Picosecond Laser · Pigmentation

Pico Laser
피코레이저

Picosecond pulse laser for melasma, freckles, sun spots, PIH, and tattoo removal — the most-requested pigmentation treatment in Korean dermatology.

Technology

What is Pico Laser?

Picosecond Nd:YAG · Photoacoustic
Shock Waves, Not Heat

Pico Laser is a family of picosecond-pulsed Nd:YAG lasers — pulses as short as 300–750 trillionths of a second. Unlike traditional Q-switched nanosecond lasers that rely on heat to break down pigment, picosecond pulses are so short that the energy arrives as a photoacoustic shock wave rather than thermal energy. The shockwave shatters melanin particles into microscopic fragments that the body then clears naturally.

Because there is far less collateral heat damage, Pico Laser has a significantly lower risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) in Asian skin — a critical advantage over older Q-switched lasers. The most common devices in Korean dermatology clinics are PicoSure (Cynosure, 755nm specialty), PicoWay (Candela, 532/785/1064nm), and Discovery Pico (Quanta). Some clinics also use newer generations including PicoSure Pro.

💥
Photoacoustic Effect
Shockwaves shatter pigment rather than burning it — less PIH risk on Asian skin
🌈
Multi-Wavelength
532nm for surface pigment · 755nm for melasma · 1064nm for deep dermal pigment
✨
Focus Lens / Fractional
LIOB creates micro-bubbles that stimulate collagen — bonus rejuvenation effect
⏱
Minimal Downtime
Mild redness 2–6 hours; make-up possible same day
Devices

Common Pico Devices in Korean Clinics

Most Gangnam dermatology clinics own one or more of these FDA-cleared picosecond platforms. Each has slightly different strengths — your doctor will select based on your specific pigment type and skin tone.

Beware that not all "Pico" machines are true picosecond lasers. Some low-budget clinics use rebranded Q-switched nanosecond devices. Always ask for the specific brand and model during consultation.

Indications
  • ✓Melasma (기미) — especially dermal and mixed types
  • ✓Freckles & sun spots
  • ✓Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)
  • ✓Age spots / lentigines
  • ✓Nevus of Ota, Hori's nevus (dermal melanosis)
  • ✓Acne scars (with Focus Lens mode)
  • ✓Enlarged pores & skin texture
  • ✓Tattoo removal (all colors)
  • ✓Overall skin tone brightening (laser toning)
Price Range₩100,000 – ₩400,000 / session
Sessions3–5 sessions · Melasma 6–10
3–5 sessions spaced 2–4 weeks apart; melasma often requires 6–10 sessions
Procedure

Treatment Process

1
Consultation
Wood's lamp or dermoscopy to classify pigment type (epidermal / dermal / mixed)
2
Numbing
Topical anaesthetic cream 20–30 min before session
3
Laser Pass
Doctor selects wavelength and fluence by lesion; 5–15 minute procedure
4
Cooling
Cold soothing mask immediately after
5
Aftercare
Strict SPF 50+ daily; avoid heat, sauna, intense exercise for 48 hours
FAQ

Common Questions

Numbing cream is applied 20–30 minutes beforehand, after which most patients describe the sensation as tiny rubber-band snaps or hot pinpricks. Tattoo removal at higher fluences is more intense; pigmentation "toning" sessions are mild.
Sun spots and freckles often improve after 1–3 sessions. Melasma is more stubborn and typically requires 6–10 sessions of low-fluence "laser toning" spaced 2–4 weeks apart. Tattoo removal can require 5–10+ sessions depending on ink color and depth.
Yes — the photoacoustic mechanism produces far less heat than nanosecond Q-switched lasers, significantly lowering the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) common in Fitzpatrick III–V skin. 1064nm and 755nm wavelengths are particularly safe for darker skin tones.
Sun spots removed by Pico Laser typically do not return — if you protect with daily SPF. Melasma is a chronic condition driven by hormones and UV exposure; it can recur without strict sun protection and maintenance sessions every 3–6 months.
Yes, using the Focus Lens Array or fractional handpiece (e.g., PicoWay Resolve). These create microscopic laser-induced optical breakdowns (LIOB) in the dermis, stimulating collagen and smoothing texture without damaging the surface.
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