Cynosure (US Aesthetic Device Manufacturer)
PicoSure Pro
Next-generation picosecond laser for stubborn pigmentation, melasma, acne scarring, and tattoo removal. Higher peak power, faster treatments, all skin tones.
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Treats
Pigmentation, melasma, acne scars, tattoos
Downtime
Minimal. A few hours to a few days
Session length
60 minutes
Sessions
3 to 5 (pigment), 5 to 10 (tattoo)
How it works
PicoSure Pro is the next-generation picosecond laser platform manufactured by Cynosure, a US aesthetic technology company that pioneered picosecond laser technology in dermatology. The original PicoSure, launched in 2013, was the world's first picosecond aesthetic laser. PicoSure Pro builds on that platform with higher peak power, faster treatment speeds, and an additional 532nm wavelength alongside the original 755nm.
The device delivers laser energy in picoseconds, which is one trillionth of a second, generating a photoacoustic effect that fractures pigment particles into microscopic dust without transferring significant heat to surrounding skin. This makes PicoSure Pro particularly effective for stubborn pigmentation that has resisted topical treatments, melasma in medium and darker skin tones, and acne scarring where heat-based lasers carry higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
PicoSure Pro is FDA cleared and Health Canada approved for pigmented lesions, wrinkles, acne scars, and tattoo removal across all Fitzpatrick skin types. The platform's signature Focus lens array distributes laser energy through a fractional pattern designed to stimulate elastin and collagen production in the dermis, making it a strong option for full-face skin revitalisation alongside its pigmentation and tattoo applications.
A standard PicoSure Pro session takes 10 to 30 minutes depending on the area and concern. Most patients return to normal activities the same day with only mild redness or slight swelling that resolves within hours. Pigmentation results often appear within one to two weeks, with continued improvement over the following sessions as the body clears fragmented pigment through the lymphatic system.
The original PicoSure platform launched in Canada in 2013, with BioPlus among the early Vancouver clinics to bring the technology to patients. PicoSure Pro has been in clinical use in Canada since 2019, allowing the BioPlus Richmond team to develop extensive hands-on experience with both generations of the platform. Every PicoSure Pro session at BioPlus Richmond is performed by our certified, fully-trained medical team.
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Treatments performed with this technology
Stubborn Pigmentation →
Targeted treatment for age spots, sun damage, and pigmentation that has not responded to topical treatments or other lasers.
Melasma Treatment →
Gentle picosecond approach to hormonal pigmentation, safe and effective for medium and darker skin tones.
Skin Revitalisation →
Full-face picosecond treatment using the Focus lens array for improved tone, texture, fine lines, and skin clarity.
Acne Scar Revision →
Picosecond resurfacing to soften textural acne scarring while stimulating collagen renewal.
Tattoo Removal →
Multi-wavelength tattoo removal effective across a wide range of ink colours, including stubborn reds and oranges.
Frequently asked questions
What does PicoSure Pro treat?
PicoSure Pro is used at BioPlus Richmond to treat stubborn pigmentation, melasma, sun damage, acne scarring, wrinkles, and unwanted tattoos. The platform is particularly effective for pigmentation that has not responded to topical treatments or other laser technologies, including melasma in medium and darker skin tones.
How is PicoSure Pro different from the original PicoSure?
PicoSure Pro is the next-generation version of the original PicoSure platform. It delivers higher peak power, faster treatment times, and an additional 532nm wavelength for red and orange tattoo inks alongside the original 755nm wavelength. The Pro version also offers a refined Focus lens array for skin revitalisation, making it one of the most powerful picosecond platforms available for pigment and texture work.
Is PicoSure Pro safe for all skin tones?
Yes. Because PicoSure Pro uses picosecond pulses with minimal heat transfer to surrounding tissue, it carries a significantly lower risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation than older laser technologies. PicoSure Pro is FDA-cleared and Health Canada approved for use across all Fitzpatrick skin types, including medium and darker skin tones that have historically faced higher risk with other resurfacing or pigment-targeting lasers.
What does a PicoSure Pro session feel like?
Most patients describe the sensation as a series of quick, hot snaps against the skin, similar to a rubber band flick. For pigmentation and skin rejuvenation treatments, numbing is typically not required. For tattoo removal or more sensitive areas, a topical numbing cream may be applied beforehand to keep you comfortable.
How long is a PicoSure Pro session?
Session length depends on the treatment area and concern. Focused spot treatments such as a single tattoo or localised pigmentation patch may take 10 to 20 minutes. Full-face rejuvenation or melasma treatments typically take 20 to 30 minutes. Larger tattoos or multiple areas may take longer.
What is the downtime after PicoSure Pro?
Downtime is typically minimal. Most patients experience mild redness or slight swelling that resolves within a few hours to a day. Tattoo removal may produce frosting or pinpoint bleeding that scabs and heals within one to two weeks. Your practitioner will provide a clear post-treatment care plan based on your specific session.
How many sessions will I need?
For pigmentation and skin rejuvenation, most patients need 3 to 5 sessions spaced four to six weeks apart. Melasma may require ongoing maintenance. Tattoo removal typically requires 5 to 10 sessions depending on tattoo size, ink colour, depth, and age. Your medical team will build a personalised plan during your consultation.
When will I see results?
For pigmentation treatments, you may see visible lightening within one to two weeks as the body clears the fragmented pigment through the lymphatic system. Tattoo removal results progress gradually with each session. Skin rejuvenation results typically continue developing over three to six months as collagen remodelling completes.
Is PicoSure Pro better than PicoWay?
Both are excellent picosecond lasers and BioPlus uses both depending on the case. PicoSure Pro excels at pigmentation, melasma, and skin revitalisation with its Focus lens array. PicoWay offers a broader wavelength range that is particularly strong for multi-coloured tattoo removal. During your consultation, our medical team will recommend the platform best suited to your specific concern.
Considering PicoSure Pro?
Book a consultation with the BioPlus Richmond medical team. We will assess your pigmentation, skin texture, or tattoo concerns in detail and recommend a treatment approach tailored to your goals.
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