Tired of Sun Spots and Melasma? Meet our state-of-the-art picosecond lasers.
Overexposure to intense heat often leaves Australians with uneven skin tone, stubborn sunspots, and persistent melasma. What makes them even more frustrating is their resistance to traditional creams and treatments, leaving patients to seek a solution that delivers visible, lasting results.
While these are common but hard-to-treat conditions, topical creams have long been the first-line therapy. As a technological leap forward, the picosecond laser is a breakthrough in treating varying sun-damaged skin types.
Unlike older nanosecond lasers or chemical-based treatments, this new technology offers ultra-short bursts of energy measured in trillionths of a second (hence the name Picosecond), breaking down pigment particles into microscopic fragments that the body naturally eliminates.
Patients undergoing picosecond laser treatment experience clearer, brighter, and more evenly toned skin with minimal discomfort and downtime. It is clinically proven to treat sun-induced pigmentation, melasma, freckles, and uneven skin tone safely across various skin types.
Picosecond vs. Nanosecond (Q-Switched) Lasers
The table below shows a simple comparison that illustrates why picosecond lasers outperform traditional Q-switched devices for pigmentation, especially in sensitive conditions:
| Features | Nanosecond (Q-Switched) Lasers | Picosecond Lasers |
| Pulse Duration | ~1 billionth of a second | ~1 trillionth of a second |
| Mechanism | More thermal and mechanical | Mostly mechanical (photoacoustic) |
| Sessions Required | Usually between 6 to 10 | Usually between 3 to 5 |
| Risk of Heat Damage/PIH | Moderate to high risk, especially in darker skin | Lower risk, with better safety margins in various skin types |
| Suitability for Melasma | Highly risky due to heat sensitivity | More appropriate when used conservatively |
| Recover | Typically leads to more redness and swelling | Minimal downtime and faster recovery are observed |
Given that picosecond lasers break the pigment without relying on heat, the treatment results in a more comfortable and safer experience, reducing the likelihood of darkening or scarring in the patient.
A Tailored Approach to Your Pigmentation
Treating pigmentation effectively means understanding what you’re facing from the inside out. Solar lentigines, also known as sunspots, and melasma appear similar at first glance, but they behave very differently, which changes the treatment plan.
Treating Sun Spots (Solar Lentigines or Liver Spots)
Solar lentigines are pigment accumulations on the surface level, typically caused by chronic sun exposure. Since the pigment sits close to the skin’s surface, pigment-specific lasers, particularly picosecond devices, can provide quick, high-grade clearance.
Clinical studies report excellent results. For instance, trials using 532-755 nm picosecond lasers have shown high single-session clearance rates, greater than 75% after just one session, and low rates of long-term complications when applied correctly.
Patients can expect improvement within one to two treatments, as sun spots often respond quickly to this type of treatment. This is attributed to the pico laser’s photoacoustic mechanism, which breaks down pigment into microscopic particles that the immune system easily clears, resulting in shorter downtime.
Follow-up care that focuses on sun protection is crucial for preventing recurrence. Studies also show that picosecond laser treatment reduces the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation compared with older, higher-heat protocols when settings and patient skin type are taken into account.
Managing Melasma
Melasma is different from sun spots. It typically has an epidermal, dermal, or mixed distribution and is caused by factors such as hormonal influences, UV exposure, genetics, and inflammatory triggers.
Since melasma involves deeper pigmentation and an over-reactive pigmentary system, the main goal is management rather than cure.
Picosecond lasers offer a promising solution for melasma. It helps reduce the inflammatory stimulus that worsens the condition or triggers rebound pigmentation by delivering ultra-short pulses. These high-peak pulses induce a photomechanical effect with minimal thermal diffusion.
Recent data indicate that low-fluence picosecond treatments can be both safe and effective when used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. However, outcomes may be different, and repeat treatments are usually needed.
Patients with melasma can expect gradual improvement and require a series of treatments, strict sun avoidance, and ongoing topical maintenance. While reduction and control of pigmentation is possible, a permanent cure is uncommon, as triggers can re-activate pigment.
Is This Treatment Right for You?
Selecting the right pigmentation treatment is all about striking a balance between effectiveness, safety, and skin compatibility. At Dr Refresh, every picosecond laser treatment is carefully personalised to ensure optimal results for your specific pigmentation concern and skin type.
Safety and Suitability for Different Skin Types
One cutting-edge feature of a picosecond laser is its higher safety profile for various skin types.
Unlike traditional nanosecond or IPL treatments, which tend to trigger post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in darker skin tones, Picosecond lasers work via photoacoustic energy rather than heat, reducing the risk of unwanted pigment rebound or scarring.
This makes the picosecond laser suitable for a wide range of skin types, including those with Asian, Mediterranean, and darker skin tones. The controlled, ultra-fast pulses of a picosecond laser allow for greater precision and reduced epidermal trauma, making it one of the safest laser treatments available for pigment correction.
During your consultation at Dr Refresh, Dr Ritu will evaluate your pigmentation depth to determine the safest and most effective parameters for your treatment, ensuring you receive the most effective treatment to suit your diagnosis.
Begin Your Journey with an Expert Consultation
Pigmentation concerns, such as sun spots and melasma, do not have to be lifelong struggles. With the picosecond laser breakthrough, you can easily achieve clearer, brighter, and more even-toned skin safely and effectively.
This advanced treatment works faster, with less discomfort and downtime than older lasers, making it ideal for both surface and deeper pigmentation concerns.
Experience bespoke skincare at Dr Refresh, where Dr Ritu designs a personalised plan to address your specific skin needs and aspirations. Our approach combines state-of-the-art technology with the highest standard of Australian dermatological care to help you achieve your goals.
Ready to take the next step toward renewed confidence and visibly radiant skin? Begin your journey by booking a consultation at Dr Refresh today and enjoy smoother, clearer, and more luminous skin with Australia’s most trusted specialist dermatologist.
