Pain, safety, timing, candidacy — the questions almost every patient has before booking, answered honestly in one place.
Does Pico Laser hurt?
Most patients describe it as mildly uncomfortable rather than painful, often compared to a light snapping or tingling sensation. Topical numbing can be used for larger treatment areas or more sensitive skin.
How long does a session take?
Most sessions take 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the size of the treatment area, with additional time for topical numbing if used.
Is there any downtime?
Downtime is minimal for most patients. Mild redness and temporary darkening of treated pigment (frosting) is normal for the first 24 to 48 hours. See our full recovery timeline for a day-by-day breakdown.
Is Pico Laser safe?
Yes, when performed by an experienced provider with appropriate settings for your skin type. Its low-heat, photoacoustic mechanism generally makes it one of the safer laser options available, including for darker skin tones.
Is it safe for darker skin tones?
Yes, generally. Pico Laser's lower heat generation makes it one of the safer laser options for Fitzpatrick IV-VI skin. See our full guide on darker skin safety for more detail.
Who should not get Pico Laser?
Certain skin conditions, active infections in the treatment area, recent sun exposure or tanning, and some medications can affect candidacy. A consultation confirms whether Pico Laser is appropriate for your specific situation.
How soon will I see results?
Many patients notice initial fading within days as treated pigment darkens and sheds. Full results build over a series of sessions. See our before and after guide for a realistic timeline.
How many sessions will I need?
This depends heavily on what's being treated. See our full session count guide for a breakdown by pigment type.
Will my results be permanent?
Results from clearing existing pigment are long-lasting, but new pigment can form over time from ongoing sun exposure or, for melasma, hormonal triggers. Sun protection and occasional maintenance help sustain results.
How much does it cost?
Cost depends on treatment area, number of sessions, and whether it's booked as a package. See our cost breakdown for what actually affects pricing, or view current pricing on the treatment menu.
Can I combine Pico Laser with other treatments?
Yes. Pico Laser is often combined with other modalities, such as in The Pigment Protocol, which pairs it with ReVive Thulium for comprehensive pigment correction at different depths.
How soon can I book after a consultation?
Many patients are able to book their first Pico Laser session shortly after their consultation, pending confirmation of candidacy and any pre-treatment instructions specific to their skin.
If a question isn't answered here, it's worth asking directly at consultation rather than guessing. Pico Laser is one of the treatments I get the most detailed questions about, and I'd rather spend the time explaining the reasoning than have a patient go in with assumptions that don't match their actual situation.
Book a consultation and ask Dr. Mortazavi directly.