Glowing skin can finally be within reach, without red marks, severe peeling, or taking days off. Pico Toning is a gentle laser treatment that can reduce discoloration, refine pores, and even stimulate collagen with virtually no downtime.
Pico Toning uses ultrafast picosecond laser pulses (literally trillionths of a second) to break up pigment into tiny particles. Unlike older lasers that use heat, this method relies on gentle pressure waves that leave the surrounding skin unchanged. It tackles issues like sunspots, freckles, melasma, acne scars, enlarged pores, dull tone, and early lines. At the same time, it encourages collagen and elastin renewal, resulting in smoother, firmer skin.
While every patient is different, here's a quick overview of what an average Pico Toning appointment involves.
The charm of Pico Toning is that you can return to life immediately after. You might see mild redness, slight sensitivity, or a touch of dryness, but those usually clear up in a few hours to a couple of days.
Some tiny pigment spots may darken before gently peeling off, similar to the aftermath of a sunburn when your skin begins to flake. This is a normal part of the body clearing out broken-down pigment, and while it may cause some slight discomfort, it should not be painful.
For best results, try not to pick at any peeling - allow it to fall off on its own to prevent damaging your skin.
You may notice a softer glow after the first session. Over the next several treatments, you can expect:
One of Pico Toning's main strengths is that it works for many skin tones. Because it avoids deep heat, there's a lower risk of unwanted pigment changes. The pressure-based approach differs from older nanosecond lasers, which relied more heavily on thermal energy. That heat could sometimes irritate the skin, especially in people with darker complexions. By avoiding high heat, Pico Toning minimizes inflammation and reduces the risk of post-treatment pigmentation changes.
That said, people with melasma or naturally darker skin should still proceed thoughtfully. Some may be more sensitive to even low-level laser energy. Using sunscreen daily and working with a provider who is experienced with your skin type are key to achieving good results safely.
Most patient feedback confirms that Pico treatments are gentle, but side effects can include:
A rare but important caution: incorrect settings may cause lasting pigment issues or unusual discoloration. That's why choosing a trusted provider matters - always go board-certified.
Pico Toning makes for a great, quick addition to a regular facial. Because each session typically lasts less than half an hour, it is also convenient for lunch breaks and casual appointments. And, because the treatment is so gentle, add-ons like chemical peels or microneedling may be paired to enhance tone and texture.
Unfortunately, one treatment is typically not enough to see the best results. You can expect to schedule:
Daily sun protection and quality skincare (e.g., antioxidants, retinol) help hold results longer.
Pico Toning delivers brighter, clearer skin with quick sessions that fit perfectly into your daily schedule (unlike some other, more aggressive laser treatments). It’s flexible enough to fit different skin needs and gentle enough for many complexions and skin tones, provided the treatment is tailored correctly. Pico Toning might be the right step forward if you're looking for a subtle but powerful way to enhance and improve your skin tone and texture.
When it comes to your skin and your health, it really is all about what’s best for you. Total Dermatology understands this, which is why we offer versatile treatments with experienced and highly trained aesthetic professionals led by Dr. Nissan Pilest. Your Total Dermatology transformation awaits.
