Pico Laser in Brisbane & the Gold Coast: How It Works and What It Treats
Reviewed by the LLC Cosmetic clinical team. Our Pico Laser treatments are guided by an MBBS-qualified cosmetic doctor, registered nurses, and senior dermal therapists. In addition, a PhD-qualified medical physicist provides in-house laser physics oversight and calibrates our medical-grade equipment. We treat clients across four Queensland clinics: Brisbane City, Sunnybank, Southport and Robina.
Pico Laser has quickly become one of the most requested skin treatments across Brisbane and the Gold Coast. This guide explains how the technology works, what it targets, and what most clients experience. In short, you get the facts before you book a consultation.
Pico Laser at a glance
- Picosecond pulses break down pigment through pressure rather than heat.
- Clinicians use it to address pigmentation, sun spots, freckles, acne marks and dull skin.
- Sessions usually run 15–30 minutes with minimal downtime.
- Available at all four LLC clinics: Brisbane City, Sunnybank, Southport and Robina.
What is Pico Laser?
Pico Laser is a picosecond laser, which means it fires energy in trillionths of a second. Because the pulses are so short, the device shatters pigment through pressure rather than heat. As a result, the surrounding skin takes on far less thermal stress.
The name comes from that picosecond pulse duration. Older lasers worked in nanoseconds, which is roughly a thousand times slower. Therefore, it can break pigment into finer particles that your body clears more easily.
What does Pico Laser treat?
Clinicians use Pico Laser to address a range of common skin concerns. Below are the concerns clients in Brisbane and the Gold Coast ask about most.
Pigmentation & melasma
Used to address sun-related pigmentation, melasma and uneven tone.
Sun spots & freckles
Targets brown spots and freckles linked to UV exposure.
Acne marks & texture
May help soften post-acne marks and shallow textural scarring.
Dull, uneven skin
Clients report a brighter, more refined complexion over a course.
Enlarged pores & fine lines
Collagen stimulation may improve pore appearance and fine lines.
Unwanted tattoos
Picosecond energy is widely used to fade tattoo ink. See our Pico tattoo removal page.
How does Pico Laser work?
Pico Laser works through a photoacoustic effect. The ultra-short pulse creates a tiny pressure wave inside the skin. Consequently, clusters of pigment break into microscopic fragments.
Your immune system then clears those fragments through the lymphatic system. Meanwhile, the same energy gently stimulates collagen in the deeper layers. Over several weeks, this can refine both texture and tone.
Because the process relies on pressure instead of heat, it limits thermal damage. This matters for darker and sensitive skin. In fact, the lower-heat approach carries a smaller risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. For an independent overview, the dermatology resource DermNet explains how picosecond devices target both natural pigment and tattoo ink.
What happens during a treatment session?
Your first visit always starts with a conversation, not the laser. Here is the typical step-by-step process.
- 1
Consultation & skin assessment
First, a clinician reviews your skin, history and goals. This complimentary step shapes your plan.
- 2
Preparation
Next, we cleanse the area. We can apply numbing cream if you prefer extra comfort.
- 3
The treatment
Then the handpiece passes over the skin. Most clients describe light tingling or a rubber-band snap.
- 4
Cooling & aftercare advice
Afterwards, we soothe the skin and explain your aftercare steps clearly.
- 5
Review & next session
Finally, we book your follow-up and track your progress over time.
Pico Laser vs CO2 laser vs IPL
Many clients compare it with other popular options. The table below outlines the practical differences, so you can discuss them at your consultation.
| Feature | Pico Laser | Fractional CO2 | IPL |
|---|---|---|---|
| How it works | Pressure-based picosecond pulses, low heat | Ablative heat that resurfaces the skin | Broad-spectrum light absorbed by pigment |
| Often chosen for | Pigmentation, melasma, dull tone, tattoo ink | Deeper acne scars, wrinkles, texture | Surface pigment, redness, mild sun damage |
| Typical downtime | A few hours of mild pinkness | Around 7–10 days of healing | Little to none |
| Sensation | Light tingling or snap | More intense; numbing used | Warm flashes of light |
| Typical course | 3–8 sessions | Fewer, deeper sessions | Several sessions |
No single option wins for everyone. At LLC, clinicians sometimes combine it with fractional CO2 resurfacing to address pigmentation and texture together. A consultation confirms the right path for your skin.
Recovery and what to expect afterwards
Recovery is usually short, yet your skin still needs care. The timeline below shows what most clients notice.
Mild redness or pinkness for a few hours. Most clients return to daily activities the same day.
Treated pigment may look slightly darker before it fades. This is expected and temporary.
Superficial pigment flakes or lightens as your body clears the fragments.
Collagen-driven changes in texture and tone continue to develop gradually.
Aftercare that supports your results
- Apply SPF 50+ every day, even when it is cloudy.
- Avoid retinol, acids and exfoliants for 5–7 days.
- Skip saunas and hot showers for the first 48 hours.
- Tell your therapist if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or on acne medication.
Possible side effects and who it suits
Every laser treatment carries some risk. Pico Laser is generally well-tolerated, yet temporary reactions can still occur.
Common short-term effects include mild redness, slight swelling and temporary darkening of pigment. These usually settle within a few days. Rarely, changes in pigmentation can occur, particularly without proper aftercare.
It is often chosen for darker and sensitive skin because of its low-heat approach. However, it suits some concerns better than others. Therefore, a consultation helps confirm whether it fits your skin and your goals.
About LLC Cosmetic Laser Clinics
LLC Cosmetic Laser Clinics operates four locations across Brisbane and the Gold Coast. You can visit us in Brisbane City, Sunnybank, Southport and Robina.
Our team includes an MBBS-qualified cosmetic doctor, registered nurses, and senior dermal therapists. In addition, a PhD-qualified medical physicist provides in-house laser physics oversight.
Because a physicist calibrates our medical-grade equipment, every session follows careful technical standards. Furthermore, we tailor each plan during your consultation. You can learn more about our clinics and team.
Overall, Pico Laser offers a low-downtime way to address pigmentation and dull skin across Brisbane and the Gold Coast. To find out whether it suits you, book a complimentary skin assessment with our team.
Book a complimentary skin assessment at your nearest LLC Cosmetic clinic.
BRISBANE CITY • SUNNYBANK • SOUTHPORT • ROBINA
Book Your Free Skin AssessmentPico Laser FAQ
What does Pico Laser treat?
Clinicians use it to address pigmentation, melasma, sun spots, freckles, post-acne marks, dull skin and tattoo ink. Your clinician confirms suitability at a consultation.
How does the treatment work?
It delivers picosecond pulses that create a pressure wave. This wave shatters pigment into tiny fragments. Then your body clears them naturally over the following weeks.
Does it hurt?
Most clients describe light tingling or a quick rubber-band snap. We can apply numbing cream first. We also adjust the settings to your skin and comfort.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on your concern. Pigmentation often needs 3–6 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart. Acne marks and texture may need more. Your clinician sets a plan for you.
Is there any downtime?
Downtime is usually minimal. You may notice mild redness for a few hours. Most clients return to normal activities straight away.
Is it suitable for darker skin tones?
The low-heat approach is often chosen for darker and sensitive skin. It carries a smaller risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. A consultation confirms your suitability.
How is Pico Laser different from CO2 laser?
It uses pressure with little heat and minimal downtime. Fractional CO2 resurfaces with heat and needs longer recovery. They suit different concerns, and clinicians sometimes combine them.
What should I avoid afterwards?
Avoid retinol, acids and exfoliants for 5–7 days. Stay out of direct sun and apply SPF 50+ daily. Also skip saunas and hot showers for 48 hours.