Clinical Education
Pico Laser for Acne Scars and Texture
Fractional picosecond (LIOB) remodels atrophic acne scars, texture, and pores non-ablatively, sparing the surface for lower downtime over a series of sessions. Results vary by scar type and patient.
Picosecond lasers can improve acne scars and texture using a fractional (LIOB) mode that remodels skin below the surface. This explains how it works, what it treats best, and why it takes a series of sessions.
- Fractional LIOB creates tiny intradermal zones that trigger non-ablative remodeling.
- Best suited to atrophic (depressed) acne scars, texture, and enlarged pores.
- Non-ablative, so downtime is typically lower than ablative resurfacing.
- Results build over a series; deep or boxcar scars may need combination care.
Remodeling scars without ablating the surface
Atrophic acne scars and post-acne texture respond to remodeling — and a fractional picosecond mode does that without removing the skin surface. The Pro 1 Pico uses fractional LIOB (laser-induced optical breakdown) for this.
How LIOB works
Focused picosecond energy forms tiny intradermal cavitation zones that trigger a non-ablative repair-and-remodeling response — improving texture, pores, and depressed scars. Because it’s fractional and non-ablative, the epidermis is largely spared, so downtime is typically lower than ablative resurfacing. (More detail: LIOB Fractional Pico Explained.)
What it treats best
- Atrophic (depressed) acne scars and rolling scars
- General post-acne texture and enlarged pores
Deep boxcar or ice-pick scars may need combination care (e.g. focal techniques or subcision) under provider direction.
Realistic expectations
Scar remodeling is a series over time; results build gradually and vary by scar type and patient. Lower downtime than ablative resurfacing usually means more sessions for equivalent depth — a trade-off the provider helps weigh.
Where to go next
Educational overview only. Suitability and settings are determined by a trained provider.
Technologies covered
Related devices
Related applications
FAQs
Can a picosecond laser treat acne scars?
Yes — a fractional picosecond (LIOB) mode remodels atrophic acne scars, texture, and pores by creating tiny intradermal zones that trigger non-ablative repair. It's best for depressed scars and texture; results build over a series of sessions and vary by patient.
How is it different from ablative resurfacing?
Fractional LIOB works below the surface and largely spares the epidermis, so downtime is typically lower than ablative CO₂ resurfacing — though it may need more sessions for equivalent depth of correction. The right choice depends on scar severity and downtime tolerance.
What scar types respond best?
Atrophic (depressed) scars, rolling scars, and general post-acne texture and pores respond best. Deep boxcar or ice-pick scars may need combination approaches (e.g. subcision or focal techniques) under provider direction.
How many sessions are needed?
Texture and scar remodeling is a series over time, with results building gradually. A provider sets a realistic plan based on scar type, skin type, and goals.