Laser & Light Treatments
Q-Switch / Pico Laser
Also known as: PicoWay (used by Moxie); also marketed as PicoSure, RevLite, Spectra, Fotona
Pain Level
Moderate
Downtime
1-2 days
Sessions
Moxie did 1 session long ago; sessions vary by pigment type
Cost Range (AED)
Moxie's cost: about AED 2,500
Results Timeline
Improvement seen, but pigmentation later returned for Moxie
Moxie Notes
From Moxie
I did Pico some time back, it didn make a different however not to the level of chemical peel or Clear and Brilliant level. My skin care regimen in general helps keep PIH at bay. But if I have to do it again, this wouldn't be my first choice.
Start Here
First, try this if
Stubborn pigmentation not responding enough to skincare. People willing to commit to sunscreen and maintenance. Patients with a practitioner experienced in Fitzpatrick III-VI. Selected PIH or sun spots, after proper diagnosis.
Don't expect
Results build gradually, not overnight — realistic timeline is Improvement seen, but pigmentation later returned for Moxie.
What It Is
Q-switched and picosecond lasers deliver short bursts of energy to target pigment particles. Pico lasers deliver energy in even shorter pulses than traditional nanosecond Q-switched systems. Clinics use them for pigmentation, tattoo removal, uneven tone and sometimes laser toning.
Moxie covers this because pigment is not a one-treatment problem: lasers can help, but sunscreen and skincare decide whether the result lasts.
How It Works
These lasers target chromophores, especially pigment. The energy breaks pigment into smaller particles that the body can clear over time.
Lower-energy toning protocols are also used in some clinics for melasma and uneven tone, though melasma can be stubborn and recurrence is common — toning is a maintenance approach, not a cure.
For discrete pigmented spots or tattoo removal, higher-energy single-target settings are used instead, with a different session count and recovery expectation than toning. For deeper skin tones, laser wavelength, fluence, pulse duration and operator experience matter.
Too much heat or poor settings can worsen PIH instead of improving it.
The Evidence
Concerns Addressed
PIH, Melasma, Sun Damage, Dullness/Uneven Tone - via pigment-targeting laser energy that clears particles gradually with proper aftercare.
Pigment-targeting laser categories are well established generally, but condition-specific outcomes vary. Laser resurfacing and pigment procedures carry higher risk of hyperpigmentation in brown and Black skin if settings or aftercare are poor. For MENA readers, the important evidence-based point is not just 'does it work' but 'can the provider safely adjust it for my skin tone'.
Q-switched and picosecond lasers have multiple published clinical trials for pigmentation (melasma, PIH, lentigines) and tattoo removal, including split-face and comparative studies. Evidence quality varies by indication — pigmentation clearance has moderate RCT support, though risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation on darker skin types is well-documented and treatment-parameter-dependent.
View source →Reviewed by Moxie — last checked July 2026
Am I a Good Candidate?
Stubborn pigmentation not responding enough to skincare. People willing to commit to sunscreen and maintenance. Patients with a practitioner experienced in Fitzpatrick III-VI. Selected PIH or sun spots, after proper diagnosis.
Caution or Avoid
Active tan or recent sun exposure. Uncontrolled melasma without maintenance plan. Recent isotretinoin or sensitizing treatments unless medically cleared. Providers who do not assess skin tone and PIH risk.
What to Expect
Step 1 - Consultation: Pigment type, skin tone and melasma/PIH history are assessed. Step 2 - Numbing: Often not needed for toning, but may be used for stronger settings. Step 3 - The procedure: Laser pulses are passed over target areas or full face. It may feel like snapping heat.
Step 4 - Immediately after: Redness, warmth or pigment darkening can happen. Avoid sun, heat and actives as advised. Step 5 - Timeline and maintenance: Pigment may fade over weeks. Recurrence is possible with sun exposure or inflammation.
Cost Breakdown
Personal cost recorded: roughly AED 2,500. Per session: use as Moxie's recalled reference only. Full course: depends on pigment type and number of sessions. Maintenance: sunscreen and pigment-safe skincare are non-negotiable.
Concerns Addressed
Frequently Asked Questions
Does pico laser get rid of pigmentation permanently?
Not necessarily — pigment may fade over weeks, but recurrence is possible with sun exposure or inflammation. In Moxie's case, pigmentation returned after treatment, which is a normal risk for people prone to pigmentation.
Is pico laser safe for darker skin tones?
It can be, but laser resurfacing and pigment procedures carry a higher risk of hyperpigmentation in brown and Black skin if settings or aftercare are poor — provider experience with Fitzpatrick III-VI skin is essential.
Can pico laser treat melasma?
It may help some cases, but melasma has a high recurrence risk without a strict maintenance plan, so it shouldn't be treated as a one-time fix.
The Verdict
Not For Me
Helpful, but maintenance decides everything.
Moxie Ratings
Not medical advice. Content is based on personal experience and published research. Always consult a qualified dermatologist before starting any new treatment or regimen.
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