Pico Laser

Ultra-Short Pulse Laser Technology

Pico Laser technology delivers laser energy in extremely short picosecond-duration pulses, allowing high levels of energy to be directed towards selected targets within the skin over a very brief period. The technology was developed particularly for the treatment of tattoo pigment and has subsequently become established across a wider range of dermatological and aesthetic applications.

At YT Medical, Pico Laser may be considered for Tattoo Removal, Semi-Permanent Makeup Removal, selected pigmentation concerns and specific skin-rejuvenation treatments. The treatment settings and wavelength required depend on what is being targeted, the depth and colour of the pigment, skin type and the treatment objective.

Tattoo and SPMU Removal

Tattoo removal remains one of the principal applications of picosecond laser technology. Laser energy is absorbed by suitable tattoo pigments and produces a rapid photoacoustic effect that fragments pigment particles into smaller components. The body then gradually clears a proportion of this fragmented material over the weeks following treatment.

A course is normally necessary because a tattoo cannot usually be removed safely in one session. Ink colour, depth, density, age, tattoo technique, skin type and individual response all influence how successfully a tattoo fades.

Semi-Permanent Makeup can also be assessed for laser removal, although cosmetic pigments require particular caution because some inks can react unpredictably when treated. Test treatment and careful assessment may therefore be especially important.

Pigmentation Treatment

Pico Laser may also be considered for selected benign pigmentation concerns where an appropriate pigment target is present. However, not every brown or pigmented mark should be treated cosmetically. Pigmentation can result from many different processes, and lesions that have not been appropriately identified should not simply be removed because they are visually unwanted.

Melasma also requires particularly careful management because it is a complex and recurrent pigmentation condition that can worsen following inappropriate treatment. Where Pico Laser has a role, it is considered within a wider pigmentation-management strategy rather than being presented as a guaranteed permanent cure.

Skin Rejuvenation and Carbon Laser Facial

Selected Pico Laser settings and treatment techniques can also be used for skin-rejuvenation procedures where the aim is to improve aspects of texture, tone or general skin appearance. YT Medical also offers a Carbon Laser Facial, in which an applied carbon preparation and compatible laser treatment are used as part of a superficial skin procedure.

These treatments are different from ablative CO₂ resurfacing. Patients seeking significant resurfacing of established scars or deeper textural changes may be more appropriately treated using CO₂ Fractional Laser or another procedure.

Treatment, Recovery and Safety

The experience and recovery associated with Pico Laser vary according to the treatment being performed. Tattoo removal can cause temporary whitening, redness, swelling, pinpoint bleeding, blistering or crusting, while pigmentation and rejuvenation treatments may involve a different skin response.

Potential complications include burns, infection, scarring and temporary or persistent changes in pigmentation. Laser treatment can also occasionally lighten or darken pigment in an unwanted way, making correct assessment and appropriate settings essential.

Choosing the Right Laser

Pico Laser is an advanced technology, but it is not automatically the best laser for every skin concern. YT Medical has different technologies available for different targets, including CO₂ Fractional Laser for more intensive resurfacing and SHR technology for hair reduction.

Your consultation allows us to identify the concern first and then determine whether Pico Laser is the appropriate technology to treat it.