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Picostar Laser

Next generation skin treatments

PicoStar Laser is a highly versatile picosecond laser platform that does far more than remove tattoo ink. In addition to fragmenting unwanted pigment, it creates a controlled plasma effect within the skin, forming microscopic zones of disruption that stimulate natural collagen remodelling. These tiny internal treatment points, sometimes called laser-induced optical breakdowns or LIOBs, act like precise micro-injuries beneath the surface, triggering repair without aggressive surface damage. As a result, PicoStar can improve acne scars, sun damage, solar lentigines, melasma and selected benign hyperpigmented lesions while also dissolving tattoo ink. It treats colour and skin quality together, either as a standalone treatment or within a carefully structured, doctor-led plan.

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Clears unwanted melanin with precision control

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Refines tone without aggressive resurfacing

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Ideal where texture is good but colour is not

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Exceptional performance on resistant tattoo colours

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Perfect when clarity is the issue, not laxity or scarring

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Integrates seamlessly with collagen and structural treatments

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Indications

Picostar Laser

  • Condition

    Acne Scarring

    Acne scarring treatment with PicoStar Laser works by creating a controlled plasma effect within the skin, forming microscopic internal treatment points that stimulate collagen remodelling without aggressive surface ablation. These tiny zones of disruption trigger the body’s natural repair response, helping to soften atrophic scars and improve overall skin texture over time. Because many acne scars are accompanied by post-inflammatory pigmentation, PicoStar has the advantage of addressing both colour irregularity and structural change in the same treatment pathway, with results building progressively across a carefully spaced course.

    Acne scarring treatment with PicoStar Laser works by creating a controlled plasma effect within the skin, forming microscopic internal treatment points that stimulate collagen remodelling without aggressive surface ablation. These tiny zones of disruption trigger the body’s natural repair response, helping to soften atrophic scars and improve overall skin texture over time. Because many acne scars are accompanied by post-inflammatory pigmentation, PicoStar has the advantage of addressing both colour irregularity and structural change in the same treatment pathway, with results building progressively across a carefully spaced course.

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  • Condition

    Melasma

    Melasma requires a cautious, structured approach because it is a chronic, hormonally influenced condition that can relapse. PicoStar Laser can support improvement by using conservative settings to reduce excess pigment and stimulate gentle dermal remodelling without provoking unnecessary inflammation. However, laser treatment alone is not sufficient. Medical-grade topical therapy, strict daily sun protection and trigger management are essential to stabilise melanocyte activity and reduce recurrence. The best results come from combining laser with a disciplined, long-term skin management plan rather than relying on a single intervention.

    Melasma requires a cautious, structured approach because it is a chronic, hormonally influenced condition that can relapse. PicoStar Laser can support improvement by using conservative settings to reduce excess pigment and stimulate gentle dermal remodelling without provoking unnecessary inflammation. However, laser treatment alone is not sufficient. Medical-grade topical therapy, strict daily sun protection and trigger management are essential to stabilise melanocyte activity and reduce recurrence. The best results come from combining laser with a disciplined, long-term skin management plan rather than relying on a single intervention.

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  • Condition

    Microblading Removal

    Semi-permanent make-up removal with PicoStar Laser requires precision and experience because cosmetic pigments behave differently from standard tattoo inks. Using ultra-short picosecond pulses, PicoStar fragments implant pigment particles so they can be gradually cleared by the body, while minimising unnecessary surface damage. However, brow, lip and eyeliner pigments can contain mixed compounds that may respond unpredictably or temporarily shift colour. For that reason, careful assessment, appropriate wavelength selection and, in some cases, patch testing are essential to reduce risk and guide a safe, structured removal plan.

    Semi-permanent make-up removal with PicoStar Laser requires precision and experience because cosmetic pigments behave differently from standard tattoo inks. Using ultra-short picosecond pulses, PicoStar fragments implant pigment particles so they can be gradually cleared by the body, while minimising unnecessary surface damage. However, brow, lip and eyeliner pigments can contain mixed compounds that may respond unpredictably or temporarily shift colour. For that reason, careful assessment, appropriate wavelength selection and, in some cases, patch testing are essential to reduce risk and guide a safe, structured removal plan.

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  • Condition

    Tattoo Removal

    Tattoo removal with PicoStar Laser is based on precision pigment fragmentation rather than surface destruction. The ultra-short picosecond pulses create a powerful photoacoustic effect that shatters tattoo ink into microscopic particles, allowing the body’s immune system to gradually clear them over time. Because different inks sit at different depths and vary in colour composition, treatment must be tailored to the individual tattoo. Professional, multi-colour and cover-up tattoos typically require a structured course of sessions spaced appropriately to allow safe clearance and optimal fading, while minimising unnecessary skin trauma.

    Tattoo removal with PicoStar Laser is based on precision pigment fragmentation rather than surface destruction. The ultra-short picosecond pulses create a powerful photoacoustic effect that shatters tattoo ink into microscopic particles, allowing the body’s immune system to gradually clear them over time. Because different inks sit at different depths and vary in colour composition, treatment must be tailored to the individual tattoo. Professional, multi-colour and cover-up tattoos typically require a structured course of sessions spaced appropriately to allow safe clearance and optimal fading, while minimising unnecessary skin trauma.

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  • Condition

    Uneven skin tone

    PicoStar can be used to treat a wide range of hyperpigmentation concerns across all skin tones when appropriate parameters and protocols are selected. Its ultra-short picosecond pulses create a controlled photoacoustic and plasma effect within the skin, allowing targeted fragmentation of excess melanin while minimising unnecessary surface damage. This precision makes it suitable for solar lentigines, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, melasma support and selected benign pigmented lesions, provided treatment is carefully tailored to the individual’s skin type, pigment behaviour and risk profile.

    PicoStar can be used to treat a wide range of hyperpigmentation concerns across all skin tones when appropriate parameters and protocols are selected. Its ultra-short picosecond pulses create a controlled photoacoustic and plasma effect within the skin, allowing targeted fragmentation of excess melanin while minimising unnecessary surface damage. This precision makes it suitable for solar lentigines, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, melasma support and selected benign pigmented lesions, provided treatment is carefully tailored to the individual’s skin type, pigment behaviour and risk profile.

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  • Condition

    Secret RF

    Scars can often benefit from a combined approach using PicoStar Laser and DeepSpot laser technology. PicoStar stimulates controlled dermal remodelling through its picosecond plasma effect, improving atrophic scars and associated pigmentation irregularities without aggressive surface damage. DeepSpot, by contrast, delivers focused energy deeper within thicker or more fibrotic scar tissue, helping to remodel dense collagen and flatten hypertrophic areas. When sequenced correctly, PicoStar refines colour and surface blending while DeepSpot addresses structural thickness or depth. The combination allows us to treat both the architecture and the appearance of a scar, producing a more comprehensive and natural improvement over time.

    Scars can often benefit from a combined approach using PicoStar Laser and DeepSpot laser technology. PicoStar stimulates controlled dermal remodelling through its picosecond plasma effect, improving atrophic scars and associated pigmentation irregularities without aggressive surface damage. DeepSpot, by contrast, delivers focused energy deeper within thicker or more fibrotic scar tissue, helping to remodel dense collagen and flatten hypertrophic areas. When sequenced correctly, PicoStar refines colour and surface blending while DeepSpot addresses structural thickness or depth. The combination allows us to treat both the architecture and the appearance of a scar, producing a more comprehensive and natural improvement over time.

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FAQS

Picostar Treatment Questions

  • How many sessions will I need? add_circle
    It depends on what we are treating. Tattoos usually require a course, especially if they are professional, multi-colour, or cover-ups. Sun spots often need fewer sessions. Melasma typically needs a longer-term strategy because it can relapse.
  • Is it painful? add_circle
    It can be uncomfortable, often described as a quick snapping sensation. We can discuss cooling and topical numbing options to make it manageable.
  • Can PicoStar help melasma? add_circle
    It can help selected patients, but it is not a cure. Melasma is chronic and can recur, so we treat it with conservative settings and a plan that supports the skin barrier and reduces triggers.
  • What are the risks and safety considerations? add_circle
    Common temporary effects include redness, swelling, tenderness, and, for tattoo or PMU removal, blistering and scabbing. Less common risks include temporary darkening or lightening of the skin, particularly in pigment-prone skin types. Scarring is uncommon when treatments are appropriately spaced and aftercare is followed.
  • Is PicoStar suitable for darker skin tones? add_circle
    Often yes, but parameter choice and practitioner experience are key. We use a cautious approach to reduce the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

What now?

Your expert consultation

We take the time to listen, assess and advise properly. All treatments at Riverbanks Clinic begin with a detailed in-clinic medical consultation with one of our practitioners. This ensures an accurate diagnosis, a clear treatment plan and that any treatment offered is appropriate, safe and in your best interests.

To arrange your consultation, please contact the clinic directly on 01582 762877.

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TESTIMONIALS

OUR PATIENTS LOVE OUR
RELAXING CLINIC

Patients love coming to Riverbanks for two key reasons: our expert team and the exceptional results we deliver. With highly skilled practitioners who prioritise patient care and cutting-edge treatments tailored to individual needs, every visit is a reassuring and results-driven experience in a welcoming, professional environment.