Pico Laser Treatment for Dark Spots
Pico laser for hyperpigmentation and melasma
What is Pico Laser Treatment? Pico laser technology represents a breakthrough in skin rejuvenation and pigment removal, utilizing ultra-short pulses—less than half a billionth of a second—to shatter targeted pigment without damaging the surrounding skin. Unlike traditional lasers that rely on heat (photothermal), the Pico laser uses a photoacoustic effect to break up melanin (skin pigment) and ink particles into tiny, dust-like fragments. At Carniol Plastic Surgery in Summit, NJ, Dr. Eric Carniol and Dr. Paul Carniol utilizes this technology to treat stubborn pigmentation, including postinflammatory hyperpigmentation and tattoos with greater precision, fewer sessions, and significantly less downtime than other lasers.
Understanding Pico Laser Treatment
- Pigment & Sun Damage (Melasma & Brown Spots) Pico technology is the gold standard for treating melasma and dark “age spots” without triggering post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
- Skin Revitalization (The “Pico Facial” aka “Pico Toning”) The Pico laser creates microscopic zones of pressure under the skin which trigger a natural healing response. This builds new collagen and elastin, smoothing fine lines and shrinking pores without the “raw” look of traditional resurfacing.
- Advanced Tattoo Removal The Pico laser shatters ink into much smaller particles than previous generations of lasers. This allows the body’s immune system to clear the ink more efficiently, making it effective even on stubborn blue and green inks that traditional lasers often leave behind.
The Benefits of Pico Laser for Dark Spots
Pico laser treatment offers several advantages when it comes to addressing dark spots:
- Enhanced Precision: The Pico laser’s ultra-short pulses (less than half a billionth of a second) allow for precise targeting of dark spots without damaging the surrounding skin.
- Quick Treatment: Pico laser sessions are typically quick, with minimal discomfort. The procedure can often be completed within a few minutes, making it a convenient option for those with busy schedules.
- Minimal Downtime: Unlike other laser treatments, Pico laser treatment requires minimal downtime. Patients can apply makeup even right after the procedure if desired as well as full regular activities.
Long-Lasting Results: Pico laser treatment stimulates collagen production, leading to long-term improvements in skin texture and tone. With proper skincare and sun protection, the results can be sustained for an extended period.
The Mid-Week Laser Treatment Has Arrived!
Because Pico technology has minimal downtime, many of our patients have their ‘Pico Facial’ and return to work the next day. No peeling, no hiding. Skin rejuvenation without time away.
No Social Interruption – No need to block out a week of no dinner with friends. Patients use moisturizer only that night of treatment and the next day return to their usual routine. You can return to the gym the next day.
Pico laser treatment is great for individuals who are bothered by the appearance of dark spots, including:
- Sunspots
- Age spots
- Melasma
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
During a consultation with Dr. Carniol, your skin condition will be assessed, and a personalized treatment plan will be recommended based on your specific needs and goals.
Your Pico Laser Treatment Journey
Is Pico laser safe for dark skin? Yes. The Pico laser is widely considered the safest laser for dark skin tones. Because it uses pressure rather than heat to shatter pigment, there is a significantly lower risk of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, which is a common concern with older laser technologies.
How many Pico laser sessions are needed for dark spots? Most patients notice a significant improvement after 1 session (about 30% improvement), a short series of treatments (2 or 3) is usually recommended.
Does a Pico laser treatment hurt? Most patients describe the sensation as a “light rubber band snap” between a 1-4 out of 10. During the treatment, cold air is blown over the face to make treatments very tolerable.
What is the downtime after pico laser? Most patients are pink the same day but this pinkness disappears by the next day. Dark spots can be darker before they flake off in 7-14 days. Patients can apply makeup right away after pico and can go to the gym the next day.
Can the Pico laser be used for dark spots on the chest, arms, hands, and legs? Yes! Unlike many other lasers, the pico laser is very safe on other parts of the body. Patients love the dark spots on their hands improved. Décolleté can easily be improved from sun damage from lower tops.
What is the difference between Fraxel and Pico? We get this question frequently from our patients in Union County, Essex County, and Morris County. Both Fraxel and Pico improve skin tone, they attack the problem differently so achieve slightly different goals.
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The Physics: Fraxel is a photothermal laser; it uses heat to create microscopic “injury” zones in the skin to trigger collagen. Pico is photoacoustic; it uses ultra-fast pressure waves to shatter pigment and stimulate the skin without the high heat.
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The Downtime: Fraxel typically requires 5–7 days of “social downtime” as the skin peels and looks “bronzed.” Pico typically involves only 12 hours of mild redness.
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The Pain Factor: Fraxel often requires significant numbing cream and can feel quite hot. Pico is often described as a light “snapping” sensation and is very comfortable for most patients.
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The Verdict: Pico laser shines when improving dark spots with some improvement in tone and wrinkling. Fraxel can lead to better wrinkle improvement in a single treatment, but will not improve dark spots as well, and will include some real downtime. For patients who want zero social interruption, the Pico laser is the modern gold standard.
How many Pico laser sessions are needed for melasma? Melasma is notoriously heat-sensitive, which is why traditional lasers can sometimes make it worse. This is also why melasma worsens if you get overheated, even indoors! Because the Pico laser uses pressure instead of heat, it is the safest option for melasma. Most patients see a significant clearing of pigment in 3 to 4 sessions spaced one month apart.
Can I get a Pico laser treatment if I have a tan? A “new” tan is often part sun burn. We always recommend no lasers for the first 10 days after a trip. However, the Pico laser can still be used on regularly tan skin with a higher safety factor than many other lasers.
“Had pico laser treatment to remove brown spots. Absolutely amazing result.”
• Sari Netsky, DMD