In a sentence: PiQo4 fires ultra-fast pulses to break up unwanted pigment and tattoo ink—clearing sun spots and select birthmarks with minimal downtime.
Who it’s best for
- 20s–40s: freckles, sun spots, small tattoos; early pigmentation fixes.
- 50s–60s: stubborn brown spots or mixed pigment patches; part of a plan.
What it can do
- Fade or clear benign brown spots (e.g., solar lentigines) and many tattoos.
- Treat deeper pigment in expert hands (e.g., nevus of Ota) over multiple sessions.
What it can’t do
Not a texture/resurfacing laser; it won’t tighten skin or soften etched lines on its own.
How it works (in brief)
Very short “pico” pulses shatter pigment into tiny particles your body can clear. PiQo4 offers multiple wavelengths (1064/532/585/650 nm) and both pico and nano pulses to match different pigment colours and depths.
Treatment & sessions
- During: Quick zaps feel like a rubber band snap; small areas often <15 minutes.
- How many: Sun spots may clear in 1–2 sessions; deeper pigment/tattoos need several.
Healing time & aftercare
- Downtime: usually mild redness/darkening (“peppering”) for a few days; treated spots can temporarily look darker before flaking.
- Aftercare: SPF, gentle skincare; avoid picking/scratching.
Safety in deeper complexions
Picosecond lasers can be used across skin tones with conservative settings (often 1064 nm). There’s still a PIH risk—choose clinics experienced with Fitzpatrick IV–VI.
Possible side effects
- Common: redness, temporary darkening, flaking.
- Less common: PIH/hypopigmentation, blistering, crusting.
- Rare: scarring or persistent colour change.
Who should avoid (or delay)
- Active skin infection, recent tanning, or photosensitising meds—discuss timing.
- Pregnancy/breastfeeding: often postponed.
- History of keloids or pigment disorders—needs cautious planning.
At-a-glance
- Best for: brown spots, select birthmarks, tattoos.
- Sessions: 1–3+ depending on depth/colour.
- Downtime: low; a few days of darkening/flaking on spots.