Due to regulatory guidelines, we are unable to list specific brand names on our website and have used replacement terms instead. To find out what these terms refer to, please contact us directly.
Due to regulatory guidelines, we are unable to list specific brand names on our website and have used replacement terms instead. To find out what these terms refer to, please contact us directly.
Due to regulatory guidelines, we are unable to list specific brand names on our website and have used replacement terms instead. To find out what these terms refer to, please contact us directly.
SL Aesthetic Clinic Logo
Phone-alt Instagram Facebook Youtube Tiktok
SL Aesthetic Clinic Logo
Phone-alt Instagram Facebook Youtube

Pico laser (皮秒镭射) Singapore: Treatment for Pigmentation, Acne Scars & Tattoo Removal

Pico Laser Treatment Overview

  • Sessions Required

3 and up

  • Duration of Results

Several months

  • Downtime

Minimal downtime

  • Session Duration

15-30 mins

  • Skin Concern
  • Skin pigmentation
  • Enlarged pores
  • Scars
  • Tattoo removal

TL;DR

  • Pico Laser (皮秒镭射) is an FDA-cleared picosecond laser used to treat pigmentation, acne scars, enlarged pores and unwanted tattoos.
  • Its ultra-short pulses break down pigment with minimal heat, which means low downtime and a lower risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation for Asian skin.
  • Multiple concerns can be treated within one plan, using the handpiece suited to each.
  • Every session at SL Aesthetic Clinic is performed by a medical doctor after a proper skin assessment.
Keen to try Pico laser (皮秒镭射) in Singapore? Book your session for $88.
WhatsApp Us

Table of Contents

What Is Pico laser (皮秒镭射)?

Pico Laser is a non-invasive laser treatment that uses ultra-short pulses of energy to target pigmentation, acne scars, enlarged pores and unwanted tattoos.

At SL Aesthetic Clinic, we use a U.S. FDA-cleared picosecond laser system manufactured in South Korea.

SL Aesthetic Clinic doctor performing Pico laser treatment on a patient's chin

What Can Pico laser (皮秒镭射) Treat?

Acne scars and uneven skin texture on the face

Acne scars and uneven skin texture on the face

Enlarged facial pores and uneven skin texture

Enlarged facial pores and uneven skin texture

Inflammatory acne with red, swollen blemishes on the face

Inflammatory acne with red, swollen blemishes on the face

Facial pigmentation and uneven skin tone

Facial pigmentation and uneven skin tone

Rosacea with facial redness and flushing

Rosacea with facial redness and flushing

Tattoo on the skin for pico laser treatment

Tattoo on the skin for pico laser treatment

Recognise your skin concern in this table? A 15-minute consultation will confirm if this treatment suits your skin.
Check My Suitability — Book Consultation

How Does Pico laser (皮秒镭射) Work?

Pico Laser (皮秒镭射) is non-ablative, which means it treats pigment without wounding the surface of your skin. Each ultra-short pulse sends a rapid pressure wave into the skin that shatters pigment and tattoo ink into tiny fragments. Your body then clears these away naturally over the following weeks; this is called the photoacoustic effect.

Because each pulse is so brief, very little heat reaches the surrounding skin. This photoacoustic action is what makes picosecond lasers gentler than older nanosecond lasers, and research in Asian skin has reported a lower risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Benefits of Pico laser (皮秒镭射)

Pico laser (皮秒镭射) has become one of the most requested skin treatments in Singapore for good reason. Its main benefits include:
Effective on stubborn pigmentation

Pico laser (皮秒镭射) is effective even for deeper concerns like Hori's Nevus and melasma.

Low risk for Asian skin

Pico laser (皮秒镭射) carries a lower risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, a common concern for medium and darker skin tones.

Minimal downtime

Most patients return to work or daily activities after their session, with only mild redness that settles within a day or two.

More than one concern in a single plan

Pigmentation, enlarged pores, acne scars and tattoos can be treated under one coordinated treatment plan rather than across separate machines.

Fewer sessions needed

Pico is an upgrade from Q-switched laser and can clear pigments in a short amount of time.

Stimulates collagen

Pico laser (皮秒镭射) encourages collagen renewal, which gradually refines skin texture and pore size.

What is the difference between Pico Laser (皮秒镭射) and Q-switched Laser?

Both treat pigmentation, but they differ in pulse speed. Pico Laser (皮秒镭射) uses ultra-short picosecond pulses that break pigment into finer particles with less heat, while Q-switched lasers use longer nanosecond pulses that rely more on heat.

The lower heat of Pico Laser means a lower risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which matters for Asian skin, and pigment can often be cleared in fewer sessions. Our doctor will recommend the most appropriate treatment for your skin at consultation.

Pico laser (皮秒镭射) Process at SL Aesthetic Clinic

1

Consultation & skin analysis

Our doctor identifies the type and depth of your pigmentation or scarring, since epidermal and dermal pigment need different wavelengths and settings.

2

Prep

Skin is cleansed and protective eyewear is fitted. Numbing cream is available on request.

3

Laser treatment

The doctor treats your skin with the handpiece selected for your concern, then finishes with a soothing step and sunscreen. Most patients describe the feeling as tiny rubber-band snaps or warm pricks.

4

Aftercare & review

You leave with simple instructions and a follow-up spaced 2–4 weeks later, up to 8 weeks for deeper skin tones.

You can return to work or daily activities immediately after most sessions.

Meet the Doctors Behind Your Pico laser (皮秒镭射) Treatment

Laser results depend less on the machine and more on the doctor operating it: the diagnosis, the wavelength chosen, the energy settings for your skin tone, and the judgment to know when not to fire.

Every Pico laser (皮秒镭射) treatment at SL is performed by a medical doctor holding the Certificates of Competence recognised by the Singapore Medical Council’s Aesthetic Practice Oversight Committee (APOC). Just as important, every doctor works to the same treatment protocols, developed and overseen by our founder and Senior Medical Director, Dr Kelvin Chua, so you get consistent standard of care at any of our clinics, regardless of which doctor you see.

Dr Kelvin Chua
Senior Medical Director, Founder

Qualifications: MBBS, Australia
Certifications: Certificate of Competence in lasers and injectables
Special interests: Non-invasive facial contouring & lifting, facial fat transfer, anti-wrinkle & dermal fillers, hair loss management & FUE hair transplant, acne & pigmentation management
Located at: Wheelock Place
Book an appoinment
Dr Gabriel Wong
Senior Medical Director, Partner

Qualifications: MBBS, Singapore
Certifications: Certificate of Competence in lasers and injectables; certified by the Aesthetic Dermatology Educational Group (ADEG); certified by the Dermatological Society of Singapore & National Skin Centre (NSC)
Special interests: Facial contouring, injectables, skin rejuvenation, acne management
Practising at: Plaza Singapura, Jurong Point, Causeway Point
Book an appointment
Dr Charlene Goh
Dr Charlene Goh
Medical Director, Partner

Qualifications: MBChB, Edinburgh (UK); Dip Practical Dermatology, Cardiff (UK)
Certifications: Certificate of Competence in lasers and injectables; certified by the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine; certified by the Aesthetic Dermatology Educational Group (ADEG)
Special interests: Integrative aesthetics combining clinical procedures with lifestyle and nutrition guidance
Practising at: Westgate, Waterway Point
Book an appointment
Dr Chen Kailun
Medical Director, Partner

Qualifications: MBBS, Singapore (NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine)
Certifications: Certificate of Competence in lasers and injectables; certified by the Aesthetic Dermatology Educational Group (ADEG)
Special interests: Lasers, injectables, and face-lifting technologies (Ultherapy Prime, Sofwave, Ultraformer MPT, RF Gold Microneedling, 6D Laser Facelift)
Practising at: Tampines 1, Wheelock Place
Book an appointment
Dr Ko Wei Xiang
Associate Medical Director, Partner

Qualifications: MBBS (Singapore); GDFM (NUS)
Certifications: Certificate of Competence in lasers and injectables; certified by the Aesthetic Dermatology Educational Group (ADEG)
Special interests: Anti-wrinkle treatments, dermal fillers, skinboosters, pore refinement, acne scar treatments, skin texture improvement
Practising at: Causeway Point
Book an appointment
Dr Sue Ho
Senior Executive Doctor, Partner

Qualifications: MB BCh BAO, Ireland
Certifications: Certificate of Competence in lasers and injectables; certified by the Aesthetic Dermatology Educational Group (ADEG)
Special interests: Women's health treatments, vaginal rejuvenation, post-pregnancy and perimenopausal skin and hair changes, wellness and weight management
Practising at: Junction 8, Prologue The Lifestyle Medical Clinic
Book an appointment
Dr Lau Chun Lim
Senior Executive Doctor

Qualifications: Doctor of Medicine (UKM, Malaysia)
Certifications: Certificate of Competence in lasers and injectables; certified by the Aesthetic Dermatology Educational Group (ADEG)
Special interests: Non-surgical lifting and rejuvenation, aesthetic technologies
Practising at: Sengkang Grand Mall, Waterway Point
Book an appointment
Dr Akira Tan
Executive Doctor

Qualifications: MBBS (Australia)
Certifications: Certificate of Competence in lasers and injectables; certified by the Aesthetic Dermatology Educational Group (ADEG)
Special interests: Skin and hair concerns, non-surgical lifting, hair rejuvenation therapies
Practising at: Jurong Point, Plaza Singapura
Book an appointment
Dr Eva Teh
Executive Doctor

Qualifications: MB BCh BAO, Ireland
Certifications: Certificate of Competence in lasers and injectables; certified by the Aesthetic Dermatology Educational Group (ADEG)
Special interests: —
Practising at: Junction 8
Book an appointment
Dr Marcus Goh
Executive Doctor

Qualifications: MD, Australia
Certifications: Certificate of Competence in lasers and injectables; certified by the Aesthetic Dermatology Educational Group (ADEG)
Special interests: Facial structure and symmetry, patient education on treatment options and long-term care
Practising at: iMall, Wheelock Place
Book an appointment
Dr Foo Piao Lin
Executive Doctor

Qualifications: MBBS, Singapore
Certifications: Certificate of Competence in lasers and injectables; certified by the Aesthetic Dermatology Educational Group (ADEG); certified by the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine (AAAM); member of AAAM and the Society of Aesthetic Medicine (Singapore)
Special interests: Acne, pigmentation, fine lines, skin laxity, hair loss, weight management
Practising at: Tampines 1, Westgate
Book an appointment
Dr Zhang Fuquan
Executive Doctor

Qualifications: MD, Singapore (Duke-NUS Medical School)
Certifications: Certificate of Competence in lasers and injectables; certified by the Aesthetic Dermatology Educational Group (ADEG)
Special interests: —
Practising at: iMall, Sengkang Grand Mall
Book an appointment

What to Expect from Pico Laser (皮秒镭射)

Results Pigment and tattoo ink clear gradually as the body removes the treated particles, so improvements build over a course of sessions rather than immediately. Our doctor will set realistic expectations for your skin.
Downtime Low. For pigmentation and tattoo removal, expect some redness and mild peeling. For acne scars and resurfacing settings, expect temporary redness, mild discomfort and occasionally light bruising. Compared with older lasers, Pico Laser carries a lower risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which matters for Asian skin.
Treatment Frequency Pico Laser works best as a course of sessions spaced out over time. Our doctor will recommend a plan suited to your skin at consultation.

Pico laser (皮秒镭射) Price in Singapore

Pico Laser (皮秒镭射) in Singapore costs from S$88 per session at SL Aesthetic Clinic, depending on the concern and area treated. For a full breakdown, refer to our price list or book a consultation with our doctors for a personalised estimate. Available at all clinics islandwide.

Book My $88 Session

Why Patients Choose SL Aesthetic Clinic

Doctor-performed, always

Every laser session at SL Aesthetic Clinic is performed by an APOC-certified medical doctor – never delegated to a beautician.

Over 20 years of experience

We are one of the longest running aesthetic clinics in Singapore, with Pico laser (皮秒镭射) treatments performed across 10 clinics islandwide, from Orchard to Woodlands, Punggol to Jurong.

Personalised treatment plan

We customise every treatment plan, regardless whether you have pigment, pores or scars.

Where to Find Us

Pico laser (皮秒镭射) is available at all 10 SL Aesthetic Clinic locations across Singapore, there’s one near your MRT line:

Clinic Address Nearest MRT Phone
Wheelock Place (flagship) 501 Orchard Road, #04-01A, Singapore 238880 Orchard (NS22 / TE14) +65 6734 9375
Plaza Singapura 68 Orchard Road, #04-08B, Singapore 238839 Dhoby Ghaut (NS24 / NE6 / CC1) +65 6336 1106
imall 5 Marine Parade Central, #02-04, Singapore 449410 Marine Parade (TE26) +65 6908 1621
Causeway Point 1 Woodlands Square, #04-21, Singapore 738099 Woodlands (NS9 / TE2) +65 6877 0144
Junction 8 9 Bishan Place, #04-02B/C, Singapore 579837 Bishan (NS17 / CC15) +65 6262 5898
Jurong Point 63 Jurong West Central 3, #B1-32, Hse 2, Singapore 648331 Boon Lay (EW27) +65 6316 2556
Sengkang Grand Mall 70 Compassvale Bow, #01-40/41, Singapore 544692 Buangkok (NE15) +65 6513 5308
Tampines 1 10 Tampines Central 1, #04-30/32, Singapore 529536 Tampines (EW2 / DT32) +65 6634 8102
Waterway Point 83 Punggol Central, #01-14 (West Wing), Singapore 828761 Punggol (NE17) +65 6346 8758
Westgate 3 Gateway Drive, #03-21, Singapore 608532 Jurong East (NS1 / EW24) +65 6281 2025

Clearer Skin Starts with One Honest Assessment

Book a consultation with our doctors — we’ll tell you whether Pico laser (皮秒镭射) is right for your skin, how many sessions you realistically need, and exactly what it will cost. If it isn’t the right treatment for you, we’ll tell you that too.

WhatsApp Us

FAQ

Pico Lasers are highly effective for a range of skin issues, including pigmentation, acne scars, and tattoos. Their ultra-short pulses create a photo-acoustic effect that breaks down pigmentation into tiny particles, leading to quick and visible results. Suitable for all skin types, Pico Lasers minimise downtime and side effects, making them a popular and reliable choice for improving skin appearance.

The differences in Pico Laser brands are minute and technical – i.e., laser wavelengths, pulse durations, maximum power of the machine. These factors influence how the machine is operated. And are hence more pertinent to the doctor handling the machine than to the patient.

What matters more than getting the best Pico Laser is finding a doctor who suits you and can help you. These are some things to note when looking for treatment:

  1. Research and ultimately trust in the doctor.
  2. The doctor’s diagnosis, consultation, and the agreed upon treatment protocol.
  3. Appropriate pre- and post- laser care.

Pico Laser treatments can take anywhere between 15-30-mins, depending on your skin concern. This excludes a pre-treatment numbing, which may take another 20-mins or so.

Depending on your skin condition and concern, we recommend a series of 3-4 treatments, in intervals of anywhere between 2-4 weeks each session. Intervals may also increase up to 8 weeks for darker skin types.

Generally there is also a lower risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) and hypopigmentation (white spots) with Pico Lasers compared to nanosecond lasers.

In treating unwanted pigmentation and tattoos, Pico Lasers are safe and effective when performed by an experienced doctor. There is virtually no downtime except for some redness and mild peeling, which will resolve in a day or two.

In treating acne scars or improvement of skin texture, there may be temporary redness, mild discomfort, and tiny bruises on the skin. These dissipate within a few days or so.

For pigment or tattoo removal sessions, avoid applying makeup on the treatment day. For scar or skin rejuvenation sessions, avoid makeup for 3 days after the treatment to allow the skin to heal properly.

The Pico Laser is safe for most healthy adults and skin types. This treatment will be beneficial for patients looking to remove unwanted pigmentation and tattoos, as well as to improve acne scar appearance and skin texture, reduce pore size, and even out skin tone.

Pre-treatment instructions: ensure that you’re in a good state of health and not suffering from any bacterial, fungal or viral infection, especially that of the skin.

Always disclose your full medical history during consultation, including supplements and other medications you may be taking.

Also inform the doctor at least a week before treatment if you have any history of Herpes Simplex (cold sores) on your face so that the appropriate medication can be prescribed to prevent an outbreak.

While pregnant ladies are free to enjoy this treatment, you must also inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning for pregnancy, or are breast-feeding.

Inform your doctor if you have other skin conditions (e.g., eczema, psoriasis) or have any unusual or allergic reactions to any ingredients or topicals.

Plan ahead; avoid any ablative lasers at least 4 weeks prior, and schedule your treatment at least 1 week ahead of a special event as the skin may take up to 7 days to heal from the laser.

Post-treatment instructions: after each treatment session, avoid prolonged sun exposure for the next 7 to 10 days. 

Also avoid tanning beds or tanning booths and sunlamps. Continue to wash and moisturise your face with a gentle cleanser and moisturiser for the next few days. And always use sunscreen.

Do not use products that can cause irritation such as alcohol-based facial products, abrasive scrubs, and toners or products containing glycolic acids or Retin A.

The Pico Laser may be unsuitable in the following circumstances:

  • Patients with unrealistic expectations, such as those seeking complete eradication of any skin problems or to return to a former skin condition or look.
  • Patients with a tendency to form keloid and hypertrophic scars
  • Prior ionising radiation to the area to be treated
  • Connective tissue diseases
  • Recent deep chemical peels or dermabrasions
  • Moderate to severe active acne

No, it is a myth that lasers thin your skin. This misconception is likely fuelled by ablative lasers that may cause temporary skin sensitivity, but even these strong lasers do not actually thin the skin. Pico lasers are non-ablative, and can in fact thicken your skin by increasing collagen and elastin production, which makes your skin firm, bouncy and radiant!

When your skin is healing from the laser treatment, it will be more sensitive for a few days, but your skin should feel normal after that. Likewise, some laser treatments will make the skin drier, but this only happens during the healing period.

The dryness is caused by the shedding of the dead skin cells that causes skin roughness rather than the skin actually drying out. Regular moisturising will help with the healing process and enable you to get the best results from the laser treatment. 

To alleviate the skin dryness and sensitivity, we recommend undergoing HA Smooth  to aid in recovery and enhance hydration. HA Smooth is a HA-based injectable that stimulates collagen in your skin and improves skin quality. 

When you stop laser treatments, you will not look worse than before. In fact, you will look better than someone of the same age who has not done any laser treatments.

With age and cumulative UV exposure, our facial skin generally produces more pigmentation with time. If you do laser treatments regularly, the formation of new pigmentation is reduced and skin renewal is improved. Should you decide to stop laser treatments at any time, your skin will still be much better than not having done treatments over the years.

Following your laser procedure, you can do a gentle, machine-free basic facial 2 days later. For facials that involve machines such as I2PL, M22, and RF, we recommend waiting for a duration of 2 weeks.

Many clinics in Singapore offer Pico Laser treatments, but not all are equipped with the experience or expertise to treat acne scars effectively. Acne scarring requires a tailored treatment plan, as different types of scars -such as ice pick, rolling, or boxcar scars- respond differently to laser settings and techniques.

At SL Aesthetic Clinic, our doctors customise every treatment plan to your unique skin type and scar pattern. With years of experience in treating acne scars using advanced Pico Laser technology, we ensure that each session is both safe and effective for smoother, clearer skin.

You can easily book a Pico Laser session with SL Aesthetic Clinic. Our doctors will first conduct a detailed skin analysis to identify the cause and type of pigmentation before designing a customised treatment plan for you. We use medical-grade Pico Laser to gently break down pigment particles, revealing brighter, more even-toned skin over time.

Yes. Pico laser (皮秒镭射) removes sunspots, age spots, freckles, melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and Hori’s Nevus. Laser energy is absorbed by the pigment and breaks it into fragments that your body drains away. Melasma specifically is treated with conservative, lower-energy protocols across more sessions, since aggressive settings can worsen it, which is why doctor judgment matters more than machine brand.

Yes. Pico laser (皮秒镭射) improves skin texture and pore size, and for atrophic acne scars its results are comparable to fractional ablative lasers such as Fractional CO2.

Learn more about acne scar treatment.

Yes. Pico laser (皮秒镭射) removes a wide range of tattoo colours, including harder-to-treat shades like green and purple.

Pico Laser (皮秒镭射) and C&B Laser do different jobs. Pico Laser (皮秒镭射) uses ultra-short picosecond pulses to break down pigment and tattoo ink, so it’s used for pigmentation, dark spots, tattoos and, with the fractional handpiece, acne scars. C&B Laser is a gentler resurfacing laser for early signs of ageing, improving overall skin texture and radiance rather than targeting specific spots. Our doctor will recommend the right one, or a mix of both, at your consultation.

Learn more about C&B Laser.

Pico laser (皮秒镭射) treats pigmentation and stimulates collagen with minimal downtime. Fractional CO2 Laser is an ablative laser better suited for severe skin texture and deep acne scars, but involves more downtime. For selected acne scars, our Pico HEXA MLA handpiece can achieve comparable improvements with a shorter recovery period. Our doctor will recommend the most appropriate treatment based on your skin concerns.

Most concerns need 3–4 sessions spaced 2–4 weeks apart, though the exact number depends on your concern and your skin, since pigmentation, scars and tattoos each respond differently. Our doctor will recommend a realistic plan for your skin at consultation, so you know what to expect before you begin.

Like what you read? Share them!

Related Procedures

SL Aesthetic Medical Clinic

First time at SL Aesthetic Clinic?

Not sure if this treatment is right for you? Speak with our team in a no-obligation consultation, and view real patient results.

Enquire for before/afters