Choosing the Right Laser for Your Concern
| Concern | Best Laser Technology | Cost/Session (SGD) | Sessions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pigmentation (sun spots, freckles, solar lentigines) | Q-switched Nd:YAG / Pico laser / IPL | $200–$900/session | 4–8 sessions |
| Melasma | Low-fluence Q-switched toning + topicals | $200–$500/session | 8–12 sessions; ongoing maintenance |
| Acne / pores / oil control | Long-pulse Nd:YAG 1064nm; PDT | $300–$600/session | 4–8 sessions |
| Acne scarring | Fractional CO₂ / Erbium; Pico fractional; RF microneedling | $500–$2,000/session | 4–6 sessions |
| Skin brightening / rejuvenation | Q-switched toning; IPL/BBL; Pico | $200–$600/session | 4–6 sessions |
| Redness / rosacea / vessels | Vascular laser (V-beam PDL); 532nm KTP; 595nm pulsed dye | $300–$700/session | 3–5 sessions |
| Hair removal (all skin types) | Long-pulse Nd:YAG 1064nm | Varies by area | 6–8 sessions |
| Tattoo removal | Pico laser (multiple wavelengths) | $300–$800/session | 8–15+ sessions |
| Skin tightening | Fractional RF (Sylfirm, Infini); HIFU (see HIFU guide) | $600–$1,800/session | 3–4 sessions |
Q-Switched vs Pico Laser: Which Is Better?
Both target melanin pigment in the skin. Pico lasers deliver energy in picoseconds (trillionths of a second) — much faster than Q-switched nanosecond lasers. This creates a photoacoustic (pressure) rather than photothermal (heat) effect, which is gentler on surrounding tissue, reduces risk of PIH, and is more effective for certain pigment types and tattoo ink colours. Pico lasers are newer and generally cost more per session, but often achieve results in fewer sessions for pigmentation.
Laser for Acne Scars
Singapore's most in-demand laser indication. The approach depends on scar type:
- Atrophic/ice pick scars: Fractional COâ‚‚, TCA CROSS, subcision + filler
- Rolling scars: Subcision + RF microneedling (Sylfirm X, Infini) + Pico fractional
- Boxcar scars: Fractional laser, punch elevation/excision
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH): Q-switched toning, Pico, tranexamic acid
See our researched shortlist: subspecialty focus, credentials and clinic websites, checked against public records.
View the shortlist →For solar lentigines (sun spots) and PIH: Q-switched Nd:YAG toning (Spectra/MedLite) or Pico laser are first-line. For melasma: low-fluence Nd:YAG toning combined with topical treatment. For freckles: IPL or Pico laser. For deeper, stubborn pigmentation: fractional Pico or combination treatments. A certified dermatologist can assess your specific pigmentation type and recommend the appropriate laser.
Pigmentation/brightening: 4–8 sessions at 2–4 week intervals. Acne scars: 4–8 sessions of fractional laser. Hair removal: 6–8 sessions at 4–8 week intervals. Tattoo removal: 6–15+ sessions depending on ink colour and depth. Skin rejuvenation (IPL): 3–5 sessions. Multiple sessions are always needed — be wary of clinics promising results in 1–2 sessions.
Asian skin (Fitzpatrick III–V) is more prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) after aggressive laser treatment. Modern laser protocols for Asian skin use lower fluences, appropriate wavelengths (longer wavelengths are safer for darker skin), and proper patient preparation (sun avoidance, topical priming). In experienced hands, laser is very safe for Asian skin — but it requires a different approach than Caucasian skin.
Q-switched Nd:YAG toning: $200–$400/session. Pico laser: $400–$900/session. Fractional CO₂ (scars/resurfacing): $800–$2,000/session. IPL/BBL: $200–$500/session. Long-pulsed Nd:YAG hair removal: varies by area ($100–$800). Always get a package breakdown per session rather than a lump sum to understand exactly what you're paying for.
Q-switched toning and Pico laser: minimal downtime (redness for 1–4 hours). IPL: mild redness 1–2 days, possible darkening of pigmented spots before they flake off over 1 week. Fractional CO₂/Erbium: 5–7 days of peeling, redness, and sensitivity — more significant social downtime. Long-pulsed laser (hair removal, vascular): mild redness for a few hours.