March 24, 2026
Choosing a Pico Laser treatment is not just about selecting a clinic – it is also about understanding which laser machine is most appropriate for your specific skin concerns. In Singapore, two commonly discussed Pico Laser options are Discovery Pico and PicoSure. While both are lasers designed to treat pigmentation, uneven skin tone, and textural concerns, they are not 100% identical in how they work or the results they can achieve. At Astria, we believe patients should understand these differences clearly before committing to treatment.
Pico Lasers deliver energy to the skin in extremely short pulses (one trillionth of a second).
These ultra-short pulses break down pigment particles and stimulate collagen without relying on excessive heat.
For patients in Singapore where sun exposure and pigmentation issues are common, Pico Lasers are widely used for:
Compared to older laser technologies, Pico Lasers generally offer:
When we talk about wavelength in lasers, we are simply referring to how deep the laser light can travel into your skin. A simple way to think about wavelength is:
Different wavelengths also have different affinity to melanin (pigment molecules). The more affinity there is, the more the laser is absorbed by melanin and broken apart which leads to quicker clearance of pigmentation. The graph below shows the different wavelengths and how well they are absorbed by melanin. The 532nm is most well absorbed by melanin followed by 755nm and then 1064nm.
However, pigmentation in Asian skin is not always in one layer. Some spots sit closer to the surface, while others are deeper or more stubborn. That’s why wavelength matters so much as the right wavelength needs to reach the right layer and target the right pigmentation.
Asian skin is more prone to:
Using a wavelength that goes too shallow or too deep can overstimulate melanin (pigment molecules), which increases the risk of temporary darkening. For example, although the 532nm is more well absorbed by melanin, if not utilized properly can lead to PIH. The 1064nm despite not being as well absorbed by melanin, has a lower risk of PIH but might take slightly longer to break down the pigmentation.
Some wavelengths are better at breaking down brown pigment and some are used for tattoo ink. This is why using more than one wavelength gives doctors more control in customizing treatment.
Discovery Pico is designed as a multi-wavelength pico-second laser platform. This means it can deliver different types of laser energy to reach pigments sitting at various depths in the skin by switching between the handpieces.
Because it offers more than one wavelength, Discovery Pico is often preferred for:
This makes it a flexible option for patients who have more than one skin concern or
pigmentation of differing depths.
PicoSure is known for its single 755 nm wavelength which is effective for targeting certain pigment types and multicoloured tattoo ink. The 755 nm wavelength is absorbed well by melanin, making PicoSure suitable for superficial-mid layer pigmentation such as:
Because it operates with one main wavelength, PicoSure is best suited for patients with surface pigmentation concerns.
Both Discovery Pico and PicoSure offer fractional treatment modes. Fractional simply means the laser delivers energy in tiny columns or micro-spots under the skin. This creates controlled micro-injuries in the skin that encourage collagen renewal and overall skin improvement with shorter downtime.
Hence, Pico Lasers not only improve skin tone and pigmentation but also helps with collagen stimulation and improving skin texture and scars. However, the fractional technology behind each device is quite different, and these differences influence how well each laser improves acne scars, pores, and skin texture.
One of the reasons Discovery Pico is widely regarded as a powerful skin rejuvenation laser is its ability to generate Laser-Induced Optical Breakdown (LIOB).
Instead of heating the skin surface, Discovery Pico delivers ultra-short picosecond pulses with high peak power, creating microscopic bubbles in the dermis known as LIOBs. These tiny micro-injury zones stimulate collagen production and skin repair without significantly damaging the surrounding tissue.
The result is collagen remodeling, smoother skin texture, and improved skin quality with minimal downtime.
 Feature | Discovery Pico LIOB Technology | Why It Matters for Skin Rejuvenation |
 Mechanism | Creates microscopic cavitation bubbles (LIOBs) in the dermis | Triggers natural collagen regeneration |
 Heat Damage | Minimal heat damage | Lower risk of post-inflammatory pigmentation |
 Skin Surface | Mostly preserves the skin surface | Faster healing and shorter downtime |
 Collagen Stimulation | Deep dermal stimulation | Improves acne scars, pores, and wrinkles |
 Precision | Fractional micro-beam delivery | Targets treatment zones while sparing surrounding tissue |
 Suitability for Asian Skin | High precision with less heat | Reduces risk of rebound pigmentation |
For many patients, this approach offers a balance between clearing pigmentation together with skin rejuvenation, making it particularly suitable for individuals with busy lifestyles in Singapore.
Although both machines are considered Pico Lasers, factors like wavelength, depth and fractional technology determine how well each device treats different concerns. Understanding these distinctions helps you choose a laser that is not only effective, but also safe for Asian skin tones that are more prone to rebound pigmentation. The table below summarizes the key distinctions between the Discovery Pico and PicoSure systems, specifically tailored for the common skin concerns and skin types seen in Singapore.
|
Feature |
Discovery Pico | PicoSure |
 Wavelengths |
Multi-wavelength: 532 nm & 1064 nm | Single wavelength: 755 nm |
 Primary Strength |
Stubborn, mixed-depth pigment & deep skin remodelling | Superficial pigmentations |
 Fractional Mode |
Micro-Lens Array (MLA): Deep micro-injury zones | Focus Lens Array: Surface energy concentration |
 Acne Scar Treatment |
Effective for deep scars | Best for mild surface texture concerns |
 Collagen Stimulation |
Moderate to High (Deeper reach) | Mild to Moderate (Surface rejuvenation) |
 Risk Of Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation |
Low: 1064nm wavelength is safer for darker tones. | Low to moderate: requires caution for darker skin types. |
 Best Suited For |
Melasma, deep scars, complex pigmentation, brightening | Freckles, sun damage, brightening |
Choosing between Discovery Pico and PicoSure isn’t about which machine is “stronger,” but about which one fits your specific skin concerns, skin tone, and treatment goals. By understanding what each device does best, you can make a more confident decision and get results that are safer, faster, and more predictable for Asian skin. The table below consolidates different skin concerns you might have and which machine is more effective:
| Your Skin Concern | Discovery Pico | PicoSure | What This Means |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deep or mixed-depth pigmentation (e.g. melasma) | Excellent | Moderate | Discovery’s multi-wavelength system targets different pigment depths safely. |
| Superficial pigmentation (sunspots, freckles) | Effective | Excellent | Both work well, and PicoSure is designed mainly for shallow pigment. |
| Post-acne marks (PIH) | Excellent | Moderate | Discovery’s 1064 nm wavelength is safer and more stable for PIH-prone Asian skin. |
| Brightness / glow / overall radiance | Excellent | Excellent | Both lasers improve skin clarity: PicoSure provides surface brightening, Discovery Pico has added texture refinement benefit |
| Acne scars and enlarged pores | Effective | Moderate | Discovery Pico’s fractional mode penetrates deep layers for collagen remodeling. |
| Tattoo removal | Moderate | Excellent | PicoSure 755 nm wavelength targets green/blue pigments better. |
Ultimately, the “best” Pico Laser is not about the brand of the machine, but about matching the right technology to your unique skin profile. For many Singaporean patients, pigmentation sits at multiple depths, and the skin is naturally prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). This is why the choice of device matters. Discovery Pico offers more flexibility with multi-wavelength targeting and deeper fractional modes, making it a strong option for complex pigmentation, melasma, and textural improvement. PicoSure performs well for superficial spots and tattoo removal.
The best laser is the one matched to your skin’s unique needs, performed by a clinic that understands Asian skin biology and practices careful, customized energy control.
Most patients describe the sensation as tiny, light pricks against the skin. It is usually well-tolerated by most patients. In addition, at Astria, medical-grade numbing cream is applied before the procedure to ensure maximum comfort.
Downtime is minimal. You may experience mild redness for a few hours to a day. If targeting and treating deep scars, you might notice tiny red spots in those areas but they typically resolve within 2-3 days.
Both are safe when used correctly, but Discovery Pico is often preferred for Asian skin because its multi-wavelength system (532 nm and 1064 nm) allows safer targeting of deeper pigment without overheating the skin’s surface. This reduces the risk of rebound hyperpigmentation, which is common in Asian skin tones.
This is a normal and positive sign that can happen soon after the session. The laser shatters the pigment into smaller pieces, which then rises to the skin’s surface. These darkened spots will naturally flake off over 5-10 days, revealing clearer skin underneath.
Yes! It is common in Singapore clinics to pair Pico Laser with skin boosters or exosomes to boost the “glow” effect and improve skin quality.
Medically Reviewed by
AESTHETIC DOCTOR
Dr. Marcus earned his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from Newcastle University in the United Kingdom. His early medical training included rigorous rotations across multiple specialties in both the UK and Singapore, providing him with a strong foundation in patient care and clinical excellence…
Whether you have questions about our treatments, want to book an appointment, or simply like to learn more about how we can help you achieve your skin goals, our team is here to assist!
Astria Medical Aesthetics believes in a sustainable aesthetic journey. Beauty can be a continuous, timeless goal.
51 Bras Basah Road, #04-06A
Lazada One, Singapore 189554
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10.30am – 8.30pm
(Last appointment: 7.30pm)
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(Last appointment: 6pm)
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