What it is
A laser that fires in pulses measured in picoseconds — short enough to break pigment particles apart mechanically, with comparatively less heat spreading into the surrounding skin. It is used for surface brown spots, deeper dermal pigment and tattoo ink, and with a focusing lens for texture, pores and shallow post-acne marks. The wavelength is chosen to match the target and the skin tone, so it is not one setting for everything.
What this page covers
- Picosecond 1064 nm for dermal pigment and dark tattoo ink
- Picosecond 532 nm for superficial brown pigment and warm-coloured ink, used selectively on deeper skin
- Picosecond 755 nm or 785 nm for stubborn tattoo pigment
- Fractional picosecond with a focus or holographic lens array for texture, enlarged pores and shallow acne scars
- Picosecond treatment of naevus of Ota and Hori's naevus, once the diagnosis has been separated from melasma
- Carbon laser peel for surface oil, congested pores and dullness
Honestly
Shorter pulses reduce the risk of post-inflammatory pigmentation in Fitzpatrick IV–VI without removing it, the 532 nm wavelength is strongly absorbed by skin melanin and so is used sparingly on deeper skin, and a test spot comes before a full treatment.