Pico Laser — Pigmentation
A picosecond laser shatters pigment into fine particles that the body then clears. Because each pulse is extremely short, there is less heat spread into surrounding skin and a lower risk of post-inflammatory darkening than with older lasers. For those with many spots, we offer an unlimited plan with no cap on number, size or treatment time.
- Time
- 5–30 min
- Downtime
- About 1 week
- Sessions
- 1–2
- From
- $70
Who it suits
- Sun spots that make-up no longer covers
- So many spots that treating them one by one is impractical
- Pigmentation on the chest, back or hands as well as the face
- Spots that returned after previous laser treatment
- You are not sure what type of pigmentation you have
PackagesALL-INCLUSIVE
Each package covers the consultation with the doctor, the treatment named in that package, topical anaesthetic where it is used, and aftercare guidance. Nothing is added to the price of the package itself. If you decide during the consultation to add a further treatment, an additional area, or a stronger anaesthetic, that is charged separately — the doctor will tell you the amount before anything is carried out.
Prices are shown in US dollars. Payment is taken in Japanese yen at the equivalent amount shown, by cash or credit card. The conversion is fixed at ¥160 to the dollar and is reviewed quarterly, so it will not track the daily exchange rate.
About additional charges. The package price covers the treatment you select. Adding another treatment, another area, or an option such as nitrous oxide sedation or a blunt cannula is charged on top. The doctor explains the cost before proceeding, and you are free to decline.
How we communicate. Consultations are usually conducted with the help of a translation app, which our staff use routinely and which works well for the questions that come up in a consultation. Some of our doctors and staff can also handle straightforward English. Please write down anything you particularly want to ask before your visit — it makes the consultation smoother, and you are welcome to send questions on LINE in advance.
What happens
Book
Reserve online or on LINE.
Consultation
The doctor identifies the type of pigmentation. This matters — spot treatment can worsen melasma, so the diagnosis determines the approach.
Anaesthetic
Topical cream (¥3,300) on request.
Treatment
A few seconds per spot; 20–30 minutes for a full-face unlimited session. It feels like a rubber band snap.
Tape
Small skin-coloured tapes are applied and stay on for about a week. You can wear make-up over them.
Healing
Crusts lift naturally after about a week. Strict sun protection is needed for three months.
Risks and side effects
Redness, crusting and temporary darkening occur after treatment; blistering is rare. Crusts lift on their own within about a week — picking them off can cause lasting pigmentation. Skin appearing darker in the first days is a normal part of the process.
Who cannot be treated
Not suitable if you are recently tanned, pregnant, or have photosensitivity. If you take isotretinoin, a waiting period applies.
Please note
Results vary between individuals and no particular outcome can be guaranteed. This is elective private treatment and is not covered by Japanese national health insurance.
The device, product or needle used is selected by the doctor based on your skin condition, your goals and your condition on the day. For detailed questions, asking the doctor directly at your consultation is the most reliable way. You may also ask on LINE, but technical questions need to be checked with our clinical staff first, so a reply may take some time.
- Approval status
- Some of the devices used for this treatment have not been approved under Japan's Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Act.
- How obtained
- Imported personally by the doctor under the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Act.
- Approved equivalents
- Depending on the device, a domestically approved equivalent may or may not exist. We will explain this at your consultation.
- Overseas information
- Some devices hold overseas certifications, though this varies by device. Treatment may fall outside Japan's national relief system for adverse drug reactions.
Questions
Will one session be enough?
Is the tape very visible?
I am visiting Japan for a few days — is this suitable?
What if I have melasma?
How is the unlimited plan priced?
Can it be done on the body?
Also consider
Book online or message us on LINE. Consultation is free when you proceed with a treatment or prescription; otherwise a fee of ¥5,500 applies.