Picosecond laser, a popular treatment in medical aesthetics clinics, excels in freckle removal and skin whitening, earning its reputation as the "star product" in the laser medical aesthetics field. Operating at picosecond (ps) pulse widths, it delivers extremely high peak power, shattering minuscule pigment particles through the photoacoustic effect while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues. Historically dominated by expensive imported devices, picosecond laser was once dubbed the "Hermès" of laser medical aesthetics.
2024 marked the "breakout year" for domestic picosecond lasers, with approvals granted to devices from companies including Meidunyi, Vishee Medical, Peninsula Medical, Fumeilai, and Ander Optoelectronics. Combined with Keying Laser's upgraded product (approved in 2023 and enhanced in 2024), the market now boasts six domestic picosecond laser models. Prior to this, only three imported devices held sway: Cynosure's PicoWay Ultra-Picosecond, Syneron Candela's PicoSure Focus Picosecond, and South Korea's Picocare from WON Technology. The influx of domestic innovations has significantly expanded the variety and availability of China's laser medical aesthetics equipment.
Current approved picosecond laser devices primarily target two applications: tattoo removal and treating epidermal benign pigmentary disorders. The technology's efficacy stems from the enhanced photoacoustic effect enabled by compressed pulse widths, which pulverize pigments into finer particles. Smaller particles require stronger photoacoustic forces for effective fragmentation, underscoring the criticality of parameters like pulse width and peak power. Domestic advancements in these metrics include:
- Meidunyi's Nd:YAG picosecond laser (Xing Chao Pico) with a 295ps ultra-short pulse and 1.4GW peak power, boosting photoacoustic efficiency.
- Peninsula Medical's White Aurora picosecond Nd:YAG laser, achieving 250ps pulse width and 1.6GW power for precise pigment disruption and reduced treatment time.
- Keying Laser's KPICO+ picosecond Nd:YAG laser, using microcavity technology to reach 350ps pulse width and 1.43GW peak power for instantaneous pigment fragmentation.
Core technical challenges for picosecond lasers include stable pulse width generation, optical component design, and thermal management. Innovations addressing these include:
- Fumeilai's Xingjie Pico with an achromatic handpiece for uniform spot sizes across wavelengths, paired with laser thermal management and LEM control systems.
- Ander Optoelectronics's Tongyan Ultra-Pico utilizing single-lamp dual-rod/single-rod configurations and specialized seed lasers for heat resistance and durability.
The market landscape is undergoing transformative shifts with the rise of domestic picosecond lasers. On one hand, affordability drives adoption: domestic devices priced at 400,000–500,000 RMB (half the cost of imports) lower entry barriers for private clinics. As noted by Liu Shuai, GM of Meidunyi, only 10–15% of private market demand was met pre-domestic entry, leaving vast growth potential. On the other hand, picosecond lasers may replace Q-switched lasers, which operate at nanosecond pulse widths and struggle with refractory pigment disorders. The distinct mechanisms—photoacoustic vs. photothermal effects—give picosecond lasers superior efficacy and reduced tissue damage. Fumeilai founder Xia Yuqing highlights that market consensus favoring picosecond technology, coupled with prices now undercutting some imported Q-switched lasers, positions picoseconds to dominate both existing and new markets. Future approvals for indications like fine lines, neck wrinkles, and skin rejuvenation could further expand its reach.
This domestic surge signals a pivotal transition toward accessible, high-performance laser medical aesthetics, challenging global incumbents while fostering innovation.
