Melasma, sunspots, stubborn patches of discolouration, they have a habit of hanging around long after summer fades. If you’ve tried skincare, peels or other lasers with only partial success, you’re not alone. Many people in their thirties, forties, fifties and sixties tell us they want a treatment that genuinely makes a difference without taking them away from day-to-day life. This is where PicoSure® Pro steps in. It’s a new-generation device that treats pigmentation with precision, control and very little downtime. And it’s arrived at The Lovely Clinic, giving you a smarter way to address pigment safely and effectively.
Some pigmentation sits deeper in the skin than you might imagine. Melasma in particular is driven by inflammation, hormones, UV and heat. So you need a device that can target pigment without stressing the surrounding skin and adding additional heat, which can make things worse. PicoSure® Pro does exactly that, and that’s what makes it special.
What Is PicoSure® Pro and How It Works
PicoSure® Pro is a picosecond laser device that uses incredibly short pulses of energy. These pulses create an acoustic effect, called PressureWave technology, that shatters unwanted pigment while keeping the surrounding skin stable. It’s a clever shift away from heat-heavy lasers that can aggravate sensitive skin types.
The device uses a 755 nm wavelength with optional 532 nm and 1064 nm settings, allowing targeted treatment across a range of skin types. Because the device relies on photomechanical disruption rather than strong thermal injury, you see clearer skin with less irritation and a short recovery.
If we strip it back, the technology gives you three major advantages:
- It disrupts pigment without overheating the skin.
- It improves tone and texture at the same time.
- It reduces downtime compared with traditional lasers or deeper peels.
Those factors matter when your day is full, and you want treatments that fit your rhythm
Why PicoSure® Pro Suits Melasma and Pigmentation Concerns
Melasma is complex. It responds well to treatments that reduce pigment gently and consistently without causing inflammation or rebound darkening. That’s why PicoSure® Pro has become such a talking point in global dermatology clinics.
This device targets:
- Stubborn melasma patches
- Sunspots and age spots
- Uneven tone
- Freckles
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
Because PicoSure® Pro uses acoustic impact rather than intense heat, your risk of irritation or pigment rebound is lower. For many, that’s the difference between a temporary lift and a meaningful long-term improvement.
Another benefit sits quietly beneath the surface: collagen stimulation. PicoSure® Pro triggers a healing response that supports firmer, healthier-looking skin. So even though this device is known for pigment and melasma, patients often notice a softer texture and brighter finish too.
This makes it an excellent option for those who want clearer skin without losing natural character or expression, a core part of The Lovely Clinic ethos.
Other Conditions PicoSure® Pro Can Treat
The benefits extend beyond melasma. Depending on your skin goals, PicoSure® Pro can also address:
- Cosmetic tattoo or regular tattoo removal, including eyebrow, lip or eyeliner tattooing
- Sun damage across the face, chest and hands
- Fine lines and early ageing changes
- Acne scars and textural irregularities
- Flat, waxy brown spots that have not responded to other laser treatments
The picosecond pulses break down tattoo ink in a controlled way, allowing the body to clear it gradually. And because the energy is so refined, you avoid the extended recovery times you’d expect from more aggressive lasers.
This versatility makes PicoSure® Pro a strong addition to the clinic’s portfolio of tech-driven treatments – sitting beautifully alongside BBL HEROic™, MOXI™, HALO™, and the regenerative options enjoyed by so many of our patients.
What to Expect During and After Treatment
Most patients are surprised by how quick the process feels. Here’s a clear overview.
Initial consultation
You’ll begin with an in-depth assessment to understand the depth and pattern of pigmentation. Melasma behaves differently from sunspots, so we tailor every plan individually. This is also the point where we determine if your pigmentation is active, dormant or mixed, something that influences timing and approach.
During treatment
Sessions generally last 10-30 minutes, depending on the area. You may feel light tingling or warmth as the pulses pass across the skin. Most people describe it as comfortable and quick.
After treatment
The skin may appear slightly flushed for a few hours, with some mild swelling depending on the depth of treatment. Makeup can usually be worn the next day. Results appear gradually as pigment clears and the skin renews.
Treatment plan
Melasma typically requires several sessions, and as melasma is genetically driven, it will likely return. This is not the case for sunspots (unless there is further sun damage). Most patients need a minimum of 2-5 treatments, spaced a few weeks apart, though deeper pigmentation may require more sessions. The aim is steady improvement rather than aggressive single-session change. This approach reduces risk and gives more natural, predictable outcomes.
Who Is Suitable for PicoSure® Pro
PicoSure® Pro is suitable for a wide range of adults struggling with pigmentation or uneven skin tone. It’s particularly helpful for those who:
- Have melasma that hasn’t responded well to skincare alone
- Want improvement without significant downtime
- Prefer a gentle, controlled approach
- Have sunspots or age spots that are deepening with age
- Wish to fade cosmetic tattooing
- Have post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
There are times when caution is needed. Those with highly reactive skin, certain medical conditions or extremely recent sun exposure may need to delay treatment. That’s why consultation is essential; it ensures safe and personalised planning.
Risks, Limitations and Aftercare
Every laser has limitations, and it’s important we talk about them transparently.
Melasma is known to fluctuate. For some people, heat, sun or hormonal shifts can trigger pigment to return. While PicoSure® Pro has a lower risk of rebound, the possibility remains. Managing melasma is often a long-term relationship rather than a one-off fix.
Potential side effects include:
- Temporary redness
- Mild swelling
- Dryness
- Temporary darkening of pigment before it lightens
Most resolve quickly, especially with correct aftercare.
Aftercare guidance
This is where you play a vital role. Your skin needs protection to maintain results.
- Daily SPF 50 is non-negotiable.
- Avoid strong actives until the skin settles.
- Avoid saunas, steam and hot yoga for a short time.
- Stick to calm, hydrating skincare until the barrier rebalances.
Supporting your skin correctly between sessions gives you the best possible outcome.
Why Choose The Lovely Clinic
The Lovely Clinic is known for precision and a deep understanding of skin physiology. Every treatment is designed to look natural, elegant and age-appropriate. When we introduce a new technology, we do so because it genuinely adds value, not because it’s trendy.
With PicoSure® Pro, you receive a tailored treatment plan, detailed aftercare, and ongoing support. Our approach is to combine the most advanced devices with clinical judgement, so the results feel authentic to you.
If you’re ready to understand your pigmentation on a deeper level and move towards clearer, brighter skin, we’re here to guide you.
We invite you to book your consultation with us today.
Further reading: Our in-depth guide to skin pigmentation
Many patients considering regenerative treatments are also managing pigmentation concerns, particularly around the eyes, where the skin is thinner and more reactive. At The Lovely Clinic, we approach this clinically and strategically, recognising that pigmentation, collagen quality, hydration, and inflammation are closely linked.
To support this, we have created The Lovely Clinic’s Guide to Handling Hyperpigmentation, a detailed patient resource that explains the different types of pigmentation, what drives them, and how we treat them safely using prescription skincare, regenerative injectables, and advanced in-clinic technologies.
The guide covers:
- The main causes of hyperpigmentation include hormonal, inflammatory, and sun-related triggers
- Why the periorbital area requires a more specialised approach
- How polynucleotide treatments can support skin quality and resilience alongside pigmentation management
- The role of medical-grade skincare and prescription interventions
- When energy-based treatments are appropriate and how they are combined safely
If pigmentation, dark circles, or uneven tone are part of your skin concerns, this resource provides valuable context before your consultation.
Download our Hyperpigmentation Guide here.
This brochure aligns directly with our consultation-led, medically driven approach and is designed to help you make informed decisions about your skin health
FAQ
Does PicoSure® Pro work for melasma?
Yes. It’s one of the most advanced options for targeting melasma gently and effectively.
How many sessions will I need?
Most people need between 2-5 sessions, depending on pigmentation depth and skin response.
Is there downtime?
Downtime is minimal. Most people return to normal activity the same day.
Can it treat cosmetic tattooing?
Yes. It breaks down cosmetic tattoo pigment precisely and safely.
Will my pigmentation come back?
Melasma can return with sun exposure or hormonal shifts. Consistent skincare and sun protection help maintain results.
Clinic Contact Details
The Lovely Clinic
8 Beauchamp Pl, London SW3 1NQ
Call us: +44 (0)20 3695 5400
WhatsApp: +44 7401 163760
