Pico laser

Picosecond laser · Fractional picosecond laser

Recovery: 0–5days
Pain: Moderate
Type: Non-surgical

What it is

A laser that fires pulses lasting picoseconds (trillionths of a second) to break pigment into very fine particles. It was first used for tattoo removal and is now also used for freckles and sun spots, skin texture, acne scars and melasma. A 2021 systematic review rated the evidence strongest for tattoos and weaker for rejuvenation, melasma and scars.

Who it’s for

People seeking treatment for tattoos, benign pigmented spots, texture or acne scars. Different spots respond differently, so a dermatologist's diagnosis of the pigment comes first.

How it’s done

The skin is cleansed and the eyes are covered. Numbing cream may be applied. The laser is aimed at individual spots or passed over the whole area, depending on the goal.

Why we don’t list a price

We only show prices we can check in official public statistics, and we couldn’t find one for this treatment.
Prices vary widely by clinic, area treated, product and amount.
At the consultation, get the total price, the product and amount (mL or units) and the number of sessions in writing.

What to get in writing

Recovery

Depends on the setting. In a study of sun spots (lentigines), redness, swelling and small crusts mostly cleared within 3–5 days.

Risks and side effects

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (temporary darkening)
Hypopigmentation (lighter patches)
Redness, swelling, crusting or pinpoint bleeding
For melasma, the 755 nm type did not outperform skin-lightening creams in a 2023 meta-analysis and was linked to darkening

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Questions to ask the clinic

Tick each one as you ask it. Ticks stay on this screen only; save this page to find the questions again.

Which wavelength and setting will you use for my type of spot, and why?
How many sessions do you expect, and how far apart?
What is the chance of darker or lighter patches with my skin tone?
What should I do if crusts or darkening appear?
Is the price per session or per package?

Aftercare

Protect treated skin from the sun with sunscreen and shade
Let crusts fall off on their own instead of picking them
Follow the clinic's written aftercare and report unexpected darkening

Questions people ask

Is pico laser the same as laser toning?

No. Both target pigment, but pico lasers use much shorter pulses. For melasma, a 2023 meta-analysis found benefit with 1064 nm picosecond lasers, while the 755 nm type did not outperform creams. The right tool depends on the diagnosis.

How long is the downtime?

It varies with the setting. In a study of sun spots, redness, swelling and crusting mostly resolved within 3–5 days. A few people had mild darkening that faded within about a month with topical treatment.

What is it used for?

Tattoo removal (strongest evidence), benign pigmented spots, skin rejuvenation, melasma and acne scars, according to a 2021 systematic review.

Sources

Facts on this page come from medical societies, public agencies and medical journals.

Information checked October 19, 2026

This is general information, not medical advice, and we don’t refer you to any clinic. We don’t list clinic names, reviews or rankings. Unnie Note is an independent publication with no ties to any clinic or booking service.

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