Pico Laser
The Pico laser fires energy in trillionths of a second, shattering pigment into particles your body clears naturally, whether that pigment is a sun spot, melasma, or tattoo ink. The same pulses stimulate collagen for acne scars, pores, and fine lines. Sessions run 15 to 45 minutes with minimal downtime.
What is apico laser?
Most lasers work with heat. A picosecond laser works with speed: pulses lasting trillionths of a second create a photomechanical effect that shatters pigment into particles tiny enough for your body to sweep away naturally. Because the energy arrives and leaves so fast, the surrounding skin takes far less thermal stress than older heat-based lasers deliver.
That mechanism makes it a specialist in pigment of every kind: stubborn sun and age spots, freckles, hyperpigmentation, melasma as part of an ongoing management plan, and tattoo ink, including colors that older tattoo lasers struggled with. With the right settings it can be used across a range of skin tones, with specific protocols for deeper tones to minimize the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
The pulses also do quieter work below the surface, stimulating collagen and elastin. Over a series, that remodeling softens acne scars, tightens enlarged pores, and smooths fine lines. A session is simple: skin is cleansed, eyes are shielded, numbing cream is optional, and the handpiece passes over the area in quick snaps for 15 to 45 minutes.
Who is the Pico laser for?
The Pico laser is for pigment that has outstayed its welcome, from sun spots to old tattoos, and for texture that needs rebuilding.
Candidacy is confirmed at a consultation. Your provider assesses your skin tone, the pigment or scarring you want treated, and your medical history, then maps out the series honestly, including how many sessions a tattoo is likely to take.
You have stubborn spots or discoloration
Sun spots, age spots, freckles, and patchy pigmentation, whether genetic or sun related.
You are managing melasma
Pico treatment can fade melasma as part of an ongoing management plan, with maintenance expected.
You have a tattoo you regret
Effective removal across ink colors, including shades that older lasers struggled to clear.
You want smoother texture
Acne scars, enlarged pores, and fine lines respond to the collagen remodeling that builds over a series.
You are in good health
Treatment is postponed during pregnancy, active infections, and certain medical conditions; the consultation covers it.
Where the Picolaser works
Pico treatment is used across the face for pigment and texture, and tattoos can be treated where they sit on the body.
Select an area to see what the laser does there.
See the Pico laser at our office
Our team shows the Pico laser at work, from tattoo removal to the range of skin concerns one device covers.
If you would rather talk it through, a consultation covers everything you see here, for your skin.
Whatto expect.
Book a consultationPricing depends on the area, the concern, and the number of sessions your series needs, so we quote it individually. CareCredit financing is available.
Skin is cleansed, eyes are shielded, and numbing cream is optional. The pulses feel like quick rubber-band snaps.
Redness and slight swelling settle within days, and treated spots often darken briefly before flaking away. Many patients return to normal activities the same day; makeup is usually fine after 24 hours.
Pigmentation typically takes three to four sessions spaced several weeks apart; tattoos take multiple sessions depending on the ink. Collagen improvements continue for months after treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Is Pico laser treatment painful?
Most patients describe a quick snapping feeling, like a rubber band, that is mild and brief. Numbing cream is available for sensitive areas or longer sessions.
How long does a session take?
Between 15 and 45 minutes, depending on the size of the area and what we are treating.
How many sessions will I need?
Pigmentation and sun spots typically show significant improvement after three to four sessions spaced several weeks apart. Acne scars build results over a series, melasma is managed on an ongoing basis, and tattoos take multiple sessions depending on the ink.
Can it treat melasma?
Yes, as part of an ongoing management plan. Melasma is complex and can recur, so maintenance treatments and strict sun protection are part of keeping it faded.
Is it safe for darker skin tones?
Yes, in experienced hands. Proper settings and protocols for deeper skin tones minimize the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which is exactly why provider experience matters.
Does it work on acne scars?
Yes. The laser's collagen remodeling softens acne scars gradually over a series, improving texture along with tone.
How many sessions does tattoo removal take?
It varies with the ink color, depth, age of the tattoo, and how quickly your body clears the shattered particles. We give you an honest estimate at your consultation.
Will my tattoo disappear completely?
Many tattoos can be removed or dramatically faded. Results vary by ink; some colors clear completely while others fade significantly.
What is the downtime?
Minimal. Expect redness and slight swelling for a few days, and treated spots may darken before they flake away. Most patients are back to normal activities the same day, with makeup after about 24 hours.
Are the results permanent?
The pigment that is removed does not return. New sun exposure or hormonal changes can create new pigment, so daily broad-spectrum sunscreen is essential to protecting your result.
Who should not have Pico laser treatment?
Treatment is postponed during pregnancy and active skin infections, and certain medical conditions may rule it out. Your consultation includes a medical history review to confirm you are a safe candidate.
Ask about your skin.
Tell us what you would like to change and we will come back with the treatments that fit, honest expectations, and a time to talk it through.
Your details go straight to our Montgomery Road front desk and are never shared. A team member replies during office hours, usually the same day.
Ready when you are.
Book a consultation at our Montgomery Road office, or call and we will help you decide where to start.
Medically reviewed by Shalini Gupta, MD, Harvard-trained dermatologist and founder of The Dermatology, Laser & Vein Center. Last reviewed September 2026. This page is for education and is not a substitute for a personalized medical consultation.