Picosecond Laser: A New Level in Pigmentation and Tattoo Removal

Modern picosecond technology is considered one of the most significant advances in laser dermatology over the past decades. These are highly sophisticated medical systems whose development requires advanced engineering, precision optics, and substantial investment.

Such platforms belong to the premium segment of medical equipment and are produced by a limited number of manufacturers worldwide.

A professional comparative review of picosecond systems was published in IMCAS Insider (Volume 3, 2026) — the journal of the international scientific platform IMCAS (International Master Course on Aging Science), which brings together dermatologists and aesthetic medicine specialists from around the world.

Why the Picosecond Laser Represents a New Stage in Dermatology

Unlike the previous generation of Q-switched lasers, the picosecond laser operates in trillionths of a second.

This ultra-short pulse creates a pronounced photoacoustic effect rather than prolonged thermal exposure. This means:

more precise fragmentation of pigment,
reduced risk of overheating surrounding tissues,
lower likelihood of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH),
safer application across various skin phototypes.

This mechanism of action is what makes picosecond technology the next evolutionary step in tattoo removal and pigmentation correction.

Not All Picosecond Lasers Are the Same

The IMCAS review analyzed more than ten licensed picosecond platforms.

Most systems share similar basic parameters — pulse durations around 300 picoseconds and two primary wavelengths (1064 nm and 532 nm).

However, important differences exist in:

the true pulse duration range,
the number of available wavelengths,
beam delivery technologies (full beam, microbeam, etc.),
the breadth of clinical indications.

These characteristics determine the versatility of the system and its clinical capabilities.

The PicoWay Platform

In our clinic, we use the PicoWay system by Candela — one of the most widely recognized and internationally used picosecond platforms.

Four True Picosecond Wavelengths

PicoWay offers four true picosecond wavelengths: 532 nm, 730 nm, 785 nm, and 1064 nm.

This expands the possibilities for:

removing multi-colored tattoos,
treating deep dermal pigmentation,
individually tailoring parameters for different skin phototypes.

Broad Range of FDA-Cleared Indications

PicoWay is publicly positioned as a platform with one of the broadest ranges of FDA-cleared indications in the picosecond laser category.

These include:

tattoo removal,
treatment of pigmented lesions,
and in certain cases, melasma therapy (depending on the applicator and clinical protocol).

Such a range of indications reflects the platform’s design for broad clinical use.

Multiple Energy Delivery Modes

PicoWay provides different beam delivery modes (full beam, microbeam technology, Fusion, etc.), allowing clinicians to combine:

pigment fragmentation,
collagen stimulation,
improvement of skin texture without aggressive tissue ablation.

This makes the system a multifunctional platform rather than a narrowly specialized device.

What This Means for Patients

Choosing a picosecond laser is not just about selecting a technology — it is about the level of the platform itself.

A modern system allows clinicians to:

work with greater precision,
minimize thermal load,
expand the range of indications,
achieve predictable results.

Today, picosecond technology is considered a new standard in pigmentation removal, tattoo removal, and non-invasive skin quality improvement.