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Pico Laser Treatment in Singapore – What It Is, How It Works, and Who It’s For

Lutronic Picoplus Picolaser

What Is Pico Laser Treatment and How Does It Work?

Pico Laser is a non-invasive laser treatment that uses ultra-short pulses of energy—measured in picoseconds (trillionths of a second)—to target pigment in the skin. These rapid pulses break down unwanted pigmentation into tiny particles, which are then naturally cleared by your body.

Unlike traditional lasers, Pico Lasers deliver energy in extremely short bursts without generating excessive heat. This reduces the risk of skin damage, making the treatment safer and more comfortable with minimal downtime.

At our clinic in Singapore, we use the Lutronic PicoPlus Laser, a clinically proven device that effectively treats pigmentation, acne scars, uneven skin tone, and signs of ageing. It also stimulates collagen production, helping to improve overall skin texture and brightness over time.

Compared to traditional nanosecond lasers, picosecond lasers have the following benefits:

Higher Efficacy

Increased Safety

Reduced Discomfort

How Pico Laser Works to Treat Skin Concerns

Pico Laser works by delivering ultra-short bursts of laser energy—measured in picoseconds—into the skin. These high-energy pulses target pigment particles and skin cells without relying on heat, which makes the treatment both effective and gentle.

Unlike older laser technologies, which use longer pulses and generate more thermal energy, the Pico Laser breaks down pigment into microscopic fragments using a photomechanical effect. These tiny particles are then naturally cleared by your body’s immune system.

Different settings and handpieces allow us to tailor the treatment based on your skin concern:

  • 1064nm wavelength for pigmentation and overall skin rejuvenation
  • MLA fractional handpiece for enlarged pores, acne scars, and fine lines
  • Gold Toning for redness, inflammatory acne, and post-acne marks (PIE)

Over time, Pico Laser also stimulates collagen production, which helps to refine skin texture, improve elasticity, and promote a brighter, healthier-looking complexion—with minimal downtime.

Traditional lasers vs Pico laser

Compared to Nanosecond lasers, Pico Lasers can break down pigments into much smaller fragments because of higher power, enhanced photoacoustic effect and ultra-short laser pulse durations.

As such, pigmentation is cleared faster with fewer treatment sessions required to see results.

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Are There Any Side Effects or Downtime After Pico Laser?

Pico Laser is generally well-tolerated and considered safe for most skin types, including Asian skin. Because it uses ultra-short pulses with minimal heat, the risk of damage to surrounding tissue is low.

Most patients experience mild redness and a warm sensation immediately after treatment. This usually settles within a few hours. In some cases, there may be slight dryness or sensitivity in the days that follow, depending on the handpiece used.

For deeper treatments such as fractional Pico Laser (MLA) or the 660nm burn-off setting, you may experience temporary pinpoint scabbing or mild swelling of the skin. These effects are part of the normal healing process and typically resolve within 3 to 7 days.

There is minimal to no downtime for most patients. You can return to your usual activities immediately, though we recommend avoiding sun exposure and applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily.

As with any medical aesthetic procedure, side effects are uncommon when performed in a professional setting.

Pico laser

What Causes Pigmentation and Why It’s Common in Singapore

Pigmentation occurs when the skin produces excess melanin, resulting in dark patches or uneven skin tone. This can be triggered by a variety of internal and external factors.

In Singapore, pigmentation is particularly common due to high UV exposure, heat, and humidity—environmental factors that stimulate melanin production and worsen existing spots.

Common causes of pigmentation include:

  • Sun exposure – UV rays trigger melanin production, leading to sunspots or solar lentigines
  • Hormonal changes – Conditions like melasma are often influenced by pregnancy, oral contraceptives, or hormonal imbalances
  • Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) – Dark marks left behind after acne, eczema, or skin injury
  • Genetics – Some individuals are more prone to pigmentation due to their skin type or family history
  • Aging – As the skin ages, it loses its ability to regulate melanin evenly, resulting in uneven pigmentation

Because these types of pigmentation often sit deep within the skin, topical products alone may not be enough. This is where Pico Laser becomes an effective option—it targets pigment clusters at various depths without damaging the surrounding skin, making it suitable for treating pigmentation safely in Asian skin types.

Read more about the causes of pigmentation and how lasers can help. Learn more here

What Does the Pico Gold Toning Laser Treat?

Pico Gold Toning is a specialised setting of the Pico Laser that delivers gentle, low-energy pulses using a 595nm wavelength. This mode is designed to target redness and inflammation in the skin without causing heat-related damage—making it ideal for treating vascular and inflammatory conditions.

At our clinic, we use Pico Gold Toning to effectively manage:

  • Post-inflammatory erythema (PIE) – red acne marks that linger after breakouts
  • Inflammatory acne – helps calm active breakouts and reduce associated redness
  • Rosacea – reduces facial flushing and visible blood vessels
  • Facial redness – including persistent redness from sun exposure or sensitive skin

This treatment works by gently breaking down hemoglobin, the red pigment found in dilated blood vessels. These superficial vessels are often the cause of facial redness. By targeting hemoglobin, the laser reduces visible redness and inflammation without damaging the surrounding skin.

Because of its gentle nature, Gold Toning is well-suited for sensitive skin and can be performed with minimal to no downtime. Over time, patients typically notice a clearer, calmer, and more even-toned complexion.

Learn more about Red Acne Marks (Post Inflammatory Erythema) here

Learn more about Rosacea treatment here

Frequently Asked Questions About Pico Laser

Pico Laser is considered safe for all skin types, including Asian skin, when administered by experienced medical professionals. Its ultra-short pulse duration reduces the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), making it a safer choice compared to older laser technologies. At our clinic, all settings are tailored to your skin tone and sensitivity level.

The main difference lies in the pulse duration. Pico Lasers deliver energy in picoseconds (trillionths of a second), while Q-switched lasers operate in nanoseconds. The shorter pulse in Pico Lasers allows for more precise pigment fragmentation with less heat, resulting in faster healing, reduced discomfort, and lower risk of side effects.

We typically recommend a course of 6 to 10 sessions for the best outcome, spaced about 3 to 4 weeks apart. However, the exact number may vary based on the condition being treated and how your skin responds. A detailed skin assessment during your consultation will help determine the most appropriate number of sessions.

When choosing a Pico Laser clinic in Singapore, look for a medical facility where treatments are supervised by doctors and performed using authentic Pico Laser devices. The clinic should offer a personalised consultation, explain the available laser settings (e.g. Gold Toning, Fractional MLA), and have experience treating your specific skin concern. At our clinic, all Pico Laser treatments are doctor-led and customised to each patient.

Dr Edwin Lim

MBBS (Singapore), MRCS (Edinburgh), PgDip Practical Dermatology (Cardiff), MSc Practical Dermatology (Cardiff), Diploma in Aesthetic Medicine, (AAAM), Accredited by the Aesthetic Dermatology Educational Group (ADEG)
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This article has been medically reviewed by Dr Edwin Lim
Dr Edwin has a fond interest in Aesthetic injectable procedures such as Fillers, Skinboosters and Botox. He is passionate about enhancing one's beauty by delivering natural looking results with well placed injections.

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