What to Expect: Pico Laser —
Named Before It Is Treated

Brown marks that look alike can be sun spots, freckles, post-inflammatory marks, melasma or deeper dermal pigment, and each is handled differently; pigmentation types shows how they differ. At a first consultation, which usually takes 30–45 minutes, Dr SY takes your history and examines the skin in good light, with a dermatoscope where needed. A spot that is changing, bleeding or unlike the others is examined first and, if needed, referred for dermatological assessment.

Photographs are taken with your consent, for your medical record only, and are never published. Your written plan names the mode and wavelength, and nothing is done without your informed consent.

Preparing for the session

• Pause retinoids and exfoliating acids on the area, as advised.
• Stay out of strong sun and do not tan; a recent tan can mean waiting until it fades.
• Start daily sunscreen before the first session.
• Tell the clinic about photosensitising medicines, recent or current isotretinoin, pregnancy or breastfeeding, a tendency to keloid scars, cold sores, and any infection or open wound in the area. Do not stop a prescribed medicine without asking the doctor who prescribed it.
• Bring a list of the skincare actives you use.

1. Your plan is confirmed.
2. The skin is cleansed.
3. Numbing cream is applied if the area or setting calls for it.
4. Protective eyewear goes on.
5. Dr SY treats the area himself with the DEKA TORO pico laser, in spot, toning or fractional mode as planned; where tone and tightening are treated together, this is the T2 Frax Radiance protocol. Cooling is used during and after.
6. You leave with written aftercare for the mode used.

Where inflammation is part of the picture, Dr SY may choose the R2 Glow laser instead. No shot count is promised beforehand. How the picosecond pulse works is on the pico laser page, and the protocol on T2 Frax Radiance. Dr Sin Yong holds a Key Opinion Leader appointment with DEKA.

Most people feel a rapid snapping against the skin, like a fine elastic band, along with warmth. Toning across the face is the mildest. A single dark spot feels sharper but is over quickly, and fractional settings feel hotter and prickly. Tolerance differs from one person to the next.

If a pass feels stronger than you expected, say so: the pace and settings can be adjusted as you go. Afterwards the skin may feel warm or tight for a few hours.

What to do at home on the first day and through the first week is on the pico laser aftercare page.

How you are likely to look, mode by mode, and when you can be seen, is on the pico laser downtime page.