Pico Laser · Bondi Junction
Pigmentation &
Sun Damage
Picosecond laser technology used for sunspots, freckles, post-acne marks and uneven skin tone. Every treatment is performed personally by Tom following an in-person consultation. Melasma is assessed with your GP or dermatologist first.
Understanding Your Concern
What is Pigmentation?
Pigmentation refers to darkened areas of skin caused by excess melanin — the natural pigment produced by your skin. It can develop from sun exposure, hormonal changes, inflammation or ageing, and can become more pronounced over time without management.
Common types include sunspots and sun damage, freckles, melasma and post-acne marks. Different types of pigmentation behave differently — and not every type responds the same way to laser. Melasma in particular is chronic and recurrent, and current guidelines place laser last for it, after sun protection and a doctor's management plan. Suitability and a likely treatment plan are assessed at your free consultation.
The Treatment
How Pico Laser Works
Pico laser delivers extremely short pulses of light energy to the skin. These pulses break pigment into smaller particles, which the body can then gradually clear. The platform used at Laser by Tom offers more than one wavelength, and the wavelength, energy and pulse settings are selected for the type and depth of pigment being treated — which is also why recovery differs between treatments.
- May reduce the appearance of sunspots
- May fade freckles and age spots
- May help the appearance of post-acne marks
- Targets uneven skin tone
- For melasma: may be used as a low-energy add-on once a doctor's plan is in place
- Recovery varies by treatment type — see “What to Expect” below
- Suitable across a wider range of skin tones than some older laser types
Outcomes vary between individuals. Suitability is assessed at consultation — not every person is a suitable candidate for laser pigmentation treatment.
Melasma
If Your Pigmentation May Be Melasma
Melasma is a chronic, hormonally influenced pigmentation condition, and it is the type most often made worse by laser. Only a doctor can diagnose it, and current Australian and international guidance puts daily tinted sunscreen and prescription treatment from a GP or dermatologist first — with laser reserved as a later add-on for pigmentation that persists.
That is how it works here. If the pattern I see at consultation may be consistent with melasma, I will give you dated photos and a short note to take to your GP or dermatologist, and I will not treat that area with laser until you have been medically assessed. Once you have a diagnosis and a plan, we can discuss whether low-energy Pico has a role for you, in coordination with your doctor. Results for melasma are not permanent and depend on ongoing daily protection.
For the full picture — what drives melasma, which sunscreen helps, what to use at home, and what to avoid — read Melasma: What Causes It, How It's Managed, What to Avoid.
Your Experience
What to Expect
Every treatment is tailored to the type and depth of pigmentation. Tom performs every session personally.
During Treatment
- Skin assessment and cleanse
- Optional Carbon Laser Peel (With Carbon Peel option)
- Pico laser applied to target areas
- Mild warming or snapping sensation
- Typical session: 45 minutes
After Treatment
- Treated pigment commonly darkens before clearing
- Mild redness and swelling may occur
- Recovery depends on the type and depth of pigment treated
- Aftercare guidance provided in writing
- SPF 50+ is essential in the weeks following
What to Know Before Booking
Possible Risks & Side Effects
All laser treatments carry risks. Most reactions are short-lived, but more significant reactions are possible. These are discussed in full at your consultation, and you are encouraged to ask questions and take time to decide before proceeding.
Common & Expected
- Mild redness or warmth in the hours after
- Temporary darkening of treated pigment
- Darkening, crusting and flaking as pigment clears — commonly one to three weeks, sometimes longer
- Brief tingling or sensitivity
Less Common
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (worsening of pigment)
- Post-inflammatory hypopigmentation (lighter patches)
- Blistering or crusting
- Persistent pigment change or scarring (rare)
- Recurrence of pigmentation, particularly melasma
- Outcome that does not meet expectations
Pico laser is not suitable for every person. Factors including recent sun exposure or tanning, certain medications, pregnancy, active skin infection, and some medical or skin conditions may mean laser is not appropriate or needs to be deferred. Full screening is done at consultation.
Treatment Plan
How Many Sessions Might Be Needed?
The number of sessions depends on the type, depth and extent of pigmentation, and how your skin responds. The ranges below are general guidance only — they are not a guarantee of outcome.
| Pigmentation Type | Typical Session Range | Ongoing |
|---|---|---|
| Mild sunspots / freckles | 1–2 sessions | Periodic review |
| Moderate sun damage | 2–3 sessions | Annual review |
| Melasma | Not planned as a laser course. Add-on only, after medical assessment — a short low-energy course if appropriate | Doctor-led management — chronic condition |
| Post-acne pigmentation | 2–4 sessions | As needed |
Pricing
Pigmentation Treatment Pricing
All consultations are free with no obligation to proceed. Pricing below is indicative. Your final quote is confirmed at consultation based on treatment area and clinical findings.
Pico Laser — Sun Damage & Pigmentation
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Pico laser work on melasma?
Laser is not a first-line treatment for melasma. Melasma is a chronic, hormonally influenced condition that only a doctor can diagnose, and current guidelines place daily tinted sunscreen and prescription treatment from a GP or dermatologist first. Once those are in place, low-energy Pico may help the appearance of persistent pigmentation as an add-on, coordinated with your doctor — but aggressive settings, frequent sessions or IPL can make melasma worse, and results are not permanent without maintenance. I don't laser suspected melasma until it has been medically assessed.
Is Pico suitable for darker skin tones?
Picosecond lasers are generally considered to carry a lower risk profile on darker skin tones than older Q-switched or IPL devices, because the very short pulses transfer less heat to surrounding skin. Suitability is still assessed individually — not every person is a candidate, and conservative settings and patch testing may be used.
Why does my pigmentation look darker after treatment?
This is expected for many people, and is temporary. The laser fragments pigment particles, which rise to the surface before shedding. How long this takes varies: light toning and Carbon Laser Peel sessions usually settle within a day or two, while treatment of individual sunspots, freckles or body pigmentation commonly takes one to three weeks to darken, crust and shed, and occasionally longer. Do not pick or exfoliate aggressively — let the skin shed naturally and follow the written aftercare.
How many sessions might I need?
It varies. Sunspots and freckles are typically planned as a course of 1–2 sessions, and deeper or more widespread pigmentation as 3–4. Melasma is not planned as a laser course — it is an ongoing, doctor-led management plan in which a short course of low-energy laser may or may not have a place. These are planning guides, not predictions — the number of sessions needed and the result achieved vary between individuals. A realistic plan is discussed at your consultation.
What's included in a Full Face Pigmentation treatment?
Full Face Pico is available on its own (Sun Damage Only, $229) or with an add-on: a Carbon Laser Peel ($249), a full-face rejuvenation pass ($249), or both ($279). The carbon peel option is the most popular choice.
Is Laser by Tom a medical clinic?
No. Laser by Tom is a private laser studio. Tom is a trained laser operator, not a registered medical or nursing health practitioner. Treatments are provided as non-medical aesthetic laser services. Where a condition requires medical diagnosis or treatment (for example, suspected skin cancer, melasma, or a skin condition that needs medical management), clients are referred to a GP or dermatologist.
Why Laser by Tom for Pigmentation
- Picosecond laser — short pulses with less heat scatter than older laser types
- Every treatment performed personally by Tom — no junior technicians
- Optional Carbon Laser Peel available with full-face pigmentation sessions
- Private, appointment-only studio in Bondi Junction
- Free, no-obligation consultation before any treatment
Related Treatments
Rosacea & Redness · Pigmentation & Sun Damage · Acne & Scars · Wrinkles & Rejuvenation · Full Pricing