At Cheongdam Aesthetics, our laser treatment programmes are tailored to different skin concerns, with options for pigmentation, acne scars, redness, pores and uneven texture. We begin with a doctor’s assessment to understand your skin and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.
Whether you are considering a laser treatment for pigmentation or acne scars in Singapore, your plan takes into account the concerns being treatment, previous treatments, medical history and the recovery time you can accommodate.
Which Laser Is Right for Your Concern?
Different lasers work on different targets within the skin. This comparison provides a starting point for your consultation.
| Concern | Options Your Doctor may consider |
|---|---|
| Freckles, sunspots and selected pigmentation concerns | Pico Laser, Thulium Laser |
| Melasma | Pico-Toning Laser, Medical Skincare and/or Oral Medication |
| Depressed acne scars and uneven texture | Pico Laser or CO2 Laser, depending on scar type and suitability |
| Facial redness, visible vessels and red post-acne marks | Yellow Laser |
| Active inflammatory acne | Yellow Laser, Medical Skincare and/or Oral Medication |
| Enlarged pores and rough texture | Pico Laser, CO2 Laser or Thulium Laser |
| Fine lines and surface signs of ageing | Pico Laser, or CO2 Laser or Thulium Laser |
| Tattoo removal | Pico Laser |
Several concerns may occur together. For example, acne scarring can occur alongside enlarged pores, while pigmentation may appear with early signs of skin ageing.
Your doctor may recommend combining different laser treatments to address several concerns within the same treatment plan. This is the approach behind programmes such as Pico Mix & Match and Diamond Glow Laser
Your doctor will also assess your skin and recommend the combination that is appropriate for your individual concerns.
Pico Laser
Pico Laser uses picosecond-level laser pulses, energy delivered in trillionths of a second. These pulses create a photoacoustic effect that helps break down pigment mechanically rather than relying on heat, which keeps thermal impact on surrounding skin to a minimum.
Different settings and handpieces serve different purposes. Pigment-targeting treatments address selected dark spots, while fractional handpieces create microscopic treatment zones to support collagen remodelling and improve texture.
It’s commonly used for pigmentation such as melasma, sunspots and freckles, as well as acne scars, uneven texture and enlarged pores.
Treatment goals may include:
- Reducing the appearance of pigmentation, dark spots and age spots
- Improving uneven skin tone and texture
- Supporting collagen remodelling with fractional treatment settings
- Reducing the appearance of acne scars, rough texture and enlarged pores
- Treating selected tattoos.
Most individuals describe the sensation as mild tingling or snapping against the skin, with topical numbing cream available for comfort where needed. Treatment plans are customised to the individual, accounting for skin types and tones and concerns to be addressed.
Pico Laser is one of the treatment options available in Cheongdam’s broader skin programmes, including the Pico Mix & Match and Diamond Glow combinations. A gentler toning mode is also available for evening out skin tone and brightening the complexion, with virtually no downtime.
Yellow Laser
Yellow Laser uses a 577nm wavelength, which is selectively absorbed by oxyhaemoglobin in blood vessels, allowing it to target persistent facial redness, visible veins, and vascular concerns in one treatment.
Treatment goals may include:
- Reducing the appearance of visible facial vessels
- Improving persistent redness associated with rosacea
- Reducing red marks left after acne
- Enhance skin radiance and a more-even looking complexion
- Supporting overall skin rejuvenation.
Your doctor may also consider Yellow Laser as an additional treatment for cases of inflammatory acne. Active acne and rosacea may require medication and ongoing medical skincare alongside any laser treatment.
Settings are tailored to the concern being treated. Temporary warmth, redness or swelling may occur; recovery varies with the treatment approach.
CO2 Laser
CO2 Laser is an ablative resurfacing laser that creates microscopic columns of treated tissue while leaving areas of skin between them intact to support healing. The healing response encourages collagen remodelling over time.
Treatment goals may include:
- Improving the appearance of selected depressed acne scars
- Smoothing uneven skin texture
- Reducing the appearance of fine lines and visible pores
Scar type matters. Deep, narrow ice-pick scars and scars tethered beneath the skin may need additional approaches rather than laser resurfacing alone. Your doctor will assess the shape, depth and distribution of your scars before recommending treatment.
CO2 Laser generally requires more recovery than Pico Laser or Yellow Laser. Redness, swelling, crusting and flaking can occur. Around 5-7 days of visible healing may be expected, but more intensive treatment can take longer; and residual redness may persist after the skin surface has healed.
CO2 Laser can significantly improve the appearance of acne scars, but complete removal cannot be guaranteed, as outcomes depend on scar type, skin condition and individual response. Your suitability is determined at consultation.
Thulium Laser
Thulium Baby Skin Laser is a non-ablative fractional laser that uses a 1927nm wavelength to target water in the skin’s superficial layers, prompting the skin to renew itself while preserving the surrounding tissue.
Treatment goals may include:
- Improving selected superficial pigmentation, dullness and uneven skin tone
- Refining skin texture and enlarged pores
- Addresses early signs of ageing, including fine lines
Unlike CO2 Laser, the Thulium Laser is non-ablative, so downtime is relatively mild. You can expect temporary redness, dryness, flaking or a fine, sandpaper-like texture for a few days after treatment as the skin renews. Recovery varies depending on the treatment settings and your skin’s response.
Available at our International Plaza outlet only.
If you’re still weighing up which laser suits your concern, our doctor will assess and recommend suitable options during your consultation.
How Laser Treatment Works At Cheongdam
1. Consultation and Skin Assessment
You do not need to choose a laser before your appointment. At your consultation, our doctor assesses your skin condition, medical history and previous treatment response, then discuss suitable options and expected recovery.
2. A Personalised Treatment Plan
Your plan may involve one laser, a course of treatments or complementary procedures. The combination and timing depend on your skin’s needs.
Our Pico Mix & Match Programme pairs one laser core – Pico Toning or Yellow Toning with two intensive skin treatments selected for your skin. These support skin preparation, hydration and post-treatment soothing. A full pico or yellow laser upgrade is available, subject to your doctor’s assessment.
3. Treatment and Aftercare
All laser treatments are performed by our doctors, with settings tailored to your skin condition and adjusted according to your skin’s response. Topical numbing may be used where appropriate.
Aftercare instructions will be provided, and our team will follow up closely to check on your skin’s recovery and address any concerns.
How many sessions you need depends on the concern being treated, its severity and how your skin responds over time. Each device page sets out typical session numbers for that specific treatment.
Downtime Across The Three Lasers
| Laser | Typical downtime |
|---|---|
| Pico / Yellow Toning | Usually minimal downtime. Temporary redness may last up to 24 hours. |
| Pico Laser | Allow around 3 to 5 days; some treatments may require up to a week or longer. Redness, swelling or localised crusting may occur. |
| Yellow Laser | Minimal. Redness or flushing usually subsides within a few hours, and most people resume normal activities shortly after, while targeted treatments can cause longer-lasting redness. |
| CO2 Laser | Around 5 to 7 days, including redness, dryness and skin flaking as the skin heals; more intensive treatment may take longer. Redness can persist beyond initial healing. |
| Thulium Baby Skin Laser | Temporary redness followed by a few days of dryness or fine, sandpaper-like texture as the skin renews. Recovery varies with the settings used. |
These are planning estimates rather than guaranteed recovery times. Downtime generally depends on the laser, energy settings, treatment density, treatment area and your individual healing response.
Doctor-Led Assessment
Our doctor assesses your skin condition, concerns and treatment goals before recommending a personalised plan. Your progress is reviewed again at each visit as your skin changes, with adjustments made according to your skin’s response.
Laser settings are tailored to your individual skin tone and sensitivity, with particular attention to any history of post-inflammatory pigmentation.
Visit Cheongdam Aesthetics:
- International Plaza, 10 Anson Road #02-36/37, Singapore 079903 (Tanjong Pagar MRT)
- United Square, 101 Thomson Road, B1-56H/56J/56K/56L, Singapore 307591 (Novena MRT)
- SingPost Centre, 10 Eunos Road 8, #B1-113/114, Singapore 408600 (Paya Lebar MRT)
Treatment availability varies by outlet. Thulium Baby Skin laser is available at International Plaza only. Our team can help you arrange your consultation at the appropriate location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which laser treatment is suitable for pigmentation?
The appropriate treatment depends on the diagnosis and location of the pigment. Pico Laser may be considered for freckles, sunspots and selected other pigmentation concerns. Thulium may be considered for selected superficial pigmentation. Melasma requires a broader plan that often includes prescribed medical skincare and/or oral medication, with laser considered when appropriate.
Which laser treatment works for acne scars?
Fractional Pico and fractional CO2 lasers may improve selected depressed acne scars. The choice depends on scar type, skin tone and acceptable downtime. Deep or tethered scars may need other procedures as part of the plan.
How much downtime do laser treatments need?
Downtime depends on the laser, treatment settings and your skin’s response. Yellow laser and Pico-Toning treatments generally involve minimal downtime, while Full Pico Laser may require around 3 to 5 days. Thulium Laser may cause temporary redness, dryness or flaking for several days. CO2 laser typically involves around 5 to 7 days of visible redness, although redness may last longer. Our doctors will explain the expected recovery for your treatment during consultation.
Are laser treatments safe for Asian skin?
Yes, when settings are properly assessed and customised. As skin tones and sensitivities vary, our doctors assess your individual skin condition and history before recommending treatment. Settings are personalised to help minimise risks, including post-inflammatory pigmentation.
Do laser treatments hurt?
Sensations range from mild warmth to a snapping feeling, discomfort varies depending on the laser, settings and treatment area. Numbing cream is used for treatments involving more discomfort, such as CO2 Laser and Full Pico Laser.
How many laser sessions will I need?
This depends on your concern, its severity and how your skin responds. Our doctor will discuss an initial plan and review progress before recommending further treatment.
Can I combine different laser treatments?
Yes. Lasers are often combined within a personalised treatment plan to address concerns such as pigmentation, redness and uneven texture, subject to our doctors’ assessment of your suitability.
Our Pico Mix & Match Programme pairs one laser core with two complementary intensive skin treatments selected for your skin.
Our Diamond Glow Programme combines Full Pico Laser and Full Yellow Laser.
How do I know which laser is right for me?
Start with a consultation. Our doctor will assess your skin, explain the options and help you understand the benefits, limitations and expected downtime before deciding on a treatment plan.