How picosecond laser treatment differs in skin of colour

Melanin in the surrounding skin can absorb some laser energy, not only the pigment or tattoo target. A strong inflammatory response may therefore leave post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, redness, swelling, or temporary darkening. The risk depends on skin tone, the area treated, the target, recent sun exposure, the chosen wavelength, and the device settings.

A picosecond pulse delivers very short bursts of energy to fragment selected pigment. It is not automatically safer for every person or every concern. A clinician should distinguish freckles, melasma, acne marks, tattoos, and other lesions before treatment, since the wrong target or excessive energy can worsen colour change.

Choose a clinician experienced with your skin tone and ask whether a test spot is appropriate. Share any history of dark marks after spots, eczema, keloid scarring, cold sores, recent tanning, or light-sensitive medicines. Follow instructions about sun avoidance and prescribed preparation, and do not apply irritating products to the area unless advised.

After treatment, keep the area clean, protect it from sunlight with clothing and suitable sunscreen, and avoid picking, heat, and unapproved exfoliants while the skin settles. The number and spacing of sessions should be decided after the skin response is assessed.

Contact the treating clinic if pain, swelling, blistering, crusting, or redness is worsening rather than settling, or if treated skin becomes markedly lighter or darker. Seek urgent help for facial swelling, breathing difficulty, fever, or signs of a spreading infection.

Ask what the laser is targeting, why its wavelength and settings suit you, whether a test area will be used, and how pigment changes would be managed. Ask when to pause active skincare and what aftercare products are safe for your skin.