Break Down Pigment
Laser energy is delivered to the pigment at picosecond speed, breaking it into smaller particles. The physician selects the wavelength according to the pigment’s color and depth.
PROGRAM
handPICO®
PIGMENT & SKIN REJUVENATION
Reduce Pigment, Renew the Skin, and Stimulate Collagen with Picosecond Energy
Dark spots, freckles, melasma, post-acne marks, and tattoos may look similar from the outside, but in fact these pigments sit at different depths and respond differently to energy.
Effective treatment is therefore not simply about “fading the marks.” The treatment wavelength and energy settings must be selected according to each type of pigment.
HandPICO® uses Picosecond Laser technology, with laser energy delivered from a gentle yet precise handpiece. With a variety of programs that can be adjusted to each concern, it addresses both abnormal pigmentation and skin quality under the concept of
Break + Clear + Rebuild
It breaks pigment into smaller particles so the body can gradually deal with them through its natural processes, while stimulating collagen renewal for skin that looks smoother, brighter, and more even in tone.
What Is HandPICO®?
WHAT IS IT?
HandPICO® is a laser program that uses Picosecond energy—delivered in pulses as short as one-trillionth of a second—to target unwanted pigment rapidly.
The energy creates a predominantly mechanical impact known as the Photoacoustic Effect, breaking pigment into smaller particles. The body then gradually clears these particles through its natural processes.
Because the energy is delivered in extremely short pulses, it can limit heat accumulation in surrounding tissue compared with lasers that use longer pulse durations. However, the skin may still experience warmth, redness, or inflammation, so settings must suit each patient’s skin tone and concerns.
In addition to treating pigmentation, HandPICO® can also be used to create microscopic changes beneath the skin, stimulating the repair process and new collagen production.
How Does HandPICO® Work?
Natural Pigment Clearance
Once the pigment has been fragmented, the body gradually clears the particles through immune cells and natural processes, so the marks slowly fade.
Fractional Skin Renewal
When a Fractional Lens is used, the energy is divided into microscopic points to create microscopic changes beneath the skin, known as Laser-Induced Optical Breakdown (LIOB). This stimulates the repair process without creating open wounds across the entire skin.
Collagen Remodeling
The healing process after energy delivery stimulates the production and reorganization of new collagen. Pores look finer, certain types of acne scars look shallower, and the skin surface looks smoother than before.
Targeted Handpiece Selection
The physician can select the handpiece, wavelength, and energy-delivery mode to suit each concern, which will differ from person to person.
PROGRAM
HandPICO®
Picosecond Speed
Delivers energy in pulses as short as one-trillionth of a second to break pigment apart rapidly while limiting heat spread into surrounding tissue.
Dual Wavelength
The 532 nm and 1064 nm wavelengths target different pigments and depths, so the physician can select the one that suits the type, color, and location of the pigment.
Pigment + Texture
Addresses both unwanted pigmentation and skin quality when combined with a Fractional handpiece where medically appropriate.
Minimal Downtime
Redness, swelling, or temporary darkening of pigment may occur after treatment, but these generally fade within approximately 7 days, depending on the handpiece and energy used.
Personalized Treatment
Every treatment is tailored according to skin tone, pigment type, depth of concern, and previous response to laser treatment.
How Is HandPICO® Used in Treatment Programs?
01
Laser Toning
A program that evens out skin tone and gently fades dark spots, freckles, and melasma without injuring the skin and with no downtime.
02
532 nm Handpiece
Suitable for relatively superficial pigment and certain pigment shades, such as sunspots, some types of dark spots, and some tattoo colors. Because 532 nm is a shorter wavelength, it is better suited to melanin in the superficial layers of the skin.
03
1064 nm Handpiece
Delivers energy deeper and interacts less with melanin in the outer layer of the skin. It is commonly used for certain deeper pigments, dark tattoo inks, and skin rejuvenation where indicated.
Which Concerns Can HandPICO® Address?
DARK SPOTS/ POST-ACNE MARKS
Helps certain dark spots and abnormal pigmentation gradually fade, for example, dark patches after sun exposure, from certain cosmetics and perfumes, post-inflammatory darkening, picking or scratching, and post-acne inflammatory marks.
FRECKLES MELASMA & SUN SPOTS
Suitable for freckles, melasma, and certain sun-related marks. It can be used appropriately as part of a melasma-management plan, together with topical medication and proper UV protection.
ACNE SCARS & PORES
With appropriate energy settings, it helps stimulate the production of collagen fibers, making certain types of acne scars look shallower, pores look finer, and the skin surface look smoother.
TATTOO REMOVAL
Helps break tattoo pigment apart so that it gradually fades. Results depend on the ink color, tattooing technique, age of the tattoo, and wavelength used. Black or dark tattoos generally respond better than red, green, blue, yellow, or mixed-color tattoos.
SKIN REJUVENATION
Helps stimulate collagen renewal so that the skin gradually looks finer and more even.
Who Is Suitable for This Program?
- Individuals with dark spots, freckles, or sun-related pigmentation, with no downtime
- Individuals with post-acne hyperpigmentation or uneven skin tone
- Individuals with melasma who require a combination treatment plan
- Individuals with enlarged pores or uneven skin texture
- Individuals with certain acne scars who want to stimulate collagen
- Individuals who want to remove a tattoo
- Individuals who want skin rejuvenation with minimal downtime
- Individuals who understand that different pigments may require different methods and numbers of sessions
When Will Results Become Visible?
Immediately After Treatment
The skin may show slight, light pinkish redness. Some pigmented spots may temporarily look darker, which is a response commonly seen after laser treatment and depends on the energy used and on each person’s skin response. The initial appearance is not the final result, as the body requires time to clear fragmented pigment.
During the First 3–7 Days
Redness gradually subsides. Some pigmented spots may darken or form a light crust, depending on the handpiece, energy, and concern treated. Patients should not pick, scratch, or exfoliate the treated skin.
Within 2–4 Weeks
Some pigmentation may begin to look lighter and the skin looks more even, allowing the initial response to be assessed before planning the next session.
Within 2–6 Months
Improvements in collagen and skin quality gradually develop. Pores may look finer, the skin surface smoother, and some acne scars improved.
The timeline and degree of improvement depend on the type and depth of pigment, skin tone, handpiece, energy settings, number of sessions, and post-treatment care.
How Many HandPICO® Sessions Are Needed?
Some patients may begin to notice changes after the first 1–2 sessions. In general, the physician may recommend approximately 4–6 sessions or more, spaced around 2–4 weeks apart, or as appropriate to the concern.
The number of sessions may vary. For example, certain freckles or dark spots may respond more quickly. Melasma generally requires ongoing management and control of trigger factors. Acne scars need time for collagen production and may require a combination of procedures. Tattoos generally require multiple sessions, and some colors are more difficult to treat than others.
The physician will assess the skin’s response after each session and adjust the plan accordingly. Not every patient requires the same number of sessions or energy settings.
How Do HandPICO® and Aileen Laser Work Together?
Post-acne marks and discoloration can include both brown and red components. A single laser may therefore not address every concern.
HandPICO®
Primarily targets unwanted pigmentation such as dark spots, freckles, selected melasma pigments, and tattoo ink. With a Fractional Lens, it can also support collagen renewal.
Aileen Laser
Uses Long-Pulsed Nd:YAG 1064 nm technology to address concerns such as redness, selected vascular lesions, enlarged pores, and unwanted hair where appropriate.
HandPICO® + Aileen Laser
The physician may combine both programs for red and brown post-acne marks, uneven tone with visible blood vessels, enlarged pores with post-acne marks, or when both pigmentation and skin quality need attention. Not every patient requires both treatments. The plan depends on the cause, color, and depth of each concern.
Tips! HandPICO®
Effective pigment treatment is not about using the highest possible energy. The key is correctly identifying:
- What type of pigment it is
- How deeply it sits within the skin
- And which wavelength or treatment handpiece should be used
A medical assessment is therefore recommended before treatment, particularly for patients with melasma, darker skin tones, a tendency toward dark marks, or a history of laser-sensitive skin.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
A: During treatment, you may feel light energy tapping on the skin and mild warmth. The level of sensation depends on the treatment handpiece, energy, and treatment area. The physician will apply a topical anesthetic cream before treatment.
A: Laser treatment does not make the skin thinner when appropriate energy settings and treatment intervals are used. On the contrary, it restores and strengthens the skin structure when treated with a suitable program. Patients should therefore follow the physician’s advice in assessing the treatment.
A: This depends on the treatment program and the energy used. Some programs, such as Laser Toning, which evens out skin tone, may leave the skin slightly pink, fading within 1–2 hours after treatment, with no downtime. Programs for removing freckles and tattoos usually cause redness, darkening of the pigment, and a light temporary crust.
A: Melasma is influenced by multiple factors and can become darker again. HandPICO® helps lighten pigmentation and keep skin tone more even. It is recommended to combine it with consistent sun protection, skincare, and other treatments as advised by the physician.
A: Some patients may begin to notice changes after one or two sessions, but approximately 4–6 sessions or more are generally required. The number depends on the type and depth of pigment and the treatment goals.
A: Different ink colors respond differently to each wavelength. Black or dark tattoos generally respond differently from red, green, blue, yellow, or lighter colors. The physician must therefore assess the color, type, and depth of the ink first.
A: With a suitable program, the energy can help stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture, making certain types of acne scars look shallower.
A: Avoid strong sunlight, heat, exfoliation, picking at the skin, and irritating skincare products during the initial recovery period. Apply sunscreen consistently and follow the physician’s aftercare instructions.
A: No. Not every device or handpiece has the same certification. Certification depends on the brand, device model, handpiece, and intended use. Patients should ask the clinic for the device name and its certification information before making a decision.
Interested in Treating Pigmentation and Rejuvenating Your Skin with HandPICO®?
Marks that look similar may have different causes and depths.
Consult a specialist physician for an assessment of your pigment type, skin tone, and skin structure, followed by a personalized selection of program and energy settings for your individual concerns.