Pico Laser
in Torrance
Ultra short picosecond pulses break up sun spots, melasma, and uneven tone while sparing surrounding skin, for clearer, brighter results with minimal downtime.
Pico Laser at a Glance
Pico laser uses extremely short pulses of light to target unwanted pigment in the skin. Because treatment settings can be adjusted for the concern, depth of pigment, and skin tone, the same category of technology may be used for a single brown spot, broader sun damage, post-acne discoloration, or a carefully managed melasma plan. The right wavelength, fluence, and number of sessions are determined after the skin is examined.
How Picosecond Laser Treatment Works
Picosecond laser systems deliver very short pulses that interact with pigment in the skin. The goal is to fragment targeted pigment so it can fade gradually after treatment while limiting unnecessary heat exposure to surrounding tissue.
Pigment can sit at different depths and may respond differently depending on the skin and the condition being treated. That is why settings are selected individually rather than applied from one fixed protocol.
Very Short Pulses
Picosecond pulses create a rapid photoacoustic effect that can fragment targeted pigment with less sustained heat than longer-pulse approaches.
Settings Chosen for the Skin
Wavelength, fluence, spot size, and treatment intensity are selected after reviewing skin tone, pigment type, and the area being treated.
Gradual Pigment Clearing
Treated pigment may darken temporarily before fading or flaking. The visible response varies by pigment depth, treatment settings, and the number of sessions.
A pico laser plan starts with a skin assessment to match wavelength and session count to your tone and the pigment being treated.
What Pico Laser Treats
Treatment can be planned for a full area or focused on a localized spot. Pigment type matters, especially with melasma, so the provider determines whether pico laser is appropriate before treatment.
| Area or concern | Primary goals | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sun, age & brown spots | Break up brown spots and macules from past sun exposure | A provider confirms that the spot is appropriate for laser treatment before proceeding. |
| Melasma | Reduce visible contrast using a conservative, provider-directed approach | Melasma can be unpredictable and requires careful settings, strict sun protection, and ongoing management. |
| Post-acne discoloration | Address lingering discoloration after breakouts | The provider distinguishes pigment from redness or scarring before choosing a treatment. |
| Single spot precision | Focus on one stubborn lesion | Useful for a freckle or sun spot that stands out in photos. |
During a session the picosecond handpiece is passed over the treatment area, delivering rapid pulses that target pigment while sparing surrounding skin.
Who May Be a Candidate for Pico Laser?
Pico laser may be considered for selected pigment and tone concerns when the skin is appropriately screened and the patient can follow the recommended sun-protection and aftercare plan.
- Sun spots, age spots, and other selected brown pigment concerns
- Melasma only when the provider determines that a conservative laser approach is appropriate
- Post-acne discoloration after the active breakout has settled
- A localized freckle or spot that has been evaluated before laser treatment
- Patients whose skin tone and history allow an appropriate treatment setting to be selected
- Patients who understand that improvement is gradual and may require more than one session
What We Evaluate Before Recommending Pico Laser
Your skin tone and history, so wavelength and fluence protect your skin rather than risk it.
The type and depth of pigment, since sun spots, melasma, and post acne marks each respond differently.
The right settings and number of passes for your concern, chosen conservatively for melasma.
Which areas to treat and whether a single spot session or a full area plan fits your goals.
A realistic session count and spacing, so you know what the full plan looks like before starting.
Your aftercare and sun protection habits, which strongly affect how well results hold.
Whether another treatment would serve you better. If melasma or texture would respond more predictably to a different approach, we will say so.
Before You Book a Pico Laser Consultation
Question 1 of 4What would you most like us to look at?
What best describes your recent sun exposure?
Which area are you considering?
How would you like to continue?
Thanks. Choose whichever way you’d like to continue:
The Technology Behind Pico Laser
Skin Works uses professional picosecond platforms including Cynosure PicoSure Pro and Rohrer Aesthetics PicoLazer. The provider selects the platform and settings based on the concern, skin tone, and treatment plan.
Picosecond Pulse Delivery
Very short pulses are used to target pigment with a strong photoacoustic component rather than prolonged heating.
Adjustable Treatment Parameters
Fluence, spot size, wavelength, and treatment intensity are adjusted to the area and pigment being treated.
Professional Laser Platforms
PicoSure Pro and PicoLazer are clinical laser systems used with provider-selected settings rather than a single preset approach.
Skin-Tone Screening
Skin tone, recent sun exposure, and pigment type are reviewed before settings are selected. Some patients may need a more conservative plan or another treatment.
Pico laser is used to soften sun spots and even out the diffuse pigmentation that shows up across the cheeks and nose over years of sun exposure.
Pico Laser vs. Other Options
Pico laser vs. IPL photofacial
IPL photofacial is often considered for broader redness and selected superficial pigment concerns. Pico laser may be considered when pigment precision or a lower-heat approach is important. The provider decides which option better matches the skin and concern.
Pico laser vs. resurfacing lasers
Ablative and fractional resurfacing treatments are usually chosen when texture, deeper lines, or scarring are the primary concern and more recovery is acceptable. Pico laser is more pigment-focused.
Pico laser vs. topical fading creams
Topical treatment can be part of a pigment or melasma plan and may be preferred when laser is not appropriate. The provider may recommend topical care alone, laser alone, or a combined plan depending on the diagnosis and skin response.
Before & After
Individual outcomes vary based on skin tone, pigment type and depth, session count, and sun protection.
Not sure whether your concern is a good match for Pico laser? Text us a photo or question and we can help you decide whether to book an evaluation.
Text Us a Photo or QuestionWhat to Expect With Pico Laser
Consultation
Before treatmentWe assess the skin, pigment pattern, recent sun exposure, treatment area, and medical history before deciding whether Pico laser is appropriate.
Laser Treatment
At your appointmentThe handpiece is passed over the selected area using provider-chosen settings. Numbing may be offered for sensitive areas or treatment plans.
Early Recovery
After treatmentRedness, warmth, temporary darkening of pigment, or mild swelling may occur. Your provider gives aftercare instructions based on the settings and area treated.
Follow-Up and Additional Sessions
Over the following weeksWe assess the response before deciding whether another session is appropriate. Timing and total session count vary by pigment type and treatment plan.
Want to talk through pigment type, melasma, recent sun exposure, treatment areas, or package pricing before you book?
Call (844) 759-6757Pico Laser Treatment Options
First-time patients save 10% on an eligible single-area session. Eligible repeatable treatments may also be purchased as a Series of 3 at 15% off the regular rate. Bundle rows are already discounted against booking the component areas separately and do not receive an additional New Patient or Series discount.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon do results show?
Treated spots often darken for a few days, then flake and fade within one to two weeks. Overall tone and glow build gradually across the series rather than all at once.
Can Pico laser be used on different skin tones?
Pico laser settings can be adjusted for different skin tones, but treatment still requires screening. Skin tone, recent sun exposure, pigment type, and the specific platform all affect whether treatment is appropriate.
How many sessions will I need?
It varies by pigment type, depth, treatment area, and response. A series is common for broader pigment concerns, while a localized spot may need a different plan. Melasma is managed more conservatively.
Is there downtime?
Recovery varies by settings and area. Temporary redness, warmth, mild swelling, or darkening of treated pigment may occur. Your provider will tell you when makeup and normal skin care can be resumed.
Can Pico laser treat brown spots?
Selected brown spots and sun-related pigment can be treated with picosecond laser technology after the area is evaluated. The response and number of sessions vary by the type and depth of pigment.
Does it hurt?
Most people tolerate it well and describe a quick snapping sensation. Numbing is available for sensitive areas to keep the session comfortable.
Can I combine the new patient rate with series pricing?
The two offers are calculated independently from the regular price and cannot be combined with each other. The new patient rate applies to a single first visit session, while series pricing applies to a package booked upfront.
Pico Laser in Torrance and the South Bay
Skin Works Medical Spa is located at 2573 Pacific Coast Highway, Suite B in Rolling Hills Plaza, Torrance. Hours are Monday to Saturday 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM and Sunday 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. We regularly see patients from Torrance, Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Palos Verdes, Gardena, Carson, Lomita, and San Pedro.
Complimentary Consultations Available Have the Pigment Evaluated Before You Treat It We can review the concern, skin tone, recent sun exposure, treatment area, expected recovery, and whether Pico laser or another option makes more sense before you commit. |
Medical Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Pico laser is an elective cosmetic treatment and individual results vary.
Results and candidacy: Provider evaluation is required before treatment. Skin tone, pigment type, recent sun exposure or tanning, medications, pregnancy or breastfeeding status, active skin conditions, recent procedures, and medical history may affect candidacy or timing. Melasma requires particularly cautious treatment planning and may not be appropriate for laser treatment in every patient.
Pricing: The New Patient Rate is 10% off one eligible regular single-area session on the first visit. Eligible Series of 3 pricing is 15% off the regular rate. Bundle prices are already discounted against booking the component areas separately. These discounts are calculated independently and cannot be combined.
Financing: Cherry · Klarna · Affirm · CareCredit options are provided by third-party lenders and remain subject to approval and lender terms. Skin Works Medical Spa, 2573 Pacific Coast Highway, Suite B, Torrance, CA 90505, (844) 759-6757.