Medically reviewed by Dr Tapan Patel
Last reviewed: 22nd February 2026
PicoStar laser treatment at PHI Clinic
At PHI Clinic, we offer PicoStar laser treatment in London to improve pigmentation, skin texture and overall skin clarity. PicoStar is a Nd:YAG dual wavelength laser designed to target unwanted pigment while supporting collagen remodelling for concerns such as scarring, stretch marks, fine lines and wrinkles.
The PicoStar device uses advanced picosecond pulse technology, delivering ultra-short pulses of energy to break down excess pigment. This supports effective pigmentation removal and pigmentation correction, creating a more even skin tone.
For textural concerns, PicoStar stimulates collagen remodelling within the deeper dermal layers, helping to smooth uneven texture and support scar reduction.
Every treatment is tailored to the individual, with careful assessment of skin type, skin tones, pigmentation pattern and treatment goals.
What can PicoStar laser treat?
PicoStar laser can be used on both the face and body to treat a range of pigmentation and skin texture concerns, including:
- Sun spots
- Melasma
- Post-inflammatory pigmentation
- Uneven skin tone and skin pigmentation
- Benign pigmented lesions
- Acne scars and scarring
- Stretch marks
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- General textural irregularities and uneven texture
These concerns can be treated individually or as part of a personalised treatment plan, depending on your skin type and desired outcome.
Why choose PHI Clinic for PicoStar laser in London?
Choosing the right laser clinic is essential. Advanced laser technology requires careful assessment, clinical expertise and appropriate aftercare to ensure safe and effective results.
At PHI Clinic, all patients are assessed before treatment to determine suitability and create a personalised treatment plan based on skin type, medical history, sun exposure and individual concerns.
The PicoStar laser system offers multiple wavelength options, including 1064 nm and 532 nm, allowing treatment to be tailored depending on pigment depth, skin type and treatment area. This makes it a versatile option for aesthetic treatments involving pigmentation, texture and skin quality.
How does PicoStar laser work?
PicoStar uses Pico laser technology and ultra-short pulse technology to deliver energy in extremely short pulse durations, helping to break down unwanted pigment into smaller particles for effective pigment removal while protecting surrounding skin.
Treatment can be adjusted using different handpieces, spot size settings and controlled laser power, allowing for precise, consistent results. Features such as automatic spot detection further support accuracy.
For pigmentation concerns, the Pico laser machine targets excess pigment within the skin. For textural concerns, it stimulates collagen remodelling, helping to improve scars, stretch marks, lines and overall skin texture.
How many PicoStar treatments will I need?
The number of treatments required depends on the concern being treated, the severity of pigmentation or texture change, and your desired result.
On average, patients require around 3 to 6 sessions to see significant improvement. These treatment intervals are usually spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. Some concerns may need fewer sessions, while others may require a longer treatment plan.
For best long-term results, we may recommend 1 to 2 annual maintenance treatments after your initial course.
What results can I expect?
PicoStar laser can help create a more even skin tone, improve visible pigmentation and support smoother, healthier-looking skin texture. Patients often notice clearer, brighter skin with visible pigment removal, improved tone and overall skin rejuvenation. The treatment can also support the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as refinement of acne scars by improving collagen structure within the skin.
Results are long-lasting, but no aesthetic treatment offers permanent results. Factors such as ageing, sun exposure, hormonal changes, skin damage and medical conditions affecting the skin can influence the longevity of results.
Your practitioner will provide advice on maintenance, sun protection and skincare to help support and preserve your outcome.
What will I look like after treatment?
Immediately after PicoStar laser treatment, the skin may feel warm and appear pink or red. This usually settles over the following hours, although mild redness or swelling may remain for 24 to 72 hours.
When treating pigmentation, the pigment may initially appear darker before gradually shedding or fading. When treating textural concerns, some patients may notice small pinpoint blood blisters in the treated area. Tenderness, tightness, dryness or a sunburn-like sensation can also occur temporarily.
There is usually no severe downtime, and your practitioner will provide detailed aftercare advice to support healing, minimise complications and improve treatment comfort.
Consultation and pre-treatment advice
A patch test is required 24 to 48 hours before treatment and remains valid for 6 months, provided there has been no significant sun exposure or change in medical history. If not, a new patch test will be needed.
During your consultation, your practitioner will assess your concerns and confirm suitability.
Before treatment, avoid sun exposure for 4 weeks and fake tan for 2 weeks. Retinol and exfoliating products should be stopped 3 days prior. Please inform your practitioner of any medications, as some may increase sensitivity or bruising. Cold sores are a contraindication and will require postponement.
All make-up must be removed before treatment.
PicoStar aftercare
After treatment, your practitioner will apply a healing cream and SPF30+ if required during daylight hours. You should gently cleanse the skin that evening and keep the treated area well moisturised for 24 to 72 hours, using products such as iS Clinical Sheald Recovery Balm or Calecim Night Recovery if recommended.
Avoid excessive touching, strenuous exercise, saunas and steam rooms for at least 48 hours. Cooling packs or ice rollers may be used if the skin feels hot, but they should be wrapped in a clean towel and not applied directly from the freezer.
Avoid active or perfumed skincare, including retinol and glycolic acid, for one week. Mineral make-up is preferred if needed, although we recommend leaving the area make-up free for 24 hours. Sun exposure should be avoided throughout your course, with a minimum SPF30 applied regularly when exposed to daylight.
Safe and effective treatment
Your safety is our priority at PHI Clinic. All PicoStar laser treatments are performed by our highly experienced practitioners. At PHI Clinic, we have the expertise and technology to treat a range of skin tones safely and effectively.
Each patient is carefully assessed through an in-depth consultation, allowing us to create a bespoke treatment plan tailored to your individual concerns and desired results.
PicoStar Laser frequently asked questions
PicoStar is a dual wavelength Nd:YAG laser used to treat pigmentation concerns and improve skin texture by targeting pigment and stimulating collagen remodelling.
PicoStar can treat sun spots, melasma, post-inflammatory pigmentation, benign pigmented lesions, uneven skin tone, scarring, stretch marks, fine lines and wrinkles.
Yes. PicoStar is an advanced Pico laser that uses picosecond technology to deliver rapid pulses of energy into the skin.
PicoStar uses dual wavelength technology, including 1064 nm and 532 nm, allowing treatment to be adapted for different pigmentation concerns and depths.
Most patients require 3 to 6 sessions, spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart, depending on the concern and desired result.
There is usually minimal downtime. Redness, warmth, swelling and temporary darkening of pigmentation may occur for 24 to 72 hours.
Most patients tolerate treatment well. In some cases, a lidocaine 5% cream may be applied to improve comfort.
Yes. A patch test is required 24 to 48 hours before treatment. Sun exposure should be avoided during your course, with a minimum SPF30 applied regularly when exposed to daylight.
Location
PHI Clinic
102 Harley Street,
London,
W1G 7JB,
United Kingdom
Tel: 02070345999
Opening Hours
Monday & Tuesday - 9:30am to 6:00pm
Wednesday & Thursday - 9:30am to 8:00pm
Friday - 9:30am to 5:00pm
Saturday - 11:30am to 12:30pm
Sunday - Closed
Opening times can change, if your appointment is outside of these times please contact the clinic for confirmation.

