What to know about picosecond laser treatment in skin of colour

Picosecond devices deliver very short pulses that can fragment selected pigment or tattoo ink. In richly pigmented skin, inflammation or excess heat may trigger darker or lighter patches after treatment. The result depends on the target, its depth, the device wavelength, the skin’s recent sun exposure and the clinician’s settings. A test spot may help assess the response before treating a larger area.

Choose a clinician experienced with your skin tone and the specific target. Share your history of keloids, dark marks after spots, cold sores, recent tanning and all medicines or light-sensitive products. Follow preparation and aftercare instructions, avoid picking crusts, use gentle products and protect the treated skin from sunlight. Keep realistic expectations about the number of sessions and possible colour change.

Contact the clinic for increasing pain, spreading redness, pus, delayed healing, blistering or pigment change that is worsening rather than settling. Seek urgent help for facial swelling, breathing difficulty or a widespread allergic reaction. Do not have another session while the area remains inflamed or the diagnosis is unclear.

What exactly are we treating, and could it be another pigment condition? Why is this wavelength and setting suitable for my skin? Will you perform a test spot, what aftercare is needed, and how will you manage darkening or lightening if it occurs?