Aquila Medical Center · Singapore CBD
755nm Alexandrite Picosecond Laser in Singapore
A pigment-focused picosecond laser with fractional options for selected pigmentation, tattoos and textural concerns. The 755nm alexandrite wavelength is strongly absorbed by melanin, while picosecond pulse durations deliver energy in extremely short bursts that can create a predominantly photoacoustic or photomechanical effect.
At Aquila Medical Center, treatment is selected according to the diagnosis rather than the name of the laser. Solar lentigines, freckles, Hori's macules, nevus of Ota, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, melasma, tattoos and acne scars behave differently. The same wavelength, fluence or treatment interval should not be applied to every condition.
This matters more in Singapore than in many markets. A large proportion of patients here have Fitzpatrick III to V skin under year-round ultraviolet exposure, which changes both what the laser will do and what can safely be delivered in a single session. A protocol designed for lightly pigmented skin in a temperate climate does not transfer directly.
What 755nm targets
The alexandrite wavelength has relatively strong melanin absorption. This can make it useful for selected epidermal and dermal pigmentary lesions, but it also means epidermal melanin and recent tanning must be considered carefully.
Why picoseconds matter
Picosecond pulses are much shorter than traditional nanosecond Q-switched pulses. The short pulse duration can fragment pigment particles through rapid pressure changes while limiting the time available for heat to spread into surrounding tissue.
Why diagnosis matters
A laser can remove a lentigo yet aggravate unstable melasma, and a tattoo wavelength that works for one ink colour may be unsuitable for another. Assessment determines whether 755nm is appropriate at all.
| Wavelength | 755 nanometres, produced by an alexandrite crystal. Relatively high melanin absorption compared with 1064nm |
|---|---|
| Pulse domain | Picoseconds — trillionths of a second, shorter than nanosecond Q-switched pulses. Favours photoacoustic over purely photothermal pigment disruption |
| Optics available | Full-beam or flat optic for direct pigment targeting; diffractive or fractional optic for controlled micro-injury and tissue remodelling |
| Commonly considered for | Solar lentigines, freckles, selected dermal melanocytosis such as Hori's macules and nevus of Ota, selected post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, black/blue/green tattoo ink, atrophic acne scars and skin texture |
| Requires caution in | Unstable or active melasma, recently tanned skin, darker Fitzpatrick phototypes, undiagnosed pigmented lesions, cosmetic or permanent-makeup tattoos |
| Anaesthesia | Often none for pigment work. Topical anaesthetic or cooling may be used for tattoo removal or fractional treatment |
| Typical downtime | Hours to a few days depending on endpoint. Pigmented lesions may darken and crust; tattoo treatment may cause swelling, pinpoint bleeding or blistering |
| Sessions | Not fixed. A superficial lentigo, dermal pigment, a professional tattoo and a fractional scar course all follow different timelines |
| Also available at Aquila | Picosecond 1064/532nm, allowing wavelength to be chosen for the target rather than forced onto one platform |
| Where | Aquila Medical Center, 160 Robinson Road, #05-01 SBF Centre Medical Suites, Singapore 068914 |
Laser fundamentals
How does a 755nm picosecond alexandrite laser work?
The laser source is based on alexandrite, a crystal that produces light around 755 nanometres. At this wavelength, melanin absorbs more energy than it does at longer near-infrared wavelengths such as 1064nm. That wavelength characteristic helps explain why 755nm systems have been used for freckles, lentigines, some dermal melanocytosis and several tattoo colours. It also explains why treatment settings need more caution when the epidermis contains more melanin.
The underlying principle is selective photothermolysis, described by Anderson and Parrish in 1983: if a pulse of light is absorbed preferentially by a target and delivered faster than the target can dissipate heat, damage is confined to that target and surrounding tissue is comparatively spared. The relevant benchmark is thermal relaxation time — roughly how long a structure takes to shed half its heat. Melanosomes are small, so their thermal relaxation time is very short, which is why sub-microsecond pulses have always been the right tool for pigment.
Pulse duration is a separate feature. Picosecond devices emit pulses measured in trillionths of a second. When very short pulses interact with pigment, rapid expansion generates acoustic and mechanical stress that can break pigment into smaller fragments. There is still some thermal interaction, so picosecond treatment is not “heat-free” and it does not eliminate the possibility of burns, blistering or pigmentary change.
The practical consequence of shifting from nanoseconds to picoseconds is a change in the balance between mechanical and thermal effect. Shorter pulses concentrate more of the energy into pressure waves that shatter pigment and less into heat that diffuses outward. In theory this should mean smaller pigment fragments, more efficient clearance and less collateral thermal injury — which is the basis for the reported lower rates of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in some Asian comparative studies. It is a meaningful advantage, but it is a difference of degree, not a different category of safety.
Some 755nm picosecond systems can also use a diffractive or fractional optic. Instead of delivering energy uniformly across the entire spot, the optic produces microscopic areas of high peak intensity. These focal zones can create laser-induced optical breakdown and a wound-healing response while leaving surrounding areas less affected. Fractional picosecond approaches have therefore been studied for acne scars, pores, photoageing and texture rather than simply pigment clearance.
Pigmentation
Which pigment concerns may be considered?
“Pigmentation” is not one diagnosis. Brown spots can represent freckles, solar lentigines, seborrhoeic keratoses, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, melasma, Hori's macules, nevus of Ota, medication-related pigmentation or other lesions. Some pigmented lesions should not be treated with a cosmetic laser until a diagnosis has been established. Any new, changing, irregular, bleeding or otherwise suspicious lesion needs appropriate medical assessment first.
Depth is the second variable that changes everything. Epidermal pigment sits within reach of shorter wavelengths and generally clears faster; dermal pigment requires energy to penetrate further and typically needs a longer course with a different endpoint. Mixed epidermal and dermal patterns — which melasma frequently is — behave least predictably, because clearing the superficial component can leave the deeper component unchanged and the overall appearance only partially improved.
Freckles and solar lentigines
These are melanin-rich epidermal lesions and can respond well to pigment-selective lasers in appropriately selected skin. The number of sessions varies with lesion depth, density, skin type, sun exposure and previous treatment. New lesions can develop with future ultraviolet exposure, so photoprotection remains important after clearance.
Hori's macules and nevus of Ota
These contain pigment deeper in the dermis and usually require a different endpoint and treatment course from superficial freckles. A retrospective study from Singapore's National Skin Centre reported improvement in Asian skin types III-IV treated with 755nm picosecond laser, while also demonstrating why repeated sessions and monitoring are often required.
Seborrhoeic keratoses and raised lesions
These are thickened epidermal growths rather than flat pigment, and they generally respond to a different approach from a pigment-selective laser. They are also one of the more common lesions patients mistake for age spots, which is why examination precedes treatment planning.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
PIH follows inflammation or injury and is especially relevant in Asian skin. Laser treatment can sometimes help persistent pigment, but a laser can also create new inflammation and worsen PIH. The underlying trigger, skin barrier, recent procedures and pigment depth should therefore be considered before treatment.
Melasma
Melasma is chronic and relapse-prone. Although studies have reported improvement with 755nm picosecond treatment, more recent randomized evidence and meta-analysis show that established topical therapy can outperform laser monotherapy. Laser is therefore not presented as a universal first-line cure. Hormonal factors, ultraviolet and visible-light exposure, heat, skin irritation and maintenance treatment all influence recurrence.
Drug-related and exogenous pigmentation
Certain medications, and long-term use of some skin-lightening products, can produce pigmentation that behaves quite differently under laser. A full medication and product history is part of the assessment rather than a formality.
| Condition | Where the pigment sits | What this usually means for treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Freckles (ephelides) | Epidermal | Often responds in relatively few sessions; recurs with sun exposure, so photoprotection is part of the treatment. |
| Solar lentigines | Epidermal | Generally treatable; lesions typically darken and crust before clearing. New lesions can continue to form. |
| Hori's macules | Dermal, usually bilateral over the cheeks | Longer course, deeper endpoint, gradual and sometimes uneven clearance. Patience and monitoring required. |
| Nevus of Ota | Dermal, usually unilateral in trigeminal distribution | Multiple sessions over an extended period. Pigmentary change in a subset of patients is documented. |
| Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation | Epidermal, dermal or both | Treat the cause first. Conservative settings; laser can worsen PIH as easily as improve it. |
| Melasma | Mixed, with a vascular and inflammatory component | Topical therapy and trigger control are central. Laser is adjunctive, conservative, and never framed as a cure. |
| Undiagnosed or changing lesion | Unknown | Diagnosis before any cosmetic laser. Treating an undiagnosed lesion can obscure later assessment. |
Singapore & Asian skin
Why skin type and recent sun exposure change the plan
Singapore patients often have Fitzpatrick III-V skin and year-round ultraviolet exposure. Because 755nm is strongly absorbed by melanin, darker or recently tanned epidermis can compete with the intended pigment target for laser energy. This does not automatically exclude treatment, but it changes the risk-benefit calculation and may require lower fluence, larger spot sizes, different optics, test spots, longer treatment intervals or a different wavelength entirely.
The competition problem is worth stating plainly. If a meaningful share of the delivered energy is absorbed by epidermal melanin before it reaches the intended target, two things happen at once: the target receives less energy than intended, and the epidermis receives more. That is the mechanism behind both under-treatment and pigmentary complications in darker skin, and it is why a recent holiday tan is a reason to postpone rather than a minor detail.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation are recognised complications of pigment lasers. Recent comparative evidence suggests picosecond technology can have a favourable pigmentary safety profile compared with nanosecond lasers in Asian cohorts, but the risk is not zero. Published studies of nevus of Ota and tattoo treatment continue to report pigmentary changes in a subset of patients.
- Avoid deliberate tanning before treatment and use daily broad-spectrum sun protection.
- Tell the doctor about recent lasers, peels, facials, retinoids and photosensitising medications.
- Active dermatitis, infection or a damaged skin barrier should be stabilised before elective laser treatment.
- For melasma, treatment intensity is deliberately conservative and maintenance is usually more important than chasing rapid clearance.
- Test spots are reasonable where phototype, lesion type or previous adverse response introduces uncertainty.
- Longer intervals between sessions are often safer than shorter ones in pigment-prone skin.
Tattoo treatment
755nm picosecond laser for tattoo pigment
Tattoo ink is exogenous pigment, and this was one of the first major applications of picosecond technology. Clinical trials and systematic reviews support picosecond lasers for tattoo removal, particularly when matching the wavelength to the tattoo colour. A randomized 2026 split-tattoo trial found that 755nm picosecond alexandrite treatment produced greater clearance than a nanosecond alexandrite laser for black and blue tattoos, although hyperpigmentation remained a relevant adverse event.
Wavelength selection matters. 755nm can be useful for black, blue and green pigment, while other colours may respond better to other wavelengths. Aquila also has picosecond 1064/532nm technology, allowing wavelength choice to be tailored rather than assuming one laser is optimal for every tattoo. Darker skin, dense professional tattoos, scarred tattoos and layered or cover-up ink may require more cautious treatment.
| Ink colour | Wavelength often considered | Practical notes |
|---|---|---|
| Black and dark blue | 1064nm or 755nm | Generally the most responsive inks. Density and depth still determine session count. |
| Green and teal | 755nm | Historically among the more stubborn colours; alexandrite is frequently the better match. |
| Red, orange and warm tones | 532nm | Requires care in darker skin because 532nm is also strongly absorbed by melanin. |
| Yellow, white and pastel | Limited options at any wavelength | Often responds poorly. Realistic expectations matter more here than device choice. |
| Cosmetic and permanent makeup | Test spot before any full treatment | Iron oxide and titanium dioxide pigments can darken paradoxically on laser exposure. |
Why tattoos need multiple sessions
Laser energy fragments only part of the visible pigment during each session. The body then clears some of those fragments over time. Ink colour, particle composition, tattoo depth, density, location, age and immune clearance influence response. Complete clearance cannot be guaranteed, even after multiple treatments.
Cosmetic tattoos need extra caution
Eyebrow, eyeliner, lip and flesh-coloured cosmetic tattoos can contain iron oxide or titanium dioxide. Short-pulsed laser exposure can paradoxically darken some pigments. A test spot and careful discussion of alternatives may be appropriate before attempting removal. Patients should tell the doctor if a “brown spot” is actually permanent makeup.
Location affects clearance
Tattoos on the trunk and upper limbs generally clear more readily than those on the lower legs, ankles and feet, where lymphatic clearance is slower. This is a well-recognised pattern and is worth knowing before agreeing a session estimate.
Amateur, professional and cover-up ink
Amateur tattoos are often shallower and less densely packed, and may clear in fewer sessions. Professional and layered cover-up tattoos contain more pigment at varying depths and generally require a longer, more cautious course.
For dedicated tattoo information, see our tattoo removal page.
Texture & acne scars
Fractional picosecond treatment for acne scars and skin texture
When a fractional or diffractive optic is used, the purpose changes from direct pigment clearance to creating microscopic zones of optical breakdown that stimulate repair and remodelling. Studies in Asian patients have reported improvement in atrophic acne scars and overall skin quality with 755nm fractional picosecond treatment. A meta-analysis comparing fractional picosecond lasers with other fractional lasers found broadly similar scar improvement, with lower reported pain and PIH in the picosecond groups, although temporary pinpoint bleeding was more common.
The mechanism differs from ablative resurfacing in a way that matters clinically. Fractional picosecond treatment creates its zones of injury largely within the epidermis and upper dermis without removing tissue from the surface, so the skin barrier remains comparatively intact. That is the source of both its main advantage — short downtime and a lower pigmentary risk profile in darker skin — and its main limitation, which is that deep structural scarring often needs a modality that reaches further and does more.
Acne scars are heterogeneous. Ice-pick, boxcar and rolling scars do not respond equally to one device. Deep tethered scars may require subcision; narrow ice-pick scars may need focal techniques; active acne should be controlled; and RF microneedling or ablative fractional resurfacing may be more appropriate for some patterns. Picosecond fractional treatment is therefore one option within a scar plan rather than a universal replacement for other procedures.
Collagen remodelling is also slow. Meaningful textural change typically emerges over weeks to months after a series rather than immediately after a session, which is why assessing a fractional course after one treatment tends to produce a falsely pessimistic conclusion.
For prominent pores and uneven texture without substantial scarring, see our Pores & Textures treatment guide. The aim is to match the device to the structural problem instead of treating every texture concern as “pico laser.”
Choosing the wavelength
755nm vs 1064nm/532nm picosecond laser
| Feature | 755nm alexandrite pico | 1064/532nm pico |
|---|---|---|
| Melanin interaction | Relatively strong melanin absorption; useful for selected pigment but requires care in darker or tanned epidermis. | 1064nm penetrates deeper with less epidermal melanin absorption; 532nm strongly targets superficial pigment and red/orange tattoo colours. |
| Depth of penetration | Intermediate. Reaches dermal pigment while retaining useful melanin selectivity. | 1064nm penetrates deepest of the three; 532nm is the most superficial. |
| Benign pigmentation | Commonly used for selected lentigines, freckles and dermal melanocytosis. | Selection depends on pigment depth, colour and skin type; 1064nm may be preferred where epidermal melanin competition is a concern. |
| Tattoo colours | Often useful for black, blue and green inks. | 1064nm is widely used for black/dark ink; 532nm for red/orange and selected warm colours. |
| Darker phototypes | Usable with conservative settings, but epidermal melanin competition is a real constraint. | 1064nm generally offers the widest safety margin in darker skin for suitable targets. |
| Fractional texture work | Diffractive/fractional optics have evidence for acne scars, pores and photoageing. | Fractional picosecond options also exist on some 1064/532 platforms; device design matters as much as wavelength. |
| Bottom line | Neither platform is universally superior. Having both means the wavelength, optic and settings can be chosen for the target and the skin type, rather than the target being forced onto whichever machine the clinic owns. | |
Aquila has both 755nm alexandrite picosecond and 1064/532nm picosecond capability. The practical advantage is not that one machine is “better”; it is that wavelength, pulse delivery and optic can be chosen according to the target. See our 1064/532nm picosecond laser page for the complementary platform.
The treatment visit
What to expect before, during and after treatment
Before
The consultation identifies the lesion or tattoo, Fitzpatrick skin type, recent sun exposure, previous pigment treatment, medications and tendency to develop PIH or keloid scars. Baseline photography and, for tattoos or higher-risk pigment, a test spot may be appropriate.
During
Eye protection is mandatory. Sensation depends on treatment type and fluence and may feel like brief snapping or heat. Cooling or topical anaesthetic may be considered for selected treatments. Immediate whitening, erythema or mild swelling can occur depending on the endpoint.
After
Redness and swelling commonly settle over hours to days. Pigmented lesions may darken or crust temporarily. Tattoo treatments can produce more swelling, pinpoint bleeding or blistering. Patients are advised not to pick crusts and to use strict sun protection.
| Stage | What is typical | What matters most |
|---|---|---|
| First few hours | Redness, mild swelling and warmth. Treated pigment may look temporarily grey or white. | Cool compresses and bland emollient. Avoid heat and vigorous exercise. |
| Days 1–3 | Pigmented lesions typically darken. Tattoo sites may swell, weep slightly or blister. | Do not pick or scrub. Keep the area clean and protected. |
| Days 4–10 | Crusts lift on their own, revealing pink skin underneath. | Strict sun protection. Premature crust removal is the most common cause of scarring. |
| Weeks 2–6 | Any post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation would typically appear in this window. | Report darkening early rather than waiting for the next appointment. |
| Weeks 6–12 | Fractional texture work continues to remodel. Tattoo fragments continue to clear. | Assessment at matched lighting and angles before deciding on the next session. |
Session number and interval are not fixed. Superficial lentigines may need fewer treatments than dermal pigmentation or tattoos, while acne-scar remodelling is usually assessed over a series because collagen changes develop gradually. We do not promise a specific percentage of clearance or a universal “three session” result.
When pico may not be the answer
Conditions that need a different first step
Uncertain pigmented lesions
A suspicious or changing lesion should be diagnosed before cosmetic laser treatment. Lasering an undiagnosed lesion can remove visible pigment without addressing the underlying pathology and may complicate subsequent assessment.
Active or unstable melasma
If melasma is being driven by UV/visible light, hormones, inflammation or inappropriate skincare, stabilising these factors and using evidence-based topical management can be more important than adding another laser session.
Deep acne scarring
Tethered rolling scars, deep boxcar scars and ice-pick scars may need subcision, focal reconstruction, RF microneedling or ablative resurfacing. A combination plan may be more logical than repeated pico treatment alone.
Active acne
Treating scars while acne is still inflammatory produces new lesions alongside the ones being remodelled, and raises the pigmentary risk of every session. Controlling the acne first is the faster route to a better scar result.
Recently tanned skin
A tan is not cosmetic detail; it is additional competing chromophore in the epidermis. Postponing by a few weeks is usually safer and more effective than reducing settings to compensate.
Redness rather than brown
Post-acne erythema, telangiectasia and flushing are vascular, not pigmentary. A pigment-selective laser is the wrong tool; vascular laser or broadband light would be the relevant discussion.
Results & maintenance
How improvement is judged and why maintenance differs by condition
Laser results should be assessed according to the condition being treated, not by one generic “percentage improvement” promise. A discrete solar lentigo may be judged by reduction in the visible brown macule after healing. Dermal pigmentation such as Hori's macules or nevus of Ota is assessed over a longer series because pigment sits deeper and may clear unevenly. Tattoo treatment is judged by ink colour and density, while fractional treatment for acne scars is evaluated through surface texture, scar depth, lighting-standardised photography and patient-reported improvement. These endpoints are not interchangeable.
Photography matters. Pigmentation can look darker or lighter depending on room lighting, camera exposure, makeup, recent sun exposure and skin hydration. Aquila therefore prefers consistent baseline and follow-up images when assessing a treatment course. For melasma, objective improvement immediately after a series is not the same as durable control. Recurrence can occur after apparently successful treatment, particularly when ultraviolet exposure, visible light, heat, hormonal influences or skin irritation remain active.
It is also worth knowing that visible light, not just ultraviolet, contributes to melasma and to some post-inflammatory pigmentation. That is the reason tinted or iron-oxide-containing sunscreens are often recommended for these patients specifically, rather than any broad-spectrum product. Screen exposure alone is not a meaningful driver, but daylight through windows and outdoor exposure on cloudy days both are.
Maintenance after pigment treatment
Daily photoprotection is central. Depending on the diagnosis, maintenance may also include prescription or non-prescription topical therapy, pigment-suppressing ingredients and avoidance of unnecessary irritation. Patients with melasma usually need an ongoing strategy rather than repeated high-energy laser sessions whenever colour returns. In Singapore's year-round UV environment, sun protection is part of treatment rather than an optional afterthought.
When we change course
A treatment plan should be reconsidered if pigment becomes darker, healing is prolonged, PIH develops, a tattoo colour stops responding or acne-scar improvement plateaus. Changing fluence, spot size, interval, wavelength or treatment modality may be more appropriate than simply repeating the same settings. Access to 755nm, 1064/532nm and other Aquila laser technologies allows the plan to be adjusted to the response.
Patients should also understand the difference between clearing pigment and preventing new pigment. Lasers can remove or fragment existing chromophore, but they do not stop future freckles from forming, eliminate the biological tendency to melasma, prevent acne from causing new scars, or guarantee that a tattoo will disappear completely. Setting those expectations before the first session is an important part of safe laser treatment.
Before your appointment
Preparing for a 755nm picosecond laser consultation
Bring a clear history of what you want treated and any previous procedures. For pigmentation, note when the colour first appeared, whether it changes with sun or hormones, and whether previous lasers caused darkening or lightening. For tattoos, tell us whether the tattoo is professional, amateur or cosmetic, its approximate age, colours present and any prior removal attempts. Permanent makeup deserves special mention because the exact pigment chemistry is often unknown.
In the weeks before treatment, avoid deliberate tanning and unnecessary irritation of the target area. Continue sensible sunscreen use. Do not stop prescription medication on your own, but provide a complete medication and supplement list so the clinician can identify anything relevant to healing, photosensitivity or bleeding. If the skin is actively infected, blistered, sunburned, eczematous or recently injured, treatment may be postponed.
Patients who have a history of cold sores should mention it when treating around the mouth, because laser procedures can occasionally trigger reactivation and antiviral prophylaxis may be considered depending on the procedure and history. A history of hypertrophic or keloid scarring, unusual pigment loss, poor wound healing or immune suppression is also relevant. For elective treatment during pregnancy, the usual approach is to defer non-essential cosmetic laser procedures.
Photographs of the area taken in good, even daylight before treatment are genuinely useful, particularly for tattoos and for pigmentation that fluctuates seasonally. Patients frequently underestimate how much their baseline has changed by the time they are three months into a course.
Frequently asked questions
755nm picosecond laser FAQ
Is 755nm pico laser good for pigmentation?
It can be useful for selected benign pigmentary conditions, but “pigmentation” covers many different diagnoses. Lentigines, freckles, Hori's macules, nevus of Ota, PIH and melasma require different treatment strategies. Diagnosis and skin type determine whether 755nm is appropriate.
Is it safe for Asian skin?
Published studies include Asian Fitzpatrick III-IV patients and support use in selected indications. However, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation and burns remain possible. Conservative settings, sun avoidance and appropriate wavelength selection are important.
Can 755nm pico cure melasma?
No laser should be presented as a cure for melasma. It is a chronic, recurrence-prone disorder. Current evidence suggests laser can be an adjunct in selected patients, while topical therapy, photoprotection and trigger management remain central.
Does pico laser remove tattoos completely?
Not always. Picosecond lasers are effective tattoo-removal tools, but response depends on ink colour and composition, tattoo depth and density, skin type, body location and previous treatment. Residual pigment or textural change may remain.
Is 755nm better than 1064nm pico?
Neither is universally better. 755nm has stronger melanin absorption and can be advantageous for certain pigments and tattoo colours. 1064nm has lower epidermal melanin absorption and may offer a wider safety margin in darker skin for selected targets. Many cases benefit from access to more than one wavelength.
Can picosecond laser improve acne scars and pores?
Fractional picosecond optics have evidence for atrophic acne scars and skin texture. Improvement varies with scar type and severity. Pores cannot be permanently closed, and deep scars may require additional modalities.
How many sessions are required?
There is no universal number. A superficial lentigo, dermal pigment, melasma, fractional scar treatment and a professional tattoo all have different timelines. The plan is reviewed according to response and adverse effects rather than a predetermined package.
What are the main side effects?
Temporary redness, swelling, tenderness, darkening or crusting can occur. Tattoo treatment may cause blistering or pinpoint bleeding. PIH, hypopigmentation, infection, prolonged inflammation, scarring and paradoxical tattoo darkening are less common but important risks.
What is the difference between picosecond and Q-switched nanosecond lasers?
Pulse duration. Q-switched lasers emit in nanoseconds; picosecond lasers emit roughly a thousand times faster. Shorter pulses shift the balance from thermal to photoacoustic effect, which in comparative studies has been associated with efficient pigment fragmentation and, in some Asian cohorts, lower rates of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Does the treatment hurt?
Most patients describe a brief snapping sensation, similar to an elastic band, with a sense of heat. Small pigment treatments are usually tolerated without anaesthesia. Tattoo removal and fractional treatment are more uncomfortable, and topical anaesthetic or cooling may be used.
How long does a session take?
An individual pigmented lesion may take only minutes. A full-face fractional treatment or a large tattoo takes considerably longer, and time should also be allowed for anaesthetic where it is used.
Will the treated spot get darker before it clears?
Frequently, yes, and this is expected. Epidermal pigmented lesions commonly darken and form a fine crust in the days after treatment before lifting on their own. Picking at that crust is the main avoidable cause of scarring and pigmentary problems.
Can I wear makeup afterwards?
Usually after any crusting has settled, and the exact timing depends on the treatment and the area. Mineral makeup over intact skin is generally reintroduced earlier than products applied over broken or crusted skin.
How long should I wait between sessions?
Intervals are individualised and depend on the target and the skin type. In pigment-prone skin, longer intervals are often safer, because pushing sessions closer together increases inflammation without necessarily improving clearance.
Can I have pico laser if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
Elective cosmetic laser is usually deferred during pregnancy. There is no evidence that the laser itself is harmful to a pregnancy, but pigmentation is unstable in pregnancy and treating it then rarely produces a stable result. Discuss breastfeeding with the doctor, as it is generally less restrictive.
Can pico laser treat freckles permanently?
It can clear existing freckles in appropriately selected patients, but it does not change the underlying tendency to form them. New freckles develop with ongoing ultraviolet exposure, so sun protection determines how long the result lasts.
Can I combine pico laser with other treatments?
Often, yes. Pigment and texture plans commonly combine laser with topical therapy, and sometimes with other devices at separate visits. What matters is sequencing and interval, so that inflammation from one treatment does not compromise the next.
Is a test spot necessary?
Not for every patient, but it is reasonable where the phototype is darker, the lesion diagnosis carries some uncertainty, the tattoo may contain cosmetic pigment, or there is a history of an adverse response to previous laser treatment.
Is pico laser covered by insurance or MediSave in Singapore?
Treatment performed for cosmetic indications is generally not claimable under MediSave or most private insurance policies. Where a lesion is being treated for a medical reason, check directly with your insurer.
What should I ask before booking anywhere?
Which specific device and wavelength will be used, who will perform the treatment, what the endpoint for your particular diagnosis is, what happens if post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation develops, and whether the clinic has more than one wavelength available if the first approach does not work.
Singapore pigment & laser consultation
755nm picosecond laser at Aquila Medical Center
Aquila Medical Center is located at 160 Robinson Road, #05-01 SBF Centre Medical Suites, Singapore 068914, in the Central Business District, a short walk from Tanjong Pagar, Shenton Way and Telok Ayer MRT stations. Patients looking for a 755nm pico laser in Singapore can be assessed for pigmentation, tattoo pigment, acne scars and selected textural concerns.
Because Aquila also has other laser wavelengths and energy-based devices, treatment can be selected according to the target rather than forcing every concern onto one platform. For complex pigmentation, the first goal is to establish the diagnosis and pigment depth before discussing a laser plan.
You can read more about our doctors, review our pigmentation treatment pathway, or compare the 1064/532nm picosecond platform.
References
Scientific references & further reading
1. Anderson RR, Parrish JA. Selective photothermolysis: precise microsurgery by selective absorption of pulsed radiation. Science. 1983;220:524–527. Science.
2. Wu DC, Goldman MP, Wat H, Chan HHL. A systematic review of picosecond laser in dermatology: evidence and recommendations. Lasers Surg Med. 2021. PubMed.
3. Torbeck RL et al. Evolution of the picosecond laser: a review of literature. Dermatol Surg. 2019. PubMed.
4. Saedi N et al. Treatment of tattoos with a picosecond alexandrite laser: a prospective trial. Arch Dermatol. 2012. PubMed.
5. Ma G et al. 755-nm picosecond vs nanosecond alexandrite lasers for tattoo removal: randomized split-tattoo trial. 2026. PubMed.
6. Reiter O et al. Picosecond lasers for tattoo removal: a systematic review. PubMed.
7. Lee YJ et al. Treatment of melasma and PIH by a picosecond 755-nm alexandrite laser in Asian patients. PubMed.
8. Manuskiatti W et al. Prospective split-face randomized study of 755-nm picosecond laser with and without diffractive lens array for melasma in Asians. PubMed.
9. Assessing safety and efficacy of picosecond alexandrite lasers in melasma: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials. 2026. PubMed.
10. Efficacy and safety of 755-nm picosecond alexandrite laser with topical tranexamic acid versus laser monotherapy for melasma and facial rejuvenation. PubMed.
11. Treatment of laser-responsive dermal pigmentary conditions in type III-IV Asian skin with a 755-nm picosecond laser: Singapore National Skin Centre review. PubMed.
12. Noninvasive atrophic acne scar treatment in Asians with a 755-nm picosecond laser using a diffractive optic lens. PubMed.
13. Fractional picosecond laser for atrophic acne scars: a meta-analysis. 2023. PubMed.
14. Picosecond lasers in cosmetic dermatology: an overview of types and indications. 2024. PubMed.
15. Comparative appraisal with meta-analysis of picosecond versus nanosecond lasers for hyperpigmented disorders and tattoos. 2025. PubMed.
16. McIlwee BE, Alster TS. Treatment of cosmetic tattoos: a review and case analysis. Dermatol Surg. 2018. PubMed.
17. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: a systematic review of treatment outcomes. PubMed.
18. Review of fractional nonablative lasers for dermatologic conditions in darker skin phototypes. 2024. PubMed.
19. American Academy of Dermatology. Melasma: diagnosis and treatment. AAD.
20. American Academy of Dermatology. Sun protection and photoageing guidance. AAD.
This page provides general educational information and does not replace an individual medical consultation. Laser suitability, parameters, expected results and risks depend on diagnosis, skin type, target depth and clinical assessment. Results vary between individuals and no outcome can be guaranteed. Content reviewed by the medical team at Aquila Medical Center, Singapore. Last reviewed: 25 August 2026.