What Is A Picosecond Laser? Shatter Pigment With Ultra-Fast Photoacoustic Technology

A Picosecond laser, often referred to as a Pico laser, is a specialized medical and aesthetic device that delivers ultra-short pulses of light measured in picoseconds (trillionths of a second). Unlike older laser technologies that rely on longer pulses of heat, this technology utilizes high-peak power delivered at incredible speeds to shatter pigment without burning surrounding tissue.

Core Takeaway: By delivering energy in trillionths of a second, Picosecond lasers create a photoacoustic (mechanical) impact rather than a thermal (heat) one. This allows them to shatter tattoo ink and deep pigmentation into dust-like particles for the body to eliminate, offering faster results with significantly reduced risk of skin damage compared to traditional lasers.

How Picosecond Technology Works

The Photoacoustic Effect

Traditional lasers rely on a photothermal effect, heating the pigment until it breaks. In contrast, the Picosecond laser pulses are so short that they generate a photoacoustic effect.

This creates a mechanical pressure wave that physically shatters the target—whether it is tattoo ink or melanin—into extremely tiny fragments. Because the fragments are smaller, the body's immune system can expel them more easily.

Wavelengths and Crystals

To generate these pulses, the device uses specific crystals as a medium. Common configurations include Nd:YAG crystals (producing 532 nm or 1064 nm wavelengths) or Alexandrite crystals (producing 755 nm).

Different wavelengths are selected based on the specific target color or depth of the pigment.

Primary Medical and Aesthetic Uses

Tattoo Removal

This is the main indication for Picosecond lasers. They are particularly effective at clearing stubborn ink colors like blue and green, which are notoriously difficult for older Q-switched lasers to remove.

They are often used to treat tattoos that have been resistant to previous laser therapies.

Treating Pigmentation Disorders

Because of its precision, the Picosecond laser is effective for treating endogenous pigmentation. This includes conditions such as melasma, solar lentigines (sun spots), and deeper birthmarks like Nevus of Ota.

Skin Rejuvenation and Scarring

When equipped with fractionated handpieces, these lasers facilitate tissue remodeling. This makes them a viable option for treating acne scarring, wrinkles (rhytides), and general photoaging.

The Advantage Over Traditional Lasers

Minimal Thermal Damage

The defining feature of the Picosecond laser is the reduced risk of collateral damage. Because the pulse is ultra-short, there is minimal heat transfer to the surrounding skin.

Safety for Darker Skin Tones

The reduction in heat accumulation significantly lowers the risk of complications such as burns, blisters, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. This makes the technology safer for individuals with darker skin tones compared to older nanosecond lasers.

Fewer Treatments Required

Due to the efficiency of the photoacoustic effect, patients typically require fewer sessions to achieve clearance. This also generally results in reduced downtime after the procedure.

Understanding the Trade-offs

Specificity is Required

While versatile, Picosecond lasers are not a "one size fits all" solution for every single skin issue. The specific wavelength must still be matched to the target pigment color (e.g., using 532 nm for red ink or 755 nm for green).

Not Risk-Free

Although the risk is significantly lower than with nanosecond lasers, complications are still possible. Proper assessment is required to ensure the specific type of pigmentation (e.g., hormonal melasma vs. sun damage) is treated with the correct settings to avoid adverse reactions.

Making the Right Choice for Your Goal

To determine if a Picosecond laser is the right tool for your specific needs, consider your primary objective:

If your primary focus is Tattoo Removal: This is likely your best option, especially for multicolored tattoos or those that have stopped fading with other treatments.
If your primary focus is Melasma or Pigmentation: The Picosecond laser offers a safer profile for breaking down pigment with a reduced risk of heat-induced rebound hyperpigmentation.
If your primary focus is Acne Scars or Wrinkles: Ensure the provider uses a fractionated handpiece, which is specifically designed to stimulate collagen and tissue remodeling.

The Picosecond laser represents a shift from heat-based treatments to pressure-based treatments, providing a cleaner, faster, and safer way to target unwanted pigment.

Summary Table:

Feature	Traditional Nanosecond Laser	Picosecond Laser
Mechanism	Photothermal (Heat-based)	Photoacoustic (Pressure-based)
Pulse Duration	Billionths of a second	Trillionths of a second
Pigment Particle Size	Pebbles	Dust-like particles
Skin Safety	Higher risk of thermal damage	Minimal heat, safer for dark skin
Main Applications	General tattoo removal	Stubborn tattoos, melasma, scars
Recovery Time	Moderate downtime	Minimal downtime

Elevate Your Clinic’s Precision with BELIS Picosecond Technology

At BELIS, we empower premium salons and medical clinics with professional-grade aesthetic equipment designed for superior patient outcomes. Our advanced Pico and Nd:YAG laser systems deliver the high-peak power necessary to treat stubborn tattoos, melasma, and acne scarring with unmatched safety and speed.

Beyond pigmentation solutions, our portfolio includes HIFU, Microneedle RF, and body sculpting systems (EMSlim, Cryolipolysis), ensuring your practice stays at the forefront of medical aesthetics.

Ready to upgrade your technology? Contact us today to discover how our specialized devices can transform your service offerings and maximize your ROI.