PICO laser treatment at CoLaz clinics

PICO laser uses picosecond pulses, which are a thousand times shorter than the nanosecond pulses of older Q-switched lasers. That ultra-short pulse shatters pigment particles into smaller fragments through a photoacoustic effect, with less heat damage to the surrounding skin. The result is faster clearance with fewer sessions, less risk of post-inflammatory pigmentation, and a treatment that is safer on darker skin tones where older lasers carry more risk of unwanted side effects.

PICO laser treats sun spots, age spots, freckles, post-inflammatory pigmentation, melasma, tattoo ink in most colours, permanent makeup removal, and general skin rejuvenation for dullness and fine lines. It works on the face, the chest, the back of the hands and most body areas. For tattoo removal, all ink colours can be addressed but stubborn greens, blues and yellows usually need more sessions than black or red.

Pigmentation usually clears in three to six sessions spaced four to six weeks apart. Melasma is a more complex condition and often requires a longer maintenance plan combined with topical care, agreed at consultation. Tattoo removal varies hugely by ink type, depth, age of the tattoo and skin type, but a typical protocol is six to ten sessions for a black ink tattoo, spaced six to eight weeks apart. Skin rejuvenation runs as a course of three to six monthly.

Sensation is similar to a fast rubber-band snap on the skin. We apply a topical numbing cream for thirty minutes before pigmentation sessions, and longer numbing for tattoo removal sessions where the energy is higher. Most patients find tattoo sessions more intense than pigmentation work, but still manageable. The cooling device built into the laser also helps reduce sensation through each pass.

Mild redness and a warm feeling are normal for a few hours. Pigmentation often darkens briefly before it flakes away over the following one to two weeks, which is the visible sign the laser worked. Tattoo sessions can leave the area frosty (white) for a few minutes, then pink and sometimes lightly scabbed for several days. Most patients can return to work the same day with concealer if needed, and full activities the next day.

We do not treat patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding, who have an active skin infection or cold sore in the treatment area, who have a recent strong tan or fake tan on the area, who are on isotretinoin currently or in the last six months, or who have a history of keloid scarring. Patients on photosensitising medications need to discuss this at consultation. Medical history is reviewed at every consultation before treatment is agreed.

PICO laser is priced by area: bikini line from £70 single, underarms from £90 single, Brazilian or face from £95 single, Hollywood from £110 single. Course of six rates run from £380 (bikini) up to £600 (Hollywood). Add-on neck is £40, chest £60, hands £50. Face pigmentation packages and tattoo removal are quoted at consultation based on size and ink. All prices are confirmed in writing at your free consultation before booking.