Pico Laser for Pigmentation

Pigmentation refers to patches of skin that are darker than surrounding areas due to excess melanin. It can be caused by sun exposure, hormones, inflammation, or ageing. At DermLab, we use Pico laser and other specialist laser technologies to safely and effectively reduce pigmentation and restore clearer, more even-toned skin.

How Laser Helps

  • Pico Laser (Picosecond technology) – Delivers ultra-short pulses of energy that shatter pigment into fine particles; safe for freckles, sun spots, PIH, and selected cases of melasma; minimal downtime; safe across a wide range of skin types, including skin of colour

  • Fractional Non-Ablative Laser – Stimulates skin repair, improves texture, and blends pigmentation; often used for PIH, acne scarring, and general rejuvenation

  • CO2 Laser Resurfacing – Best for deeper pigmentation with sun damage and ageing skin; also treats wrinkles, precancerous spots, and rhinophyma

What to Expect

  • Treatment time – typically 15–45 minutes depending on area

  • Healing process – pigment spots often darken before flaking off over 1–2 weeks

  • Downtime – minimal with Pico laser and fractional non-ablative; longer for CO2 resurfacing

  • Sessions – single-session clearance for many freckles/sun spots; multiple sessions often needed for melasma and PIH

Types of Pigmentation We Treat

  • Sun Spots / Age Spots (Solar Lentigos) – Flat brown spots from years of sun exposure, common on the face, hands, chest, and arms

  • Freckles – Small pigmented spots that darken with sun exposure; excellent response to Pico laser

  • Melasma – Hormonal pigmentation, often worsened by pregnancy or the contraceptive pill; treated cautiously with Pico laser plus skincare and sun protection

  • Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) – Dark patches left behind after acne, eczema, or injury; improves with Pico laser, fractional non-ablative laser, and cosmeceuticals

Safety Considerations

  • Dermatologist assessment first – to rule out melanoma or lentigo maligna before any laser treatment

  • Safe for skin of colour – Pico laser and RF microneedling are often better choices than traditional pigment lasers in darker skin

  • Sun protection is essential – to prevent recurrence and protect results

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Pico laser is a next-generation pigment laser that uses extremely short pulses of energy to shatter pigment without damaging surrounding skin.

  • Yes. Pico laser is generally safe for a wide range of skin tones when performed under Dermatologist supervision.

  • Pigmentation may recur with sun exposure or hormonal triggers. Maintenance and strict sun protection are key.

  • Many freckles and sun spots clear in 1–2 sessions with Pico laser. Melasma and PIH may require multiple treatments.

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We know skin, and want you to be comfortable in yours. Let’s discuss your concerns and how to reclaim health and confidence.