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What is Pico Laser? Answered With 50 Simple Questions

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Doctor doing Pico Laser Treatment

What is Pico Laser? Is it painful? What are the Benefits? How much does it cost? and so on…

Receiving treatment on your skin is a big decision and it’s common to have questions or uncertainties about the Pico Laser treatment.

To summarise everything you need to know about the treatment, we’ve compiled a list of 50 frequently asked questions about the Pico Laser Treatment in Singapore; some of which you might not even have thought of.

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

Understanding What Pico Laser Is with 50 Simple Questions

1. What is Pico Laser?

Pico Laser is an advanced and non-invasive aesthetic laser treatment that is widely used to treat skin problems that arise from aging and sun damage. The non-ablative laser technology can also be used to brighten skin, promote rejuvenation, and improve overall skin tone and complexion. 

The term ‘pico’ is derived from its ultrashort laser pulses, measured in picoseconds. Pico Lasers generate short bursts of energy into the skin at different wavelengths, allowing them to target and treat skin cells at different skin depths. 

The energy waves released into the skin help break down unwanted pigments and trigger the natural response of skin cells to produce collagen. As a result, Pico Laser treats various skin pigmentations and helps improve skin condition, from the inside out. 

2. How does Pico Laser Work?

What is Pico Laser and how it works

Pico Laser delivers high concentrated energy, in ultra-short picosecond pulses into targeted skin areas to shatter pigments into extremely small particles. The ultrafine pigment particles are then naturally eliminated by the body, resulting in a lighter and more evenly toned skin complexion.

The laser device comes with several settings and handpieces, allowing versatile adjustments to suit every individual’s skin goals. Although high-power laser beams are used, the treatment is almost free of heat. This allows Pico Laser to be precise and gentle in promoting fuller, younger and more radiant, skin. 

3. What specific skin conditions does Pico Laser treat?

Pico Lasers are highly effective in treating pigmentation or uneven skin complexions. Chances are, if you’re staying in Singapore, your skin may be vulnerable to sun damage all year which leads to pigmentation issues.

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.

Hence, skin problems are more common than you think. If you’re facing problems from the list of skin conditions below, then this treatment is just right for you.

Skin Condition Pico Laser Treat

Skin conditions which Pico Laser treats:

  • Melasma
  • Freckles
  • Sunspots
  • Liver spots
  • Age Spots (Solar Lentigo)
  • Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)
  • Hori-Nevus
  • Tattoo removal
  • Acne scars
  • Enlarged pores
  • Dull skin
  • Wrinkles

4. What is my budget for Pico Laser?

Starting at $88 Nett, Pico Laser in Singapore is considered affordable and accessible by most budgets.

Factors that could affect the price include the size of pigmentation, the number of sessions required particularly for more stubborn pigments and additional post-treatment care when necessary.

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.

5. Will I be expecting any additional cost after the first session?

Become Aesthetics Clinics practice transparency in all of our prices and a session of Pico Laser is at $88 Nett.

You will be notified upfront of the expected prices which depend on a few factors such as the size of pigmentation and the recommended number of sessions required.

6. Is the Pico Laser painful?

Although everyone has a different pain perception, most patients find that Pico Lasers are not painful. Despite its deployment of concentrated laser pulses, the procedure is heat-free and gentle.

Besides, numbing cream will be applied before the procedure to ensure your maximum comfort.

7. What does the Pico Laser treatment feel like?

The treatment emits a light and rapid pecking sensation on your skin. You will be able to tell where the laser is zapping but it won’t cause much discomfort.

You may also expect a mild zapping sound throughout the procedure as the hand-held device hovers over your face.

8. What are the side effects of Pico Laser?

Pico lasers are generally safe. At most, you may experience temporary side effects such as skin redness. But fret not, the side effects are generally mild and will fade away in a day or two.

Our qualified doctors are equipped with good experience to minimise the risks and you will be able to resume your daily routine directly after the procedure.

9. Is Pico Laser a long-term commitment?

Pico Lasers are designed to achieve long-lasting results with no long-term commitments. More stubborn pigments may require more sessions, but most skin conditions can generally be sorted out within a month or two.

For quick and efficient results, we strongly advise that you adhere to the treatment schedule recommended by our doctors. Any delays may affect the effectiveness of the treatment.

10. What’s the suitable age to start receiving the treatment?

There isn’t a guideline as to what age should you start receiving the treatment as it depends on your skin conditions and factors such as sun exposure, lifestyle and dietary play a huge role. 

Generally, individuals may begin seeking the Pico Laser treatment in their 20s, as soon as skin concerns start to emerge.

11. Who will conduct my treatments?

Your safety and satisfaction is our top priority. All procedures conducted at Become Aesthetics Clinics in Singapore are done by certified medical doctors who possess hands-on skills for your treatment type.

During your consultation, our doctors will be able to understand your skin goals and devise a personalised treatment for you. It is crucial to trust the doctor’s expertise and prioritise comprehensive care for the diagnosed condition.

12. How much time should I allocate for each session?

Pico Laser treatment time is around 30 minutes for each session, making it quick especially for individuals with busy schedules.

13. How many sessions are required for results to show?

Most patients will require 3-5 sessions of Pico Laser treatments, spaced between weeks for optimal results. Depending on severity, some patients may see results as soon as early as the first treatment.

It is important to note that the results will show after the skin heals so allow your skin to heal and regenerate before observing the results. Our doctors will be able to advise you on the number of sessions required.

14. When can I schedule the next appointment?

As your skin requires time to heal, the ideal interval between each Pico Laser treatment is between 3-4 weeks.

You can schedule your appointment ahead to best fit your schedule.

15. What happens if I receive another Pico Laser session too soon?

We wouldn’t recommend bringing forward the recommended schedule as your skin requires time to heal.

A Pico Laser treatment too soon would have lesser effectiveness in breaking down pigments and thorough healing. Besides, you could risk irritating your skin which may lead to other complications.

16. What laser devices are used for the Pico Laser treatment?

There are 2 laser machines commonly used in Singapore – Discovery Pico Laser and PicoSure Laser Treatment. While both machines are based on similar technology, they differ in specialised treatments and usage.

Discovery Pico Laser is versatile and adjustable in addressing a wide range of skin concerns such as pigmentation, acne scars, tattoos and overall skin rejuvenation. PicoSure Laser Treatment focuses more on tattoo removal and pigmented lesion treatments.

At Become Aesthetics Clinics in Singapore, we use the Discover Pico Laser.

Pico Discover Laser Machine in Become Aesthetic Clinic

17. Why should I opt for a Pico Laser than traditional nanosecond lasers?

The main difference between Pico and traditional nanosecond lasers is the pulse duration.

Pico Lasers fire at a drastically shorter pulse duration and a more rapid speed. This means producing lesser heat on the skin, more effective breakdown of pigments and generally fewer treatments required.

Pico Laser also has a higher photo-acoustic effect (more energy delivered), allowing pigments to shatter into the smallest possible fragments to be easily removed by your body’s immune system. You can read more about the laser technology comparison.

18. Is Pico Laser FDA-approved?

Yes, Pico Laser technology is FDA-approved and is clinically proven to treat skin concerns for several indicators such as pigmentation, acne scarring, tattoo removals and wrinkles.

19. Will Pico Laser affect the appearance of my eyebrows, lashes or hairline?

Pico Laser machines have high precision and are able to target specific skin areas and do not affect nearby strokes of hair. You can rest assured that all of our treatments are conducted by certified medical doctors who will focus on delivering the best aesthetic outcome.

20. Can Pico Laser be used on other parts of the body?

In contrast to traditional laser treatments, Pico Lasers are safe and suitable to be used for other parts of the body. The treatment can be used to treat hyperpigmentation or tattoos on the face or body.

Consult our doctors on your skin goals even if it’s beyond the face and a personalised plan will be curated for you.

21. Can Pico Lasers treat my stretch marks?

The visibility of stretch marks can be reduced due to the treatment’s collagen-inducing feature. Pico Laser can target the discolouration strips from the stretch marks and produce a more even skin tone.

The laser treatment can also increase elastic production which leads to tighter and fuller skin.

22. Is the Pico Laser Treatment suitable for men?

Although traditionally associated with women, you’ll be surprised that there’s an increasing demand for Pico Laser for men. Men are now more conscious of their appearance and are seeking treatments that help them look and feel their best.

Nevertheless, Pico Laser treatment is just as beneficial for men in improving skin conditions and addressing various skin conditions.

23. Can I use Pico Lasers on tattoos?

Pico Lasers are incredibly effective at removing tattoos. With adjustable energy levels and shorter pulse durations, the lasers can penetrate more deeply into the skin and break down stubborn ink particles.

Compared to traditional laser removal, Pico Lasers are faster, more efficient and less painful.

Pico Laser on Tattoo removal

24. How many sessions are needed to remove my tattoos?

There are a few factors to consider when it comes to removing tattoos with Pico Laser. These include the type and colour of the ink, the depth of the tattoo into the skin and your skin condition. 

As an estimate, you may require between 3 – 10 sessions of Pico Laser to gradually fade off your tattoo. Schedule an appointment with our doctors and we can better access the estimated sessions required.

25. Will the Pico Laser brighten my skin?

With the primary focus on breaking down dark patches and pigmentation, Pico Lasers promote a lighter skin tone, decrease the overproduction of melanin and increase the radiance of the skin.

How Pico Laser brightens skin?

  • Pigmentation and Acne Marks Reduction using short pulses of laser light to the targeted skin areas without causing any damage to the surrounding skin tissues.
  • Reducing Pore Size can prevent clogged and congested pores that lead to acne breakouts by reducing the production of sebum. 
  • Skin Brightening and Skin Texture Improvement as short pulses of laser light break up pigments into smaller fragments, allowing melanin to fade and achieve a brightened and even skin tone and texture.

26. How should I prepare for the treatment?

Preparing for the treatment is rather simple. Stay hydrated in the days leading to your treatment to improve skin healing, especially under Singapore weather.

You may also skip cosmetic makeup before going for the treatment to ease face cleansing.

27. What should I wear to the treatment?

What you wear is important for post-procedure care. You’re advised to wear ample skin coverings, wide-brimmed hats or sunglasses, to shield your newly treated skin from direct sunlight exposure.

You may seek clothing that has functions of UV protection or simply avoid direct sunlight altogether.

28. Should I disclose my previous skin concerns to the clinics?

Protecting your skin is our utmost priority. Hence, we recommend that you provide ample information about your skin conditions to our medical doctors so we may curate a personalised treatment plan for you. 

29. Is it safe to combine other skin treatments with Pico Laser?

In most cases, the Pico Laser treatment can be combined with other skin treatments to enhance the overall effect. Combining treatments allows a more comprehensive approach to addressing multiple skin goals at once. 

Check out our list of skin treatments or speak to our medical doctors so we can personalise a skin treatment for you. 

30. Is my skin suitable for Pico Laser Treatment?

Pico Lasers are safe and suitable for most skin types. However, rare cases such as hypersensitive skin or sensitivity to sunlight may require a more thorough assessment by our doctors.

It’s important that you share your skin conditions during consultation.

31. Is Pico Laser suitable for dark eye circles?

Dark eye circles are caused by a range of factors including blood circulation, melanin accumulation, thinning of the undereye and so on.

The treatment is effective in breaking down the targeted pigment areas while improving skin rejuvenation and overall skin texture. 

32. How does the laser help with my pores?

Pico Laser provides a gentle exfoliating on your skin which helps clear debris in clogged pores.

Besides, the laser effectively targets the sebaceous glands, while helping control oil production and excessive sebum buildup.  

33. Is one session of Pico Laser enough?

The number of sessions depends on the severity of your skin concern. Some individuals may notice visible results with only 1 session, but depending on your desired skin appearance, most individuals will require 3-5 sessions.

It is important to note that the best results appear after skin heals so allow your skin to rejuvenate over a few weeks.

34. Are the results permanent?

Most pigmentation does not return after a few sessions of Pico Laser.

However, be wary of new pigmentation which may occur during your skin’s healing period. It is important to keep your skin away from direct sunlight and adhere to a good skincare routine. 

35. Are there any conditions which will stop me from receiving the treatment?

Pico lasers are generally considered safe for all skin types. However, if you experience any active skin infections or recovering from a severe sunburn, your conditions will require more careful assessment by our doctors before the treatment.

Worry not as our doctors will have a closer examination of your skin conditions before advising the suitable treatment for you.

36. Is Pico Laser treatment safe if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

There aren’t viable studies conducted to indicate the risks associated with pregnancy and breastfeeding but we recommend delaying the treatments to avoid any potential risks to the baby.

Similarly, our doctors will carefully assess your skin conditions before administering the treatment.

37. What habits should I avoid after the treatment?

To avoid disrupting your skin’s proper healing, you’re advised to pause some of these habits until your skin is properly healed.

  • Avoid smoking as it slows down body healing
  • Avoid excessive alcohol to let your kidney focus on flushing out pigment particles
  • Skip swimming as chlorine and bacteria-filled water can impact the skin

38. Can I wash my face directly after the treatment?

Yes, you can but we recommend you avoid warm to hot water as your skin is in a sensitive state. Gentle washing in cool water will help relax your skin and initiate healing.

You may also gently wash your face over a few days and conduct mild massages on your skin. Remember to always use cool water to relax your skin and stimulate blood flow.

39. Should I stop using skincare products after the treatment?

Your skin will be in a sensitive state for a few days. You’re advised to avoid strong skincare products such as exfoliants, retinoids or products containing Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA).

You may gradually resume your skincare routine under the guidance of our doctors.

40. Can I exercise after the treatment?

It is best that you avoid intense workouts or sweaty exercises as excessive sweating could increase your risk of infection and skin irritation. 

We recommend that you go for gentler exercises such as yoga or brisk walking.

41. Is it safe to go under the sun after Pico Laser?

It is proven that UV rays can be harmful to the skin and direct sun exposure after the treatment will potentially reduce the effectiveness of the treatment or even cause irritation.

We suggest that you wear caps to cover your face from direct sunlight or apply ample broad-spectrum sunscreen for at least a week after the treatment.

42. Can I shave after the laser treatment?

Shaving too quickly after the treatment may irritate the skin easily. It is recommended to wait 3-4 days after the Pico Laser treatment before attempting to shave.

If you must, apply gentle lotions or shaving cream to reduce the chances of skin damage as the blades glide over your skin.

43. Can I apply perfumes and fragrances on my skin after the treatment?

You’re advised to avoid any perfumes or fragrances after the Pico Laser treatment as they may lead to skin redness, discolouration and irritation. You may choose to apply a small quantity of perfumes over your clothes but try to avoid your treatment areas.

Let your skin rest for a few days before gradually applying.

44. Can I apply lotions on my skin after the treatment?

Gentle hydrating lotions are recommended after Pico Laser. However, be reminded to avoid lotions with fragrance or perfume essences as they may lead to skin irritation.

45. Can I wear cosmetic makeup before & after the treatment?

Your skin will be most sensitive after the treatment so we advise that you avoid any cosmetic makeups for at least a few days.

Besides, cosmetics may cause your pores to clog so give your skin time to heal.

46. Can I drive directly after the treatment?

It is safe to drive after the treatment. The treatment is extremely convenient and requires no changes to your daily routine, benefiting individuals with a busy schedule. 

47. Will my skin peel after the treatment?

You won’t need to worry about skin peeling especially when the treatment is conducted in a low-energy setting.

Only in special cases where high-energy settings are required, minor peeling may be expected. But generally, Pico Laser does not cause the skin to peel. Our doctors will give you headups on your expected post-treatment conditions.

48. Will there be scars after tattoo removal?

Pico laser is gentle and less likely to cause scarring thanks to its minimal heat buildup and collagen stimulation.

Besides, our treatments are done by doctors with better skills at assessing your skin type and tattoo characteristics for optimum results.

49. Are there any reviews regarding treatment satisfaction?

Treatments for your skin are extremely personal hence the reviews of the treatment and clinic must be favourable. A common way for you to verify a clinic’s reputation is simply through Googling. You can check the Google reviews, the number of reviews and the star rating of the clinic.

At the time of writing, Become Aesthetic Clinics in Singapore are honoured with customer reviews of 4.9 stars, averaging 400 Google reviews across all of our 3 clinics.

Reviews for Become Aesthetics Clinics in Singapore

50. Where can I receive the Pico Laser Treatment in Singapore?

Pico Laser treatment is one of our signature treatments and is accessible at 8 strategic locations accross Singapore. Click to locate our Become Aesthetic Clinics in Singapore.

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