We review a super pico laser for pigmentation

Looking for a good laser treatment for pigmentation, sun damage or melasma at an aesthetic clinic in Singapore? One thing to know is that not all lasers are created equal! EL’s Patricea recently went for a new laser treatment at Lux Medical Aesthetics Clinic. Coined “the red dot” 4S super pico laser, it’s one of the few lasers out there that combines both picosecond and nanosecond pulses for speedier, more efficient results. Read on for her review – it follows on from our chat with the clinic’s Founder and Medical Director DR KELLYN SHIAU, who tells us how it all works.

Tell us about the red dot 4S super pico laser available at Lux Medical Aesthetic Clinic. How does this laser treatment work for pigmentation and melasma?

Think of it as a super-smart laser! The red dot 4S super pico laser, exclusively distributed by Servicom Medical Singapore, combines two types of wavelengths and 15 laser modalities. Because of this, it’s a highly versatile system that can treat not only dark spots, sun damage and melasma – but multiple skin concerns like active acne, acne scars, various vascular and pigmented lesions, enlarged pores, redness, fine lines, wrinkles and even tattoos.

It’s gentler than old lasers so there’s less heat and fewer side effects. It also boosts collagen for a youthful glow, and is great for sensitive skin, especially if you want minimal downtime and long-term results. Plus, the pico-toning mode shrinks pores and evens skin tone.

Walk us through the treatment process at your aesthetic clinic in Singapore. What can patients expect?

First, we chat about your skin. Then it’s a quick cleanse, maybe some numbing cream and then the laser does its magic – tiny zaps over 15 to 30 minutes. Your skin might look a little pink afterwards, like a mild sunburn, but it fades quickly. Over the following weeks, dark spots and pigmentation lighten and your skin looks smoother, clearer and brighter.

Are there any skin types or conditions that wouldn’t be suitable for this pigmentation laser treatment?

The red dot 4S super pico laser is pretty versatile, but it’s always best to get a personalised consultation with us. We’ll make sure it’s perfect for your unique skin.

There are lots of treatments and lasers for pigmentation and melasma out there at aesthetic clinics in Singapore. How does this compare to the likes of pico laser or chemical peels?

I like to think of the red dot 4S super pico laser as the VIP of lasers. It combines a pico laser with the very short nanosecond pulses of a Q-switched laser, so it does more. It tackles deeper pigmentation and other skin concerns with less fuss than your typical pico lasers or peels. Picos are great, peels are okay for surface-level issues, but this laser is the winner for a bespoke, minimal-downtime glow-up. It brings the most value for your skin.

I’m worried about waking up the next day looking like a burnt tomato. What’s the downtime like?

Relax! Think of it like a mild sun-kissed flush, at most. Downtime is minimal, maybe a day of slight redness for light treatments and up to a week for the more intense ones. You’ll be back to your fabulous self in no time.

How many sessions does it take to see results and how long do they last?

Most see a difference in two to four sessions, spaced four to six weeks apart. Melasma might need a few more. The results are long-lasting – think months to years, especially with good sun protection; collagen boosts last six to 12 months. Don’t forget maintenance sessions to keep you glowing.

Speaking of sun protection, what are some ways to protect the skin and keep pigmentation from coming back?

Sunscreen is your BFF – use at least SPF 30+, every day, even when it’s cloudy. Seek out shade between 10am and 4pm. Hats, sunglasses and antioxidant serums are your skin’s armour. Hydrate, eat well and resist the urge to pick at spots. Regular laser touch-ups? A smart move. Basically, treat your skin like the treasure it is.

Patricea’s experience with this laser treatment for pigmentation, sun damage and melasma:

I get regular sun exposure from my active lifestyle. Every month, I get a hydrating or anti-ageing facials but they don’t do much to reduce the deep-seated pigmentation on my face. I’ve always wondered how other people have porcelain-clear and vibrant skin and I think I’ve found my answer – laser treatments!

During my initial consultation with Dr Kellyn at Lux Medical Aesthetics Clinic, she mentioned that my sun damage wasn’t as bad as I thought. She patiently and candidly responded to my questions about immediate post laser skincare as well as long term maintenance. Her warm and personable approach put me at ease.

The first session

For our first laser session, she worked on age spots and melasma, both of which run into deeper layers of the skin. Some “before” photos of my face were taken from various angles for reference. After a gentle cleanse, numbing cream was applied for 15 minutes. Then Dr Kellyn started zapping away with the red dot 4S super pico laser. I felt small pricks on my face, which were only slightly uncomfortable. Dr Kellyn kept chatting with me as she worked, and the session was done in around five minutes.

There was some immediate redness on the skin between my eyes and chin but it subsided in less than an hour. Upon reaching home an hour later, my skin looked brighter and the skin tone was more even.

The second and third sessions

Six weeks later, I returned to this aesthetic clinic in Singapore for “crusting”. This time, Dr Kellyn targeted surface pigmentation. Immediately after the session, I looked like I had a severe outbreak of blackheads on my face. I was told that the pigmentation would intensify in the next three to four days before disappearing, and that’s exactly what happened. By the fifth day, my skin had cleared up and so did the pigmentation. There were only very faint pigmentation marks left on my face.

Lux Medical says that the frequency of the laser treatments for pigmentation can vary between three to four weeks. This depends on the severity of the pigmentation. As for “crusting”, this is usually based on each client’s expectations for their skin and the skin condition. It can be once every three months or even less frequently.

A month later, having seen visible improvement already with my pigmentation, I returned for my last session. It felt similar to the first, with only mild redness that subsided quickly. Dr Kellyn stresses that post-treatment skincare plays an important role in maintaining the results and reducing the severity of skin pigmentation.

The verdict

It’s been three months since my very first laser treatment for pigmentation. While my skin tone has some slight changes due to regular exposure to the sun, it has remained largely even and blemish-free. I am delighted with the results, and for finally finding the answer to smooth, even and flawless skin!

About the doctor

With experience practising medicine at various institutions in Singapore, Dr Kellyn Shiau is a member of the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine and holds certifications from Ministry of Health-accredited bodies for a range of aesthetic procedures such as dermal fillers, pigment lasers, chemical peels, fractional lasers for skin rejuvenation and more.

Lux Medical Aesthetic Clinic
#06-15 Novena Specialist Center, 8 Sinaran Drive
6815 9922 | WhatsApp 8866 9922 | luxaestheticclinic.com | consult@luxaestheticclinic.com

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