Pico Laser
Wilmington, NC
Precision at Pico Speed
Pigment is stubborn by nature. Once it settles into the skin, creams and peels may only do so much. Picofy by InMode gives us a precise way to reach unwanted ink and discoloration with ultra-short pulses of laser energy, opening up treatment options for tattoo removal, melasma, sun damage, acne scars, and uneven skin tone.
At Blue Medical Aesthetics in Wilmington Pico laser treatment begins with a close look at what’s actually happening beneath the surface. Ink color, pigment depth, skin tone, sun exposure, and previous treatments all affect how your skin may respond, so your plan is built around those details from the beginning.
Tattoo removal, unwanted pigmentation, melasma, sun damage, acne scars, and skin rejuvenation.
Session length depends on the size and complexity of the treatment area. Small tattoos or isolated spots may take only a few minutes.
The laser feels like a series of quick snaps against the skin. Topical numbing cream may be applied beforehand.
Mild redness, warmth, or swelling may follow treatment. Most patients can return to normal activities the same day.
Visible improvement develops over multiple sessions. Tattoo removal generally requires a longer series than pigment correction or skin rejuvenation.
One Laser, Several Possibilities
Pico laser technology delivers energy in picoseconds, each lasting one-trillionth of a second. That speed creates a pressure-based effect capable of shattering ink and pigment into tiny particles. Your body then clears those particles naturally over time.
We use Picofy by InMode, a picosecond laser with 1064 nm and 532 nm wavelengths. Having both wavelengths allows us to work with different pigment depths and ink colors while adjusting the treatment to the individual patient. Picofy can also be used fractionally to stimulate collagen and elastin production, improving skin texture and the appearance of acne scars.
A Faster Pulse Makes the Difference
Q-switched lasers have been used for tattoo and pigment treatments for many years. They deliver energy in nanosecond pulses, breaking apart unwanted ink and pigmentation through a combination of heat and pressure. Pico laser technology works at a significantly faster speed, creating a stronger photoacoustic effect with less unnecessary heat reaching the surrounding skin.
Q-Switched Laser | Pico Laser | |
|---|---|---|
| Pulse speed | Nanoseconds | Picoseconds |
| Pigment breakdown | Breaks pigment into larger fragments | Creates smaller particles that the body can clear more efficiently |
| Heat exposure | Relies more heavily on thermal energy | Limits excessive heat in surrounding tissue |
| Treatment flexibility | Commonly used for dark tattoo ink and select pigmentation | Treats multiple ink colors, stubborn pigmentation, acne scars, and skin texture |
| Treatment series | Resistant pigment may require additional sessions | May deliver greater fading in fewer treatments, depending on the concern |
| Skin rejuvenation | Primarily used for pigment and tattoo removal | Fractional settings can stimulate collagen and elastin production |
Q-switched technology remains a proven option, although Picofy offers greater precision, versatility, and control. Its 1064 nm and 532 nm wavelengths allow us to address different pigment depths and ink colors, while fractional treatment options support broader skin rejuvenation goals. For patients seeking tattoo removal or correction of unwanted pigmentation, Pico laser treatments offer an advanced approach with minimal downtime and less heat delivered to the surrounding tissue.
Clear and Noticeable Improvements
Ultra-short bursts of energy concentrate on the tattoo ink or excess pigment, limiting unnecessary heat in the surrounding tissue.
Picofy settings can be adjusted for a range of skin types, including selected patients with darker skin tones. Careful evaluation remains essential because darker skin may be more prone to post-inflammatory pigmentation.
Most Pico laser treatments involve minimal downtime. Temporary redness and sensitivity are common, although tattoo removal may also cause crusting, swelling, pinpoint bleeding, or small blisters.
Fractional Pico treatments encourage new collagen and elastin production. Improvements in acne scars and skin texture appear progressively as the skin rebuilds.
Finding The Best Treatment For You
Pico laser treatment may be appropriate if you’re bothered by an unwanted tattoo, benign pigmentation, sun damage, acne scars, or an uneven complexion. A good candidate has healthy skin in the treatment area and can follow the recommended aftercare and sun precautions.
Melasma needs particular care. Light, heat, hormones, and sun exposure can all influence the condition, and an overly aggressive treatment may make pigmentation worse. We’ll examine the pattern and history of your melasma before deciding if Picofy belongs in your treatment plan.
Treatment may need to wait if you have an active infection, open wound, recent tan, or a medication that increases light sensitivity.
From Consultation to Laser
We will first examine your skin or tattoo and ask about previous laser treatments, medications, tanning, and recent sun exposure. Tattoos are assessed for color, age, density, depth, and scarring because each of those details can change the number of sessions needed.
Once the skin is clean, a topical anesthetic may be applied for comfort. You’ll wear protective eyewear while the laser is passed across the treatment area. You may feel warmth and a quick snapping sensation, but the treatment itself is usually brief.
Before you leave, we’ll explain how to care for the treated skin and when it may be ready for another session.
The Power to Target Pigment
Picofy can be used for two main purposes at Blue Medical Aesthetics: clearing unwanted pigment and improving the quality of the skin.
For tattoo removal, the laser targets ink particles without treating the entire depth of the surrounding skin. Black and dark blue inks often respond readily, while lighter or more complex ink colors may require a different wavelength, additional sessions, or a more gradual approach.
For skin rejuvenation, Picofy may address age spots, sun damage, melasma, lingering discoloration, acne scars, and uneven skin tone. Fractional treatments create a controlled response below the surface that stimulates collagen production without the recovery associated with more invasive procedures.
Healing, Fading, and Renewal
The treated skin may feel warm or look mildly red for a few hours to several days. Keep the area clean, avoid picking at crusting or blisters, and follow the post-treatment care instructions provided by our team.
Direct sun exposure can interfere with optimal healing and increase the risk of discoloration. Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen is especially important after treating pigment or melasma.
When Your Sessions Pay Off
Pigmentation usually fades gradually as your body clears the smaller pigment particles. Skin texture continues to improve as collagen production develops in the weeks following treatment.
Tattoo removal takes patience. The number of sessions depends on the ink colors, depth, density, tattoo location, and your immune response. Complete removal cannot be promised, although many patients see substantial fading with a properly spaced treatment series.
Experience Behind Every Pulse
Picofy gives us excellent laser technology, but the settings chosen for your skin determine how that technology is used. Amy Vargas brings 20 years of nursing experience to each treatment, with medical oversight from Dr. Marcel Vargas. You’ll see a consistent provider who knows what has already been tried, how your skin responded, and when it makes sense to adjust the plan.
Our recommendations stay grounded in your skin, your comfort, and results that can be pursued safely.
A Clearer Plan for Your Skin
Schedule a Pico laser consultation with us at Blue Medical Aesthetics in Wilmington, NC, to find out how Picofy may help fade unwanted ink, pigmentation, or visible textural damage.
The laser breaks tattoo ink into smaller particles, allowing your body to clear them gradually. Treatments are spaced apart to give the skin time to heal and the immune system time to process the fragmented ink.
Pigmentation may improve within a few treatments, while tattoo removal often requires a longer series. Your provider can give you a more useful estimate after examining the area in person.
Most patients describe a snapping or prickling sensation. Topical numbing cream may be used to reduce discomfort, especially during tattoo removal.
Selected patients with darker skin tones may be candidates. The wavelength and energy settings must be chosen carefully to reduce the risk of unwanted pigmentation or scarring.
Some tattoos clear very well, while others leave faint ink or a shadow behind. Color, depth, ink composition, scarring, and previous removal attempts all influence the final result.
