Last updated: October 2025
What Is Pico Laser Resurfacing
Pico laser refers to picosecond lasers that deliver ultra short pulses measured in trillionths of a second. These pulses create strong photomechanical effects to break up excess pigment and to stimulate collagen with minimal surrounding heat. At Skin Works Medical Spa, we use picosecond systems for uneven tone, sun damage, melasma protocols, acne scars, and select texture concerns with little to no downtime for most plans.
Brands and Similar Names You May Hear
Patients often ask whether “PicoSure,” “PicoWay,” or “PicoLO” are the same as pico laser. These are different picosecond platforms that all operate in the pico range with varying wavelengths and pulse structures:
- PicoSure® (commonly 755 nm with optional 532 nm): popular for pigment and overall tone.
- PicoLazer® (commonly 1064 nm with optional 532 nm): popular for pigments, spots, and sun damage removal.
- PicoWay® (commonly 532/730/785/1064 nm): versatile for pigment and acne scars with multiple wavelengths.
- PICOLO® / PicoLO (commonly 532/1064 nm): picosecond platform used for pigment and tone on a range of skin types.
During consultation, we match wavelength and pulse profile to your goals and skin type rather than choosing by brand name.
Why Picosecond Technology Helps Skin
Picosecond pulses generate a predominantly mechanical photoacoustic effect to shatter pigment into very fine particles that the body can clear. Lower thermal spread means less collateral heat in surrounding tissue. For texture and acne scars, fractional picosecond handpieces create controlled micro zones that trigger new collagen and elastic fibers for smoother, brighter skin with shorter recovery than many heat dominant devices.
Ideal Candidates
- Uneven tone, sun spots, freckles, or post inflammatory pigment
- Melasma protocols using conservative energy and strict sun care
- Textural irregularities and atrophic acne scars treated with fractional picosecond tips
- Fitzpatrick skin types I to V with appropriate settings and aftercare
Who Should Avoid or Delay
- Active skin infection or open wounds in the treatment area
- Recent intense sun exposure or tanning
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding when protocols advise postponement
- Use of photosensitizing drugs without medical clearance
What To Expect
- Session time typically 15 to 30 minutes for face
- Most plans feel like quick rubber band snaps; numbing is often unnecessary
- Protective eyewear used for both patient and provider
- Mild redness that settles within hours for tone sessions; fractional scar protocols can have 1 to 2 days of redness
Recovery and Downtime
- For pigmentation and tone: pinkness for several hours; makeup next day
- For fractional acne scar settings: redness or pinpoint marks for 24 to 48 hours
- Daily broad spectrum SPF and gentle skincare are essential
Results, Series, and Packages
Pico laser results are cumulative. Most patients choose a series of 3 to 6 sessions spaced about 4 weeks apart. Series and packages offer the best value and keep momentum so pigment and texture continue to improve. Maintenance visits are often performed every 4 to 6 months based on goals.
Cost of Pico Laser in Los Angeles, 2025
Skin Works Medical Spa pricing, verified 2025 (South Bay, Los Angeles). Prices are area based and finalized after assessment. Price Match and Flexible Payment available.
- Face first time $600 (regular $700)
- Neck first time $450 (regular $500)
- Chest first time $450 (regular $500)
- Hands first time $400 (regular $450)
- Bundles such as Face + Neck or Face + Neck + Décolleté are available and priced for value
To see bundle options or request an itemized quote, visit our Pico Laser page or text 844 759 6757 for quick pricing questions.
Financing
We offer monthly payments through CareCredit, Klarna, and Affirm, subject to approval. Many patients apply financing to a package of sessions for the best overall value.
Possible Side Effects
- Temporary redness or swelling
- Darkening of brown spots before they flake off
- Rare pigment change without strict sun care
Do Pico Lasers Really Work
Yes. Picosecond systems have strong data for benign pigmented lesions, sun damage, and acne scars when used with appropriate parameters and a series based plan. Most patients notice a clearer, brighter tone and smoother texture across the series with minimal disruption to work or social plans.
Questions To Ask Your Provider
- Which picosecond platform and wavelength will you use for my concerns
- How many sessions do you recommend for my pigmentation or scars
- What downtime should I expect for my plan
- How will you adjust settings for my skin type and history of pigmentation
- Do you recommend a bundle or series for the best value
- Can I combine this with chemical peels or other lasers safely
Summary
Pico laser is a versatile picosecond technology for clearer tone, improved pigment, and smoother texture with minimal downtime. In Los Angeles, Skin Works offers first time and bundle pricing, plus financing through CareCredit, Klarna, and Affirm. For most patients, a focused series delivers the best and most efficient results.
References
- PicoSure (picosecond 755/532 nm) manufacturer information and indications. Cynosure
- PicoWay (532/730/785/1064 nm) platform overview and clinical uses. Candela
- PICOLO picosecond laser platform overview. LASEROPTEK
- Review articles and clinical reports on picosecond lasers for pigmentation and acne scars (overview). PubMed search
- PicoLazer (picosecond 1064/532 nm) manufacturer information and indications. Rohrer