Pico Laser (PICO Genesis / PicoSure Pro)

A picosecond laser treatment that targets unwanted pigmentation by delivering ultra-short pulses of energy that shatter pigment particles without thermal damage to surrounding tissue. The body clears the fragments naturally over time, revealing a more even, brighter complexion.

Pigmentation forms when melanin concentrates unevenly in the skin. This can happen gradually through sun exposure, or more suddenly through hormonal shifts, inflammation, or the aftermath of breakouts. The result is brown spots, patches of uneven tone, and a complexion that looks older and less even than it feels.

PICO Genesis addresses this by using ultra-short pulses of laser energy measured in picoseconds, which is a trillionth of a second. At that speed, the energy shatters pigment particles into fragments small enough for the body's immune system to clear naturally, without the thermal damage that slower laser pulses can cause to surrounding tissue. The treatment also stimulates collagen production in the dermis, improving skin texture alongside tone. It works across a broad range of skin tones, including darker complexions where some laser treatments carry higher risk.

At-home care:

• SPF 30 or higher daily, rain or shine. This is non-negotiable for maintaining results.
• Gentle moisturiser to keep the skin barrier supported while it clears treated pigment
• Avoid retinoids and exfoliating acids for at least 1 week post-treatment
• Do not pick at darkened spots. Let them fade on their own timeline.
• Avoid direct sun exposure for 1 to 2 weeks after each session

Before treatment:

• Avoid sun exposure and tanning beds for 4 weeks before treatment
• Stop retinoids 3 to 5 days before your appointment
• Arrive with clean, product-free skin and no active tan
• If treating melasma, discuss realistic expectations with your provider. Melasma is a chronic condition that can recur with sun exposure and hormonal changes.

Age spots and sun damage

Melasma

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation

Uneven skin tone

Acne marks

Freckles

Skin texture and fine lines

Hand rejuvenation

During treatment

No numbing cream is typically required. Protective eyewear is fitted and the laser handpiece is passed over the treatment area in multiple passes. Most patients describe a snapping or electric rain sensation. Sessions run 20 to 30 minutes and are well tolerated.

After treatment

Redness and mild swelling typically resolve within a few hours. Worth knowing: treated pigment spots often darken in the days immediately after treatment before they fade. This is the process working. The darkening resolves over 7 to 14 days as the body clears the fragmented pigment.

Results timeline

Visible improvement in tone and brightness typically appears 2 to 3 weeks after each session. Results build cumulatively over a course of treatment. Maintenance sessions every 3 to 6 months help sustain results, particularly for conditions like melasma which can be prone to recurring.