Spots and acne scars make you afraid to go out without makeup. You’ve tried brightening serums with little effect, and worry that laser treatments will cause rebound pigmentation or be too painful. The core advantage of Pico laser is its speed – the pulse duration is extremely short, causing far less thermal damage than traditional lasers and lowering the risk of post‑inflammatory hyperpigmentation. The Hive lens also helps tighten skin texture and shrink pores. This article clearly outlines the indications, number of sessions, and post‑care for Pico laser.
Pico Laser with Hive Lens (PicoSure) is a laser technology that uses a picosecond (10⁻¹² seconds) pulse width. Compared with traditional nanosecond lasers, the ultra‑short pulses of Pico laser shatter melanin particles into even finer dust, making them easier for macrophages to clear. Its key innovation is the Hive Lens / Focus Lens, an optical lens that redistributes laser energy to create up to 20 times the focused energy. Without damaging the epidermis, it produces a laser‑induced optical breakdown (LIOB) effect in the dermis, stimulating new collagen and elastin while effectively removing melanin, improving hyperpigmentation, and treating acne scars.
Suitable candidates include those with pigmentary issues such as freckles, sun spots, melasma, and age spots; those with acne scars, enlarged pores, fine lines, or uneven skin tone; and those wishing to improve overall skin texture and smoothness.
Absolute contraindications include: pregnancy or breastfeeding; photosensitive disorders (e.g., lupus) or use of photosensitising medications; active infection, open wounds, or severe acne flare‑ups in the treatment area; keloid or hypertrophic scar tendency; use of oral Accutane within the past 3 months; severe diabetes or coagulation disorders; allergy to anaesthetics. Darker skin types (Fitzpatrick IV‑VI) require careful evaluation due to an increased risk of pigment changes.
In the Korean aesthetic market, Pico Laser is available in two main platforms – PicoSure and PicoWay. Both feature Hive / focusing lens technology, but differ slightly in wavelengths and indications. A detailed comparison is provided below:
| Device Platform | Core Technology | Main Wavelengths | Best Indications | Downtime | Reference Price (KRW/session) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PicoSure | Hive Lens (Focus Lens) + 755nm Alexandrite | 755nm | Melanin removal (spots, acne marks), fine lines, acne scars, skin brightening | Mild‑moderate redness, about 1‑3 days | ₩400,000 – 800,000 |
| PicoWay | Holographic Diffractive Optic + multi‑wavelength | 532nm / 1064nm / 730nm | Melasma, deep pigmentation, tattoo removal, mixed skin concerns | Mild redness, about 1‑2 days | ₩350,000 – 750,000 |
* Prices are single‑session full‑face reference ranges from Gangnam dermatology clinics in Seoul. Actual costs vary by treatment area, physician experience, and case complexity.
Selection advice: If your main concerns are acne scars, fine lines, and overall rejuvenation, PicoSure’s 755nm Hive lens is particularly effective. For melasma or multi‑layered pigmentation, PicoWay’s multi‑wavelength combination holds an advantage. Most Korean clinics recommend 3‑5 sessions as a full course, with intervals of about 4‑6 weeks.
Step 1 – Cleansing & anaesthetic: After thorough facial cleansing, anaesthetic cream (TCA or lidocaine‑based) is applied for about 30 minutes to reduce discomfort.
Step 2 – Parameter setting & delivery: The physician adjusts fluence and spot size based on skin type, pigmentation depth, and area. You will hear slight popping sounds and feel warmth and mild stinging – similar to a rubber band snap, which most patients tolerate well. Full‑face treatment takes about 15‑25 minutes.
Step 3 – Post‑op cooling & repair: Immediate ice packing for 15‑20 minutes, followed by repair ointment or a soothing mask. Mild warmth and redness on the day are normal.
Immediate effect: Right after treatment, you’ll notice skin brightening and refined pores, but spot and scar lightening requires metabolic time.
Progressive effect: At about 3‑7 days post‑op, as the stratum corneum sheds, pigment patches gradually fade and acne scar areas begin to smooth out. Peak results are typically seen 1‑2 months after completing the full course.
Duration: A single treatment can last about 6 months to 1 year, depending on sun protection habits and metabolism. Annual 1‑2 maintenance sessions are recommended for long‑term clear skin. Combined with sunscreen (SPF 50+ PA++++), results can be significantly extended.
Q1: Is Pico laser with Hive lens painful?
A: Only a mild stinging sensation is felt during treatment, like a rubber band snap. With anaesthetic cream, comfort is greatly enhanced, and most people do not need additional pain relief.
Q2: How many sessions are needed to see noticeable results?
A: One session gives visible skin brightening, but for stubborn melasma or deep acne scars, 3‑5 sessions are recommended for cumulative improvement. Intervals should be at least 4 weeks.
Q3: How much does Pico laser with Hive lens cost in Korea?
A: In Seoul Gangnam, a single full‑face session ranges from ₩350,000 to ₩800,000, depending on the device, physician, and promotions. Package deals for a full course are usually more cost‑effective – ask for a detailed breakdown during consultation.
Q4: How soon can I wear makeup? What post‑care precautions are there?
A: It is recommended to avoid makeup for about 24‑48 hours and keep the skin clean. For 1 week post‑op, intensify moisturising and sunscreen, and avoid acids or exfoliants. Mild crusting or temporary darkening is part of the normal metabolic process – do not pick at it.
Q5: What is the difference between Pico laser with Hive lens and traditional laser toning?
A: Traditional laser toning (QS Nd:YAG) operates at nanosecond pulse widths, causing greater thermal damage and residual heat. Pico laser has a much shorter pulse duration, relying mainly on photomechanical effects with greatly reduced thermal damage, and the Hive lens simultaneously stimulates collagen neogenesis for dual spot removal and skin tightening.
Common side effects: Temporary redness, swelling, mild crusting, or post‑inflammatory hyperpigmentation – usually resolve within 1‑2 weeks. Rarely, temporary blisters or hypopigmentation may occur.
Serious risks: Improper practice can lead to burns, scars, or permanent skin discolouration. Darker skin types require special attention to wavelength selection and energy control.
Rational advice: Always choose a Korean certified medical institution and an experienced dermatologist. A patch test should be performed before treatment to rule out adverse reactions. Never receive treatment in a beauty salon or non‑medical setting. Strict sun protection post‑op is the key to maintaining results, and it is advisable to pair with antioxidant skincare. About 70% of the outcome depends on the physician’s skill – consult multiple sources and decide carefully.
All content translated from the original Chinese article. No alterations have been made to the content.