All You Need To Know About Pico Laser Treatment In Singapore (Updated 2024)

Pico Laser is a non-surgical picosecond laser treatment which is widely used in Singapore to treat skin problems such as pigmentations, enlarged pores, acne scars and tattoo removal. Pico Laser is quick, painless and effective, delivering visible results in just one session. It is one of Singapore’s most popular solutions to beautiful skin.

The Pico Laser treatment is also known to brighten the skin and improve overall skin tone and complexion. Discover more about the treatment, how it works, cost and FAQ below.

• Pigmentation Removal
• Reduce Freckles and Sunspots
• Removes Acne Scars
• Fixes Uneven Skin Tones
• Treats Enlarged Pores
Improve Skin Complexion

This guide is medically reviewed by Dr. Chin Kok Ping.

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Doctor Doing Pico Laser

Pico Laser At A Glance

Treatment Duration

30 Minutes

Recommended Session

5 – 10 Sessions

Recommended Interval

5 – 10 Months

Recovery TIme

No Downtime

Treatment Cost

$88

Discovery Pico Laser Machine

What is Pico Laser?

Pico Laser is an advanced and non-invasive aesthetic laser that is widely used to treat skin problems due to ageing and sun damage. The laser treatment can help treat common skin concerns such as acne scars, dark spots, pigmentations, freckles, tattoos and so on.

The term ‘pico’ is derived from ‘picoseconds’ which refers to the ultrashort picosecond laser pulses generated by the laser procedure. The short burst of energy released into the skin can help break down unwanted pigments and trigger the natural response of the skin to produce collagen and rejuvenate the skin.

The treatment has a good safety record as it does not damage the top skin layer and helps treat various skin problems from the inside out.

How Does Pico Laser Work?

How pico laser works

Pico Laser works by delivering laser pulses beneath the skin and destroying targeted pigments. The energy pulses break down pigments into extremely small particles, which are then naturally removed from the body by your immune system. The laser treatment is versatile and adjustable, allowing our doctors to customer the treatment to suit your individual’s skin concern.

Despite the use of high-powered laser beams, the treatment is painless and free of heat. Besides, the laser treatment can boost the production of elastin and collagen, resulting in fuller, younger and brighter skin.

What Are The Benefits of Pico Laser?

The treatment offers several benefits to individuals seeking effective pigmentation removal and skin rejuvenation without downtime. We can customise the treatment to your specific skin conditions and help deliver the optimised results you desire.

Fast Results

Pico Lasers are effective at shattering pigments into smaller fragments, allowing the body’s immune system to remove them quickly and easily.

Highly Effective

The treatment has high precision and can target specific pigmented lesions, delivering optimal results on the affected area.

Minimal Discomfort

Patients typically experience little discomfort during their treatment, thanks to its gentleness effect on the skin. 

Fewer Treatments

Compared to traditional laser treatments, the treatment requires fewer treatments to deliver results, making it a convenient option for individuals with busy schedules.

Safe for Your Skin

Pico Lasers in Become Aesthetics Clinic are performed by trained medical doctors. The overall safety record is highly favourable.

No Downtime

Pico Lasers have no downtime aside from slight redness that will typically go away in a day or two. Individuals are free to resume their daily activities after the treatment.

What Are The Differences Between Pico Laser and Q-Switch Laser?

The difference between a Pico Laser and a Q-switched laser is the pulse duration. Pico Laser fires at shorter energy pulses as compared to Q-switch lasers.

Unlike traditional nanosecond lasers, the Pico Laser treatment utilised picosecond laser technology to produce less heat on the skin because the pulse durations are much shorter. Besides, these shorter pulses allow pigments to be shattered into smaller particles, helping your body to remove pigment particles more effectively and ultimately requiring fewer sessions to remove stubborn pigments.

You can read more about the laser technology comparison here.

pico laser vs q switched laser

Are You Suitable For Pico Laser?

Pico laser is great for people who look to reduce the appearance of pigmentations and achieve a brighter skin complexion. If you’re unsure if Pico Laser is the right treatment for you, the best bet is to book a consultation with our clinics and our doctors will advise the right treatment for you.

Pigmentation

Pico Laser for Pigmentation

The laser treatment breaks down melanin which gives pigments its colours. It works for various pigmentation issues such as melasma, sunspots, freckles, acne scars and more.

Uneven Skin Tone

Uneven Skin Tone Pico Laser

Pico Laser helps with skin imperfections and softens skin appearance. As a result, uneven skin on your face is reduced, leading to brighter, younger skin.

Unwanted Tattoos

Pico Laser for Tattoo

Tattoo pigments are embedded deep into the skin. With the right power treatment, the laser offers a fast and efficient way to break down ink pigments, even coloured ones.

Beginners Guide To Pico Laser

Residing in Singapore often exposes our skin to sun damage all year, resulting in various skin conditions such as a decrease in collagen production, skin elasticity, pigmentation and acceleration of skin aging. In fact, a study in Singapore suggested that 68.52% of women above age 44 rated pigmentation and dark spots as the No.1 skin concern in Singapore in the year 2019.

Melasma

✓ PIH

✓ Freckles

Acne Scars

✓ Sunspots

✓ Enlarged Pores

✓ Liver Spots

✓ Dull Skin

✓ Hori’s Nevus

Wrinkles

✓ Tattoos

Melasma
✓ Freckles
✓ Sunspots
✓ Liver Spots
Age Spots
✓ Hori’s Nevus

✓ Tattoos
✓ PIH
Acne Scars
✓ Enlarged Pores
✓ Dull Skin
Wrinkles

How Does Pico Laser Treat Skin Pigmentations?

Pico Laser is highly effective in treating pigmentation problems such as melasma , freckles, and sunspots. The laser emits short pulses of energy that target pigmentations. This helps to break down the excess melanin and lighten the pigmentation. It is suitable for both epidermal and dermal pigmentation, making it a versatile option for various skin pigmentation issues.

pico laser for melasma

Melasma occurs when there are patches of discolouration on the face. These discoloured patches are not limited to the face alone, they can also appear in the forearms, neck, and shoulders, especially if you spend a significant amount of time in the sun. 

In other cases, Melasma can appear as a result of drastic hormonal changes which may result from replacement therapy, birth control pills, and pregnancy.

Fortunately, Pico Laser is considered one of the most effective treatments for pigmentation issues.

How Pico Laser Helps Remove Your Acne Scars

Pico laser is also an excellent choice for improving acne scars and overall skin texture. The laser works by delivering short bursts of energy to the targeted areas, stimulating collagen production and promoting skin rejuvenation.

Pico Laser for Acne Scars

Scars left by acne can be very difficult to eliminate. Often, if these scars are left untreated, they can worsen and become more resistant to treatments, preventing any significant results.

The treatment works in two ways when treating acne scars. Firstly, the laser will penetrate the skin and create localised damage to targeted areas. From there, the thermal damage, combined with laser energy will help to break up the scar.

Most patients report seeing a reduction in the appearance of acne scars after one treatment. After several sessions, many patients enjoy improved texture and clearer complexion.

How Does Pico Laser Help With Your Tattoo Removal?

Pico Laser was first introduced for tattoo removal. The laser treatment is extremely effective, especially for black and grey tattoos. It also has a configurable wavelength of 532, 755 and 1064 nanometres, making it the only laser capable of removing multi-coloured tattoos. Besides, tattoo removal with Pico Laser typically does not leave scars.

Pico Laser targets the ink particles and shatters them into smaller fragments which are then naturally removed from the body. It’ll require fewer sessions compared to traditional laser methods, making it a more efficient and time-saving option for tattoo removal.

Removing tattoos with Pico Laser

While laser tattoo removal is not exactly new, it has never been more effective until now. Before Pico technology was introduced, Q-Switched lasers were considered the gold standard when it comes to tattoo removal. 

Amazingly, Pico Laser has taken the process to the next level. The technology allows the release of a high amount of energy in a short amount of time. The energy then shatters the tattoo ink into smaller pieces.

The treatment can address a vast range of tattoo inks with ease. The shorter time frame ensures that any potential for thermal damage to the skin is significantly reduced if not totally eliminated.

How Pico Laser Helps Stimulate Collagen?

Pico Laser concentrates laser energy to deliver micro-injuries under your skin. This process helps trigger natural skin healing and stimulates collagen without damaging the top skin layers.

Stimulating collagen with pico laser

The laser helps stimulate the growth of collagen in the deeper layers of the dermis. This results in a plumber and a more rejuvenated look. It also helps you achieve a fresher and more youthful appearance.

The treatment is great for skin rejuvenation will help stimulate collagen and elastin. This improves skin appearance by reducing acne scars, fine lines and wrinkles, achieving a younger-looking skin.

What To Expect For Your Pico Laser Treatment?

Before

Preparing for Pico Laser is easy. A proper consultation will be done by our doctors and you may be asked to avoid any makeup before your procedure. Your face will be fully cleaned from any impurities before the treatment.

During

Numbing cream will be applied to your face for 15-20 minutes to minimise any discomfort. You will lie down and the doctor will use a handheld device to point and deliver pulses into your skin. You may feel a pecking sensation.

After

Pico Laser is non-invasive and hence does not damage the top layer of your skin. You may observe slight redness on your skin but they will fade away in a day or two. You may resume your daily activities directly after the treatment.

Pico Laser Before and After

The outcomes can usually be observed after a few sessions, although the specific results may differ based on factors such as skin type, concerns, and the body’s natural healing ability. Within a few weeks after treatment, one can often notice enhancements in pigmentation, texture, and the overall appearance of the skin.

However, it is not possible to publicly display before and after photos of the treatments due to regulations imposed by the MOH. For further details, please visit our clinics.

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before and after pico treatment at become aesthetics clinic

Are There Side Effects?

While it is generally considered safe and effective, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and side effects that may accompany it, such as pain, redness, swelling, small amounts of bleeding, crust formation, blistering, scarring, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and post-inflammatory hypopigmentation.

Despite this, Pico Laser treatments are considered safe for addressing the mentioned skin issues. Our treatments are conducted by medical doctors who have received proper training.

How Effective Is Pico Laser?

The treatment has emerged as an effective treatment option for pigmentation removal and acne scar management. Several clinical studies have been conducted to evaluate the efficacy of picosecond lasers and here are some key findings from these studies:

Pigmentation Removal

One study conducted a randomised controlled trial comparing the effectiveness of Pico Laser with other treatment options for the treatment of Melasma, a common pigmentation disorder.

The study found that Pico Laser treatment resulted in a significant reduction in the Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI) score, indicating a visible improvement in pigmentation. The study also showed that treatment was as effective as hydroquinone cream in treating Melasma.

Another study investigated the effectiveness of tattoo removal. The study reported a high clearance rate of tattoo pigments with minimal side effects. The shorter pulse duration compared to traditional lasers allows for better targeting of pigments, leading to more successful removal.

Acne Scar Management

The treatment has also shown promising results in the management of acne scars. A clinical study evaluated the effectiveness of improving the appearance of acne scars.

The study found that Pico Laser treatment resulted in a significant reduction in acne scar severity, as assessed by dermatologists and patients. The treatment also led to improvements in skin texture and firmness, making the skin appear smoother and more rejuvenated.

The advantages of Pico Laser for acne scar management include shorter pulse durations and higher pulse repetition rates, which allow for better control of laser energy delivery and precise targeting of scar tissue. The treatment stimulates collagen and elastin production, promoting skin remodelling and improvement of scar appearance.

What Are The Common Types of Pico Laser Devices Used in Singapore?

Pico laser machine in Singapore

Discovery Pico Laser and PicoSure Laser are common laser treatments used in the field of dermatology for various skin treatments. However, their treatment differs in certain aspects, making each laser system unique in its features and capabilities.

Discovery Pico Laser

Discovery Pico Laser utilises the principle of picosecond technology to deliver ultra-short pulses of laser energy to the skin. These pulses are of shorter duration than those delivered by traditional lasers, allowing for more precise and efficient treatment.

The Discovery Pico Laser is specially designed to address a wide range of skin concerns, including pigmentation issues, tattoo removal, acne scars, and overall skin rejuvenation. Its versatility makes it a popular choice among dermatologists and aesthetic practitioners.

PicoSure Laser

On the other hand, the PicoSure Laser is also based on picosecond technology but focuses primarily on tattoo removal. It is known for its exceptional ability to target and break down tattoo ink particles into smaller fragments.

This laser system offers faster results compared to traditional laser tattoo removal methods and has been a breakthrough in the field. Moreover, the PicoSure Laser is effective in treating pigmented lesions, such as age spots and freckles, as well as acne scars.

While both the Discovery Pico Laser and PicoSure Laser are based on picosecond technology, they have distinct features and specialised applications. The Discovery Pico Laser offers versatility and can address a wide range of skin concerns, while the PicoSure Laser excels in tattoo removal and pigmented lesion treatment.

Pico Laser MachineDiscovery Pico LaserPicoSure Laser
OriginItalyUSA
Laser TypeNd:YagAlexandrite
Wavelength1064nm
532nm
755nm
Pulse Time370-450ps550-750ps
Max. Energy
Delivery
800/300 mJ200 fixed
Max. Power1.8 GW0.36 GW
*Data provided by vendor

What Is The Treatment Price Of Pico Laser in Singapore?

The cost of Pico Laser treatment in Singapore can vary depending on several factors, including the clinic, the extent of the treatment, and the number of sessions required. On average, the price for Pico Laser treatment starts from $88 per session.

Factors Affecting the Price of Pico Laser

1. Treatment Area

The size of the treatment area can affect the overall cost. Unlike smaller areas such as the face, larger areas on the body may require more laser shots and time, resulting in a higher price.

2. Number of Sessions:

The number of sessions needed to achieve the desired results can impact the overall cost. Some individuals may require multiple sessions for optimal outcomes.

3. Type of Pico laser Device

The diverse range of Pico Laser devices available on the market encompasses varied price points. Some devices may showcase enhanced capabilities or specialisation for specific treatments, thereby influencing costs.

4. Clinic Expertise

Clinics with experienced doctors tend to influence fees, where consultation and customisable treatments are included.

5. Additional Services and Aftercare

Some clinics may include additional services such as post-treatment care, consultations, and follow-up appointments in their package, which can contribute to the overall cost.

6. Package Deals

Many clinics extend package deals encompassing multiple sessions. These bundled offerings often yield cost savings in contrast to individual session payments. Speak to our consultants to find out on the latest deals.

It’s important to note that the prices mentioned here are average estimates, and it’s always best to consult with a qualified aesthetic doctor for an accurate assessment of your condition and a personalised treatment plan.

Are You Ready to Try Pico Laser?

When deciding on the appropriate treatment, you should consider factors that make you feel comfortable with progressing with the procedure. It is crucial to trust the doctor’s expertise and prioritise comprehensive care for the diagnosed condition.

Where Are Our Clinics Located At?

Finding a Clinic near you is easy. Become Aesthetics Clinic has multiple clinic locations across Singapore to provide you with Pico Laser treatments conducted by certified medical doctors.

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Become Aesthetics Clinics Singapore

An Overview of Pico Laser in Singapore

Treatment Duration

30 Mins

Recommended Session

5 – 10 Sessions
Depending on Individual

Recommended Interval

2 – 4 Weeks

Recovery Time

No Downtime

Treatment Cost

$88 Nett

Is The Pico Laser Right For You?

The treatment is suitable for most people regardless of skin tone and skin type. The Pico Laser treatment is available in all Become Aesthetics Clinics in Singapore to help improve overall skin complexion such as:

• To reduce the appearance of skin discolouration
• To remove stubborn pigments, acne marks or tattoos
• Do not want long downtime and discomfort from traditional laser

Pico Laser is FDA-approved with no adverse side effects reported. This laser treatment is fully customised to your skin concerns such as pigmentation or enlarged pores, the intensity will adjust the intensity accordingly

FAQ on Pico Laser in Singapore

Explore some of the commonly asked questions about the treatment. If your question can’t be found below, you can read more on our comprehensive 50 simple questions to help you understand Pico Laser better.

Prior to the treatment, numbing cream will be applied on the face for patient comfort. Depending on your skin concerns (pigmentation, enlarged pores or dull skin etc.), our doctors will use different handpieces and settings to treat and perform the treatment. Laser procedure will take 10-15 minutes while the numbing procedure takes up to 30 minutes.

Most patients find Pico Laser tolerable without much discomfort. Numbing cream will be provided to further minimise any discomfort to make the treatment experience comfortable.

Most patients will need 3-5 sessions of Pico Laser at a monthly interval for optimal results. Some patients may see improvements as early as 1-2 weeks. Ultimately, it depends on the severity of your condition like what kind of pigmentation we are treating, how big it is and how fast your body gets rid of the pigment naturally after the treatment. 

Our doctors will assess your skin to advise on the number of laser treatments.

With the focus on removing skin pigmentation, Pico Laser helps lighten facial pigments and reduce pore sizes, leading to an overall improved skin complexion and brightened skin.

Most skin pigmentation will not return after removal. However, new pigmentation may develop due to sun exposure, ageing or hormonal changes. Good skin care habits and maintenance treatments are recommended to prevent new pigments from forming and to ensure long-lasting results.

Pico Laser is a non-surgical procedure, which means it does not damage the top layer of the skin. Hence, the procedure is safe and does not cause scarring.

Yes, you can combine Pico Laser with injection treatments like Rejuran, Profhilo or Skinboosters to maximise the effects for the various types of skin concerns you may have. Speak to our doctors to find out how you can customize your treatment plan to achieve your desired result.

Pico lasers can remove various types of unwanted skin pigments. Case in point: brown patches, freckles, and age spots can all be removed using pico laser. During your consultation, expert practitioners can put together a personalised treatment regime that can help you achieve clear, radiant, and rejuvenated skin fast and safely.

After a treatment session, the area treated might be tender to the touch. As such, it is crucial that you keep the area as clean as possible to avoid any skin irritations. Often, practitioners will also give patients aftercare instructions to ensure they recover fast.

Some patients report experiencing very minor and minimal side effects. Some of the most common side effects include temporary swelling and redness at the treatment site.

Your skin will be sensitive after the treatment. To help your skin achieve the best results, you’re advised to avoid direct sunlight, excessive sweating or going for swims. Take good care of your skin for at least a week before gradually resuming you regime.

lady with glass skin

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