PicoPlus: What You Need to Know
Pros & cons
How much it costs
What to expect
Side effects to consider
How soon you see results
How long results last
Fast facts
The PicoPlus from Lutronic is an FDA-cleared Nd:YAG laser. It's designed for tattoo removal and treating pigmentation concerns, such as freckles, sun spots, melasma, café-au-lait spots, nevus of ota birthmarks, and pigmented lesions.
PicoPlus is a picosecond laser, which means it emits pulses of light that are one picosecond (one trillionth of a second) long. Some older Q-switched lasers have longer pulse durations that create heat, which can create thermal damage to the skin and underlying tissue.
Picosecond lasers like this one don’t create much heat at all. Compared to previous laser technology, PicoPlus treatments are more precise, comfortable, and effective. Offering two nanosecond and two picosecond wavelengths, PicoPlus breaks up hyperpigmentation and tattoo ink with shockwaves. This leaves microparticles of ink or melanin that the body can eliminate more easily.
These ultra-short pulses also carry a lower risk of burns, so providers can use peak power settings without damaging skin—a big plus for olive, brown, and deep skin tones, which are more prone to heat-related side effects than lighter ones.
Lutronic PicoPlus treatments are also used “off-label” (beyond the official FDA clearance) as an effective treatment for skin rejuvenation, especially for patients who have a combination of pigmentation concerns, fine lines, and wrinkles.
The picosecond pulses stimulate new collagen and elastin production, improving elasticity and making skin look smoother and younger over time. Results are more subtle than what you’d get from a fractional or ablative laser treatment (which removes some or all of the skin’s top layer), but PicoPlus treatments come with no downtime.
Picosecond laser treatments aimed at creating a more even skin tone are often advertised as “PicoToning.”
RealSelf Tip: The PicoPlus device has six handpieces, including the Zoom handpiece for colored tattoos, and the focused toning handpiece, designed to treat scars and rejuvenate skin. Some are pending FDA clearance in the U.S. but available in Asia (Singapore and Korea), the EU, and Australia, making the device even more versatile for treating skin conditions like inflammatory acne, acne scars, rosacea, and keratoses (noncancerous skin growths).
Pros
- PicoPlus selectively targets pigment (melanin) and tattoo ink on nearly any area of the face and body, without damaging skin.
- Picosecond lasers like this one offer effective treatment in fewer sessions, with a lower risk of side effects and less downtime than older technologies. People usually return to their daily routine immediately afterward, or at least by the next day.
- The treatment isn’t painful, but you may feel a warming sensation and light prickling. A topical numbing cream can minimize any discomfort.
- It’s a good choice for even the most challenging tattoo cases. Operating at high energy with multiple wavelengths of light, it can break up a wide range of ink colors, including black, brown, green, blue, purple, red, orange, and yellow. PicoPlus reportedly produces faster results than other laser tattoo removal methods because the smaller ink particles get eliminated from the body more quickly.
- Nanosecond and picosecond wavelength options allow providers to customize treatment to a patient’s skin type.
Cons
- As with other nonablative lasers, most patients will need 3-5 sessions, every 2-8 weeks, to see optimal results.
- You won’t see your final results until several weeks after your final treatment.
- These elective cosmetic treatments can get expensive, especially if you need multiple sessions.
PicoPlus tattoo removal prices range from $69 per treatment for an extra-small tattoo (smaller than a quarter) to $609 per treatment for a jumbo tattoo (larger than two dollar bills) at Inkfree, MD Laser Clinic in Houston, Texas.
The price you pay will depend on:
- your provider’s credentials and level of experience
- their practice location
- your skin concerns
- how many sessions you need to achieve your desired result
Most practices offer package pricing. During your initial consultation, ask for a price estimate for your entire treatment plan. They may offer discounts if you pay up-front, or in cash.
PicoPlus treatments take about 15 minutes, in most cases, though you may be asked to arrive an hour prior so a topical numbing cream an be applied—and have time to work.
During the treatment, your provider will use a handpiece to deliver laser pulses into the dermal tissue, methodically moving the tip to ensure the entire area gets treated. They may make several passes.
The laser will feel like a rubber band snapping lightly against the skin, but it shouldn’t be painful.
Immediately afterward, a cold compress may be applied to the treated area to help soothe your skin.
You’ll be given aftercare instructions. They will likely include recommendations to avoid direct sunlight and wear a broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen with an SPF of 30+ for several weeks. Sun exposure can trigger post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and affect the quality of your results, so take these steps seriously to make sure your investment is worth it.
Picosecond lasers like PicoPlus are considered safe for any area of the face and body. Treatment is highly targeted, and the thermal impact is minimal.
The most common side effects include mild redness, swelling, and itchiness, which subside within a few hours or by the following day. However, people with deep skin tones are more susceptible to side effects from laser treatment, so it’s important to work with a provider who knows how to safely treat skin of color.
Bruising is also possible, though it’s also usually mild.
If you’ve recently had Botox or filler injections, wait at least two weeks before having any laser treatment.
The timeline for PicoPlus results can vary based on your skin type, treatment goals, and other factors.
For instance, the age, quality and type of tattoo that’s being removed all play a role. The improvement process starts immediately, but the lightening of ink and pigmentation will become noticeable 2-4 weeks after each treatment session, as the immune system flushes out the shattered ink particles.
When you discuss your treatment plan during your consultation, ask your provider how many sessions you’ll need to achieve your desired result.
PicoSure tattoo removal results are permanent. Your final results will be visible once the skin heals from your last treatment session.
Birthmark and pigmented lesion removal results should also be long-lasting.
The longevity of your treatment results for sun spots, melasma, rosacea, and other pigmentation concerns will depend on your skin type, lifestyle, and how serious you are about sun protection. Your provider may recommend maintenance treatments every six months.
Updated August 29, 2024