Pico Laser in London — pigmentation, melasma and scarring on every skin tone
Pico Laser uses picosecond pulses to shatter pigment mechanically rather than by heating the skin. That single difference is why it is one of the few pigment-targeting lasers we are comfortable using across the full Fitzpatrick range, including Types IV–VI.
- Skin types
- Fitzpatrick I–VI
- Course
- 4–6 sessions typical
- Spacing
- Every 4–6 weeks
- Downtime
- Minimal — mild pinkness for a few hours
How Pico Laser works
A picosecond laser fires pulses measured in trillionths of a second. The pulse is so short that pigment absorbs the energy and fractures before meaningful heat can spread into surrounding skin.
Less heat means less inflammation, and less inflammation means a far lower risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation — the single biggest reason older Q-switched lasers went wrong on deeper skin tones.
We run two Pico systems. The PicoStar is a German medical-grade platform with Flat-Top, MicroSpot and Zoom handpieces for precise pigment, tone and texture work, including pitted acne scars and surgical scarring. The IDS Pico system covers standard pigmentation protocols where that level of customisation is not required.
What Pico Laser treats
- Hyperpigmentation
Uneven patches, sun damage and general dullness across face and body.
- Melasma
Hormonal pigmentation, treated conservatively and paired with a home routine to hold results.
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
Dark marks left behind by acne, ingrown hairs, shaving or previous treatments.
- Sun spots and freckling
Discrete pigmented lesions lifted over a short course.
- Pitted acne scars
Textural scarring softened via collagen remodelling (PicoStar handpieces).
- Surgical and C-section scarring
Colour and texture improved on both face and body.
- Tattoo and PMU pigment
A wider ink range cleared in fewer sessions than Q-switched systems.
Who it's for
- —You have pigmentation you have been told is 'too risky' to laser on your skin tone
- —You want visible change with almost no downtime around work
- —You have tried brightening skincare alone and plateaued
- —You want pigment and texture addressed in one protocol
When it isn't suitable
- —You are pregnant or breastfeeding
- —You have an active infection, open wound or untreated skin condition in the area
- —You have used oral isotretinoin in the last 6 months
- —You cannot commit to daily SPF 50 throughout the course
Your treatment journey
- 01Consultation
Face-to-face skin assessment, Fitzpatrick typing, history and pigmentation-risk review. Consultations are chargeable.
- 02Patch test
Standard on medium and deeper skin tones so we can confirm settings before treating the full area.
- 03Treatment
15–40 minutes depending on area. Most people describe it as a warm flicking sensation.
- 04Aftercare
Barrier repair, no actives for a few days, SPF 50 daily. You can return to work the same day.
- 05Review
Progress reviewed through the course and the plan adjusted as pigment lifts.
Pico Laser — your questions
Yes. Because the picosecond pulse breaks pigment mechanically rather than through heat, the risk of burns, hypopigmentation and rebound pigmentation is dramatically lower than with older Q-switched lasers. Every course starts with a face-to-face consultation and, on deeper skin tones, a patch test.
Where we treat
Blueness by Oceania is a London laser clinic specialising in skin of colour, with VTCT Level 5 qualified practitioners and over a decade of clinical experience across every Fitzpatrick skin type. Read our story or get in touch.
Other laser treatments
Erbium YAG (Cool Laser) resurfacing at our King's Cross clinic for texture, scarring, pores and stretch marks — a controlled option for medium and deeper skin tones.
Fractional CO2 Laser at our Swiss Cottage clinic for deep acne scars, wrinkles and stretch marks. Best suited to Fitzpatrick I–IV, assessed at consultation.