Picosecond Laser vs Fractional CO₂
Two different lasers with complementary indications — which to choose for your case
Both lasers are available at Elyzea, but they address different problems. Picosecond is non-ablative and fragments pigment with ultra-short pulses. Fractional CO₂ is ablative and remodels skin with deep thermal micro-columns. Choosing the right one depends on your main concern, your skin phototype, and how much downtime you can afford.
Side by side
| Feature | Picosecond | Fractional CO₂ |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Non-ablative (does not remove skin) | Ablative (removes microscopic layers) |
| Mechanism | Photoacoustic — shatters pigment with pressure waves | Photothermal — heat micro-columns stimulate deep collagen |
| Ideal for | Pigmentation, melasma, sun spots, tattoos, micropigmentation | Acne scars, deep wrinkles, mild laxity, texture |
| Wavelengths | 532/755/1064 nm — selected per pigment | 10,600 nm (CO₂) — constant |
| Typical sessions | 3-5 every 4-6 weeks | 1-3 every 6-8 weeks |
| Downtime | 1-3 days of mild redness | 5-7 days with peeling |
| Session duration | 15-30 minutes | 20-40 minutes |
| Pain | Mild (small snapping sensation) | Moderate with topical anesthetic |
| Safe on darker skin | Yes (phototypes IV-VI ok) | With caution (hyperpigmentation risk) |
| Visible results | 2-4 weeks (progressive lightening) | 3-6 months (renewal and new collagen) |
| Result duration | Permanent (with sun protection) | Years (optional maintenance) |
Which is for you?
Choose Picosecond if your priority is…
Sun spots, melasma, post-acne hyperpigmentation, tattoos, micropigmentation you want removed. Ideal if you can't have visible downtime days. Safe on darker skin.
Choose Fractional CO₂ if your priority is…
Atrophic acne scars, deep wrinkles, mild to moderate laxity, uneven texture, enlarged pores. Requires 5-7 days of downtime but results are deeper.
Combine both if…
You have acne scars with associated hyperpigmentation. Typical protocol: fractional CO₂ first for texture + picosecond spaced 4-6 weeks later for residual pigmentation. More complete result than either alone.
Three scenarios
Case 1 — Melasma in a 38-year-old woman
Priority: lighten pigment without triggering rebound. Picosecond, 4 sessions every 4 weeks + daily SPF 50+ + at-home depigmenting care. CO₂ would be contraindicated due to risk of worsening melasma.
Case 2 — Moderate acne scars, 32-year-old man
Priority: remodel atrophic scar texture. Fractional CO₂, 2-3 sessions every 8 weeks. If residual dark spots from old acne remain, add picosecond at the end of the protocol.
Case 3 — Global facial rejuvenation, 52-year-old woman
Mix of fine wrinkles + accumulated sun spots. Combined protocol: 1 fractional CO₂ session for deep rejuvenation + 2 picosecond sessions afterward for the spots. Integrated result.
Free consultation with Dra. Geldres
Which laser is right for your case?
No-cost medical evaluation. We tell you which laser, how many sessions, and the exact price.