Pico lasers (picosecond lasers): The new generation of laser therapy
The Pico Laser (picosecond laser) is a new generation of laser that has revolutionised the treatment of tattoos and pigmentation disorders in terms of both effectiveness and safety.
In the world of aesthetic dermatology, the introduction of the pico laser – also known as the picosecond laser – marks a quantum leap in technology. This generation of lasers has revolutionised the treatment of tattoos and pigmentation disorders and set new standards in terms of effectiveness and safety.
This article explains, in a clear and concise manner, what sets a pico-laser apart, how its unique technology works, and why it is superior to older laser systems in many areas.
Table of Contents
Important note
This article is for information purposes only and is not a substitute for a medical diagnosis or advice. If you are unsure, or if you require a personalised treatment plan, it is essential that you consult a qualified specialist.
What is a pico laser?
A pico laser is a laser system that emits light energy in extremely short pulses lasting just one picosecond (one trillionth of a second).
This ultra-short pulse duration is the key difference compared with older lasers (such as nanosecond lasers) and enables a novel mechanism of action that destroys the target structures in the skin more effectively and gently.
How it works: The difference lies in the speed
To understand the superiority of the pico laser, one must consider how it differs from its predecessor, the nanosecond laser (Q-switched laser).
- Older nano-lasers (photothermal effect): These lasers operate using pulses in the nanosecond range. They primarily transfer energy to the pigment particles (e.g. in a tattoo) in the form of heat. The particles heat up significantly and, as a result of this thermal effect, shatter into smaller fragments. Some of the heat inevitably affects the surrounding healthy tissue as well.
- Modern pico-lasers (photoacoustic effect): The pulses of the pico laser are around 1,000 times shorter. As a result, hardly any unwanted heat is generated. Instead, the ultra-short, high-energy pulse primarily generates a mechanical pressure wave (photoacoustic effect), which breaks the pigment particles down into smaller fragments. A small thermal effect may still occur, but it is significantly less than with nanosecond lasers.
The key advantage of this mechanical effect lies in the subsequent removal of debris: the body’s own phagocytes (macrophages) can remove the tiny, pulverised particles much more quickly and completely than the larger fragments left behind by a nano-laser. This results in more effective and often faster skin lightening, requiring fewer treatments overall and causing less stress to the skin.
Pico-lasers vs. nano-lasers: A comparison
| Criterion | Pico-laser (picosecond laser) | Nano-lasers (Q-switched lasers) |
|---|---|---|
| Pulse duration | Ultra-short (picoseconds) | Short (nanoseconds) |
| Mechanism of action | Photoacoustic (pressure wave) | Photothermal (heat) |
| Effectiveness | Higher, particularly with difficult colours (blue, green) | Fine, but more sessions are often needed |
| Treatment | Fewer sessions required | More meetings are required |
| Preservation | Less heat stress on the skin | Increased heat stress |
| Side effects | Lower risk of scarring or pigmentation problems | Higher risk of scarring or pigmentation disorders |
The main areas of application
The unique mode of action of the Pico laser makes it the first choice for a number of complex treatments:
1. Tattoo removal
This is the Pico laser’s forte. By effectively shattering the pigment particles, tattoos can often be removed in significantly fewer sessions than with older systems. The pico laser can offer advantages with certain colours such as blue and green; however, its effectiveness depends heavily on the wavelength of the laser used (e.g. 755 nm, 532 nm, 1064 nm). Not every pico laser is equally suitable for all colours.
2. Treatment of pigmentation disorders
Benign pigmented lesions such as age spots (solar lentigines), café-au-lait spots or even the complex condition known as melasma can be treated specifically. The laser destroys the excess melanin deposits, which are then broken down by the body.
3. Skin rejuvenation & acne scars
Using special fractional handpieces, the Pico laser can also be used for general skin rejuvenation and scar treatment. The laser pulses create tiny, invisible cavitations or micro-injuries beneath the skin’s surface. This stimulation encourages the body’s own production of new collagen and elastin, without damaging the skin’s surface. The result of this rejuvenation is firmer skin, refined pores and a reduction in fine lines and acne scars – often with very little downtime.
Risks and the importance of insurance cover
Although the Pico laser is considered to be safer and gentler, it is a high-energy medical device whose use should be in the hands of an experienced specialist. Possible risks and side effects include:
- Redness, swelling and slight scabbing (normal)
- Temporary lightening (hypopigmentation) or darkening (hyperpigmentation) of the skin
- Blistering or, in rare cases, scarring if used incorrectly
After-care insurance provides financial security in the event that unexpected complications arise following laser treatment, necessitating further medical treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Pico Laser
The treatment is not pain-free, but is often described as a series of small snaps on the skin. The pain is generally less severe than with older lasers and can be effectively alleviated by cooling or an anaesthetic cream.
That depends very much on the application. For tattoo removal, fewer sessions are often required than with a nano-laser. For pigmented lesions, several treatments are usually necessary – often 2–4 or more – depending on the type, depth and reaction of the pigment.
Pico lasers are very expensive to purchase, which is why treatment costs are generally higher than with older systems. A single tattoo removal session can cost between 100 and 500 euros, or more, depending on the size, location and complexity of the tattoo.
When treating pigmentation and for skin rejuvenation, downtime is often minimal (usually just a few hours, or, in rare cases, one or two days of mild redness). With tattoo removal, the reaction is more intense and scabs may form, which take about a week to heal.
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