Pico lasers fire pulses lasting trillionths of a second. That speed breaks pigment and tattoo ink into very fine particles with much less heat than older lasers, which is why pico technology is now a first choice for pigmentation, tattoo removal and skin toning in the UAE.
Why Choose Charisma for Pico Laser
- Doctor-led pigment diagnosis — melasma, sun spots, birthmarks and post-inflammatory marks need different settings.
- Settings for darker skin — low-heat pico protocols and test spots for Fitzpatrick IV to VI.
- Multiple wavelengths — for brown pigment, blue-black ink and coloured tattoos.
- Combination care — PICO with Innovyal, peels or HALO when one device is not enough.
What Is Pico Laser?
A pico laser delivers energy in picoseconds. Instead of heating pigment slowly, it creates a pressure wave (photoacoustic effect) that shatters pigment into tiny fragments. The body’s immune cells then clear these fragments over the following weeks. Because less heat reaches the surrounding skin, the risk of burns and rebound pigmentation is lower.
What Pico Laser Treats
- Pigmentation — sun spots, age spots, freckles and uneven tone.
- Melasma — with gentle toning settings as part of a wider plan.
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation — dark marks after acne or injury.
- Birthmarks — such as café-au-lait spots and Nevus of Ota, after medical assessment.
- Tattoos — black, blue, green and many coloured inks.
- Acne scars and pores — with fractional pico handpieces that stimulate collagen.
- Dark lips — lip lightening for smoker’s lips or genetic darkening.
SmartPICO vs PicoSure vs PicoWay
- PicoSure — 755nm pico laser, popular for pigment and blue-green ink, with a Focus lens for texture.
- PicoWay — multiple wavelengths with very short pulses, used widely for tattoos and toning.
- SmartPICO and similar pico/nano systems — combine pico and nanosecond modes for deep pigment and stubborn ink.
The brand matters less than the wavelength, pulse duration and the clinician’s settings for your skin. Your doctor explains which device and settings are planned.
Pico Laser for Darker Skin Tones
Darker skin has more active pigment cells, so heat-based lasers can leave dark or light patches. Pico lasers are well suited to these skin types because they work with less heat. At Charisma, patients with Fitzpatrick IV to VI skin usually start with a test spot, lower energy and longer gaps between sessions, plus pre-treatment creams when needed.
Pico Genesis and Pico Toning
Pico toning uses low-energy, wide-spot passes over the whole face. It improves glow, tone and pores with almost no downtime, and is often scheduled monthly before events or as maintenance for pigment-prone skin.
Pico Laser Tattoo Removal: Sessions by Ink Colour
- Black and dark blue — respond best, often 4 to 8 sessions for amateur tattoos and more for professional ones.
- Red, orange and purple — usually respond to the 532nm wavelength.
- Green and light blue — need specific wavelengths and more sessions.
- Yellow and white — the hardest to remove; full clearance is not always possible.
Sessions are spaced 6 to 8 weeks apart so the body can clear the fragments.
Treatment Procedure
- Consultation — diagnosis, photos and a test spot if needed.
- Preparation — cleansing and numbing cream for 15 to 30 minutes.
- Treatment — the laser is passed over the area with eye protection, 10 to 30 minutes.
- Aftercare — cooling, soothing cream and sunscreen.
Pre-Treatment Guidelines
- No tanning — avoid sun and self-tan for 2 weeks before.
- Pause irritants — stop retinoids, peels and strong vitamin C for a few days.
- Photosensitive medicines — tell your doctor about any you take.
Results Timeline
- Same day — mild redness that settles within hours to a day.
- First week — treated spots may darken slightly, then flake.
- Weeks 2 to 6 — pigment fades as fragments are cleared.
- After a series — results build with each session.
Aftercare
- SPF 50 daily — essential to prevent new pigment.
- Gentle skincare — for 3 to 5 days.
- Tattoo areas — keep clean, do not pick blisters or scabs.
Combined Protocols
- PICO with Innovyal — for melasma and dull skin.
- PICO with Cosmelan — for stubborn epidermal pigment.
- PICO with RF microneedling — for acne scars plus marks.
Pico Laser in Dubai & Abu Dhabi
Charisma offers pico laser treatments at its Dubai and Abu Dhabi clinics as part of its laser platform, with doctors who plan around the UAE sun and local skin types.
Pico Laser Price in Dubai
Pricing depends on the area, the concern (pigment, toning or tattoo size) and the number of sessions. Packages are available after assessment.
FAQs
How is pico different from other lasers?
It uses ultra-short pulses with less heat, which lowers the risk of burns and rebound pigmentation.
How many sessions do I need for pigmentation?
Usually 3 to 6 sessions, 3 to 4 weeks apart, depending on depth.
Does pico laser hurt?
It feels like quick snaps on the skin. Numbing cream keeps it comfortable.
Is there downtime?
Toning has almost none. Spot and tattoo treatments may need a few days of healing.
Can pico laser remove all tattoo colours?
Most colours fade well, but yellow and white inks may not clear completely.