Clinical Education
Pro 1 Pico for Melasma
The Pro 1 Pico's 1064 nm picosecond delivery is used in melasma protocols, including darker skin, because 1064 nm spares epidermal melanin. Published evidence shows improvement, but results vary and melasma recurs.
The Pro 1 Pico is used for melasma because its 1064 nm wavelength is gentle on surface pigment. Studies show it can help, but melasma is a chronic, recurrence-prone condition, so protocols are conservative and paired with sun protection.
- 1064 nm is less absorbed by epidermal melanin — used cautiously in melasma across Fitzpatrick IV–VI.
- Published studies show picosecond 1064 nm can improve melasma; results vary and may be comparable to established treatments.
- A long-pulse 1064 nm mode can address the vascular component some melasma involves.
Key facts
Published studies report that 1064 nm picosecond laser can improve melasma, though results vary and may be comparable to established treatments; outcomes depend on individual factors and a course of treatment.
The 1064 nm wavelength is less absorbed by epidermal melanin than shorter wavelengths, which may help reduce the risk of pigment-related side effects in darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick IV–VI).
The Pro 1 Pico's twin-pulse mode distributes energy across paired picosecond sub-pulses, a design intended to keep per-pulse intensity lower while preserving the photoacoustic effect that fragments pigment.
Why 1064 nm for melasma
Melasma sits in melanin-rich skin, so wavelength choice matters. The 1064 nm wavelength is less absorbed by epidermal melanin than shorter wavelengths, which is why it is the wavelength used for pigment-prone and darker skin types. The Pro 1 Pico delivers 1064 nm in the picosecond domain, acting through a photomechanical effect rather than bulk heating.
What the evidence shows — and its limits
Published studies report that 1064 nm picosecond laser can improve melasma, but the evidence is modest: some trials show benefit over established treatments, while split-face studies show it performing comparably to Q-switched toning. Melasma is intrinsically recurrence-prone, follow-up in the studies is mostly short, and data in the darkest skin types are limited. Protocols should be conservative, with test spots and strict photoprotection.
The vascular angle
Some melasma is driven in part by an underlying vascular component. The Pro 1 Pico’s long-pulse 1064 nm mode lets a provider address vascular targets within a broader, provider-selected melasma protocol.
Realistic expectations
Melasma is managed, not cured. Results vary by individual, require a course of treatment and maintenance, and depend heavily on sun protection.
See the Pro 1 Pico and the pigmentation overview for related detail. This page is educational; suitability is determined by a trained provider.
Technologies covered
Related devices
Related applications
FAQs
Can the Pro 1 Pico treat melasma?
It is used in melasma protocols. Published studies report that 1064 nm picosecond laser can improve melasma, though results vary and may be comparable to established treatments. It is not a cure, and melasma is recurrence-prone.
Is it suitable for melasma in darker skin types?
The 1064 nm wavelength is less absorbed by epidermal melanin, which is why it is used across Fitzpatrick IV–VI — with conservative settings, a test spot, trained operators, and strict photoprotection to manage the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
How many sessions does melasma take?
Melasma is treated as a course over time, with maintenance, and outcomes depend on individual factors. A clinician sets a realistic plan; sun protection is essential to results.
Does the Pro 1 Pico cure melasma?
No. Melasma is a chronic, recurrence-prone condition. The goal is improvement and maintenance with conservative protocols and photoprotection, not a one-time cure.
What about the vascular component of melasma?
Some melasma involves an underlying vascular component. The Pro 1 Pico's long-pulse 1064 nm mode can be used to address vascular targets as part of a provider-selected protocol.