Skin Pigmentation Removal Treatment in Singapore
PICOWAY
(SYNERON-CANDELA PICOSECOND 532/1064NM LASER)
*PicoWay is among the picosecond laser technologies available for aesthetic use.
The PicoWay® system is a dual-wavelength picosecond laser featuring non-fractional and fractional capabilities, developed by Syneron Candela, a recognised manufacturer of aesthetic laser devices.
The PicoWay® laser delivers energy in ultra-short picosecond pulses (one trillionth of a second), compared to nanosecond lasers which operate at one billionth of a second. The shorter pulse duration allows for high peak power delivery.
The PicoWay® system operates through a unique mechanism, delivering ultra-short picosecond energy bursts directly to the skin tissue. These pulses generate a photoacoustic effect, breaking down pigmentation into smaller particles for natural elimination.
Key Features
- High peak power with the shortest pulse duration – Achieves a non-thermal, photoacoustic effect for targeted skin rejuvenation.
- Adjustable treatment parameters – customisable wavelength, fluence, repetition rate, and spot size for tailored treatments.
- Broad skin type compatibility – Safe for use on lighter to darker skin tones.
- Reduced risk of side effects – Ultra-short pulses (100x shorter than Q-switched lasers) minimise risks such as hyperpigmentation and scarring, making it suitable for darker skin.
- Versatile tattoo removal – Three wavelengths (532nm, 785nm, and 1064nm) enable treatment of various tattoo types, including professional, amateur, traumatic, surgical, and cosmetic tattoos. The system is designed to minimise downtime compared to conventional lasers.
- Minimal side effects – Lower risk of thermal damage and fewer treatment sessions required.
PICOWAY® CAN ALSO ADDRESS EPIDERMAL AND DERMAL PIGMENTATION:
- Epidermal pigmentation:
- Solar lentigines
- Freckles
- Seborrheic keratoses
- Café-au-lait macules
- Nevus spilus
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
- Dermal pigmentation:
- Nevus of Ota
- Nevus of Ito
- Becker’s nevus
- Melasma
- Acquired dermal melanocytosis
- Hori’s nevus
- Acquired bilateral nevus of Ota like maculae
- Tattoo pigment
PicoWayⓇ ResolveTM
*PicoWay RESOLVE is among the picosecond laser technologies available for aesthetic use.
PicoWay® Resolve is a non-invasive, non-surgical anti-ageing treatment that uses short laser pulses to stimulate natural collagen production, improving skin appearance. The laser beam operates similarly to the PicoWay® Zoom but is divided into over 100 identical small beamlets. These beamlets target the skin evenly, reaching below the surface without damaging the outer layers.
The laser’s high speed and power create a photoacoustic effect, vaporising tiny areas beneath the skin in a non-thermal process. This promotes natural collagen and elastin remodelling over time. As the treatment does not disrupt the skin’s surface, downtime is minimal, allowing patients to resume daily activities quickly.Key Features:
Laser Technology and Methodology- PicoWay® Resolve™ Fractional Resurfacing uses a picosecond holographic fractionator to deliver controlled laser energy, designed to ensure even energy distribution and consistent treatment outcomes.
- It includes two handpieces:
- 532nm wavelength for superficial lesions.
- 1064nm wavelength for deeper penetration.
- Picosecond pulses generate Laser-Induced Cavitations (LICs) in the dermis and Laser-Induced Optical Breakdown (LIOBs) at the dermal-epidermal junction.
- LIC stimulates skin remodelling and healing.
- LIOB primarily targets pigmentation.
- Improves skin clarity, tone, texture, and pore size with minimal downtime.
- Transient redness may occur post-treatment but typically resolves quickly.
- Supports the treatment of acne scars, with visible improvements in skin brightness, and wrinkles.
- Reduction in acne scarring observed after three treatment sessions
- Improvement in wrinkle severity
- Clearance of benign pigmented lesions
- Removal of multi-coloured tattoos
- Scars
- Wrinkles
- Dark spots
- Sun damage
- Fine lines
- Acne scars
- Pigmented lesions
- Stretch marks
PICOSUREⓇ
(CYNOSURE PICOSECOND 755NM LASER)
*PicoSure is among the picosecond laser technologies available for aesthetic use.
PicoSure® is a picosecond laser system that delivers ultra-short pulses of energy to the skin in trillionths of a second. With a pulse width significantly shorter than nanosecond lasers, it produces a photoacoustic effect that allows the facilitation of pigment clearance in fewer treatment sessions compared to conventional laser technology.
The system's 755nm wavelength is used for tattoo removal, including challenging ink colours such as blue and green, as well as previously treated tattoos.
HOW IT WORKS FOR TATTOO REMOVAL
Boost enhances the PicoSure® PressureWave™ mechanism by increasing pressure by 70%, achieved through a reduction in pulse width from 750 to 550 picoseconds. This adjustment improves pigment fragmentation, offering expanded treatment options for recalcitrant tattoos and optimising results.
PicoSure® is a 755nm picosecond laser indicated for the treatment of epidermal and dermal pigmentation, including:- Epidermal pigmentation:
- Solar lentigines
- Freckles
- Seborrheic keratoses
- Café-au-lait macules
- Nevus spilus
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
- Dermal pigmentation:
- Nevus of Ota
- Nevus of Ito
- Becker’s nevus
- Melasma
- Acquired dermal melanocytosis
- Hori’s nevus
- Acquired bilateral nevus of Ota like maculae
- Tattoo pigment
PICOSUREⓇ FOCUS™
Focus Lens Array for skin revitalisation
Picosecond laser technology, when combined with a specialised Focused Lens Array (FOCUS™ ), has been shown to achieve notable skin revitalisation effects. The diffractive lens array handpiece delivers laser energy through high-fluence micro-spots surrounded by low-fluence regions.
The Focused Lens Array (FOCUS™ ) comprises over a hundred microlenses per square centimetre, redistributing the picosecond pulse into concentrated beams with a lower-fluence background. Its hexagonal closely packed design delivers 70% of the total energy through micro-spots, while the remaining 30% creates a low-fluence background.
The Treatment Facilitates:
- Target energy delivery: Less than 10% of tissue is exposed to ultra-high fluence.
- Tissue safety: No thermal injury to surrounding tissue.
- Minimally invasive effects: Avoids columns of tissue damage.
- Gentle recovery: Minimal erythema, supporting rejuvenation procedures with minimal downtime.
- PicoSure® FOCUS™ Lens Array targets unwanted signs of ageing and skin irregularities such as:
- Scars
- Wrinkles
- Dark spots
- Sun damage
- Fine lines
- Acne scars
- Pigmented lesions
- Stretch marks
PICOSECOND VS NANOSECOND
| PICOSECOND | NANOSECOND |
| PICOSECOND PULSE – ONE TRILLIONTH OF A SECOND | NANOSECOND PULSE – ONE BILLIONTH OF A SECOND |
| Takes advantage of photoacoustic effect (non-thermal) to target ink and pigment | Relies on photothermal action |
| Fewer treatment sessions usually required | More treatment sessions typically required |
| Less fluence required to achieve similar results | Higher fluence typically required to achieve similar results |
Not all picosecond lasers are the same. Patients are encouraged to discuss with their physician the specific technology being used for their treatment. Optimal outcomes depend on the physician’s expertise in diagnosing the condition and selecting the most appropriate, evidence-based technology.
At Angeline Yong Dermatology, both PicoWay® and PicoSure® technologies are used to address a broad range of pigmentary concerns. Dr Yong emphasises a tailored approach, offering customised treatments based on the type and severity of pigmentation.
The clinic utilises multiple wavelengths (532nm, 755nm, 785nm, and 1064nm) in picosecond mode, as well as long-pulsed 755nm and Q-switched 532nm/1064nm modes when needed. This flexibility allows for precise adjustments in fluence, wavelength, and pulse duration, which helps improves outcomes in complex pigmentary cases.
The wide range of lasers available in Singapore enables superior results and each specific individual is provided with a unique, customised solution to target a wide spectrum of pigmentation issues.
The availability of diverse laser technologies in Singapore enables individualised treatment plans, ensuring patients receive the most suitable solution for their specific pigmentation issues.
SKIN PIGMENTATION TREATMENT WITH PICO LASERWatch this explanatory video to learn how the treatment works and what to expect, helping you make an informed decision before starting therapy.
THE BENEFITS OF PICO LASERS FOR SKIN PIGMENTATION REMOVAL
At Angeline Yong Dermatology, laser treatment for pigmentation is performed using hybrid technologies such as PicoWay® and PicoSure®. These treatments target pigmentation with precision, aiming to improve skin clarity with fewer sessions required. Pico lasers deliver ultra-short pulses of energy to break down pigment particles, which are then naturally cleared by the body.
WHY PICO LASER TECHNOLOGY MAY BE SUITABLE- Reduced risk of side effects: PicoSure® and similar treatments are associated with lower risks of scarring and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, making them suitable for various skin types, including darker skin tones.
- Efficient clearance: The ultra-short pulse duration of PicoWay® enables pigment clearance, requiring fewer treatment sessions than some longer-pulsed lasers.
- Broad applicability: These treatments can address various pigmentation concerns, including sun spots and melasma, targeting both epidermal and dermal pigment.
- Minimal downtime: As a non-surgical approach, pico laser treatments typically involve little to no downtime, enabling patients to return to daily activities shortly after treatment.
GENTLEMAX PROTM
*GentleMax Pro is among the dual-platform laser systems available for aesthetic use.
The GentleMax Pro™ by Syneron-Candela is a dual-platform laser system combining long pulsed 755nm Alexandrite and 1064nm Nd:YAG laser technologies. This allows for a broad range of treatments across all 6 skin types.- Permanent reduction of unwanted or excess hair (all skin types)
- Removal of benign keratoses and sun spots on various body areas
- Removal of pigmented lesions
- Correction and rejuvenation of diffuse sun damage (face and body)
- Reduction of facial redness and broken blood vessels
- Vascular lesions (e.g., venous lake, hemangioma)
It targets brown sun spots and benign keratoses with minimal risk of scarring. For optimal results, sun avoidance before and after treatment is recommended.
COLOUR CORRECTION & SKIN REJUVENATIONDiffuse sun damage—commonly affecting the face, neck, chest, and arms—can be improved with the GentleMax Pro™. Depending on severity, multiple sessions may be required, though visible improvements are observed after each treatment.
VASCULAR LESIONSThe procedure can address vascular lesions, facial redness, and broken blood vessels (e.g., on the cheeks, nose, or chin). Post-treatment, temporary redness, swelling, or bruising may occur. Patients are advised to avoid aspirin and NSAIDs for 1 week prior to the procedure.
FAQ
Pico lasers utilise ultra-short pulse durations (in the picosecond range, or one trillionth of a second) to deliver high peak power with precision. This allows targeted fragmentation of pigmentation into tiny particles, which are then naturally eliminated by the body’s immune system.
Due to their rapid pulse speed, pico lasers minimise thermal damage to surrounding tissues, reducing downtime and side effects. They are also versatile: by adjusting wavelengths and handpieces, they can address various skin concerns, including:
- Pigmentation irregularities
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Acne scars
- Tattoo removal
Dr Angeline Yong is a dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon in Singapore with extensive experience in managing various pigmentation disorders. She specialises in laser-based treatments for complex pigmentary conditions.
Recognised as an Asia-Pacific and Global Key Opinion Leader for established laser systems, including picosecond lasers, Angeline Yong Dermatology is part of the globally appointed Candela Centre of Excellence—the first in Singapore and one of two in Southeast Asia.
Her treatment approach often incorporates a combination of lasers in a hybrid protocol. This method allows for more comprehensive targeting of mixed pigmentation types, aiming to improve efficacy while minimising the number of treatment sessions required.
