Pico Laser Brisbane · Mount Gravatt
PicoSure Pro Laser in Mount Gravatt, Brisbane
PicoSure laser treatment for sun spots, freckles, deeper pigment, tattoos and acne scarring, at a dermatologist-led pico laser clinic in Brisbane. Every mark is checked first, and treatment is delivered by our dermatologists or our laser-trained nurses.
Nurse-led: full face $650, small areas from $400 · Specialist consultations from $395 · Total cost confirmed in writing before you start · See fees
A dermatologist-led clinic, founded by Dr Mitch Robinson, FACD, who teaches laser to dermatologists and registrars.
Meet the TeamPicoSure Pro at a Glance
Pico Laser Before and After Photos
PicoSure Pro results for patients of DERM Skin Specialists, photographed in the same conditions.
BeforeAfter 4 sessions
BeforeAfter 6 weeksBefore photo on the left in each pair. Tap a photo to see it larger. Individual results vary. Results depend on the type of pigment, your skin type and sun protection. All procedures carry risks; see the risks section below.
Send Us Photos Before Your PicoSure Pro Treatment
Want to know whether PicoSure Pro suits your pigmentation and roughly what it costs? Fill in a short form, then reply to our text with a few photos. We'll be in touch ASAP about the right consult and a price guide.
Photo tips: one close-up and one from further back. Normal room light is fine, no make-up or filters.
Photos help us guide you but don't replace a consultation. Photos can't rule out skin cancer, so any new or changing spot needs an in-person skin check. Price guides are estimates; your exact costs are confirmed at your consult. For adults 18 and over. Photos are stored securely by our messaging provider, Podium, which may store data outside Australia.
What Is PicoSure Pro and How Does Pico Laser Work?
The short answer: PicoSure Pro is a picosecond, or "pico", laser. It shatters pigment and tattoo ink into tiny particles that your body clears over the following weeks. With its Focus lens it can also be used for acne scarring and skin texture. It suits sun spots, freckles and tattoos well. For melasma it is one part of a plan, not a cure.
PicoSure Pro is made by Cynosure. It works at 755 nm and fires pulses lasting a few hundred picoseconds, or trillionths of a second. That is many times shorter than the nanosecond pulses of older Q-switched lasers.
Because the pulse is so short, the energy acts more as a pressure wave and less as heat. The pigment is broken up with less heat spreading into the surrounding skin, which matters most for skin that darkens easily.
PicoSure Pro has two main modes:
- Flat lens: targets pigment and tattoo ink.
- Focus lens: concentrates the energy into thousands of tiny points in the upper skin, prompting repair and new collagen. Patients often call this a "pico facial".
We offer PicoSure laser treatment at our Mount Gravatt clinic in Brisbane. Before any pico laser session, we check what each mark is.
Pigment breaks up fast. Clearing takes weeks.
What Results Can You Expect From Pico Laser?
Your body clears the shattered pigment gradually, so results build over weeks.
What change is realistic? Sun spots and freckles often lighten noticeably, and deeper pigment fades more slowly over a series. Focus-lens changes in scars, texture and fine lines are gradual and partial, and melasma responds less predictably.
How long do results last? A sun spot that has faded usually stays faded, but new spots form with sun exposure, and freckles return each summer. Tattoo ink that has faded doesn't usually come back. Melasma tends to come back, which is why it needs a maintenance plan.
What Can PicoSure Pro Treat? Pigmentation, Tattoos and Scars
Pico lasers suit some types of pigmentation far better than others, so the diagnosis decides the plan. Whether you call it pigmentation, hyperpigmentation, brown spots or dark patches, your assessment confirms what each mark is before we treat it.
Pico laser for acne scars · Brown marks after acne
PicoSure Pro isn't the right tool for broken capillaries and redness, loose skin, deep wrinkles, active acne or unwanted hair. If one of those is your main concern, we'll point you to a better option, such as DermaV for redness. For melasma, see melasma treatment.
Is PicoSure Pro Right for You?
PicoSure Pro tends to suit people with sun spots, freckles, some types of deeper pigment, unwanted tattoos, or shallow acne scarring and texture. It can be used on lighter and darker skin, including Asian and olive skin, with settings planned for your skin type.
We check every brown spot before we treat it. Some skin cancers can look like a harmless sun spot. Lentigo maligna is an early melanoma that grows slowly as a flat brown patch on sun-damaged skin. Dr Mitch Robinson is first author of published evidence-based guidelines on managing lentigo maligna (Dermatology, 2020). We don't laser a spot until we know what it is, and suspicious spots are biopsied first.
Darker skin is more likely to darken temporarily after any laser. In those skin types we use conservative settings, may do a test patch first, and prepare the skin with strict sun protection.
If your main concern is melasma, read PicoSure Pro and melasma below.
Tell Us Before PicoSure Pro Treatment If You
- Have a tan or have used fake tan recently
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Get cold sores in the treatment area
- Have melasma, or darkened after a laser or peel
- Take medicines that make you sun-sensitive
- Have a spot that is new or changing
Your PicoSure Laser Treatment, Step by Step
From your first visit to your review, here's what to expect.
Assessment and Skin Check
We look at each mark, often with a dermatoscope, take photos and explain what PicoSure Pro can and can't do. You get a plan with the total cost before treatment. Spots that need a diagnosis are checked by a dermatologist first.
PicoSure Pro Treatment Day
Your eyes are protected, and numbing cream can be applied 30–60 minutes beforehand. Treatment takes about 20–45 minutes, with cooling air throughout. Treated spots turn grey-white for a few minutes, then pink.
PicoSure Pro Recovery and Review
Spots darken over the next few days, then flake off over 1–2 weeks. Further sessions are usually 4–8 weeks apart, and we compare your photos at each review.
Does PicoSure Pro Hurt?
Most people describe each pulse as a sharp snap, like a rubber band flicked against the skin, followed by warmth. Broad facial pigment is usually well tolerated. Tattoos and bony areas such as the forehead and jawline feel more intense.
Numbing cream can be applied before treatment, and a stream of cold air cools the skin as we go. Your clinician checks in with you throughout and can pause whenever you need.
Afterwards the skin feels warm, like mild sunburn, for a few hours.
Keeping You Comfortable During PicoSure Pro
- Numbing cream for some areas
- Cold air throughout
- Breaks whenever you need them
- Settings adjusted to your skin
Calm skin first. Laser second.
Is Pico Laser Good for Melasma?
Melasma is a long-term condition, so the best results come from a plan rather than a one-off treatment. PicoSure Pro is one of the main tools we use for it, and it often gives a visible improvement over a course of sessions.
How we treat it: we confirm the diagnosis, settle the skin and protect it from UV and visible light, then combine PicoSure Pro with the right skin care to lighten the pigment. We match the settings to your skin and space the sessions out, and ongoing sun protection helps keep the result.
More on our melasma treatment page.
Does PicoSure Pro Work? What the Evidence Says
Picosecond lasers have been studied for over a decade, and the evidence is strongest for tattoos and certain kinds of pigment.
- Tattoos: In a randomised trial of 49 people, each tattoo was half treated with one of two picosecond lasers and half with an older nanosecond laser. Two months after the last session, 33% of the picosecond halves had cleared by more than three quarters, compared with 14% of the nanosecond halves. Multicoloured tattoos responded poorly: only one of five cleared that far (Lorgeou et al., JEADV, 2018).
- Sun spots: In a randomised trial of 30 people with sun spots on the arms, a single 755 nm picosecond session lightened the spots, much as a 532 nm picosecond laser did (Vachiramon et al., Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022).
- Hori's naevus: In a split-face trial of 30 patients, the 755 nm picosecond side cleared more, with less temporary darkening, than the Q-switched side, though darkening still followed on about a quarter of the picosecond sides (Yu et al., JAAD, 2018).
- Acne scars: Twenty people had six Focus-lens treatments, and scar volume fell by about a quarter one to three months later (Brauer et al., JAMA Dermatology, 2015).
- Fine lines: Forty women had four Focus-lens treatments, and wrinkle scores around the mouth and eyes improved (Weiss et al., Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, 2017).
Choose by the problem, not the device
PicoSure Pro vs Other Lasers and Light Treatments
People often compare pico lasers with other treatments for pigmentation. They work in different ways, and the right choice depends on what you're treating.
Compare the course, not the session
How Much Does Pico Laser Cost in Brisbane?
PicoSure laser cost is set per session: a nurse-led full-face session is $650, and small areas start from $400. Your assessment confirms how many sessions make sense, and you get the total cost of the course in writing before treatment.
Full Face, Nurse-Led
$650
- Per full-face session, for pigmentation, sun spots or a Focus-lens treatment
- Small areas from $400
- A course of three full-face sessions: $1,950
- 1–3 for sun spots, 3–4 Focus-lens
With Dr Mitch
Quoted at consultation
- Specialist consultation from $395
- Complex pigment, birthmarks or scarring
- Dermatologist-performed, quoted in writing
Tattoo Removal
Quoted at assessment
- Depends on ink colour, density and depth
- Often 5 or more sessions
- 6–8 weeks or more apart
What affects the PicoSure laser price? The area, the type and depth of pigment, the number of sessions, and whether a dermatologist performs the treatment. Deeper pigment, birthmarks and tattoos need more sessions, so the course costs more.
Comparing prices. Pico laser prices in Brisbane vary a lot. Check whether a price is per spot, per area or per session, how many sessions you'll need, who performs the treatment, and whether a doctor checks your spots first.
Medicare. PicoSure Pro is a cosmetic treatment, so it isn't covered by Medicare. No referral is needed to book an assessment.
PicoSure Pro Recovery and Aftercare
Most people return to work the next day, or the same day after a Focus-lens treatment. Here's what to expect and how to look after your skin.
What to Expect After PicoSure Pro
- Redness, warmth and mild swelling for a few hours to 3 days
- Treated spots darken, then flake off over 1–2 weeks
- Tattoos may blister or scab briefly and heal over 1–2 weeks
- Pinpoint redness after Focus-lens treatment, usually gone in a day
PicoSure Pro Aftercare
- Use a gentle cleanser and a plain moisturiser
- Don't pick, scrub or exfoliate the treated spots
- Pause retinol and exfoliating acids for a week before and after
- Wear SPF 50+ daily, and a tinted one for pigment
- Avoid tanning, saunas and hard exercise for 48 hours
PicoSure Pro Risks, and How We Reduce Them
Like any laser, PicoSure Pro has risks. We go through them with you before treatment, and this is how we reduce them.
When to call us: phone 07 3487 1414 if you notice blistering, oozing, pain that's getting worse, signs of infection, or darkening that hasn't started to settle after 4 weeks. Outside hours, see your GP or go to an emergency department.
Our Team
Who Performs PicoSure Pro at DERM Skin Specialists?
Dr Mitch Robinson, FACD · Specialist Dermatologist · Ahpra MED0001946771
PicoSure Pro is performed by our dermatologists and by our nurses, who are trained in laser, inside a specialist dermatology clinic. Complex pigment, Hori's naevus and birthmarks such as naevus of Ota, and any spot that needs a diagnosis are seen by Dr Mitch first.
- Teaches laser to dermatologistsLectures on laser protocols and safety in Australia and Asia
- Fellowship training in complex scarringPlus cutaneous oncology and laser surgery
- Medical and cosmetic dermatologyEvery spot is diagnosed before it's treated
Dr Mitch's view: "I tend to use Pico more for deeper or more complex pigment, particularly in Asian or higher-risk skin types. … These devices are tools, not solutions on their own."
Mount Gravatt, Brisbane
PicoSure Laser in Mount Gravatt, Brisbane
DERM Skin Specialists is at 2/1437 Logan Road, Mount Gravatt, about 15 minutes' drive from the Brisbane CBD, with free parking onsite. It's a short drive from Holland Park, Carindale, Sunnybank and across Brisbane's southside.
Common Questions
PicoSure Pro: Common Questions
What is PicoSure laser treatment good for?
Pigmentation such as sun spots and freckles, some deeper pigment such as Hori's naevus and naevus of Ota, tattoo removal, and, with the Focus lens, shallow acne scars, texture and fine lines. It's also a key part of our melasma treatment plans.
Is pico laser good for pigmentation?
For many types, yes. Sun spots, age spots and freckles often lighten in 1–3 sessions, and some deeper pigment fades over a series. Melasma usually needs a longer course as part of a plan, and every brown spot is checked before we treat it.
Is pico laser painful?
Most people feel a sharp snap like a rubber band, then warmth. Numbing cream and cold air help, and tattoos and bony areas feel more intense. More on what it feels like.
How many pico laser sessions will I need?
Sun spots and freckles often need 1–3 sessions. Focus-lens treatments for texture or fine lines usually need 3–4, acne scars 3–6, and tattoos often 5 or more. Melasma plans vary and are usually spaced further apart.
How often can I have pico laser?
Usually every 4–8 weeks for pigment and Focus-lens treatments, and every 6–8 weeks or longer for tattoos. That gives your skin time to clear pigment and settle between sessions.
What is the downtime after pico laser?
Day one: redness and mild swelling for a few hours to 3 days. Days 3–14: treated spots darken and flake off. You can usually wear makeup the next day unless the skin is broken, and most people return to work the next day.
Is pico laser worth it?
For sun spots, freckles and tattoos, many people find it worthwhile because the change is often visible and the downtime is short. For melasma, scars and fine lines the change builds over a course, so we talk through what to expect for your skin first.
Does PicoSure Pro work for melasma?
Yes, as part of a melasma plan. Combined with the right skin care and sun protection, PicoSure Pro often gives a visible improvement over a course of sessions. Results vary between people. Read more.
Is pico laser suitable for darker or Asian skin?
It can be used on darker and Asian skin, which is one reason clinics choose pico lasers for pigment. The risk of temporary darkening is still higher in darker skin, so we use conservative settings, test patches and strict sun protection.
Does pico laser help acne scars or acne?
With the Focus lens it can soften shallow, rolling acne scars and texture over a series. It isn't a treatment for active acne, and deeper scars usually need other treatments, such as subcision, CO2 laser or RF microneedling. See our acne scar page.
Does pico laser tighten skin or remove wrinkles?
Focus-lens treatments can soften fine lines and improve texture, but pico laser doesn't tighten loose skin. For laxity, ask about XERF.
How well does PicoSure laser tattoo removal work?
It works most reliably on black and dark blue ink, and many other colours fade partly. Most tattoos need 5 or more sessions, and complete removal can't be promised. We test cosmetic and white inks first, because they can darken.
What's the difference between PicoSure and PicoSure Pro?
PicoSure Pro is the newer version, with an updated Focus lens and a new flat lens. Both are 755 nm picosecond lasers made by Cynosure.
PicoSure vs PicoWay: what's the difference?
Both are picosecond lasers. PicoSure Pro is built around 755 nm, while PicoWay mainly uses 1064 and 532 nm, and both offer add-on wavelengths. They haven't been compared head to head for most uses, and the diagnosis and settings matter more than the brand.
Is pico laser better than IPL?
They do different jobs. IPL treats brown spots and redness together in lighter skin. Pico lasers are used for tattoos and for pigment in a wider range of skin types. Neither is a melasma cure, and IPL can worsen melasma.
Can pico laser cause cancer or damage my eyes?
The 755 nm light PicoSure Pro uses isn't UV, and it isn't ionising like X-rays. There's no clinical evidence that picosecond lasers cause skin cancer. Lab studies show that breaking down some coloured tattoo inks can release potentially harmful chemicals, and long-term effects aren't known. The bigger risk is treating a skin cancer that looks like a sun spot, which is why we check spots first. Laser eye protection is worn throughout.
What is a pico facial or pico toning?
A pico facial usually means a Focus-lens treatment over the whole face for texture and tone, with pinpoint redness for about a day. Pico toning usually means frequent low-energy sessions for tone or melasma. We plan any series around your skin.
Can pico laser remove hair?
No. PicoSure Pro targets pigment and ink in the skin. It isn't a hair removal laser.
Can pico laser treat dark circles, dark underarms or lip pigmentation?
Sometimes, after a diagnosis. Dark circles caused by pigment may lighten, but those caused by shadows, thin skin or blood vessels won't. Darkening of the underarms or lips has several causes, and some spots on the lips need checking before any laser. Darker skin carries a higher risk of temporary darkening.
What is the PicoSure laser price per session?
A nurse-led full-face session is $650 (small areas from $400), so a course of three full-face sessions is $1,950. Treatment with a dermatologist is quoted after a specialist consultation (from $395), and tattoo removal starts from $100 a session for a small tattoo (up to 2 × 2 cm), depending on size. See fees.
Do I need a referral for PicoSure Pro?
No. It's a cosmetic treatment, so you can book an assessment directly. If you have a spot you're worried about, a skin check with a dermatologist comes first.
How far before an event should I have pico laser?
At least 2–3 weeks before, so treated spots have time to flake off. For a course of treatment, start 3–4 months ahead.
Can I see more pico laser before and after photos?
See our PicoSure Pro before and after photos above. We only publish photos of our own patients, and you can ask to see more examples at your assessment.
Where can I get pico laser in Brisbane?
At DERM Skin Specialists, 2/1437 Logan Road, Mount Gravatt, about 15 minutes' drive from the CBD, with free onsite parking. Book a PicoSure laser treatment assessment online or call 07 3487 1414.
Find Out if PicoSure Pro Suits You
Book a PicoSure Pro assessment. We'll check your skin, explain what the laser can and can't do, and give you a plan with costs before you decide.
Not ready to book? Send us photos first for a consult and price guide.
Clinical content overseen by Dr Mitch Robinson, FACD (AHPRA MED0001946771). Updated October 2026. General information only, not medical advice. All procedures carry risks; suitability, recovery and results vary between individuals.