Pico Laser
Ultra-short picosecond pulses that shatter pigment and stimulate collagen. Removes tattoos, fades sunspots and melasma, and smooths acne scars with minimal downtime.
What is Pico Laser?
Pico laser is an advanced skin treatment that delivers ultra-short pulses of energy, measured in picoseconds (trillionths of a second), to shatter unwanted pigment and stimulate collagen. At Luxskin, Dr Dineli uses it for tattoo removal, hyperpigmentation such as sunspots and melasma, and acne scarring, all with minimal downtime.
Unlike traditional lasers that rely mainly on heat to destroy their target, a pico laser works through a photoacoustic shockwave. Its ultra-fast mechanical pulse shatters pigment particles into fine dust, which your immune system then clears away naturally over the following weeks.
Because far less heat reaches the surrounding skin, the risk of burns, blistering and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is significantly lower. That makes pico technology one of the safest laser options for darker and more sensitive skin tones, and it works across multiple tattoo ink colours, including stubborn blues and greens.
Specialised focus and fractional lenses let the same device trigger the skin's natural healing response, producing new collagen that smooths indented acne scars, uneven texture and fine lines. Picosecond technology is clinically studied and widely documented in dermatology literature, including DermNet's clinical overviews and peer-reviewed research.
- Shatters tattoo ink, sunspots, freckles and melasma
- Photoacoustic effect rather than heat, so gentler on darker skin
- Stimulates collagen to smooth acne scars and fine lines
- Feels like light snapping, with minimal downtime
Treatment at a glance
- Duration
- 20-45 minutes per session
- Anaesthesia
- None / numbing cream optional
- Downtime
- Mild redness for a few hours to a day
- Results visible
- Progressively over 2-4 weeks per session
- Results last
- Long-lasting with sun protection
- Maintenance
- Typically 3-6 sessions, a few weeks apart
Note: The figures above are averages and can vary from client to client.
What happens during your visit
From first contact to final results, here is exactly what to expect at Luxskin.
- 01
Consultation
Dr Dineli examines your pigment, tattoo or scarring, confirms your skin type and builds a personalised session plan.
- 02
Preparation
The area is cleansed and protective eyewear fitted. Numbing cream is available on request.
- 03
Treatment
Ultra-short picosecond pulses are delivered across the area. Most sessions take 20-45 minutes and feel like light snapping.
- 04
Aftercare & Review
Soothing care immediately after, then strict daily sunscreen. We review your progress before each session.
When will you see results?
Pigment fades progressively as your body clears it. Here is the typical journey.
Day 0
Mild redness or pinkness may appear after your session and usually settles within a few hours to a day.
Week 2-4
Shattered pigment gradually fades as your body clears it away. Treated tattoos visibly soften and lighten.
Session 3-6
Most pigmentation and scarring concerns reach their best result within 3-6 sessions spaced a few weeks apart. Large or multicoloured tattoos may need more.
Maintenance
Daily high-SPF sunscreen is essential to protect your results and stop new pigment forming.
Pico Laser vs Q-Switched Laser: what is the difference?
Both lasers remove pigment and tattoos, but they work in different ways. Here is why picosecond technology has become the preferred option for most patients.
Pulse speed
PICO LASER
Picoseconds (trillionths of a second)
Q-SWITCHED (NANOSECOND)
Nanoseconds (roughly 1,000 times slower)
How it removes pigment
PICO LASER
Photoacoustic shockwave shatters pigment into fine dust
Q-SWITCHED (NANOSECOND)
Relies more on heat to break pigment apart
Heat damage risk
PICO LASER
Low, so less risk of burns and blistering
Q-SWITCHED (NANOSECOND)
Higher, with more risk of marks on darker skin
Darker skin tones
PICO LASER
Considered one of the safest laser options
Q-SWITCHED (NANOSECOND)
Needs caution and conservative settings
Tattoo removal
PICO LASER
Often fewer sessions with more complete clearing, works on multiple ink colours
Q-SWITCHED (NANOSECOND)
Usually more sessions, stubborn colours may remain
Downtime
PICO LASER
Mild redness for a few hours to a day
Q-SWITCHED (NANOSECOND)
Redness and swelling can last several days
Dr Dineli will confirm whether pico laser is right for your pigment, tattoo or scarring at your consultation.
FAQ
FAQs About Pico Laser
Yes. Pico lasers shatter pigment with a photoacoustic shockwave instead of heat, so far less energy is absorbed by the surrounding skin. That makes them one of the safest laser options for darker and more sensitive skin tones, with a lower risk of burns and post-inflammatory marks.
Most patients describe it as a light snapping sensation against the skin. Sessions are quick and numbing cream is available on request for sensitive areas or tattoo removal.
Most pigmentation and scarring concerns need 3 to 6 sessions spaced a few weeks apart. Tattoo removal depends on the size, depth and colours of the ink, which Dr Dineli assesses at your consultation.
Pico lasers work across multiple ink colours, including blues and greens that older lasers struggle with. Very large or densely packed tattoos may still need a longer course, and some inks fade faster than others.
Yes. Pico laser is one of the most effective options for sunspots, freckles and age spots, and its low-heat approach makes it suitable for melasma, which can worsen with heat-based lasers. Melasma usually needs a combined plan with prescription topicals and strict sun protection.
Very little. Mild redness or pinkness usually settles within a few hours to a day, and most patients return to normal activities immediately. Daily high-SPF sunscreen is mandatory while your skin renews.
The cost depends on the concern being treated, the size of the area and how many sessions you need. Dr Dineli assesses your skin at the consultation and gives you a personalised plan and quote before any treatment begins.
Luxskin is a doctor-led aesthetic clinic in Nawala, a short drive from central Colombo. Every pico laser treatment is planned and overseen by Dr Dineli, a registered medical doctor. You can book online or message the clinic on WhatsApp.
Get in Touch
Call Us and Book an Appointment
Get in Touch
Call Us and Book an Appointment
Whether you have questions about our services, want to schedule an appointment, or simply wish to learn more about Luxskin by Dr Dineli, feel free to reach out to us.