Pico Laser · Bondi Junction
Pigmentation &
Sun Damage
Picosecond laser technology used for sunspots, freckles, melasma and uneven skin tone. Every treatment is performed personally by Tom following an in-person consultation.
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. Some forms, particularly melasma, are chronic and recurrent. 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
- Used for some types of melasma
- May fade freckles and age spots
- Targets uneven skin tone
- 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.
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 | 3–6 sessions | Ongoing 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?
Pico laser is one of the tools used for melasma, but melasma is a chronic, hormonally-driven condition and tends to recur. Improvement is generally gradual across several sessions with conservative settings combined with daily SPF and trigger management. Aggressive settings can make melasma worse — careful assessment and conservative treatment matter. Melasma is best diagnosed by a GP or dermatologist before considering laser.
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 an ongoing management plan rather than a fixed number of sessions. 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 Pigmentation Correction is available in two options: without Carbon Peel ($199) or with a Carbon Laser Peel included ($229). 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, undiagnosed 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