PicoLazerin Chicago, IL

Older lasers rely on heat to clear pigment and ink. PicoLazer uses speed instead, generating pulses so fast the skin barely registers the impact before the work is already done.

PicoLazer Overview

A Clinical Commitment to Skin Quality at Shah Facial Plastics

Anil R. Shah, MD, FACS is double board-certified in Facial Plastic Surgery and Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, with a practice built entirely around the face and a reputation for precision, natural results, and advancing techniques others haven't published yet. Non-surgical treatments are led by Sameea Chughtai, MD, a board-certified physician with more than 15 years of clinical experience in skin rejuvenation, laser treatments, and regenerative medicine. To find out whether PicoLazer is right for your skin, schedule a consultation at the Chicago office.

What Is PicoLazer?

PicoLazer is a picosecond laser system by Rohrer Aesthetics, built around two wavelengths: 1064nm and 532nm. Each pulse lasts 450 picoseconds, or 450 trillionths of a second. At that speed, the laser relies on a physical pressure wave instead of heat, shattering pigment and ink into fragments the body can clear on its own.

Because the energy reaches the skin as a pressure wave rather than heat, there's less risk of damaging surrounding tissue. That makes it effective across a wide range of concerns: tattoo removal, dark spots, melasma, acne scars, enlarged pores, and fine lines, on virtually any skin tone.

Benefits of PicoLazer

Treats tattoos, dark spots, melasma, acne scars, enlarged pores, and fine lines with one device
Two wavelengths cover a wider range of ink colors and pigment depths than single-wavelength devices
At 450 picoseconds per pulse, it breaks pigment apart physically rather than burning it away
No heat means less risk of damage to the skin surrounding the treatment area
Safe for all skin tones, including olive and darker complexions where heat-based lasers carry higher risk
Visible improvement after each session, with continued progress as treated pigment fades

Am I a Good Candidate for PicoLazer?

PicoLazer may be a strong option for adults dealing with unwanted tattoos, sun spots, age spots, melasma, post-acne discoloration, acne scars, enlarged pores, or fine lines. Because it works without heat, it can be used safely on olive, brown, and darker skin tones that may not tolerate other laser options. Candidates should be in good general health, free of active skin infections or open wounds in the treatment area, and not currently taking medications that cause sun sensitivity. The clinical team reviews medical and skincare history at the consultation to confirm suitability and build a treatment plan.

Why Choose Shah Facial Plastics for PicoLazer?

Non-surgical treatments at Shah Facial Plastics are led by Dr. Chughtai, a board-certified physician with more than 15 years of clinical experience in skin rejuvenation, laser treatments, injectables, and regenerative medicine. Every PicoLazer protocol at the practice is designed and overseen by a board-certified physician, personalized to each patient's skin, concerns, and goals.

Your Consultation

The consultation starts with a clear-eyed look at the concern being addressed and what PicoLazer can realistically accomplish. For tattoo removal, the clinical team evaluates ink color, tattoo age, skin tone, and any prior laser history, all of which affect the session count and likely outcome. For skin concerns like pigmentation, melasma, or acne scarring, the team outlines a treatment approach, sets a session schedule, and walks through what to expect along the way.

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How Much Does PicoLazer Cost?

Pricing depends on the treatment area, the concern being addressed, and the number of sessions recommended. Skin revitalization treatments typically require fewer sessions than tattoo removal. Because every plan is customized, a specific quote is provided after the consultation. The practice can also discuss package pricing for patients anticipating multiple sessions.

What to Expect During PicoLazer Treatment

Preparing for Your Session

Patients are typically advised to avoid direct sun exposure and tanning beds for several weeks before treatment. Certain topical products, including retinoids, exfoliating acids, and some prescription skincare, may need to be paused in the days or weeks leading up to a session. The clinical team provides a pre-treatment checklist tailored to the patient's current skincare routine.

During the Session

PicoLazer sessions are performed in-office and typically take between 20 and 45 minutes depending on the size of the treatment area. A topical numbing cream is applied beforehand, and most patients describe the sensation as a rapid series of snapping pulses. Your clinician adjusts wavelength, spot size, and lens type throughout the session based on what's being treated. Some redness and a whitish, frosted appearance in the treated area immediately after are normal and temporary.

After Your Appointment

Post-treatment care typically includes gentle cleansing, a physical sunscreen, and a pause on active skincare ingredients for several days. The clinical team provides specific aftercare instructions before each patient leaves the office. Any unexpected or prolonged symptoms should be reported promptly.

PicoLazer Recovery

Downtime varies based on the type of treatment. Skin revitalization sessions for pigmentation, texture, or pore concerns generally produce one to two days of mild redness, and most patients return to their regular routines the same day or the next. Tattoo removal sessions produce a more noticeable response: swelling, light crusting, and surface peeling are common in the first several days and are part of the normal healing process.

Consistent sun protection throughout the full course of treatment is essential. Healing skin is especially vulnerable to UV damage, and sun exposure between sessions can compromise results and contribute to new pigmentation.

PicoLazer Results

Improvement begins after each session and continues to build over the following weeks. Most patients notice a visible change in skin tone and clarity after the first few appointments, with ongoing refinement between sessions. Tattoo removal requires a series of treatments spaced several weeks apart, with gradual fading between each. Pigmentation concerns, including melasma, sun spots, and dark spots left behind by acne, often respond in fewer sessions.

PicoLazer Treatment Applications

Fractional Lens Treatments

The fractional lens delivers laser energy in a grid pattern, treating areas of skin while leaving untreated skin in between. This can prompt the skin to rebuild collagen and is well-suited for acne scars, texture concerns, and fine lines, with less surface disruption than more aggressive resurfacing treatments.

Telescopic Lens Treatments

The telescopic lens concentrates the beam into a smaller, more focused spot for precise, targeted work. It's used for individual dark spots, tattoo removal, and similar concerns where accuracy matters more than coverage.

Complementary Treatments at Shah Facial Plastics

CO2 Laser: An ablative resurfacing option for deeper wrinkles, significant sun damage, and complex texture concerns that call for more intensive correction.
Morpheus8: Radiofrequency microneedling that targets deeper skin layers to improve laxity, acne scars, and overall skin quality.
Chemical Peels: Customized acid treatments that resurface the outermost layers of skin to improve tone, clarity, and mild textural irregularities.
Acne Scar Treatment: A multi-modality approach to reducing the depth and visibility of depressed, rolling, and boxcar acne scars.
IPL Laser: Intense pulsed light therapy for surface redness, broken capillaries, and mild pigmentation with minimal downtime.
Hyperpigmentation Treatment: Targeted treatment for stubborn brown spots, melasma, and discoloration from past breakouts or sun exposure.

PicoLazer FAQ

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How many PicoLazer sessions will I need?

The number of sessions depends on what's being treated. Skin revitalization concerns like pigmentation or enlarged pores typically require fewer sessions. Tattoo removal takes longer because ink fades gradually between appointments rather than clearing all at once. A realistic estimate is provided at the consultation after evaluating the specific concern.

Can PicoLazer remove all tattoo ink colors?

PicoLazer's dual wavelengths allow it to address a wider range of ink colors than many single-wavelength devices. The 1064nm wavelength targets darker inks including black and dark blue, while the 532nm wavelength is better suited for lighter colors such as red and orange. Some colors respond more slowly than others. The clinical team evaluates each tattoo at the consultation and gives a realistic picture of what to expect.

What are the possible risks or side effects of PicoLazer?

Temporary redness, swelling, and post-treatment skin sensitivity are the most commonly reported responses. Pigment changes, including temporary lightening or darkening of treated skin, are possible, particularly in patients with deeper skin tones. Tattoo removal sessions can produce blistering, crusting, or surface texture changes during the healing period. Infection is uncommon but possible if post-treatment care instructions are not followed. Individual risk factors are reviewed at the consultation, along with guidance on how to minimize them.

How long do PicoLazer results last?

Results from skin revitalization treatments can be long-lasting, particularly when supported by a consistent skincare routine and daily sun protection. Maintenance sessions may be recommended over time to address new pigmentation from sun exposure or natural aging. Tattoo removal results are generally permanent in treated areas, though some residual shadowing may remain depending on the tattoo and how the skin responds.

Can PicoLazer treatments be combined with other services?

Combination approaches are common, and some patients benefit from pairing PicoLazer with treatments like chemical peels, injectables, or other skin treatments. The clinical team advises on sequencing and spacing to make sure the skin has adequate time to recover between each.

How much time is recommended between PicoLazer sessions?

Skin revitalization sessions are typically spaced four to six weeks apart. Tattoo removal sessions are generally scheduled six to eight weeks apart to allow time for fading between appointments. The clinical team may adjust spacing based on how the skin is healing and responding.

Can PicoLazer treat areas of the body other than the face?

Yes. PicoLazer can be used on multiple body areas, including the chest, arms, back, abdomen, and thighs. Any area with unwanted tattoos, sun spots, or pigmentation concerns may be a candidate for treatment.

Does PicoLazer work on post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation?

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), the darkening that can develop after acne, injury, or skin irritation, is one of the conditions PicoLazer can address. Results vary based on skin tone, the depth of the discoloration, and how long it's been there. Consistent sun protection between sessions is especially important for patients treating PIH, since UV exposure can deepen existing discoloration and slow progress.

Schedule Your PicoLazer Consultation in Chicago

Shah Facial Plastics brings the same precision and personalized care to every treatment, laser included. Contact us online to schedule your PicoLazer consultation today.

This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not replace a consultation with a board-certified physician. Outcomes, risks, and suitability vary from patient to patient.