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2025.07.27

Spot Treatment for Pigmentation at Pico Spot

葉山 愛弥
Supervising Physician
Aiya Hayama

As an Assistant Professor, Associate Ward Director, and Chief of Dermatopathology at the university hospital dermatology department, I deepened my expertise through academic presentations and paper publications both domestically and internationally. I have handled a wide range of treatments, from birthmark therapy in children to adult pigmentation concerns, utilizing various lasers and injection therapies, while also contributing to community healthcare. Through encountering numerous cases, I strongly felt the potential and necessity of aesthetic medicine, resolving to pursue further expertise. Building upon my solid dermatological knowledge and meticulous diagnostic skills, I value treatments that gently support each individual's skin while bringing out its inherent beauty.

Why not start with spot treatment at Pico Spot?
As we age, concerns like age spots, wrinkles, and sagging skin often come to mind, but many people start with treating age spots first.
Especially larger spots in just a few areas, and fine freckle-like spots. Removing them alone can make a significant difference in appearance.
 
I am Dr. Aya Hayama, a board-certified dermatologist.

 

picot

PicoSpot uses laser light with a pulse duration of picoseconds (one trillionth of a second)—even shorter than conventional nanosecond lasers (one billionth of a second)—to target melanin cells that produce the pigment responsible for age spots and freckles.Treatment method that destroys melanin granulesis.

PicoSpot treatment is ideal for relatively large spots with distinct borders, as well as tattoo and permanent makeup removal. Since laser energy can be precisely targeted to specific areas of concern, results can be expected with fewer treatment sessions.
The equipment used by Bianca Clinic for PicoSpot treatments was developed by CynoSure, Inc., a company that holds a high market share in medical lasers.PICOSURE®We have introduced
Previous standard medical lasers operated at nanosecond (one-billionth of a second) pulses, butPicoSure is even shorter, at one-thousandth of a second (one trillionth of a second).and instantly irradiates with laser light. Also,Pico lasers primarily rely on shock waves and minimal thermal destruction for fragmentation, not thermal destruction.Therefore, it causes less damage to the skin and is less likely to cause pigmentation.
Melanin pigment fragmented by laser irradiation becomes waste material and is generally processed and expelled by immune cells such as macrophages. The finer the fragmented pigment, the more easily it is absorbed into the body, making the degree of fragmentation crucial.
PicoSpot laser therapy is characterized by its ability to pulverize pigments into extremely fine particles compared to conventional laser treatments. This enables highly effective results while also reducing the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
 

 
Other PicoSure Treatment Methods

The PICOSURE® medical laser device can address various skin concerns beyond PicoSpot by utilizing different irradiation modes.

When it comes to pico lasers, the Pico Spot treatment for dark spots comes to mind, but there are actually three modes: Pico Toning for addressing faint pigmentation like melasma, Pico Fractional for improving skin texture, and more.

◆Pico Spot... Targets stubborn spots and blemishes with laser light to break down melanin pigment. Ideal for treating deep spots, blemishes, and tattoo removal.
◆Pico Toning… Applies low-output laser over a broad area to gradually break down melanin pigment. Suitable for treating light spots and melasma.
◆Pico Fractional Laser… Applies pinpoint laser energy to improve skin texture. It is effective for a wide range of skin concerns, including enlarged pores and acne scars.

※More to come later

 

Treatment Progress
The treated area immediately after PicoSpot may resemble a mild burn, with possible redness and swelling. Within a few days to a week after treatment, the redness and swelling subside, the area darkens, and a thin scab forms. Forcibly removing the scab may increase the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation later on, so it is important to avoid touching it as much as possible.
After 1 to 2 weeks following the procedure, new skin regenerates and the scab will begin to fall off naturally.
After the scab has fallen off, avoid irritation as much as possible and be sure to use sun protection once it has completely healed. While you may notice the effects of the spot treatment after 1 to 2 months, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation caused by the laser's thermal stimulation may also occur temporarily.
The degree of pigmentation varies from person to person, ranging from faint and mild to darker than before treatment, but it will gradually fade and become less noticeable over time.
⭐For prevention, we recommend reapplying sunscreen every 3 hours regardless of the season!!

 

 
The scab usually falls off within about a week, leaving the area clean.
 
 
Pico Spot only
 
Pico Spot 1 session + Pico Toning 3 sessions
 

Tattoo and Permanent Makeup Removal

Additionally, PicoSpot is a treatment that enables highly concentrated laser irradiation of pigment,This treatment is also suitable for removing tattoos and permanent makeup. Conventional laser treatments only react to black pigment, and removing other colors often required lasers that caused significant pain or surgical excision. In contrast, PicoSpot can target not only black but also brown, blue, green, and other pigments previously considered difficult to remove.

Furthermore, since PicoSpot can break down even tiny ink particles, those wishing to remove colorful tattoos or cosmetic tattoos, or who want to remove tattoos or cosmetic tattoos as quickly as possible, should also consider removal with PicoSpot.

 

https://biancaclinic.jp/treatment_category/skin-care/freckles/picospot/

 
Here's a personal musing from me, a dermatologist...

⭐Liver spots often coexist with sunspots, and I honestly think it's a shame when people hesitate to treat sunspots out of excessive fear that it might worsen their liver spots. Therefore, I recommend combining treatment modes based on each patient's skin condition. For instance, after multiple Pico Toning sessions when the liver spots have faded, you could target stubborn dark sunspots with Pico Spot. Conversely, you could perform Pico Toning after Pico Spot treatment.

⭐Is this a secret trick??

Effective for moles too. For flat moles, repeated treatments can significantly lighten them, making them nearly unnoticeable. While CO2 laser removal is common, those with numerous small flat moles or who wish to avoid scarring should consult us.

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