PicoWay vs. PicoSure: Which Laser Removes Tattoos Better?

What do PicoWay and PicoSure have in common?

Both are picosecond lasers — they fire pulses measured in trillionths of a second. Pulses that short shatter tattoo ink photoacoustically: pressure waves crack the pigment into dust-fine particles that your immune system's white blood cells (phagocytes) carry away over the following weeks. That's a generational leap over older Q-switched (nanosecond) lasers, which rely far more on heat, damage more surrounding tissue, and typically need 8–15 sessions instead of 4–8. In 2013, PicoSure became the first picosecond laser cleared by the FDA; Candela's PicoWay followed in 2014 and has since expanded its FDA clearances to include acne scars and wrinkles. If your only choice is between a Q-switched laser and either pico device, choose the pico — but the two systems are not identical.

What's the difference between PicoWay and PicoSure?

Three specs separate them: wavelengths, pulse duration, and peak power.

Specifications from Candela and Cynosure published device data; figures are approximate and vary by handpiece.

Why do wavelengths matter for tattoo colors?

Every ink color absorbs light differently, so no single wavelength can erase every tattoo. PicoWay's 1064 nm beam drives deep to break up dense black ink, 532 nm targets reds, oranges, and yellows, and 785 nmpicks up the stubborn blues and greens — each at full power. PicoSure's native 755 nm alexandrite beam is genuinely excellent on green and blue ink, but reds and deep blacks depend on converted handpieces that trade away energy. For multi-color pieces — the tattoos people most often struggle to remove — the three-wavelength system simply has more tools.

Which laser is safer for darker skin tones?

This is where the difference is most practical. Melanin — the pigment in skin — absorbs strongly at 755 nm, so PicoSure's beam competes with your skin itself, raising the risk of blistering, lightening, or darkening on olive, brown, and deep skin tones. PicoWay's 1064 nm wavelength passes through melanin with far less absorption on its way to the ink, which is why it's the standard for treating Fitzpatrick IV–VI safely. At Neoderma we treat all skin tones with PicoWay — something we confirm at a free consultation with a test spot when appropriate.

Does PicoWay remove tattoos in fewer sessions?

Usually, yes — because of physics, not marketing. Shorter pulses (~300–450 vs. ~750 picoseconds) concentrated into ~2.5× the peak power shatter ink into finer particles per pass, and finer particles clear faster. At Neoderma, most tattoos need about 4–8 PicoWay sessions, spaced 6–8 weeks apart — versus 8–15 with older Q-switched systems. Your exact count depends on ink density, colors, depth, tattoo age, and location (ankles and fingers clear more slowly than the chest or back).

Is PicoSure ever the better choice?

An honest comparison cuts both ways. PicoSure pioneered picosecond technology, and its 755 nm beam remains a superb match for green and blue ink on lighter skin. Some practices also favor it for certain pigment concerns. If the clinic you trust runs a PicoSure, you're still getting far better technology than any Q-switched machine. Our view after two decades of laser work is simply that one device should handle every patient who walks in— every ink color, every skin tone — and that's the job PicoWay was built for.

What does PicoWay tattoo removal cost in Anaheim?

Tattoo removal at Neoderma starts at $225 per session, priced by the size of the piece. Eyebrow & eyeliner tattoo removal is $350 per session. Consultations are free, you'll get a written quote before any treatment, and every session is performed by licensed medical providers with 20+ years of laser experience.

Financing available through Cherry and CareCredit — split your treatment into flexible monthly payments. Learn more →

PicoWay isn't just for tattoos

The same photoacoustic precision powers PicoWay Resolve laser skin resurfacing — an FDA-cleared fractional treatment we use for sun spots, melasma, acne scars, and fine lines, with minimal downtime.

PicoWay vs. PicoSure FAQ