The short answer
Darker skin holds more melanin at the surface, so a laser has to be chosen with care. The aim is to reach the target pigment while sparing that surrounding melanin. A short pulse does not settle the question alone. Fluence, wavelength, interval and sun exposure all shape the outcome.
Dr Sin Yong uses the DEKA TORO for this work. Fluence is the main setting. It is set for each person's skin and is never copied from another patient.
How the wavelength is chosen
| Wavelength | How it is used |
|---|---|
| 1064 nm nanosecond | The conservative choice for Fitzpatrick IV to VI and for dermal pigment. Epidermal melanin absorbs it less, and it reaches deeper. |
| 785 nm picosecond | A darker-skin option on the same platform. |
| 532 nm | Reserved for superficial pigment in lighter skin, or for a tested single mark. |
How pico laser for dark skin is delivered
Low-energy toning across a field is the favoured approach.
High-energy spots are used sparingly, after a test.
This mode is run at conservative density.
Who should wait, or be referred
Wait until the tan fades.
Acne, eczema, infection or a cold sore in the area is treated first.
Photosensitising medicines or recent isotretinoin are discussed before any pulse. Pregnancy is a reason to defer.
This calls for caution with fractional mode.
After an earlier laser, treatment proceeds only from a test patch, at a lower starting point.
A mark that is changing, bleeding or irregular is examined and may be referred to a dermatologist.
What it cannot do
Pico laser does not make darker skin safe in the absolute. A test patch lowers uncertainty but does not remove it. Melasma is not cleared by laser alone. Its mechanism continues, so it tends to return, and laser-only plans fail more visibly in darker skin. See pico laser for melasma for the plan used there. Red marks are vessels rather than pigment, so they are not a picosecond target.
Risks and side effects
This is linked to excess heat, inflammation, a recent tan or short intervals.
An Asian case series reported this at some settings.
These are linked to frequent repeated toning of the same area.
Heat can darken melasma, which is one reason it is not treated as a sun spot.
How a visit is planned
Sessions and fees
No session count or recovery period is given, because the plan depends on your skin and the response at each review. Aftercare is explained on the day. Fees follow the plan and are set out in writing after assessment. No prices are listed. You are welcome to arrange a consultation to discuss your skin history first.