Compare · Pico vs CO2 laser
Pico laser vs CO2 laser: pigment and ink, or scars and texture
Pico and fractional CO2 lasers are two of the most searched lasers in Singapore, and they are often compared as if they did the same job. They do not. One shatters pigment with ultra-short pulses; the other removes microscopic columns of skin so it can rebuild. Here is how to tell which fits your concern.
Written & medically reviewed by Dr Sin Yong · 30 October 2026
Quick answer
- A pico laser fires pulses lasting trillionths of a second that break pigment and tattoo ink into fine particles the body clears. It is used for pigment, uneven tone and tattoos, and in fractional mode for mild texture, usually with little downtime.
- A fractional CO2 laser is ablative: it removes microscopic columns of skin, which then heal and remodel collagen. It is used for acne scars, surgical scars and texture, and asks more of your recovery, typically several days of redness and flaking.
- Pigment usually points to pico; pitted scars usually point to CO2. Dr Sin Yong performs both at SkinRev Lab or IN Eternity Clinic after assessment. Treatment is priced at consultation.
How they work
Two very different ways of using laser energy
A picosecond laser delivers pulses so short that the energy builds up in pigment particles or tattoo ink faster than it can escape as heat. The particle cracks into smaller fragments, which the body's clean-up cells gradually remove. Because the effect is concentrated in the pigment, the surrounding skin is largely spared. In fractional mode, the beam is split into many tiny points that create small zones of change inside the skin, which is used for mild texture and rejuvenation.
A fractional CO2 laser works by removing tissue. Its wavelength is absorbed by water in the skin, so each beam vaporises a microscopic column through the surface and into the dermis, while the skin between columns is left intact to speed healing. As the columns heal, the skin produces new collagen and remodels, which is what softens scars and refines texture. Depth and density are adjusted scar by scar.
Side by side
Pico laser vs CO2 laser at a glance
These are general differences. Settings, the number of sessions and downtime vary with the device, the protocol and your skin.
| Pico laser | Fractional CO2 laser | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Non-ablative, picosecond pulses | Ablative fractional resurfacing |
| Main uses | Pigment, uneven tone, tattoos; mild texture in fractional mode | Acne scars, surgical scars, texture, some stretch marks |
| Typical downtime | Little; mild redness for hours to a day or two | Several days of redness, swelling and flaking |
| Sessions | Often a series | Fewer sessions, spaced further apart |
| Main risk in Asian skin | Rebound pigment if used aggressively on melasma | Post-inflammatory pigmentation after resurfacing |
Evidence
What the research supports for each
A systematic review of picosecond lasers in dermatology found them safe and effective for a growing range of uses, with the strongest evidence for tattoo removal and benign pigmented lesions, moderate evidence for rejuvenation and melasma, and more limited evidence for scars. That fits how pico is usually used: pigment first, texture second.
For acne scars, a 2022 international consensus of laser experts agreed that energy-based devices have a role in treatment, with ablative fractional lasers among the devices most experts preferred, alongside non-ablative lasers, vascular lasers and radiofrequency. The panel considered energy-based devices a first-line option for many acne scar types, often combined with other methods.
Neither laser fixes everything. Narrow ice pick scars often need TCA CROSS, tethered rolling scars need subcision, and melasma needs prescription treatment and sun protection before any laser is considered.
Choosing
Which laser fits which concern
If your main concern is colour, such as sun spots, freckles, dark marks after acne or a tattoo, pico is usually the starting point, provided the pigment has been identified. Melasma needs particular care: low-energy settings over several sessions, alongside prescription creams, rather than one strong session.
If your main concern is shape and surface, such as boxcar or rolling acne scars, surgical scars or rough texture, an ablative fractional CO2 laser is often the more effective tool, combined where needed with subcision or TCA CROSS. It suits people who can plan for the downtime.
Some people have both pigment and scars. In that case the plan is staged, and the order depends on which problem matters more to you and on how your skin tends to pigment after injury.
At SkinRev Lab
Assessment and treatment by Dr Sin Yong
Dr Sin Yong performs pico laser (T2 Frax Radiance) and fractional CO2 laser (DEKA Tetra Pro, S3 protocol) at SkinRev Lab, CityLink Mall, and IN Eternity Clinic, Pacific Plaza. He identifies the pigment or scar types first, then explains which laser, if any, suits them, how many sessions to expect and what recovery looks like.
Treatment is priced at consultation, because it depends on the concern, the area and the number of sessions. Results vary between people.
Sources
References & sources
- Wu DC, Goldman MP, Wat H, Chan HHL. A systematic review of picosecond laser in dermatology: evidence and recommendations. Lasers Surg Med. 2021;53(1):9-49.
- Salameh F, Shumaker PR, Goodman GJ, et al. Energy-based devices for the treatment of acne scars: 2022 international consensus recommendations. Lasers Surg Med. 2022;54(1):10-26.
- Oakley A, Doolan BJ, Gupta M. Melasma. DermNet.
Common questions
Your questions,
answered
Is pico laser or CO2 laser better for acne scars?
For pitted acne scars, fractional CO2 is usually the more effective of the two, often combined with subcision or TCA CROSS. Pico in fractional mode can help mild texture but is mainly a pigment laser.
Which is better for pigmentation?
Pico laser, once the pigment has been identified. CO2 resurfacing is not a pigment treatment and can cause post-inflammatory pigmentation in Asian skin.
How much downtime does each have?
Pico usually leaves mild redness for hours to a day or two. Fractional CO2 typically means several days of redness, swelling and flaking.
Can I combine pico and CO2 laser?
Sometimes, in a staged plan for people with both pigment and scars. Dr Sin Yong decides the order and spacing at consultation.
Are these lasers safe for Asian skin?
They can be used in Asian skin with appropriate settings and aftercare, but pigment changes are the main risk. Sun protection matters both before treatment and while the skin heals.
Who performs pico and CO2 laser at SkinRev Lab?
Dr Sin Yong performs both at SkinRev Lab or IN Eternity Clinic. Treatment is priced at consultation.
How should I prepare for either laser?
Avoid tanning and strong sun for a few weeks beforehand, and tell the doctor about retinoids, isotretinoin, cold sores and any tendency to dark marks after injury. Dr Sin Yong may suggest preparing the skin with a lightening cream before treatment if you pigment easily, and will explain aftercare and sun protection for the healing period.