What makes Picosure different from other lasers?

Picosure delivers its energy in picoseconds — trillionths of a second — far shorter than the nanosecond pulses of traditional Q-switched lasers. This ultra-short pulse shatters pigment through a photomechanical (pressure) effect rather than mainly heat, breaking pigment into much finer particles that the body clears more easily. The result is more effective pigment and tattoo clearance, often in fewer sessions and with less heat-related risk to surrounding skin.

Picosecond vs nanosecond — does the pulse duration really matter?

Yes, significantly. A picosecond pulse is roughly a thousand times shorter than a nanosecond pulse. Because the energy is delivered so quickly, it relies more on a photomechanical shockwave to fracture pigment and less on heat. That means pigment is broken into smaller fragments (easier for the body to remove) while less thermal energy spreads into the surrounding skin — lowering the risk of burns, scarring, and post-inflammatory pigmentation compared with older nanosecond Q-switched lasers.

How is Picosure different from IPL for pigmentation?

IPL (intense pulsed light) isn't a laser — it's a broad spectrum of light that heats pigment and is best suited to superficial, surface-level pigmentation like some sun spots and freckles on lighter skin. Picosure is a focused laser that targets pigment far more precisely and can address deeper or more stubborn pigment that IPL can't reach. IPL also carries more risk on darker or tanned skin because of its broad, heat-based delivery, whereas Picosure's targeted approach is generally safer for a wider range of skin tones.

Is Picosure suitable for darker skin tones?

Picosure's photomechanical action and short pulse duration deposit less heat into the skin than older nanosecond lasers and IPL, which makes it generally better tolerated across a wider range of skin tones. That said, pigment conditions vary and some — such as melasma — require a cautious, tailored approach on any device. Your suitability is always assessed in a consultation, where our practitioners review your skin type and pigment before recommending settings or an alternative.

How many sessions will I need?

It depends on the concern. Sun spots and superficial pigmentation may clear in just a few sessions; tattoos typically need several sessions spaced weeks apart, with the number depending on ink colour, density, depth, and age. Because Picosure fragments pigment more finely than nanosecond lasers, many patients reach their goal in fewer sessions overall. We'll give you a realistic estimate at your consultation.

Does Picosure hurt, and is there downtime?

Most patients describe the sensation as a quick snapping or tingling feeling, and treatments are generally well tolerated; we can use cooling or numbing for comfort on sensitive areas. Downtime is minimal — you may have temporary redness, mild swelling, or a slight frosted appearance immediately afterward, which usually settles within hours to a couple of days. Most people return to normal activities straight away with appropriate sun protection.

Can Picosure treat tattoos as well as pigmentation?

Yes. Picosecond technology is highly effective for both pigmentation (sun spots, age spots, freckles, and certain types of melasma under careful protocols) and tattoo removal. Its ability to shatter ink into very fine particles makes it particularly good at clearing stubborn colours and previously treated tattoos that nanosecond lasers struggled with. See our dedicated tattoo removal and pigmentation pages for more detail.

How much does Picosure cost at 99 Medispa?

Pricing depends on the size of the area, the concern being treated, and the number of sessions required. We offer Picosure at our Sydney CBD clinic at 99 York St alongside a full range of pigment and laser devices, so we can recommend the right tool for your skin. Book a consultation for personalised pricing and a realistic session estimate.

Treatment Comparison

Picosure vs Other Lasers

Why Picosecond Technology for Pigmentation?

Not all pigment treatments are equal. The difference is how fast the energy fires — and how finely it shatters pigment your body then clears away.

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Treatment Overview

Three Ways to Treat Pigment — One Clear Winner

If you're researching pigmentation or tattoo removal in Sydney, you'll come across three broad options: Picosure (a picosecond laser), traditional nanosecond Q-switched lasers, and IPL (intense pulsed light). They all target unwanted pigment, but they do it very differently — and the difference shows in results, safety, and the number of sessions you'll need.

The key variable is pulse duration — how briefly the energy is delivered. Picosure fires in picoseconds (trillionths of a second), using a photomechanical shockwave to shatter pigment into very fine particles. Nanosecond lasers fire about a thousand times slower and rely more on heat. IPL isn't a laser at all — it's broad-spectrum light that heats surface pigment and suits only the most superficial cases.

At 99 Medispa, we have a full range of pigment and laser devices at our Sydney CBD clinic, including Picosure. That means our practitioners can match the right technology to your skin type and pigment — rather than forcing every concern onto a single machine. Learn more on our Picosure and pigmentation removal pages.

Picosecond Laser

Picosure

Picosure delivers energy in picoseconds, so fast that pigment is fractured by a photomechanical pressure wave rather than mostly heat. Pigment shatters into ultra-fine particles that the body clears efficiently — giving more complete clearance, often in fewer sessions, with less collateral heat to surrounding skin.

Best for: Stubborn and deeper pigment, sun and age spots, multi-colour or previously treated tattoos, a wider range of skin tones.

Nanosecond Laser

Q-Switched (Nanosecond)

Traditional Q-switched lasers fire in nanoseconds — about a thousand times slower than Picosure — and rely more on photothermal (heat) energy to break pigment. They work, but tend to leave larger pigment fragments, need more sessions, and carry a higher risk of heat-related side effects on sensitive or darker skin.

Best for: Some pigment and tattoo cases, but generally less efficient and more heat-dependent than picosecond technology.

Intense Pulsed Light

IPL

IPL is not a laser — it's a broad spectrum of light that heats surface pigment. It can lift superficial sun spots and freckles on lighter skin, but it can't target deeper or stubborn pigment precisely, and its broad, heat-based delivery carries more risk on tanned or darker skin.

Best for: Superficial surface pigmentation and overall tone on lighter skin — not deep or complex pigment.

Direct Comparison

Picosure vs Nanosecond vs IPL: At a Glance

Feature	Picosure	Q-Switched	IPL
Type	Picosecond laser	Nanosecond laser	Pulsed light (not laser)
Pulse duration	Trillionths of a second	Billionths of a second	Milliseconds (broad)
Primary mechanism	Photomechanical (pressure)	Photothermal (heat)	Heat absorption
Pigment fragments	Ultra-fine	Larger	Surface only
Depth reached	Superficial to deeper pigment	Moderate	Superficial only
Heat to surrounding skin	Low	Higher	Higher (broad)
Tattoo removal	Excellent, incl. stubborn ink	Variable	Not suitable
Sessions needed	Often fewer	More	Varies (surface only)
Suitability across skin tones	Wider range	More limited	Most limited

Why Pulse Speed Matters

Picoseconds vs Nanoseconds, Side by Side

The clearest way to understand Picosure's advantage is to see the difference in pulse speed. A faster pulse shatters pigment into finer particles using pressure rather than heat — so the body clears it more easily, with less risk to surrounding skin.

Infographic comparing pigment fragmentation: a picosecond pulse shatters pigment into ultra-fine particles via pressure, while a slower nanosecond pulse leaves larger fragments using more heat. — A graphical representation of how pulse duration affects pigment fragmentation. Actual results vary by pigment type, depth, and skin.

Decision Guide

Which Treatment Is Right for You?

The right device depends on your pigment, your skin tone, and your goals. Here's a practical guide:

Choose Picosure If:

Your pigment is stubborn, deeper, or hasn't responded to other treatments
You want the most effective clearance, often in fewer sessions
You're removing a tattoo — especially multi-colour or previously treated ink
You have a skin tone that needs a lower-heat, more precise approach
You want to minimise the risk of heat-related side effects
You'd prefer the most advanced pigment technology available

IPL or Nanosecond May Suit If:

Your concern is purely superficial surface pigment on lighter skin (IPL)
You're also targeting overall redness or tone, not just pigment (IPL)
A specific pigment or tattoo responds well to a nanosecond wavelength
Your practitioner recommends it as part of a combined plan
You want a simpler, surface-level refresh rather than deep clearance

A note on melasma: melasma is a complex, easily aggravated form of pigmentation, and no single laser is right for everyone. Whatever the device, it calls for conservative settings and a tailored plan. At 99 Medispa, we have the full range of pigment technologies on-site in Sydney CBD, so our practitioners can choose — or combine — the right approach for your skin rather than fitting your skin to one machine.

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Take the Next Step

Not Sure Which Treatment Is Right?

Book a consultation with our specialists. We have Picosure alongside a full range of pigment and laser devices at our Sydney CBD clinic, so you'll get an unbiased recommendation based on your skin and pigment — not the one device we happen to sell.

Your consultation is completely free to book, with no deposit required.