Beauty.net
List Free

Compare Treatments · Depth, Pain & Genuine Machine Check

Pico Laser vs. Sylfirm X

Picosecond photoacoustic melanosome shattering vs. 0.3mm vascular / basement-membrane RF for melasma. Both lit on one cross-section — A solid, B dashed — with every layer either reaches outlined.

Anatomical Skin-Layer Depth
↓ Save Image
Aesthetic skin-layer depth diagram: Pico Laser, Sylfirm X, Thermage FLX, Ultherapy PRIME, Sofwave, Potenza, Fotona 4D Cross-section of facial skin from epidermis (0.1–0.3mm) through papillary dermis (to 1.5mm), reticular dermis (to 3.0mm), subcutaneous fat and the SMAS fibromuscular layer (4.5mm), showing each protocol's penetration vectors, thermal zones and injection depots. Highlighted: Pico Laser — Epidermis 0.1–0.3mm (532nm) · Papillary Dermis 0.3–1.5mm (1064nm / MLA). Compared with: Sylfirm X — Basement Membrane 0.3mm (PW) · Papillary & Reticular Dermis to 3.0mm+ (CW). HEAD-TO-HEAD Epidermis 0.1–0.3mm Papillary Dermis 0.3–1.5mm Reticular Dermis 1.5–3.0mm Subcutaneous Fat 3.0–4.2mm SMAS Fibromuscular · 4.5mm 0.3mm 1.5mm 3.0mm 4.5mm PICO 532 / 1064nm 532 1064 SYLFIRM X 0.3–4.0mm RF THERMAGE 6.78 MHz bulk ULTHERAPY 1.5/3.0/4.5mm SOFWAVE 1.5mm parallel POTENZA 0.5–4.0mm RF FOTONA 4D 0.1–3.0mm Er/Nd 2940 intraoral A · Pico Laser · 532 / 1064nm B · Sylfirm X · 0.3–4.0mm RF Depth scale is expanded in the upper layers for legibility · focal depths per manufacturer specification
Depth chartSkin Depth Chart (Tap to Zoom) ↓ Download WebP
Pico Laser vs. Sylfirm X on one skin-layer cross-section: Pico Laser 0.1–1.5mm solid, Sylfirm X 0.3–4.0mm RF dashed, with pain index and Singapore 2026 medians
Plate III — Pico Laser 0.1–1.5mm (Epidermis 0.1–0.3mm (532nm) · Papillary Dermis 0.3–1.5mm (1064nm / MLA)), pain 2/10, SG median S$350 vs. Sylfirm X 0.3–4.0mm RF (Basement Membrane 0.3mm (PW) · Papillary & Reticular Dermis to 3.0mm+ (CW)), pain 5/10, SG median S$680 on one skin-layer cross-section — Protocol A solid, Protocol B dashed.

Side-by-Side Treatment Comparison

AEnergy Device

Pico Laser

Treatment Guide ↗

BEnergy Device

Sylfirm X

Treatment Guide ↗

1 · How It Works & Maker

1064nm/532nm Picosecond Nd:YAG

Quanta · Candela · Cynosure · Fotona

300μm–4.0mm Bipolar Pulsed/CW RF

Viol Co., Ltd. (Korea)

2 · Skin Layers & Exact Depth

0.1–1.5mm

  • Epidermis (0.1–0.3mm)
  • Papillary Dermis (0.3–1.5mm)

0.3–4.0mm RF

  • Epidermis (0.1–0.3mm)
  • Papillary Dermis (0.3–1.5mm)
  • Reticular Dermis (1.5–3.0mm)

3 · Pain Level & Numbing

2/10

None required for toning; optional topical numbing (20 min) for fractional passes.

5/10

Topical numbing cream 45–60 minutes before treatment.

4 · Recovery Time & Repeat Schedule

0 hrs (toning) · 24–48 hrs erythema (fractional)

Repeat: Every 2–4 weeks × 5–10 (toning) · every 4 weeks × 3–4 (fractional)

24–48 hrs erythema · pinpoint marks 2–3 days

Repeat: Every 4 weeks × 3–5

5 · Singapore 2026 Fair Price (incl. GST)

S$220–S$480

Typical median: S$350 · Per full-face session (Toning + Fractional Resolve)

Check My Quote →

S$520–S$850

Typical median: S$680 · Per full-face session (incl. sterile gold-plated 25-pin tip)

Check My Quote →

6 · How to Spot a Fake / Clone Machine

Ask which platform and wavelength is used. Genuine systems display the manufacturer logo, serial plate and HSA medical-device registration; generic 'pico' Q-switched handpieces fire nanosecond, not picosecond, pulses.

  • ✓Manufacturer serial plate on the console
  • ✓HSA device registration listed by the clinic
  • ✓Picosecond pulse width shown on the treatment screen

Genuine Sylfirm X consoles carry a Viol serial number and use sealed, gold-plated 25-pin cartridges. Ask to see the serial and the sealed cartridge before the needle is attached.

  • ✓Viol serial number on the console
  • ✓Sealed single-use gold-plated cartridge
  • ✓PW and CW modes selectable on screen
Quick Verdict:

Goes deeper: Sylfirm X (Reticular Dermis)

Less painful: Pico Laser (2/10 vs 5/10)

Lower median per session: Pico Laser (S$350 vs S$680)

Discovery Pico · PicoWay · PicoSure · StarWalker MaQX

Pico Laser

Photoacoustic shattering of melanin; fractional MLA lens creates laser-induced optical breakdown (LIOB) micro-vacuoles.

IndicationsMelasma, solar lentigines, PIH, fine acne scarring, pore refinement

Audit a Pico Laser quote · SG median S$350 →
Energy / Modality
1064nm/532nm Picosecond Nd:YAG
Target Anatomical Layer
Epidermis 0.1–0.3mm
Papillary Dermis 0.3–1.5mm
Clinical Pain Index
2/10
None required for toning; optional topical numbing (20 min) for fractional passes.
Social Downtime
0 hrs (toning) · 24–48 hrs erythema (fractional)
Evidence-Based Interval
Every 2–4 weeks × 5–10 (toning) · every 4 weeks × 3–4 (fractional)

Counterfeit / Clone Machine Warning

Ask which platform and wavelength is used. Genuine systems display the manufacturer logo, serial plate and HSA medical-device registration; generic 'pico' Q-switched handpieces fire nanosecond, not picosecond, pulses.

  • ✓Manufacturer serial plate on the console
  • ✓HSA device registration listed by the clinic
  • ✓Picosecond pulse width shown on the treatment screen
Matched Accredited Clinics · Pico Laser Full Dossier →

Comparison Matrix

Device Energy / Modality Target Layer Pain Downtime Interval SG Median
Pico Laser
Quanta · Candela · Cynosure · Fotona
 1064nm/532nm Picosecond Nd:YAG Epidermis 0.1–0.3mm (532nm) · Papillary Dermis 0.3–1.5mm (1064nm / MLA) 2/10 0 hrs (toning) · 24–48 hrs erythema (fractional) Every 2–4 weeks × 5–10 (toning) · every 4 weeks × 3–4 (fractional) S$350
Sylfirm X
Viol Co., Ltd. (Korea)
 300μm–4.0mm Bipolar Pulsed/CW RF Basement Membrane 0.3mm (PW) · Papillary & Reticular Dermis to 3.0mm+ (CW) 5/10 24–48 hrs erythema · pinpoint marks 2–3 days Every 4 weeks × 3–5 S$680
Thermage FLX
Solta Medical (Bausch Health)
 6.78 MHz Monopolar RF Reticular Dermis 1.5–3.0mm · Fibrous Septae to ~4.0mm 6/10 0–24 hrs mild erythema Annual single session (12–18 months) S$3,500
Ultherapy PRIME
Merz Aesthetics
 MHz Micro-Focused Ultrasound + Real-Time Ultrasound Imaging 1.5mm Dermis · 3.0mm Deep Dermis · 4.5mm SMAS Fibromuscular Layer 8/10 0 hrs social downtime · tenderness 1–2 weeks Annual single session (12–18 months) S$3,200
Sofwave
Sofwave Medical
 SUPERB Synchronous Ultrasound Parallel Beam Mid-Dermis Parallel Cylinder Zone 1.5mm (spares SMAS & subcutaneous fat) 6/10 0–24 hrs mild redness Annual single session (optional 6-month top-up) S$3,200
Potenza
Cynosure
 4-Mode Monopolar/Bipolar RF Microneedling 0.5mm–4.0mm Dual-Depth (Tiger Tip treats two dermal depths per pass) 6/10 24–72 hrs erythema · pinpoint marks Every 4–6 weeks × 3 S$850
Fotona 4D
Fotona
 2940nm Er:YAG + 1064nm Nd:YAG (4 modes) 0.1mm Epidermal Peel · 1.0–3.0mm Bulk Dermal Heating · Intraoral Mucosal Vector 4/10 0–24 hrs (SupErficial: 2–3 days fine peeling) Every 4–6 weeks × 3, then every 6 months S$750
Rejuran Healer
PharmaResearch (Korea)
 Intradermal PN (Polynucleotide 2%) Papillary Dermis 0.5–1.5mm (intradermal blebs) 7/10 3–5 days micro-bumps / subdermal papules (gun) · 1–2 days (manual) Every 3–4 weeks × 3, then maintenance every 6 months S$650
Profhilo
IBSA Derma (Switzerland)
 Intradermal PN / BAP Hybrid HA Deep Dermis / Superficial Subcutaneous ~2.5–3.5mm (BAP depots) 3/10 24–48 hrs small injection bumps 2 sessions 4 weeks apart, then every 6 months S$950
Botulinum Toxin
Merz · AbbVie (Allergan) · Ipsen / Galderma
 Botulinum Toxin Type A Neuromodulator Intramuscular (Masseter / Frontalis / Corrugator >4.5mm) · Intradermal Micro-Botox (0.8–1.2mm) 3/10 0 hrs · pinpoint bumps for 15–30 minutes Every 3–4 months (masseter 4–6 months) S$650
Juvelook / Lenisna
Vaim Co. (Korea)
 PDLLA + Non-Crosslinked HA Biostimulator Papillary to Reticular Dermis 1.0–1.8mm (Juvelook 50mg) · Subdermal 2.5–4.0mm (Lenisna 200mg) 5/10 1–3 days micro-papules Every 4–6 weeks × 2–3, then yearly S$780
Skinvive / Belotero Revive
AbbVie (Allergan) · Merz
 Microdroplet Intradermal HA (+ Glycerol) Superficial Intradermal Microdroplet Depot 0.8–1.2mm 4/10 24–48 hrs small bumps / redness Every 6 months S$980

Pillar II · Singapore 2026 Fair Price

Audit Both Quotes

Protocol A · Per full-face session (Toning + Fractional Resolve)

Pico Laser

Fair S$220–S$480 · median S$350

Below S$98 is usually a 500-shot single-pass toning with no fractional lens — the 'trial' is the hook for a 10-session package.

Audit Your Pico Quote →

Protocol B · Per full-face session (incl. sterile gold-plated 25-pin tip)

Sylfirm X

Fair S$520–S$850 · median S$680

Sessions under ~S$380 often reuse cartridges or substitute a generic RF microneedling device.

Audit Your Sylfirm X Quote →

SGD incl. 9% GST · medians are per each treatment's own reference dose, so compare them as typical courses, not like-for-like units · editorial benchmarks, not clinic tariffs.

Clinic Dossier · Singapore

Matched Singapore Clinics

Pico Laser

Sylfirm X

Clinic Dossier · Compare

Compare Clinics With Pico Laser or Sylfirm X

Clinics in the dossier that advertise Pico Laser or Sylfirm X. Advertised is not inspected: ask to see the console's serial plate.

Compare these 3 side by side →

Section V · Before Pico Laser or Sylfirm X

Pre-Procedure Washout & Post-Procedure Barrier Support

Typical clinic guidance for heat, laser or needle treatments: pause these actives beforehand.

  • Retinoidstop 5–7 days before
  • Exfoliating Acidstop 3–5 days before
  • Vitamin C / Antioxidantstop 2–3 days before
  • Spicule / Microneedlestop 5–7 days before
Compare audited examples: retinoid, exfoliating acid, spicule →

After the session · Recovery & photoprotection

Compare barrier + SPF side by side →

Editorial guidance from common clinic practice, not medical advice: your treating doctor's pre- and post-care instructions come first.

How It Works

How These Treatments Work in the Skin

532 nm laser: shallow reach, epidermal pigmentA 532 nanometre beam is absorbed near the surface and shatters pigment at the base of the epidermis; it fades within the papillary dermis. 532 nmKTP / frequency-doubled Nd:YAG · green lightEpidermisbasal melaninPapillary dermisReticular dermisSubcutis handpiecepigment shatteredreach fades: shallowBest for epidermal pigment: sunspots, freckles (lentigines).Melanin and haemoglobin absorb 532 nm strongly: higher risk ofpost-inflammatory pigmentation in darker skin (types IV–VI).
1064 nm laser: deeper reach, dermal pigmentA 1064 nanometre beam passes the epidermis with less melanin absorption and shatters pigment in the upper dermis; macrophages clear the fragments. 1064 nmNd:YAG · near-infraredEpidermisbasal melaninPapillary dermisReticular dermisSubcutis handpieceepidermis largely spareddermal pigment shatteredmacrophagereach fades: deeperBest for dermal pigment: Hori's naevus, naevus of Ota; low-fluence 'toning' for melasma. Less melanin absorption anddeeper reach: the usual choice for darker skin types.
Figure · 532 nm vs. 1064 nm pigment lasersQ-switched (nanosecond) and pico (picosecond) lasers both use 532 nm and 1064 nm. The shorter pico pulse breaks pigment into finer fragments, mainly by pressure (photoacoustic) effect, and macrophages clear them over the following weeks. Illustrative: layer thickness and beam reach are not to scale.
RF microneedling: heat delivered at the needle tipsInsulated microneedles enter the dermis to a set depth and release radiofrequency heat at their tips, leaving small coagulation zones that fibroblasts remodel with new collagen. RF microneedlingSylfirm X · Potenza · insulated needlesEpidermisPapillary dermis0.3–1.5 mmReticular dermis1.5–3.0 mmSubcutisneedle cartridgedepth set0.5–3.5mmfibroblasts · new collagenInsulated needles release RF at the tips: small coagulationzones heal, and fibroblasts lay down new collagen over weeksto months. The surface wounds are tiny channels.
Polynucleotides and skinboosters: intradermal microdropletsA fine needle places microdroplets of polynucleotide or hyaluronic acid product into the dermis, near the fibroblasts. PN / PDRN · skinboostersRejuran · Profhilo · Skinvive · injectedEpidermisPapillary dermis0.3–1.5 mmReticular dermis1.5–3.0 mmSubcutisintradermal microdroplets (about 1 mm)fibroblasts nearbyPN / PDRN (Rejuran): DNA fragments, proposed to supportfibroblasts and repair; clinical evidence is still emerging.HA boosters (Profhilo, Skinvive) hold water in the dermis.
Figure · RF microneedling vs. polynucleotide & HA skinboostersRF microneedling heats the dermis through needle tips; polynucleotide (PN / PDRN) and hyaluronic-acid boosters are placed as microdroplets in the dermis. Both depend on the skin’s own repair, so results build over weeks. Needle depth range is typical of current platforms; illustrative, not to scale.

Field Notes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference in skin depth and mechanism between Pico Laser and Sylfirm X?

Pico Laser (1064nm/532nm Picosecond Nd:YAG) works at Epidermis 0.1–0.3mm (532nm) · Papillary Dermis 0.3–1.5mm (1064nm / MLA) — Epidermis (0.1–0.3mm), Papillary Dermis (0.3–1.5mm). Photoacoustic shattering of melanin; fractional MLA lens creates laser-induced optical breakdown (LIOB) micro-vacuoles. Sylfirm X (300μm–4.0mm Bipolar Pulsed/CW RF) works at Basement Membrane 0.3mm (PW) · Papillary & Reticular Dermis to 3.0mm+ (CW) — Epidermis (0.1–0.3mm), Papillary Dermis (0.3–1.5mm), Reticular Dermis (1.5–3.0mm). Insulated microneedles deliver Pulsed-Wave RF to repair the basement membrane (~0.3mm) and Continuous-Wave RF for dermal coagulation. Sylfirm X reaches the deeper layer (Reticular Dermis).

Which is more painful or has longer downtime: Pico Laser or Sylfirm X?

Pico Laser: pain 2/10 — None required for toning; optional topical numbing (20 min) for fractional passes. Downtime 0 hrs (toning) · 24–48 hrs erythema (fractional); interval Every 2–4 weeks × 5–10 (toning) · every 4 weeks × 3–4 (fractional). Sylfirm X: pain 5/10 — Topical numbing cream 45–60 minutes before treatment. Downtime 24–48 hrs erythema · pinpoint marks 2–3 days; interval Every 4 weeks × 3–5. Pico Laser is the gentler of the two on Beauty.net's clinical pain index.

How much does Pico Laser vs. Sylfirm X cost in Singapore in 2026 and which should I choose?

Beauty.net's 2026 Singapore benchmarks (SGD incl. 9% GST, editorial percentiles rather than clinic tariffs): Pico Laser S$220–S$480, median S$350 (Per full-face session (Toning + Fractional Resolve)); Sylfirm X S$520–S$850, median S$680 (Per full-face session (incl. sterile gold-plated 25-pin tip)). Choose by indication rather than price — Pico Laser: Melasma, solar lentigines, PIH, fine acne scarring, pore refinement; Sylfirm X: Melasma with vascular component, rosacea, enlarged pores, acne scars, skin laxity. A doctor's assessment of your skin decides which layer needs treating.