What Is a Picosecond Laser?

23 October 2026

A picosecond laser at Minori in NoMad: how ultra-short pulses work, who it suits, and what it cannot do.

A picosecond laser delivers its energy in pulses measured in trillionths of a second — short enough that the energy breaks pigment up with pressure rather than heat, which is why the effect is described as photoacoustic. At Minori Skincare in NoMad, the picosecond platform we work with is Picofy Laser, and it is offered for sun spots, age spots, freckles, melasma in selected cases, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone, dull complexion, enlarged pores, fine lines, acne scars in selected cases, benign pigmented lesions and some tattoo colours.

How it works

Each pulse breaks pigment into microscopic particles, and the body's own clearing process takes it from there. The same energy limits unnecessary heat in the surrounding skin and stimulates collagen and elastin remodeling, so texture and quality can keep changing over the following weeks and months. A session takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on the area. Most people describe the sensation as short, snapping pulses of light, often compared to the flick of a rubber band, with cooling used for comfort. Numbing can be arranged for more sensitive areas.

Who it may suit

The treatment is written for visible pigment, uneven or dull tone, and textural irregularities. Many skin types can be treated when settings are chosen by an experienced provider, though which wavelengths are used depends on skin type. Most people return to normal activities shortly afterwards. Temporary pinkness or mild swelling is common and settles within a few days, and treated pigment usually darkens before it fades.

What it cannot do

It does not change what causes pigment in the first place, and it does not clear a tattoo in a single visit. How much changes depends on ink colour, depth and age for tattoos, and on the concern and skin type for pigmentation. If what you are asking about needs a different approach on our menu, we will say so at consultation rather than book you in.

Before you come in

Please tell us if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have an active infection or inflamed skin, or have used self-tan or a sunbed recently. We also need to know about photosensitising medication, recent isotretinoin use, and any history of cold sores or pigmentation disorders.

Afterwards

Cleanse gently, moisturise and wear a high sunscreen daily. Leave exfoliating actives for a few days, skip saunas and intense exercise for the first 24 hours, and let flaking skin shed on its own.

Minori Skincare, 146 W 29th St, 3E, New York, NY 10001. (929) 648-7331. Open every day 10:00 to 20:00.

A consultation is what determines whether Picofy Laser, or a different treatment on our menu, is the right starting point for your skin.