What should you know about pico laser for pigmentation?

Pigmentation is a broad term for areas that look darker or uneven compared with nearby skin. Causes include melasma, sun spots, marks left after inflammation, and some medicines or medical conditions. A symptom such as uneven tone does not identify the cause by itself.

Picosecond laser pulses aim to fragment pigment with limited heat. The treated area may temporarily look red, swollen, darker, or lighter as it settles. Results vary because pigment can sit at different depths and may be continually stimulated by light or inflammation.

Arrange an assessment before booking. Discuss recent sun exposure, pregnancy, active rashes, acne, medicines, previous scars, and any tendency to develop dark marks after minor injuries. Ask whether another treatment, such as IPL Photofacial or Laser Toning, better matches the pigment pattern.

Follow the clinic’s cleansing and moisturising instructions. Avoid picking, friction, tanning, and unapproved exfoliants while the skin heals. Use broad-spectrum sunscreen and physical shade every day to limit further stimulation of pigment.

A new or changing dark mark should be medically assessed if it bleeds, crusts, becomes painful, changes shape, or looks unlike nearby marks. Following laser, seek advice for increasing pain, spreading redness, pus, blistering, or a persistent worsening colour change.

What type of pigmentation do I have? Is the pigment superficial or deeper? What settings and test area would you use for my skin? Which treatment and aftercare plan gives the clearest safety margin?