What a pico laser does
A pico laser fires pulses of about a trillionth of a second. That is roughly a thousand times shorter than the nanosecond pulse of a Q-switched laser. At this speed, pigment breaks apart mainly through pressure, with heat playing a smaller part.
Dr Sin Yong uses the DEKA TORO for a protocol called T2 Frax Radiance. The first job is to work out what the mark actually is. A laser plan follows only when the diagnosis is clear. You receive that plan in writing, with time to decide.
Wavelengths on the platform
This wavelength sits between the two below.
Melanin absorbs it strongly and it stays near the surface. It is chosen for superficial sun spots and freckles.
It travels deeper and epidermal melanin takes up less of it. That makes it the more conservative choice for darker skin and deeper pigment.
Three ways the laser is used
Higher energy goes onto one discrete mark. The mark darkens and forms a fine crust.
Low-energy passes cover the face for diffuse, uneven tone.
The beam divides into many points to work on texture around the pores.
Who is suited to pico laser treatment in Singapore
Well-defined marks like these are the most direct use of this laser.
These can be treated once the cause, such as acne, is under control.
Melasma and Hori's naevus may be included at conservative settings, within a longer plan.
The laser is used routinely in these skin types, with settings chosen for each person.
Who should wait
Please wait if you have a recent tan, active infection or inflammation, or a medicine that makes skin light-sensitive. A keloid tendency also needs a pause and a discussion. Elective laser is generally postponed in pregnancy, so tell us if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or breastfeeding. Any new, changing, bleeding or unusual mark is examined first. Where needed, it goes to a dermatologist before any laser.
What pico laser cannot do
A quick guide to where pico fits, and where another method is usually discussed.
| Concern | Where pico fits | Read more |
|---|---|---|
| Freckles and sun spots | A common use of the pigment settings | Pico for freckles |
| Melasma | Only within a managed plan, as heat can darken it | Pico for melasma |
| Marks after inflammation | Planned conservatively, as heat can add to darkening | Pico for dark marks |
| Acne scars | Limited. Tethered and deep scars need other methods | Pico for acne scars |
| Pores | It does not shrink them | Pore treatment |
| Loose skin | It does not tighten or lift | HIFU |
It does not treat laxity or sagging.
Haemoglobin is not its target, so vessel redness is not treated.
Active acne needs a different plan, and pore size is not changed.
Fractional CO2 suits deeper scars.
These are hormonal, vascular and ultraviolet. A laser does not alter them.
Sun, rubbing and inherited tendency can bring marks back.
Risks and side effects
Expect redness, warmth and mild swelling. Treated spots may darken for a while and crust. Possible risks include post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and blistering or pinpoint bleeding at higher energies or fractional settings. Frequent repeated toning has been linked to pale or mottled spots. Aggressive treatment can cause melasma to rebound. Darkening is more likely if energy is too high, a repeat comes too soon, fresh skin meets ultraviolet light, or melasma is mistaken for a sun spot.
What happens at your visit
Recovery and aftercare
Recovery depends on the mode. Toning leaves warmth and redness that settle. A treated spot forms a crust that flakes away, so please leave it alone. Fractional mode leaves pinpoint redness, mild swelling and a rough feel, and has the longest aftercare. Cleanse gently, use a plain moisturiser, and rely on sunscreen and shade. Hold back scrubs, acids and retinoids until advised. Keep away from saunas and very hot places. Call the clinic about blisters, thick, yellow or oozing crusts, bleeding that does not stop, spreading redness, or pain, swelling or warmth that worsens.
Sessions and fees
We do not quote a set number of sessions. It depends on the pigment, its depth and how your skin responds. Thicker or widespread sun spots tend to need more, and a spot that does not respond is looked at again. Deep pigment needs gentle visits spaced further apart. Fees are not published. They depend on the diagnosis, area, wavelengths and mode, staging and review, and any pairing with R2 Glow. You receive an itemised written quote after consultation.