Piqo4 picosecond laser pigmentation treatment at Veritas Backstage Austin medspa

Picosecond Laser TREATMENT

Piqo4 Laser

Most lasers deliver energy in billionths of a second. The Piqo4 delivers it in trillionths — and that difference is significant.

The Piqo4 is a next-generation picosecond laser that delivers ultra-short bursts of energy in four wavelengths: 1064nm, 532nm, 585nm, and 650nm. This multi-wavelength architecture makes it one of the most versatile laser systems in aesthetic medicine — capable of treating virtually any pigment color, addressing multiple skin concerns in a single device, and doing so with minimal thermal damage to surrounding tissue.

Conventional nanosecond lasers destroy pigment through heat. The Piqo4 shatters pigment particles through a photoacoustic pressure wave — using energy that acts faster than tissue has time to absorb as heat. This distinction matters clinically: less thermal injury means faster healing, lower risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and reliable results across a broader range of skin tones.

Whether the concern is tattoo removal, persistent sun damage, melasma, or overall skin rejuvenation, the Piqo4's combination of wavelengths and delivery mechanism provides a level of precision and versatility that older laser technology cannot match.

THE EXPERIENCE

Treatment takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on the area and concern being addressed. Pigment correction treatments feel like a light snapping sensation — described by most patients as tolerable without numbing, though topical anesthetic is available. Rejuvenation treatments are milder. Slight redness and possible micro-crusting for three to five days are expected with pigment work. Rejuvenation protocols have less visible downtime.

For tattoo removal, multiple sessions are required — typically six to ten spaced six to eight weeks apart, depending on ink color, density, and depth. For pigmentation correction, one to three sessions is typical. Skin rejuvenation protocols run three to four sessions.

What it treats

PIGMENTATION

  • Sun spots and age spots

  • Freckles and hyperpigmentation

  • Melasma

  • Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation

  • Benign pigmented lesions

VASCULAR AND STRUCTURAL

  • Acne scarring and textural irregularities

  • Fine lines and overall skin quality

  • Redness and superficial vascular lesions

TATTOO REMOVAL

  • Multi-color tattoos

  • Dark and light ink varieties

  • Partial fading for cover-up work

IDEAL CANDIDATE

The Piqo4 is appropriate for patients with pigmentation concerns, acne scarring, or tattoo removal goals who have found other lasers insufficient — particularly patients with stubborn melasma, multi-color tattoos, or medium to darker skin tones where the risk of hyperpigmentation from heat-based lasers is a concern.

Its four wavelengths make it the most appropriate choice for complex pigment presentations — multiple colors, mixed hyperpigmentation types, or patients with both sun damage and textural concerns requiring a comprehensive protocol.

Results and maintenance

Pigmentation correction is typically visible over the two to three weeks following treatment as cleared pigment particles are eliminated by the body. The photoacoustic mechanism means that results continue to appear as the body clears the fragmented pigment. For sun damage management, annual maintenance sessions help prevent new accumulation and sustain the improvement from the initial series.

PAIRS WITH

MICRONEEDLING

Microneedling triggers collagen production and cellular renewal through controlled micro-injury — improving texture, tone, and skin quality from the inside out.

Piqo4 and microneedling address adjacent layers of the same concern: pigmentation and surface irregularity. After completing a Piqo4 series to address melanin-based pigmentation and vascular changes, microneedling rebuilds the collagen and textural quality that often accompanies sun-damaged or scarred skin. Together, the protocols deliver a comprehensive skin correction — clarity from the Piqo4, structural renewal from microneedling.

This pairing is particularly effective for patients with a combination of hyperpigmentation and acne scarring, where pigment must be addressed before collagen remodeling begins, and for patients managing melasma who want to improve overall skin quality alongside pigment suppression.

The two treatments are sequenced rather than combined in a single session — your provider will design an appropriate protocol order based on your specific presentation.

FAQ • NEED TO KNOW

QUESTIONS

Picosecond laser energy is delivered in pulses lasting one trillionth of a second — roughly one hundred times faster than conventional nanosecond lasers. At this speed, the laser creates a photoacoustic pressure wave that shatters pigment particles mechanically, rather than destroying them through heat. This distinction is clinically significant: less thermal damage means faster healing, lower risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and safer treatment across a broader range of skin tones. It also means more effective clearance of stubborn pigment and tattoo ink that heat-based lasers cannot fully break apart.

Tattoo removal typically requires six to ten sessions with the Piqo4, spaced six to eight weeks apart to allow the body to clear fragmented ink between treatments. The exact number depends on several factors: ink colors (black and dark inks respond faster than lighter colors), ink density, how deeply the tattoo was placed, and the age of the tattoo. Older tattoos that have already faded partially often respond in fewer sessions. Your provider will assess your tattoo during consultation and give you a realistic range of sessions required for your specific ink.

The Piqo4's four wavelengths — 1064nm, 532nm, 585nm, and 650nm — allow it to target a wider range of pigment colors than most single or dual-wavelength systems. Black, dark blue, and dark green inks respond well to the 1064nm wavelength. Red, orange, and yellow inks respond to 532nm. The 585nm and 650nm wavelengths address lighter blues, greens, and purples that older lasers historically struggled to clear. This breadth of coverage makes the Piqo4 particularly valuable for multi-color tattoos and complex pigmentation presentations.

The photoacoustic mechanism of the Piqo4 produces significantly less thermal injury than heat-based nanosecond lasers, which reduces the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in patients with medium to darker skin tones. It is not risk-free for all skin tones at all settings — your provider will adjust wavelength and energy parameters specifically for your Fitzpatrick skin type. With appropriate settings and proper pre-treatment preparation, the Piqo4 can be used effectively and safely for patients across a wider range of skin tones than conventional laser systems.

Conventional nanosecond Q-switched lasers have been the standard for pigmentation and tattoo removal for decades. The Piqo4 outperforms them in several areas: more complete clearance in fewer sessions due to the photoacoustic shattering mechanism, less thermal injury and faster recovery, safer use across darker skin tones, and the ability to address a wider range of pigment colors through four wavelengths rather than one or two. For patients who have had incomplete results with older laser systems — particularly for stubborn melasma or multi-color tattoos — the Piqo4 represents a meaningful clinical advancement.

**Results may vary. Veritas Backstage is reputable for complete customer satisfaction for completed treatments. Unless otherwise noted, testimonials provided for Backstage are clients who have undergone complete treatment(s.) However, results may vary per client. No treatment is promised to provide permanent results. A guarantee is neither provided nor implied.

ALL COMPOUNDED PRODUCTS PRESCRIBED BY LICENSED HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS.
MEDICAL CONSULTATION REQUIRED BEFORE STARTING ANY MEDICATION.