Picosecond laser
A picosecond laser delivers ultra-short energy pulses for effective pigment and tattoo removal with minimal heat. This makes treatments safer, faster, and suitable for various indications, such as skin rejuvenation.
Picosecond laser
A picosecond laser (often abbreviated to "pico laser") is an advanced type of laser that emits extremely short pulses of energy – on the order of a trillionth of a second (1 picosecond = 0,000000000001 second). This technology is widely used in the medical and aesthetic fields for applications such as tattoo removal, pigment treatments en skin rejuvenationThe very short pulse duration ensures a powerful photomechanical impact without excessively heating the surrounding tissue. This makes picosecond laser treatments often more effective and safer, with less recovery time.
On this page you can read all about how picosecond lasers work, what their advantages are and for which indications they are used.
What is a picosecond laser?
A picosecond laser uses ultrashort pulses to affect pigments and tissue structures with high precision and power. The energy is delivered so quickly that the target tissue (such as tattoo ink or melanin) is broken down into tiny particles, which the body then eliminates. Thanks to the short pulse duration, this breakdown occurs via a photomechanical effect instead of heat, reducing the risk of damage to surrounding tissue.
Benefits of picosecond laser treatments
- Higher precision and effectiveness for pigment and tattoo removal
- Less risk on thermal damage and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
- Shorter recovery time compared to nanosecond lasers
- Suitable for a wide range of skin types, also dark skin
- Suitable for skin rejuvenation and skin texture improvement
Types of picosecond laser systems
Picosecond technology
The core of these lasers is their ultrashort pulse duration (often between 300 and 900 picoseconds), combined with high peak power. Some systems combine multiple wavelengths, such as 532 nm, 730 nm, 785 nm, and 1064 nm, to target different chromophores. An example of a system with the highest peak power and shortest pulse duration is the PicoWay.
Pico fractional lasers
Some picosecond lasers are equipped with fractional handpieces that create controlled micro-injuries in the skin to stimulate skin renewal. This is particularly effective for acne scars, wrinkles and texture improvement.
Questions?
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Leave your detailsFor which indications is a picosecond laser suitable?
Pico laser tattoo removal
The powerful energy pulse of a picosecond laser allows it to break down tattoo ink (including colors like blue and green) more effectively than traditional lasers.
Pico laser pigment spot treatment
The laser is highly effective in treating lentigines, melasma, PIH and other hyperpigmentations, with less risk of side effects.
Pico laser PMU removal
Permanent make-up can be removed precisely and with minimal damage, even on sensitive areas such as eyebrows.
Pico laser skin rejuvenation
Fractional or full-beam technology stimulates collagen production. This results in smoother skin texture, refined pores, and reduced fine lines.
Pico laser for different skin types
Pico laser dark skin treatment
Due to their short pulse duration and low thermal load, picosecond lasers are particularly suitable for dark skin types (Fitzpatrick IV–VI).
Pico laser pigment treatment
Picosecond technology is effective for both superficial and deeper pigment problems, through targeted energy delivery with minimal collateral damage.
Pico laser vs other laser types
Nanosecond Q-switched laser vs picosecond laser
Picosecond lasers provide shorter pulses than Q-switched Nanosecond lasers. This makes them more effective at fragmenting pigment and tattoo ink, with fewer side effects and faster results.
Alexandrite laser vs picosecond laser
De Alexandrite laser (755 nm) is used for hair removal and superficial pigmentation problems, but works thermally. Picosecond lasers combine high precision with a photomechanical effect, making them more effective for deep pigments and tattoos.
CO₂ fractional laser vs picosecond fractional laser
CO₂ lasers are ablative and focus on skin renewal through tissue evaporation. Picosecond fractional lasers work non-ablatively, stimulate collagen without breaking the skin, and therefore have less recovery time.
FAQ
Picosecond lasers operate with ultrashort pulses for a photomechanical effect, unlike the thermal effect of many other lasers. This makes them more precise, safer, and more effective in Pigment- and tattoo removal.
Picosecond lasers have a much shorter pulse duration, allowing them to fragment pigment and ink more efficiently and generate less heat. This reduces the risk of side effects.
Highly effective. Even difficult-to-remove colors like blue and green respond well to picosecond pulses, often requiring fewer sessions than nanosecond lasers.
Yes. Pigments such as melasma, sun damage, and PIH can be treated safely and effectively, even in darker skin types.
Yes. Due to its low thermal load and controlled energy release, it is one of the safest options for darker skin types.
Depending on the indication and size of the area to be treated, the average cost per session is between €150 and €400.
This depends on you indications, target group, and desired wavelengths. Consider factors such as pulse duration, peak power, clinical justification, and available handpieces.
Buy a Pico laser or need more information?
Want to learn more about picosecond laser technology or discover which system is right for your practice? Contact us via + 31(0) 162 74 44 44 or fill out our contact form. We are happy to help you with personal advice, demonstrations and support. training and implementation.