Built to close the gap in pigment treatment
Most Orange County medical spas offer one modality for pigment — usually IPL, which works well for lighter skin and surface-level sun spots but has real limits for deeper pigment, melasma, and darker complexions. Plump brought in PicoLazer specifically to close that gap. Dual 1064nm and 532nm wavelengths let Dr. Mortazavi select the right energy for the specific pigment and skin tone in front of him, rather than treating every patient with the same single-wavelength device. For a full breakdown of every pigmentation type we treat, see our hyperpigmentation treatment hub.
Pigmentation is the reason most patients book PicoLazer. Skin texture and pore refinement come as a meaningful secondary benefit of the same sessions, and tattoo removal is available as a specialty service using the same platform.
What PicoLazer treats, in order of priority
01
Primary — Pigmentation
Sun damage, melasma & post-acne pigment
Age spots, sun spots, and photodamage from years of UV exposure. Melasma, treated with a conservative, staged protocol to avoid flare or rebound darkening. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation left behind by acne — one of the most common and most frustrating concerns patients bring to consultation.
02
Secondary — Texture
Pore size, fine texture & mild acne scarring
The fractional handpiece stimulates collagen remodeling in the same sessions used for pigment, gradually refining pore size and smoothing fine textural irregularities. For patients with rolling or boxcar scarring, PicoLazer complements — rather than replaces — subcision or CO2 resurfacing.
03
Specialty — Tattoo Removal
A capability, not the focus
The same picosecond pulse duration that breaks down pigment particles is effective for tattoo ink across a range of colors. Available at Plump for patients who need it, without being the primary reason to bring the device into the practice.
Learn more about tattoo removal →
Why dual wavelength matters
A single-wavelength device forces a compromise — the setting that works well for a sun spot on fair skin is not the setting that safely treats melasma on a deeper skin tone. PicoLazer's 1064nm and 532nm wavelengths let Dr. Mortazavi match the energy to the pigment and the patient, which is the difference between a treatment that clears pigment safely and one that risks making it worse.
What to expect
01
Consultation
Dr. Mortazavi identifies the pigment type, depth, and your Fitzpatrick skin type to select the correct wavelength and protocol.
02
Treatment
Rapid picosecond pulses pass over the treatment area. Most sessions take 15–30 minutes depending on area size.
03
Clearing
Fragmented pigment is cleared by the body over 2–4 weeks. Mild redness or darkening of treated spots is normal and expected.
04
Series
Most pigment concerns need 3–6 sessions spaced 3–4 weeks apart. Melasma is staged more conservatively. See our
session count guide for a full breakdown by condition.
Who benefits most
Strong candidates
Sun spots, age spots, and photodamage on face, chest, or hands
Melasma that hasn't responded to topical treatment alone
Post-acne dark marks and uneven tone
Any Fitzpatrick skin type — including darker complexions
Patients wanting texture refinement alongside pigment correction
Better served elsewhere at Plump
Rolling or tethered acne scars → subcision is the primary treatment
Deep boxcar scars or significant volume loss → CO2 laser or RF microneedling
Vascular concerns (redness, broken capillaries) → Nd:YAG vein removal
Active, inflamed acne → medical management before laser treatment
Pricing
Treatment pricing
PicoLazer — targeted spot or full-face session
Priced by treatment area. Most patients need 3–6 sessions. By appointment only.
View Pricing & Book →
Frequently asked questions
What is PicoLazer and how does it treat pigmentation?
PicoLazer is a dual-wavelength (1064nm and 532nm) picosecond laser that delivers ultra-short pulses of energy to shatter pigment particles in the skin — from sun damage and age spots to melasma and post-acne dark marks. The fragmented pigment is naturally cleared by the body over the following weeks, progressively fading the discoloration.
Is PicoLazer safe for melasma?
Melasma is one of the more difficult pigmentation conditions to treat because aggressive settings can trigger a flare or rebound darkening. PicoLazer's dual wavelength and adjustable settings allow a conservative, gradual approach that is appropriate for melasma when performed with the correct protocol, which Dr. Mortazavi determines at consultation.
Is PicoLazer safe for darker skin tones?
Yes. PicoLazer is safe for all Fitzpatrick skin types, including darker complexions where many pigment-targeting lasers carry a higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. The dual-wavelength design allows Dr. Mortazavi to select the appropriate wavelength for the patient's skin tone and the pigment being treated.
Does PicoLazer also help with acne scars and skin texture?
Yes. In addition to pigment correction, PicoLazer's fractional handpiece stimulates collagen remodeling that improves skin texture, pore size, and mild acne scarring. Pigmentation is the primary reason most patients seek PicoLazer at Plump, with texture improvement as a secondary benefit of the same sessions.
Can PicoLazer remove tattoos?
Yes. PicoLazer's picosecond pulse duration is effective for tattoo removal across a range of ink colors. At Plump Medical Spa, tattoo removal is available as a specialty offering alongside the primary focus on pigmentation and skin texture.
How many PicoLazer sessions are needed?
Most pigmentation concerns require 3 to 6 sessions spaced 3 to 4 weeks apart, depending on the depth and type of pigment. Sun spots and superficial pigment often respond faster than melasma, which typically requires a longer, more conservative course.
How much does PicoLazer cost at Plump Medical Spa?
PicoLazer pricing depends on whether a targeted spot treatment or full-face session is performed. Current pricing is available on the Plump Medical Spa treatment menu.
Ready to address your pigmentation?
Consultations Tuesday through Saturday. Every PicoLazer session performed personally by Dr. Mortazavi.