PicoSure Pro by Cynosure: Picosecond Laser Treatment for Pigmentation, Acne Scars, and Skin Rejuvenation in NYC
The Next Generation of Picosecond Laser Technology
PicoSure Pro is an advanced picosecond laser platform developed by Cynosure, a global leader in medical aesthetics with deep roots in the Korean and international laser markets. As the latest evolution of the original PicoSure platform, PicoSure Pro delivers ultra-short picosecond pulses of laser energy to treat a wide range of pigmentation concerns, acne scarring, tattoo removal, and overall skin rejuvenation with greater speed, precision, and versatility than earlier generations of pico technology.
Cynosure’s Lutronic division, based in South Korea, has been instrumental in advancing the engineering behind PicoSure Pro, and the device has become a fixture in leading Korean dermatology clinics where picosecond lasers are among the most in-demand treatments for achieving clear, even, luminous skin.
How PicoSure Pro Works
PicoSure Pro emits laser energy in pulses measured in picoseconds, which are one trillionth of a second. At this speed, the laser creates what is known as a photoacoustic effect rather than relying primarily on heat. The rapid energy delivery shatters pigment particles and stimulates cellular repair mechanisms in the skin without the prolonged thermal exposure associated with older nanosecond or Q-switched lasers. This translates to more effective pigment clearance, less risk of heat-related damage, and a faster recovery profile.
PicoSure Pro operates at a primary wavelength of 755nm, with additional options at 532nm and 1064nm, allowing treatment of a broad spectrum of pigment colors and skin types. The device also uses a proprietary Focus Lens Array that converts the laser beam into zones of intense pressure, creating a laser-induced optical breakdown effect in the dermis that drives collagen and elastin remodeling without ablating the surface of the skin.
What PicoSure Pro Can Treat
PicoSure Pro is one of the most versatile picosecond platforms available and can address a wide range of concerns.
For pigmentation, it is highly effective at treating sunspots, age spots, freckles, melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), and other forms of uneven skin tone. The 755nm wavelength is particularly well suited for targeting melanin, and the picosecond pulse duration allows for more thorough pigment fragmentation with fewer treatment sessions than traditional lasers.
For acne scarring and skin texture, the Focus Lens Array creates controlled pressure zones in the dermis that stimulate collagen production and remodel scar tissue from within, improving the appearance of atrophic acne scars, enlarged pores, and uneven skin texture over a series of treatments.
For tattoo removal, PicoSure Pro is FDA-cleared to remove a broad range of tattoo ink colors. The picosecond pulse shatters ink particles into smaller fragments than nanosecond lasers, allowing the body to clear them more efficiently and reducing the number of sessions required to achieve clearance.
For overall skin rejuvenation, low-energy PicoSure Pro treatments stimulate the skin’s natural repair response, improving overall tone, luminosity, and texture with minimal downtime. This type of protocol has become particularly popular in Korean aesthetic practice as a regular maintenance treatment for achieving and sustaining the “glass skin” appearance that characterizes the Korean beauty ideal.
Benefits of PicoSure Pro
- Effective across a broad range of pigmentation concerns including melasma and PIH
- Treats acne scarring and skin texture through collagen-stimulating Focus Lens technology
- FDA-cleared for tattoo removal across multiple ink colors
- Picosecond pulse speed reduces thermal damage and recovery time compared to older lasers
- Multiple wavelengths allow customization to different skin tones and concerns
- Suitable for a range of Fitzpatrick skin types with appropriate settings
- Minimal downtime for most treatment protocols
- Widely used in Korean dermatology clinics as a skin quality maintenance treatment
PicoSure Pro vs. Other Picosecond Lasers
PicoSure Pro is part of a competitive field of picosecond laser platforms that also includes devices such as PicoWay, PicoLO, and various Korean pico systems. What distinguishes PicoSure Pro is its combination of the 755nm alexandrite wavelength, which targets melanin particularly efficiently, with the Focus Lens Array that enables collagen stimulation for rejuvenation and scarring applications in the same device. This dual capability makes it a highly adaptable platform that can serve patients across a broad range of indications in a single treatment system.
Ideal Candidates for PicoSure Pro
PicoSure Pro is well suited for patients dealing with stubborn pigmentation including melasma, sunspots, or post-acne marks that have not fully responded to topical treatments. It is also a strong option for patients with mild to moderate atrophic acne scarring who want to improve skin texture without the downtime associated with ablative resurfacing. Patients interested in skin rejuvenation and tone improvement with little to no downtime, as well as those seeking tattoo removal, are also good candidates.
A thorough consultation with a board-certified dermatologist is important before undergoing picosecond laser treatment. Melasma in particular requires careful evaluation, as it can be triggered or worsened by certain laser settings, and a provider with expertise in treating pigmentation across diverse skin types is essential for achieving safe and effective outcomes.
What to Expect During Treatment
Most PicoSure Pro treatment sessions are well tolerated. Patients typically describe a sensation of mild snapping or warmth during energy delivery. Topical numbing cream is often applied before treatment, particularly for higher-energy sessions targeting scarring or pigmentation.
Session length depends on the area being treated and the indication, typically ranging from 15 to 45 minutes. For pigmentation concerns, a series of treatments spaced three to four weeks apart is generally recommended. Rejuvenation and maintenance protocols may involve more frequent lower-energy sessions. Tattoo removal typically requires a greater number of sessions spaced six to eight weeks apart to allow adequate ink clearance between visits.
Results and Recovery
For rejuvenation and low-energy toning treatments, there is generally no downtime. Mild redness may occur after treatment and typically resolves within a few hours.
For pigmentation treatments, some temporary darkening of treated spots, mild redness, or slight swelling may occur and generally resolves within a few days to one week. For higher-energy scar treatments, redness and mild swelling can persist for several days.
Results from pigmentation treatments often become visible within one to two weeks as treated spots fade. Collagen stimulation from Focus Lens treatments develops gradually over several weeks to months, with continued improvement seen across a full treatment series. Diligent sun protection following treatment is essential to protect results and prevent recurrence of pigmentation.
How PicoSure Pro Fits Within Korean Pico Laser Technology
South Korea has been at the forefront of picosecond laser adoption, with pico treatments becoming a cornerstone of Korean skin care culture for their ability to deliver clear, bright, even-toned skin. Korean aesthetic clinics pioneered many of the low-energy, high-frequency pico toning protocols now widely studied and adopted globally. PicoSure Pro, through Cynosure’s Lutronic division, reflects the intersection of global laser science and Korean clinical innovation, making it a relevant device for patients interested in accessing that standard of care.
Learn More About Picosecond Laser Treatment for Pigmentation and Skin Rejuvenation
To explore whether a picosecond laser treatment is the right approach for your skin concerns, schedule a consultation with Dr. Yoo.