What Is Pico Laser?

Pico laser refers to laser technology that delivers extremely short pulses measured in picoseconds.

At Sheen Clinic, we use Discovery Pico®, a picosecond laser platform from Italy, for selected pigmentation, acne scar, skin rejuvenation and tattoo-related concerns.

The treatment is not simply about using the highest energy possible.

Different skin concerns may require different wavelengths, energy levels and treatment strategies. A proper assessment helps determine whether Pico laser is appropriate and how it should be performed.

How Does Pico Laser Work?

Picosecond laser pulses deliver energy over an extremely short period.

For pigmentation, the laser can target melanin-containing structures and break pigment into smaller particles that the body can gradually clear.

For selected skin rejuvenation settings, laser energy can also stimulate controlled tissue responses that support collagen remodelling.

Discovery Pico® uses wavelengths including 532 nm, 755 nm and 1064 nm, allowing treatment parameters to be adjusted according to the indication and skin condition.

What Can Pico Laser Treat?

Pico laser may be considered for several different concerns.

Pigmentation

Depending on the diagnosis, Pico laser may be used for:

• Freckles

• Sunspots

• Age spots

• Selected pigmented lesions

• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation

• Uneven skin tone

However, not every pigmentation problem should be treated in exactly the same way.

Melasma

Melasma can be particularly challenging because it is influenced by multiple factors, including hormonal and environmental triggers.

Pico laser may form part of a broader treatment plan, but Pico laser alone is not necessarily sufficient for melasma.

Acne Scars

Selected superficial to moderate acne scars may benefit from Pico laser-based treatment, particularly when texture and collagen remodelling are treatment objectives.

The type of acne scar matters. Rolling, boxcar and ice-pick scars can require different approaches.

Skin Rejuvenation

Selected Pico settings may be used as part of a skin rejuvenation programme to address:

• Dull skin

• Uneven texture

• Fine lines

• Reduced skin quality

• Early signs of photoageing

Tattoo Pigment

Picosecond laser technology can also be used to target tattoo pigments. Tattoo removal usually requires multiple treatment sessions, and the response depends on factors such as pigment colour, depth, tattoo age and the type of ink used.

Why Diagnosis Comes Before the Laser

Pigmentation is not one single condition.

Freckles, solar lentigines, melasma, post-inflammatory pigmentation and other pigmented lesions can look similar but may require different treatment approaches.

At Sheen Clinic, assessment may include:

• Clinical skin examination

• Skin analysis

• Facial photography

• Assessment of pigmentation pattern

• Skin type and sensitivity

• Previous treatment history

• Current skincare and medication

• Treatment goals

The aim is to identify the likely cause of the pigmentation before deciding whether Pico laser is appropriate.

Why We Don’t Use the Same Pico Setting for Everyone

A common misconception is that a stronger laser setting automatically produces better results.

In reality, treatment parameters need to be balanced against the patient's skin condition and treatment objective.

Treatment planning may consider:

Wavelength • Energy • Pulse Duration • Spot Size • Treatment Area • Pigment Type • Skin Condition

At Sheen Clinic, Discovery Pico® settings are adjusted according to the individual skin condition and treatment objective.

Precision matters more than simply increasing energy.

Pico Laser for Malaysian Skin

Pigmentation treatment requires particular attention to post-inflammatory pigmentation, especially in skin types that are more prone to pigmentary changes.

The objective is not simply to remove visible pigment as quickly as possible.

A treatment plan should also consider:

• Skin barrier condition

• Pigmentation type

• Risk of PIH

• Sun exposure

• Current skincare

• Previous laser treatments

• Recovery capacity

For some patients, Pico laser may be combined with medical skincare, chemical peels or other skin treatments rather than used as a standalone procedure.

Pico Laser vs Traditional Laser

The best technology depends on the specific skin concern rather than the name of the laser alone.

What Happens During Pico Laser Treatment?

1. Consultation & Skin Assessment

Your skin condition and treatment goals are assessed before deciding whether Pico laser is suitable.

2. Treatment Planning

The appropriate wavelength and treatment parameters are selected according to the concern being treated.

3. Pico Laser Treatment

The selected area is treated using the planned laser settings.

Numbing cream may be used when appropriate, depending on the treatment area and sensitivity.

4. Aftercare

Post-treatment instructions are provided according to the treatment performed.

Sun protection and appropriate skincare are particularly important after pigmentation treatment.

Does Pico Laser Have Downtime?

Downtime varies depending on the indication and treatment settings.

Some patients may experience:

• Mild redness

• Warmth

• Mild swelling

• Temporary sensitivity

• Darkening or changes in pigmentation

• Temporary dryness or irritation

More intensive treatments may produce more visible reactions.

Recovery should be discussed during consultation rather than assuming that every Pico laser treatment has the same downtime.

How Many Pico Laser Sessions Are Needed?

There is no universal number of sessions.

The required number depends on:

• Type of pigmentation

• Severity

• Depth of pigment

• Acne scar characteristics

• Treatment settings

• Skin response

• Previous treatments

Some concerns may require a series of treatments, while others may need a combination approach.

Sheen Clinic's existing Discovery Pico treatment information notes that 3–5 sessions are commonly recommended for some treatment plans, but the actual protocol should be individualized.

Pico Laser for Pigmentation: Is One Treatment Enough?

Not always.

Pigmentation can recur or persist when the underlying triggers are not addressed.

For difficult pigmentation such as melasma, a broader management plan may involve:

Laser • Medical Skincare • Sun Protection • Chemical Peels • Other Doctor-Led Treatments

The appropriate combination depends on the diagnosis and skin condition.

Safety & Possible Side Effects

Pico laser is a medical laser treatment and should be performed using appropriate parameters for the patient's skin and condition.

Temporary effects can include:

• Redness

• Swelling

• Sensitivity

• Dryness

• Temporary pigment changes

• Irritation

Incorrect treatment parameters or inappropriate treatment of certain pigmentation conditions can increase the risk of complications, including post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation.

Seek medical assessment if you experience severe pain, blistering, significant swelling, unusual skin changes or other unexpected reactions.

Why Choose Discovery Pico® at Sheen Clinic?

At Sheen Clinic, Pico laser treatment is approached as medical skin treatment rather than a one-setting laser facial.

The treatment plan considers the diagnosis, skin condition and desired outcome before selecting the appropriate laser parameters.

Our approach:

Discovery Pico® is one of the technologies available for selected pigmentation, acne scar and skin rejuvenation concerns at our Subang Jaya clinic.

Pico Laser in Subang Jaya

If you are considering Pico Laser for pigmentation, acne scars, uneven skin tone or skin rejuvenation, the first step is identifying what is actually causing your skin concern.

At Sheen Clinic, Discovery Pico® treatment is planned according to your skin condition rather than using a standard laser setting for everyone.

Sheen Clinic
Sunway Geo Avenue, Subang Jaya, Selangor

WhatsApp: +6019-310 8826
Website: www.sheenclinic.com.my