The Difference Between Pico Genesis and Pico FX

Not sure whether Pico Genesis or Pico FX is right for your skin? With so many laser treatments available today, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when choosing the right option for your skin concerns. 

Laser skin treatments have become increasingly popular for those seeking clearer, smoother, and more even-toned skin without the downtime of more invasive procedures. Among the advanced options available today, Pico Genesis and Pico FX are two standout treatments known for delivering impressive results using cutting-edge picosecond laser technology.

In this blog, we’ll explore the difference between Pico Genesis and Pico FX, helping you understand which treatment may be best suited to your unique skin needs.

What Is Pico Genesis?

Pico Genesis is a non-invasive laser treatment designed to improve the overall appearance of the skin, particularly targeting issues such as pigmentation, sun damage, and uneven skin tone. Unlike traditional laser treatments, Pico Genesis doesn’t use heat to target pigmentation. Instead, using ultra-short pulses of energy, delivered in picoseconds (one trillionths of a second) to cause photo-acoustic vibrations within the skin,to gently break down unwanted pigmentation while stimulating collagen production for a brighter, more youthful complexion.

What Skin Concerns Does Pico Genesis Treat?

Pico Genesis is particularly effective for treating superficial pigmentation and uneven skin tone. Common skin concerns it addresses include:

• Melasma
• Freckles and sunspots 
• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and post acne scars 
• General skin dullness and uneven skintone 
• Mild textural irregularities such as enlarged pores and fine lines 

It’s suitable for all skin types and tones, including darker skin tones. 

Benefits of Pico Genesis

One of the standout features of Pico Genesis is its minimal downtime, making it ideal for those with busy schedules. Other key benefits include:

• Quick treatment sessions (typically 20–30 minutes)
• Gentle and non-invasive
• Minimal discomfort during the procedure for most patients 
• Visible improvements after just a few sessions
• Safe for all skin types, including darker tones

This treatment is an excellent starting point for individuals looking to refresh their skin’s appearance without committing to more intensive procedures.

What Is Pico FX?

Pico FX is an advanced evolution of the original Pico Genesis treatment. While both use picosecond laser technology, Pico FX is designed to target deeper skin concerns, particularly acne scarring, fine lines, and rough skin texture. It does this by delivering fractionated laser energy that penetrates the dermis, triggering a stronger collagen and elastin response.

Downtime and Recovery

Despite being more intensive, Pico FX still offers a relatively short recovery period compared to traditional resurfacing lasers. Most people experience mild redness, dryness and sensitivity for 3-5 days. Slight swelling can occur, but usually resolves within 12-24 hours post-treatment. 

What Skin Concerns Does It Treat?

Pico FX is especially suitable for:

• Depressed or atrophic scarring, such as surgical and acne scars 
• Enlarged pores
• Signs of ageing, including fine lines and wrinkles
• Slight to mild skin laxity or loss of firmness

Why Choose Pico FX?

By combining powerful results with minimal downtime, Pico FX offers a compelling solution for those wanting to address more than just pigmentation—making it a preferred choice for total skin renewal.

Pico Genesis vs. Pico FX: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Pico Genesis	Pico FX
Treatment Type	Non-ablative, gentle laser	Fractional, non-ablative, resurfacing laser
Technology	Picosecond pulses with low-level energy delivery	Picosecond pulses with fractionated energy delivery
Skin Concerns Treated	Pigmentation, sunspots, melasma, dullness. Minimal downtime skin rejuvenation.	Scarring (acne & surgical), texture issues, fine lines, skin laxity
Downtime	Minimal; slight to mild redness for 12–24 hours	Mild-moderate redness, dryness and sensitivity for 3–5 days; slight swelling may occur
Comfort Level	Very comfortable; no numbing needed	Slight–mild discomfort; numbing cream may be used
Ideal Candidates	Uneven tone, pigmentation	Textural concerns, scarring, moderate ageing
Number of Sessions	2–4 sessions depending on concern	3–6 sessions depending on concern
Results Timeline	Gradual improvement with each session	Visible results may take 4–12 weeks
Post-Treatment Care	Sun protection. Avoid retinol/tretinoin & exfoliants for 3–5 days. Avoid heat/strenuous activity for 24 hours.	Sun protection. Avoid retinol/tretinoin & exfoliants for 3–5 days. Avoid heat/strenuous activity for 24 hours. Cool compress as needed.

Who Is Each Treatment Best For?

Choosing between Pico Genesis and Pico FX largely depends on your skin type, concerns, and treatment goals. While both use the same foundational laser technology, their approach and intensity differ—making each one ideal for different candidates.

Pico Genesis is Best for Pigmentation and Skin Tone

Pico Genesis is best suited for individuals who want to address pigmentation issues such as sunspots, melasma, or freckles, especially if they have sensitive skin or prefer minimal downtime. It’s also a great entry-level laser for those new to aesthetic treatments or looking to refresh dull, tired skin. People with uneven skin tone, early signs of sun damage, or mild discolouration will likely benefit most from this gentle, non-invasive option.

It’s also ideal for those who want results without disrupting their daily routine. Since the treatment involves minimal downtime. 

Pico FX is Best for Texture and Advanced Concerns

Pico FX, on the other hand, while there is more downtime, Pico FX is ideal for clients seeking correction of textural concerns. This includes individuals with acne scarring, fine lines, enlarged pores, or textural irregularities. It’s also a good choice for those noticing early signs of ageing or skin laxity and wanting to help boost collagen in the skin. 

If you’re looking for total skin rejuvenation to target textural concerns, Pico FX is likely the better fit.

Can They Be Combined?

Yes, Pico Genesis and Pico FX can be combined as part of a personalised treatment plan, depending on your skin’s condition and goals. While each treatment delivers impressive results on its own, combining Pico Genesis and Pico FX is a safe and effective multi-modality approach to comprehensively treat multiple skin concerns during one treatment, which can be alternated or layered depending on your tolerance and desired results.

For example, a treatment plan might begin with Pico Genesis to address pigmentation and uneven tone, with Pico FX performed immediately post to targeted skin firmness or textural concerns. 

It’s important to note that not everyone will need both treatments. Your clinician will assess your skin and develop a tailored plan to ensure you get the best results with the least disruption to your lifestyle.

Still Wondering Which Treatment Is Right for You?

Deciding between Pico Genesis and Pico FX comes down to your individual skin’s condition and concerns. Do you want to gently brighten and even out your complexion, or are you targeting scarring and texture?

Understanding the difference between Pico Genesis and Pico FX can help you make an informed decision, but expert guidance is key.

To find the best treatment for your skin, speak to a qualified professional at Medaesthetics. Their team can personalise a plan that delivers visible results.

Please note that all information provided is general advice only and is not intended to replace professional or medical advice. Results, downtime and number of treatments required can vary. All cosmetic treatments carry risks; we recommend having a consultation with one of our dermal therapists/clinicians or nurses before treatment to assess if treatment is right for you.  

NOTE

This information is provided for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Individual results may vary, and consultation with a qualified healthcare provider is recommended before undertaking any aesthetic treatment.

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