Treatment Timeline
Treatment Process: Performed following application of topical anesthetic for optimal comfort; treatment duration ranges from 15-45 minutes depending on treatment area and indication.
Immediate Response: Temporary whitening (frosting) of treated area, mild redness, and possible pinpoint bleeding or crusting, typically resolving within hours to days
Early Recovery (Days 1-7): Treated pigmentation may darken temporarily before lightening and flaking away; mild swelling and sensitivity may occur; strict sun protection is essential
Progressive Improvement: Pigmentation clearance and textural refinement develop progressively over 4-8 weeks between sessions as pigment particles are eliminated and collagen remodeling occurs
Optimal Results
Treatment series varies significantly based on indication—pigmentation typically requires 3-6 sessions, tattoo removal may require 6-12+ sessions, and skin rejuvenation often involves 3-5 sessions, all spaced 4-8 weeks apart
Results can be long-lasting for pigmentation and tattoo clearance with appropriate sun protection and skincare maintenance, though new pigmentation may develop with sun exposure or hormonal changes.
Our experienced medical practitioners at Aesthetic Medicine Sydney conduct comprehensive assessment including skin type evaluation, concern-specific analysis, and treatment planning. During your consultation, we will determine the most appropriate wavelength and protocol, discuss realistic expectations, outline potential risks, and explain anticipated outcomes based on your individual evaluation.
FAQ
How is Pico laser different from traditional laser treatments?
Pico laser technology delivers energy in picoseconds (trillionths of a second) compared to traditional Q-switched lasers that operate in nanoseconds (billionths of a second). This thousandfold reduction in pulse duration creates a more powerful photomechanical effect that shatters pigment more effectively while generating significantly less heat. This translates to superior clearance rates, fewer treatment sessions, reduced downtime, lower risk of thermal damage and scarring, and safer treatment of darker skin types. For pigmentation and tattoos, Pico achieves results that were previously impossible or required many more sessions with older technology.
Which wavelength is right for my concern?
Wavelength selection depends on your specific concern, skin type, and treatment goals. Your practitioner will determine the optimal wavelength during your consultation. Generally, 1064 nm is preferred for darker skin types and deep pigmentation, 755 nm excels at stubborn superficial pigmentation and specific tattoo colors, and 532 nm targets very superficial concerns and vascular lesions in lighter skin types. Some treatment plans may utilize multiple wavelengths across different sessions for comprehensive results. Trust that your practitioner will select the safest, most effective wavelength for your individual circumstances.
Is Pico laser treatment painful?
Discomfort levels vary significantly based on treatment indication, wavelength used, energy settings, and individual pain tolerance. Most patients describe sensations ranging from mild tingling to moderate snapping or stinging during treatment. Tattoo removal and higher-energy pigmentation treatments tend to be more uncomfortable than rejuvenation protocols. Topical anaesthetic is applied before treatment, and additional comfort measures including cooling devices and technique modifications can be employed. At Aesthetic Medicine Sydney, we prioritize your comfort while maintaining treatment efficacy necessary to achieve your desired outcomes.
How many treatments will I need?
Treatment numbers vary dramatically based on your specific concern. Pigmentation typically requires 3-6 sessions depending on depth, density, and type. Tattoo removal is highly variable—amateur tattoos may clear in 6-8 sessions while professional multicolored tattoos may require 10-15+ sessions, with black ink responding most readily and certain colors (green, yellow) being more challenging. Skin rejuvenation and textural improvement usually involve 3-5 sessions. Acne scarring may require 4-6+ treatments. Your practitioner will provide a realistic estimate during your consultation based on your individual assessment, though exact numbers cannot be guaranteed as response varies between individuals.
Is Pico laser safe for darker skin types?
Yes, Pico laser technology—particularly the 1064 nm wavelength—is significantly safer for darker skin types (Fitzpatrick IV-VI) compared to traditional lasers due to reduced thermal damage and shorter pulse durations that minimize melanin heating in the epidermis. However, darker skin types still carry inherent risks of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation with any laser treatment. Careful wavelength selection, conservative energy settings, appropriate cooling, comprehensive pre-treatment skin preparation, and meticulous post-treatment protocols are essential. At Aesthetic Medicine Sydney, we conduct thorough skin type assessment and may perform test spots before proceeding with full treatment to ensure safety and optimal outcomes for darker complexions.
What is the downtime after Pico laser treatment?
Downtime varies based on treatment indication and energy levels used. Rejuvenation treatments typically involve 24-48 hours of mild redness with minimal disruption to activities. Pigmentation treatments may cause several days of darkening and flaking of treated areas. Tattoo removal can result in pinpoint bleeding, crusting, and blistering that requires careful wound care for 1-2 weeks. Most patients can return to work immediately with makeup coverage for facial treatments, though strenuous exercise and sun exposure should be avoided temporarily. Comprehensive aftercare protocols including sun protection, gentle skincare, and activity restrictions will be provided based on your specific treatment to optimize healing and results.
Are there any risks or side effects?
As with all laser procedures, potential risks exist and must be carefully considered. Common temporary effects include redness, swelling, crusting, blistering (particularly with tattoo removal), temporary hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation, and pinpoint bleeding. Less common complications may include prolonged pigmentation changes (particularly in darker skin types), scarring (rare with appropriate settings), infection if post-treatment care is inadequate, or paradoxical darkening of certain pigmented lesions or tattoo inks. At Aesthetic Medicine Sydney, we minimize risks through comprehensive skin assessment, appropriate wavelength and parameter selection, test treatments when indicated, sterile technique, and thorough patient education. All relevant considerations, contraindications, safety protocols, and warning signs will be discussed during your consultation to ensure fully informed consent and optimal treatment safety.
Can Pico laser remove all tattoo colours?
Pico laser technology has dramatically improved tattoo removal efficacy across most colours, but removal success varies significantly by ink color, depth, density, and composition. Black and dark blue inks respond most readily to 1064 nm wavelength. Green and blue inks respond well to 755 nm. Red and orange inks clear effectively with 532 nm. Yellow, white, pink, and fluorescent colours remain challenging and may require more sessions or demonstrate incomplete clearance. Some cosmetic tattoos may paradoxically darken when treated. Professional tattoos with dense, deep ink require more treatments than amateur tattoos. Complete clearance cannot be guaranteed, and some residual shadowing may persist. Realistic expectations based on your specific tattoo characteristics will be discussed during your consultation at Aesthetic Medicine Sydney.