Singapore, October 1st, 2025 – Oftentimes, treating skin pigmentation is a challenging experience, and sometimes it can make you feel as if the path to clear skin is a distant journey. You might have tried some topical creams, which gradually help brighten the complexion and reduce dark spots, but they might not fully remove the pigmentation. At certain points, a clinical procedure is needed to see significant changes in the long run.
Using a specialised laser is a common non-invasive procedure to treat pigmentation, in which one of the technologies includes Pico Laser.
To get to know about Pico Laser and whether it is a great option to treat your skin pigmentation, check out the details in this article.
What Is Pico Laser?
Pico Laser is a non-invasive treatment that addresses stubborn pigmentation, acne scars, and tattoo removal.
The key difference between Pico laser treatment and other laser-based treatments is related to its speed. Pico lasers use ultra-short pulses that create a photoacoustic effect to shatter pigment particles, with less reliance on heat compared to traditional nanosecond lasers.
This mechanism allows targeted pigmentation treatment, less downtime, and a much gentler experience compared to traditional laser treatment.
Skin Concerns That Can Benefit From Pico Laser
Pico laser is safe for adults with a wide range of skin types, although caution is needed for darker skin tone (Fitzpatrick V–VI), since melanin absorbs more laser energy, increasing the risk of pigmentation changes or burns. Treatment settings must be adjusted accordingly, since not all wavelengths are suitable.
Skin concerns that Pico Laser can treat, such as:
- Pigmentation, including melasma, sun spots, age spots, and Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)
- Tattoo removal
For safety precautionary reasons, this treatment is not recommended if you are:
- Hypersensitivity or open wounds
- Active infection (herpes or cellulitis)
- Recent sunburn
- Sensitive to li
- Have a history of keloid scars
- Currently pregnant or breastfeeding
The treatment is safe for younger patients with medical indications of cases such as traumatic tattoo, nevus of OTA, or severe PIH, with informed consent required from the parent/ guardian.
Step-by-Step of Pico Laser Treatment at SL Aesthetic Clinic
At SL Aesthetic Clinic, Pico Laser is performed by licensed aesthetic doctors using the U.S. FDA-approved PicoCare brand of Pico Laser from South Korea.
Before undergoing the treatment, a thorough examination is necessary to ensure you receive the suitable approach that addresses your skin concerns. Here is what a Pico Laser journey typically looks like.
Consultation
The first step is to have an initial consultation with the doctor. In this stage, you will discuss your skin concerns, medical history (any sensitivities or allergies), and personal aesthetic goals. This assessment is important to determine if Pico Laser is truly something that you need at the moment, or if there are any other effective alternative treatments. The doctor will also document your current skin condition to help track the progress of improvement in later visits.
Pre-Treatment Preparation
To ensure a smooth procedure and recovery, prepare your skin and make sure to avoid:
- Intensive skin treatments, such as chemical peels or other laser treatments, at least two weeks before
- Active skincare ingredients that can trigger skin sensitivity, such as retinoids, AHAs, and BHAs.
- Harsh facial treatment such as waxing, threading, tweezing, shaving, or tanning.
Treatment Process
Pico Laser usually runs quickly, lasting around 5-10 minutes for the whole face. Some targeted treatments may run longer, such as for freckles or sun spots, which may take up to 15 minutes, or for large tattoo removal. If numbing cream is required, pre-treatment usually takes at least 20 minutes or longer, depending on pain tolerance and the treatment area.
The process is fast and comes with minimal pain sensation. Patients may find it bearable and did not use numbing cream before the procedure. For tattoo removal, however, the tingling sensation might feel intense since the pigments are deeper and denser.
Recovery
The treatment requires little to no downtime. Patients may have temporary side effects, such as light redness for a few hours. In some pigmentation treatment cases, temporary darkening or light flaking can occur for a few days. Tattoo removal may cause white spots (frosting) and pinpoint bleeding that takes several days to resolve.
For post-treatment care, it is suggested to:
- Avoid retinoids for up to 5 days after the treatment
- Always use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and avoid direct sun exposure
Expected Results
The treatment works progressively to heal your pigmentation concerns. Generally, you can see a visible improvement after 3-5 sessions. Melasma treatment often needs maintenance treatments, while tattoos may need 6-10 sessions or more, depending on size, colour, and depth.
Once the skin has started to become clear and even, you will enjoy a rejuvenated and fresh look that gives the confidence boost that you need.
Price Range
Pico Laser prices vary depending on your skin concern. The price ranges from $300 – $450, depending on the package chosen. The price for tattoo removal may vary depending on the size and colours.
