If you are considering a laser skin treatment, you may be weighing up which option suits your concerns. Two treatments that use picosecond laser technology are Pico Genesis and Pico FX. They are related but work differently, and which one (if either) is appropriate for you depends on your skin type, your concerns, and an individual assessment by a qualified clinician.
This article explains how the two treatments differ so you can have a more informed conversation at a consultation. It is general information only, not a substitute for individual medical advice, and individual results vary.
What Is Pico Genesis?
Pico Genesis is a non-invasive laser treatment used to address the overall appearance of the skin, particularly pigmentation, sun damage and uneven skin tone. Rather than relying on heat to target pigment, it delivers ultra-short pulses of energy — measured in picoseconds (trillionths of a second) — to create photo-acoustic vibrations within the skin. This helps break down unwanted pigmentation while prompting a collagen response, with the aim of a brighter, more even complexion. How much any individual notices, and how quickly, varies from person to person.
What Skin Concerns Does Pico Genesis Treat?
Pico Genesis is often considered for superficial pigmentation and uneven skin tone. Concerns it may help address include:
- Melasma
- Freckles and sunspots
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and post-acne marks
- General skin dullness and uneven skin tone
- Mild textural irregularities such as enlarged pores and fine lines
It can be used across a range of skin types and tones, including darker skin. Because all laser treatment carries some risk of pigment change, suitability is confirmed during an individual assessment.
What to Expect With Pico Genesis
Some general points about Pico Genesis, which will not apply to everyone:
- Treatment sessions typically take around 20–30 minutes.
- It is non-invasive, with no incisions.
- Most people report only mild discomfort during treatment, though pain thresholds differ between individuals.
- Changes tend to develop gradually over a course of sessions rather than after a single treatment, and outcomes vary from person to person.
- It typically involves little downtime, usually slight redness for around 12–24 hours.
As with any laser treatment, there are risks as well as potential benefits (see below). Whether Pico Genesis is a reasonable option for you is a decision to make with a clinician after an assessment.
What Is Pico FX?
Pico FX is a further development of the Pico Genesis approach. Both use picosecond laser technology, but Pico FX is designed to target deeper concerns — particularly acne scarring, fine lines and rough skin texture. It does this by delivering fractionated laser energy that reaches the dermis, prompting a stronger collagen and elastin response. Because it works more deeply, it is generally a more intensive treatment than Pico Genesis.
Downtime and Recovery
Pico FX generally involves a shorter recovery period than traditional resurfacing lasers, but more downtime than Pico Genesis. Most people experience mild redness, dryness and sensitivity for around 3–5 days. Slight swelling can occur and usually settles within 12–24 hours. Recovery experiences differ between individuals, and your clinician will give you aftercare advice specific to your treatment.
What Skin Concerns Does It Treat?
Pico FX may be considered for:
- Depressed or atrophic scarring, such as surgical and acne scars
- Enlarged pores
- Signs of ageing, including fine lines and wrinkles
- Mild skin laxity or loss of firmness
Why Consider Pico FX?
Because Pico FX delivers fractionated energy into the deeper skin, it may be an option when concerns extend beyond surface pigmentation to texture and scarring. It generally involves more downtime than Pico Genesis, results develop over weeks, and outcomes vary between individuals. It is not a guaranteed solution, and whether it suits you is assessed on an individual basis.
Pico Genesis vs. Pico FX: A Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Pico Genesis | Pico FX | |—|—|—| | Treatment type | Non-ablative laser | Fractional, non-ablative resurfacing laser | | Technology | Picosecond pulses with low-level energy delivery | Picosecond pulses with fractionated energy delivery | | Skin concerns | Pigmentation, sunspots, melasma, general dullness | Scarring (acne and surgical), texture, fine lines, mild laxity | | Downtime | Minimal; slight-to-mild redness for around 12–24 hours | Mild-to-moderate redness, dryness and sensitivity for 3–5 days; slight swelling may occur | | Comfort | Generally well tolerated; numbing not usually needed, though comfort varies | Discomfort varies; numbing cream may be used | | May be considered for | Uneven tone, pigmentation | Textural concerns, scarring, some signs of ageing | | Number of sessions | 2–4 sessions depending on the concern | 3–6 sessions depending on the concern | | Results timeline | Gradual improvement over the course; individual results vary | Changes may take 4–12 weeks; individual results vary | | Post-treatment care | Sun protection. Avoid retinol/tretinoin and exfoliants for 3–5 days. Avoid heat and strenuous activity for 24 hours. | Sun protection. Avoid retinol/tretinoin and exfoliants for 3–5 days. Avoid heat and strenuous activity for 24 hours. Cool compress as needed. |
Session numbers and timelines above are general guides only and differ for each person.
Risks and Things to Consider
Both treatments are laser procedures and carry risks as well as potential benefits. Depending on the treatment, skin type and individual factors, possible side effects include:
- temporary redness, swelling, dryness or sensitivity;
- changes in skin pigmentation (either darkening or lightening of the treated area), which can be a particular consideration for darker skin tones;
- less commonly, blistering, infection or scarring.
Results are not guaranteed, usually require more than one session, and vary between individuals. Diligent sun protection before and after treatment is important. Having a laser treatment is a considered decision, and your clinician will discuss the risks, the likely recovery and whether treatment is appropriate for you before you proceed.
Who Is Each Treatment Best For?
Choosing between Pico Genesis and Pico FX depends on your skin type, your concerns and your goals. Both use the same foundational laser technology, but their approach and intensity differ, so each tends to suit different situations.
Pico Genesis for Pigmentation and Skin Tone
Pico Genesis may suit people looking to address pigmentation concerns such as sunspots, melasma or freckles, particularly if they prefer a treatment with less downtime. It is sometimes considered by those who are newer to laser treatments or who want to address dull or uneven skin tone. People with early signs of sun damage or mild discolouration may find it relevant. As with any treatment, suitability and likely outcome are assessed individually.
Pico FX for Texture and Deeper Concerns
Pico FX involves more downtime and is generally considered for correction of textural concerns — including acne scarring, fine lines, enlarged pores and textural irregularities. It may also be relevant for those noticing early signs of ageing or mild skin laxity who want to support the skin’s collagen response. If your main concern is texture and scarring rather than surface pigmentation, Pico FX may be the more relevant option to discuss.
Can They Be Combined?
In some cases, Pico Genesis and Pico FX may be combined within a personalised treatment plan, depending on your skin’s condition and your goals. For example, a plan might begin with Pico Genesis to address pigmentation and uneven tone, followed by Pico FX to target texture or firmness. Whether combining treatments is appropriate — and how they are sequenced or spaced — depends on your skin and your tolerance, and carries the same risks outlined above.
It is important to note that not everyone will need both treatments. Your clinician will assess your skin and, if treatment is suitable, develop a plan suited to your individual circumstances.
Still Deciding Which Treatment Is Right for You?
Choosing between Pico Genesis and Pico FX comes down to your individual skin and concerns. Do you mainly want to even out your complexion, or are you targeting scarring and texture?
Understanding how the two treatments differ can help you have a more informed discussion, but individual advice is key. To find out whether either treatment is appropriate for you, speak to a qualified professional at MedAesthetics. Their team can assess your skin and explain the options, their limitations and their risks so you can make an informed decision.
Please note that all information provided here is general in nature and is not intended to replace professional or medical advice. Results, downtime and the number of treatments required vary between individuals. All cosmetic treatments carry risks; we recommend a consultation with one of our qualified clinicians or nurses to assess whether a treatment is right for you.
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