AUREA BGC — Picosecond Laser — Pigmentation & Skin Rejuvenation
Pico Laser FAQ
All about Pico Laser treatment in Manila and BGC: melasma removal, acne scar revision, tattoo fading, pigmentation clearance, safety for Filipino skin, session costs, and how picosecond technology outperforms traditional lasers.
41 questions answered by board-certified BGC dermatologists
Common Questions
Frequently Asked — Pico Laser
What is Pico Laser and what does it treat?
Pico Laser uses ultra-short picosecond pulses to shatter pigment and stimulate skin renewal without excessive heat damage. It treats sun spots, melasma, acne scars, tattoo removal, and overall skin texture. The rapid pulse duration makes it safer and more effective than traditional nanosecond lasers.
How many Pico Laser sessions do I need?
For pigmentation, 3–5 sessions typically deliver excellent results. For acne scars, 4–6 sessions may be needed. For tattoo removal, 6–12 sessions depending on ink color and depth. Sessions are spaced 3–4 weeks apart to allow the skin to process and eliminate shattered pigment.
Is Pico Laser safe for all skin types?
Pico Laser is safer for darker skin tones than many traditional lasers because its ultra-short pulses minimize heat diffusion. However, the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation still exists in darker skin. At AUREA BGC, we carefully assess your skin type, adjust settings conservatively, and may pre-treat with brightening agents to minimize risk.
What should I avoid after Pico Laser treatment?
Avoid direct sun exposure for at least one week. Use SPF 50+ daily. Do not use retinoids or acids for 3–5 days. Avoid picking at any crusting. Keep the skin hydrated. Your AUREA doctor will provide a detailed post-laser care sheet specific to your treatment intensity.
What tattoo ink colors respond best to Pico Laser removal?
Black and dark blue inks respond most readily to Pico Laser. Red, orange, and yellow can be more stubborn and may require additional wavelengths. Green and light blue are among the most challenging. AUREA BGC uses multi-wavelength Pico systems to address the full color spectrum.
Can Pico Laser effectively treat birthmarks and moles?
Pico Laser can treat certain pigmented birthmarks like cafe-au-lait spots. Moles should be evaluated by a dermatologist before laser treatment to rule out malignancy. We biopsy or dermoscope suspicious lesions before applying any laser energy.
Is Pico Laser a good option for treating freckles?
Yes. Freckles respond well to Pico Laser because the ultra-short pulses shatter superficial pigment without damaging surrounding skin. Most freckles fade significantly after 1–3 sessions. Strict sun protection afterward prevents new freckle formation.
What is the difference between Pico toning and Pico rejuvenation?
Pico toning uses low energy across the full face to brighten overall skin tone and improve texture with zero downtime. Pico rejuvenation uses higher energy for specific concerns like pigmentation or scars, with minimal downtime. We offer both protocols depending on your goals.
Can Pico Laser treatments help minimize large pores?
Yes. By stimulating collagen in the dermis and improving overall skin texture, Pico Laser can make pores appear smaller over a series of treatments. For significant pore concerns, we often combine Pico with Rejuran for enhanced pore wall tightening.
How does Pico technology compare to older Q-switched lasers?
Pico lasers operate in picoseconds — one trillionth of a second — versus Q-switched nanoseconds. This shorter pulse duration shatters pigment more effectively with less surrounding heat damage. Pico is generally more comfortable, safer for darker skin, and requires fewer sessions.
Can Pico Laser address facial redness and visible capillaries?
While Pico Laser is primarily a pigment-targeting device, certain wavelengths can address vascular lesions. For diffuse redness and capillaries, we typically recommend vascular lasers like IPL or PDL, which target hemoglobin more specifically than Pico.
What does the typical healing process look like after Pico?
Immediately after: mild redness and warmth. Day 1–3: treated spots may darken. Day 4–7: darkened areas flake or fade. Week 2: skin looks clearer and brighter. Full collagen remodeling continues for 4–6 weeks. Your doctor provides a day-by-day care guide.
Is it advisable to undergo Pico Laser during summer months?
It is possible with strict sun protection, but fall and winter are ideal because UV exposure is lower. If you must treat in summer, diligent SPF 50+ application, wide-brimmed hats, and avoiding peak sun hours are non-negotiable. We will advise if summer timing is appropriate for your skin.
How soon can consecutive Pico Laser sessions be scheduled?
Sessions are typically spaced 3–4 weeks apart for pigmentation and 4–6 weeks for scar treatments. This interval allows the skin to fully process shattered pigment and begin collagen remodeling before the next session. Rushing sessions does not improve outcomes.
Can Pico Laser treat body pigmentation as well as facial?
Absolutely. Pico Laser is effective for sun spots on hands, arms, chest, and back. Body treatments require slightly more sessions than facial treatments because body skin heals differently. We can treat any area where pigmentation or scarring is a concern.
What aftercare products are recommended following Pico treatment?
Gentle cleanser, medical-grade moisturizer, broad-spectrum SPF 50+, and a mild growth factor or ceramide serum. Avoid retinoids, acids, and Vitamin C for 5–7 days. We provide a customized aftercare kit with AUREA-recommended products specific to your treatment.
What is Pico laser treatment?
Pico laser uses ultra-short picosecond pulses (one trillionth of a second) to shatter pigment particles and stimulate collagen with minimal thermal damage. Treatment effectively addresses pigmentation, tattoos, melasma, acne scars, and skin rejuvenation. Pico laser represents the latest generation of laser technology.
How is Pico laser different from older lasers?
Pico laser delivers pulses in picoseconds versus nanoseconds for older Q-switched lasers. Shorter pulses fragment pigment more effectively while reducing heat damage. Pico produces better results with fewer sessions and lower risk of pigmentation complications.
What conditions does Pico laser treat?
Pico laser treats pigmentation (sun spots, age spots, melasma), tattoo removal, acne scars, fine lines, enlarged pores, dull complexion, and overall skin rejuvenation. Multiple toning attachments and energy levels expand treatment versatility.
How much does Pico laser cost in BGC?
Pico laser costs in BGC range from PHP 6,000 to PHP 25,000 per session depending on treatment area, indication, and clinic. Tattoo removal pricing varies by tattoo size and complexity. Packages of three to six sessions typically offer 15 to 25 percent savings.
Does Pico laser hurt?
Pico laser causes brief snapping sensations described as rubber band flicks. Most patients tolerate treatment without anesthesia. Topical numbing cream applied 30 to 45 minutes before treatment significantly reduces discomfort for sensitive patients.
How long is the recovery from Pico laser?
Pico laser recovery is brief. Mild redness typically resolves within 2 to 24 hours. Pigmented lesions may darken before flaking off over 7 to 14 days. Most patients resume normal activities immediately. Strict sun protection is essential.
How many Pico laser sessions do I need?
Number of Pico laser sessions varies by indication. Sun spots typically clear in 1 to 3 sessions. Melasma requires 4 to 8 sessions. Tattoo removal needs 6 to 15+ sessions. Skin rejuvenation typically uses 3 to 6 sessions for optimal results.
Is Pico laser safe for Filipino skin?
Yes, Pico laser is safer for Filipino skin (typically Fitzpatrick III-V) than older lasers due to reduced thermal damage. Properly performed Pico treatments minimize post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation risk. Experienced operators understand appropriate settings for darker skin types.
Can Pico laser treat melasma?
Yes, Pico laser toning effectively treats melasma when performed correctly with appropriate low-energy settings. Treatment requires 6 to 12 sessions over months. Pico must combine with strict sun protection and topical therapy as melasma frequently recurs.
How does Pico laser remove tattoos?
Pico laser shatters tattoo ink particles into smaller fragments that the body's immune system gradually clears. Different wavelengths target different ink colors. Multiple sessions are required as each treatment fragments only some of the ink.
Which Pico laser tattoo colors are hardest to remove?
Pico laser most effectively removes black and dark blue tattoos. Green and yellow inks are more challenging, requiring specific wavelengths. Red, white, and certain modern inks may be very difficult or impossible to fully remove.
What is Pico Toning treatment?
Pico Toning uses low-energy Pico laser settings across the entire face to address overall pigmentation, dullness, melasma, and skin tone. Treatment is gentle with no downtime, often performed as a series of weekly to monthly sessions.
Can Pico laser improve acne scars?
Yes, Pico laser improves acne scars by stimulating collagen production through laser-induced optical breakdown. Fractional Pico attachments specifically target acne scarring. Series of 4 to 8 sessions typically produces 30 to 70 percent improvement.
What is fractional Pico laser?
Fractional Pico laser uses a special attachment dividing the laser beam into thousands of microbeams creating tiny treatment zones. Treatment stimulates collagen for scars, pores, and rejuvenation while keeping surrounding tissue intact, accelerating healing.
How does Pico laser compare to IPL?
Pico laser uses focused single-wavelength light penetrating deeply. IPL uses broad-spectrum light targeting multiple chromophores at the surface. Pico more effectively treats deeper pigmentation, acne scars, and tattoos. IPL handles superficial pigmentation and vascular lesions well.
Can Pico laser treat dark spots?
Yes, Pico laser excels at treating dark spots (solar lentigines, age spots, freckles). Most pigmented lesions clear in 1 to 3 sessions. Treated spots may darken temporarily before flaking off naturally over 7 to 14 days.
What is Pico laser skin rejuvenation?
Pico laser rejuvenation stimulates collagen production through laser-induced optical breakdown without significant thermal damage. Treatment improves fine lines, texture, tone, pore size, and overall skin quality with minimal downtime over 3 to 6 sessions.
How long do Pico laser results last?
Pico laser results vary by indication. Removed pigmentation may not recur with proper sun protection. Melasma frequently recurs requiring maintenance. Rejuvenation effects persist as long as skin continues producing collagen, typically with annual maintenance.
What are Pico laser side effects?
Common Pico laser side effects include temporary redness, mild swelling, and pigment darkening before resolution. Rare side effects include post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (especially in darker skin), hypopigmentation, and minor scarring. Side effects typically resolve completely.
What should I avoid before Pico laser?
Before Pico laser avoid sun exposure for two weeks, tanning, retinoids and exfoliating acids for one week, and self-tanner. Skin should be at baseline color. Inform your provider of all medications and recent skin treatments.
Can I exercise after Pico laser?
Light exercise is typically acceptable after Pico laser. Avoid intense workouts causing significant sweating for 24 to 48 hours. Sweat may irritate freshly treated skin. Resume normal exercise as comfort allows.
Can Pico laser combine with other treatments?
Yes, Pico laser combines well with skincare, chemical peels (with adequate spacing), Botox, fillers, microneedling, and other modalities. Spacing depends on specific treatments. Some clinics use combination protocols for enhanced results.
Can Pico laser improve pore size?
Yes, Pico laser, especially fractional Pico, improves pore size by stimulating collagen around pores. Visible reduction typically appears after 3 to 4 sessions. Complete pore elimination is impossible, but significant improvement is achievable.
Can I get Pico laser if pregnant?
Pregnancy is not an absolute contraindication, but most providers postpone elective Pico laser treatments until after pregnancy and breastfeeding due to limited safety data and pigmentation changes during pregnancy that may affect outcomes.
How does Pico laser benefit Filipino patients specifically?
Pico laser benefits Filipino patients (Fitzpatrick III-V) by safely treating pigmentation issues common in darker skin while minimizing hyperpigmentation risk. Pico's photoacoustic effect targets pigment specifically without excessive heat that often causes complications in older lasers.
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