PICO Laser Treatment in Des Moines, WA
The PICO Lazer by Rohrer Aesthetics is a dual-wavelength picosecond laser that delivers ultra-short pulses of energy measured in trillionths of a second, shattering unwanted pigment while sparing the surrounding skin. At Allen Medical Aesthetics in Des Moines, WA, we use it for stubborn pigmentation, melasma, sun damage, and all-over skin rejuvenation. Every treatment is overseen by board-certified medical director Tod Work, ARNP, serving the greater Seattle-Tacoma area.
- Treatment Time
- 15-45 minutes
- Wavelengths
- 1064 nm and 532 nm
- Sessions
- 1-3 for pigment spots, 3-6 for rejuvenation
- Downtime
- 24-48 hours for skin rejuvenation
- Skin Types
- All types (Fitzpatrick I-VI) at 1064 nm
- Best For
- Pigmentation, melasma, sun damage, texture
What Is the PICO Laser?
The PICO Lazer by Rohrer Aesthetics is a dual-wavelength Nd:YAG picosecond laser. Where conventional Q-switched lasers rely primarily on photothermal (heat) energy, picosecond technology generates a predominantly photoacoustic effect: each 450 picosecond pulse creates a rapid pressure wave that mechanically fractures pigment granules into sub-micron particles, which the body's lymphatic system then clears. Because the pulse is so short, energy delivery is precise and collateral thermal damage to the surrounding skin is minimized.
The device holds FDA 510(k) clearance (K192583) for benign pigmented lesions, tattoo removal, and skin revitalization. At Allen Medical Aesthetics, this page covers how we use it for pigmentation and skin rejuvenation: age spots, freckles, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, melasma, acne scarring, and overall tone and texture. For tattoo removal, we run a dedicated program on the same picosecond technology, covered on our laser tattoo removal page.
The PICO laser is one platform in a deliberately broad laser suite. Having CO2, Erbium YAG, and picosecond systems under one roof lets us match treatment intensity to your skin type, concern severity, and tolerance for downtime rather than forcing every patient onto the same device. Board-certified medical director Tod Work, ARNP oversees all treatments, and our licensed providers collaborate to select the appropriate device and settings for each patient.
What to Expect From PICO Laser Treatment
Every PICO laser course at Allen Medical Aesthetics follows the same arc: assess first, prepare properly, treat precisely, and protect the result. Your provider tailors the specifics to your skin type and concern.
Consultation and Skin Assessment
Your provider evaluates your skin type, Fitzpatrick phototype, concern severity, and treatment history. We determine whether the PICO laser is the optimal platform for your goals, or whether a combination approach, such as PICO plus CO2, would produce better outcomes. You leave with a detailed treatment plan and realistic expectations.
Pre-Treatment Preparation
In the weeks before your session, you discontinue retinoids and limit unprotected sun exposure. Patients with a history of cold sores may be prescribed antiviral prophylaxis. Broad-spectrum SPF 50+ is mandatory throughout your treatment course.
Treatment Session
A topical anesthetic is applied 30-45 minutes before the procedure. The handpiece is passed over the treatment area, delivering precisely calibrated picosecond pulses. Most patients describe the sensation as a series of sharp snaps. Sessions run 15 to 45 minutes depending on the area and indication.
Post-Treatment and Collagen Remodeling
Mild redness and swelling are expected immediately after treatment and typically resolve within 24 to 72 hours. For skin rejuvenation, collagen remodeling continues for 3 to 6 months after treatment. Strict sun protection is required during healing to prevent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Ready to see if pico laser is right for you?
$50 consultation fee, applied toward your first treatment. No pressure, no obligation.
What the PICO Laser Treats
The PICO Lazer holds FDA 510(k) clearance for benign pigmented lesions, tattoo removal, and skin revitalization. At your consultation, your provider confirms which indication fits your presentation and skin type. The concerns below are what we treat with it most.
- Solar lentigines (age spots)
- Ephelides (freckles)
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
- Melasma, as part of a comprehensive protocol
- Cafe-au-lait macules
- Sun damage and uneven skin tone
- Atrophic acne scars
- Enlarged pores and rough texture
- Fine lines and wrinkles
Is This Treatment Right for You?
Sound like you? Let's talk about your goals.
Book a Consultation- Patients with stubborn pigmentation that has not responded to topical treatments
- Patients wanting skin rejuvenation with minimal downtime compared to ablative resurfacing
- All skin types for the 1064 nm wavelength (Fitzpatrick I-VI), including darker skin tones
- Lighter skin types (Fitzpatrick I-III) for the 532 nm wavelength
- Not recommended during pregnancy or with active skin infections; isotretinoin use within the past 6 months requires evaluation with your provider
PICO Laser Recovery and Results
Downtime depends on what we are treating. Skin rejuvenation treatments typically involve 24 to 48 hours of mild redness and swelling, similar to a moderate sunburn, because the fractional handpiece delivers non-ablative energy without breaking the skin surface. Targeted pigment treatments can produce pinpoint bleeding and crusting with 5 to 10 days of healing. Your provider gives you specific post-care instructions for your treatment.
Session counts also vary by indication. Pigmented lesions often respond in 1 to 3 sessions. Skin rejuvenation typically requires 3 to 6 sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart, with collagen remodeling continuing for 3 to 6 months after your course. Melasma is a special case: it is a complex, hormonally influenced condition with a high recurrence rate, so we treat it within a comprehensive protocol that pairs the laser with topical agents and strict photoprotection rather than as a standalone fix.
Throughout your course, broad-spectrum SPF 50+ is mandatory. Sun protection during healing is what prevents post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and protects the result you paid for.
Mild redness and swelling are expected and typically resolve on their own. Rejuvenation treatments feel similar to a moderate sunburn.
Treated spots may crust and flake as the skin heals. Follow your post-care instructions and keep the area protected from sun.
Your next session in a rejuvenation series is typically scheduled 4 to 6 weeks after the last.
Collagen and elastin remodeling continues well after your final session, with texture and tone improving over time.
Common Questions About PICO Laser
What is a PICO laser?
A PICO laser is a picosecond laser: it delivers pulses of energy measured in trillionths of a second. The PICO Lazer by Rohrer Aesthetics we use at Allen Medical Aesthetics is a dual-wavelength Nd:YAG picosecond laser with a 450 picosecond pulse duration. The ultra-short pulse creates a photoacoustic pressure wave that shatters pigment into microscopic fragments the body's lymphatic system clears naturally.
Is the PICO laser safe for my skin type?
The 1064 nm wavelength is FDA-cleared and clinically validated for all Fitzpatrick skin types I through VI, including darker skin tones. The 532 nm wavelength is optimized for Fitzpatrick types I through III. During your consultation, your provider confirms which wavelength and settings are appropriate for your skin type and concern.
How does the PICO laser differ from a Q-switched laser?
Q-switched lasers deliver nanosecond pulses (billionths of a second), generating primarily photothermal energy. The PICO laser delivers picosecond pulses (trillionths of a second), up to 100 times shorter, which creates a predominantly photoacoustic effect. This mechanical shattering of pigment is more efficient and produces less collateral thermal damage, often resulting in better clearance in fewer sessions.
Can the PICO laser treat melasma?
Yes, picosecond lasers can be effective for melasma, but melasma is a complex, hormonally influenced condition with a high recurrence rate. For best results, PICO laser treatment for melasma should be part of a comprehensive protocol that includes topical agents such as hydroquinone or tranexamic acid, strict broad-spectrum photoprotection, and ongoing maintenance. We discuss realistic expectations and long-term management at your consultation.
How many PICO laser sessions will I need?
It depends on the indication, lesion characteristics, and your individual response. Pigmented lesions often respond in 1 to 3 sessions. Skin rejuvenation typically requires 3 to 6 sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. We create a customized treatment plan at your consultation.
What is the downtime after PICO laser treatment?
Downtime varies by indication. Skin rejuvenation treatments typically involve 24 to 48 hours of mild redness and swelling, similar to a moderate sunburn. Targeted pigment treatments may produce pinpoint bleeding, crusting, and 5 to 10 days of healing. Your provider gives you specific post-care instructions at your consultation.
Does the PICO laser hurt?
Most patients describe the sensation as a series of sharp snaps or rubber band flicks against the skin. We apply a topical anesthetic 30 to 45 minutes before treatment to maximize comfort, and a cooling device may also be used during the procedure. Tolerance varies by individual and treatment area.
Does the PICO laser remove tattoos?
Yes. Picosecond technology is the current gold standard for laser tattoo removal, and we run a dedicated tattoo removal program on it at Allen Medical Aesthetics. Tattoo removal has its own process, session counts, and pricing, so we cover it on our laser tattoo removal page rather than here. This page focuses on pigmentation and skin rejuvenation.
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Book Your PICO Laser Consultation in Des Moines
Find out whether the PICO laser is the right platform for your pigmentation or skin rejuvenation goals. Book a consultation at Allen Medical Aesthetics online, or call us at (206) 414-9979. Board-certified medical director Tod Work, ARNP oversees all treatments, and financing is available through Cherry, CareCredit, and Sunbit. We serve patients throughout Des Moines, Federal Way, Kent, Seattle, and the greater Seattle-Tacoma area.
- Board-certified providers
- FDA-approved products only
- $50 consultation fee applied to treatment
- Transparent, honest pricing
- Individualized treatment plans
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