Picosecond Laser (Pigment)

What Is a Picosecond Laser?

Picosecond lasers are among the most advanced devices for treating pigmented lesions, sun damage, and freckles. By delivering ultra-short bursts of energy measured in trillionths of a second, they shatter pigment particles with extreme precision, while leaving surrounding tissue unharmed. They may also be used for laser tattoo removal!

Benefits of Picosecond Laser for Pigment and Sun Spots

• Lightens sun spots, freckles, and age spots
• Treats stubborn pigmentation that resists other lasers
• Minimal downtime compared to traditional lasers
• Safe and effective.
• Small spot size allows for precise targeting of only the pigmented spot, sparing the surrounding skin.

How It Works

• Selective Photothermolysis: The rapid pulses target melanin (pigment) in the skin.
• The pigment is broken into microscopic fragments.
• Over time, the body’s immune system naturally clears these fragments, leaving the skin clearer and more even.
• Some superficial sun spots will peel off over the following days after treatment

Treatment Experience

• Sessions last 15–30 minutes, depending on the treatment area.
• Mild redness or darkening of pigment spots may occur temporarily, followed by crusting and peeling of individual superficial spots.
• Most patients need 1–3 treatments for sun spots; more for deeper pigmentation.
• Picosecond lasers are often combined with fractional non-ablative (Fraxel) and CO2 lasers for more comprehensive rejuvenation.

FAQs

• Is it painful? Feels like tiny snaps; usually well tolerated with external cooling.
• How long is downtime? Minimal — makeup can often be worn the next day.
• How soon will I see results? Spots lighten within 1–2 weeks, continuing to improve with each session.
• Can you remove pigment from darker skin tones? Different wavelengths of picosecond lasers can be employed to target different types and depths of pigment, and can safely be employed on all skin types. A picosecond Nd:YAG (1064nm) laser is typically safest in darker skin types.

For the most complete photorejuvenation, a combination treatment using a picosecond laser, vascular laser (pulsed dye laser), and fractional non-ablative laser (fraxel) can effectively target pigmentation, broken blood vessels, and build collagen in a single treatment session. The individual treatment settings can be tailored to your unique skin type and aesthetic concerns.

Achieve clear, even-toned skin with picosecond laser treatments in NYC. Trust Dr. Brian Hibler — a Harvard fellowship-trained laser dermatologist — for safe, precise removal of pigment and sun spots.