PicoWay Laser vs PicoSure for Tattoo Removal

In recent years, advancements in laser technology have revolutionized the tattoo removal industry, providing individuals with safer, more efficient, and less painful methods to erase unwanted ink. Among the leading contenders in this domain are the PicoWay and PicoSure lasers. While both boast impressive capabilities, a closer examination reveals that PicoWay stands out as the superior choice for tattoo removal. Let's delve into the reasons why PicoWay surpasses PicoSure in effectiveness, versatility, and patient satisfaction.

  • Precision, Efficacy and Power: PicoWay laser technology utilizes ultra-short picosecond pulses to target tattoo ink particles with remarkable precision. Its shorter pulse duration enables more efficient fragmentation of ink particles, leading to superior clearance of tattoos across a spectrum of colors and depths. This precision allows for effective removal of stubborn pigments, including resistant colors like blue and green, which may pose challenges for other laser systems.

    Pulse duration measures time and how fast a picosecond laser operates—a lower number signifies that the laser operates faster. Picoseconds (ps) are used to measure speed, with 1000 ps being equal to 1 nanosecond.

    Faster lasers like the Picoway rely less on heat, which is desirable because heat is generally less effective and more likely to damage the skin. Instead, through this increased speed, they generate a photoacoustic shockwave to do the work. The Picoway utilizes a photoacoustic effect (sound) to break down tattoo pigment versus the Picosure which relies mostly on thermal (heat) energy.

    The pulse durations of PicoSure and PicoWay are as follows:

    Picosecond LaserPulse Duration

    PicoSure: 550 to 750 ps at native 755 nm wavelength

    PicoWay: 375 ps at 532 nm, 300 ps at 785 nm, and 450 ps at 1,064

    Great power comes more laser penetration. As far as tattoo removal is concerned, a higher peak power means more effective removal as it will be more effective at blasting ink pigment into particles the body can absorb.

    Picoway has a peak power of 0.9 GW, while PicoSure only maxes out at a less impressive 0.36.

    However, there’s more to judging the efficacy of a laser than its maximum raw power output.

    PicoWay operates at full speed and power at three wavelengths. In addition to producing the 755 nm wavelength, PicoSure converts it into 532 nm and 1064 nm using its laser pump handpieces. The conversion process results in some loss of energy and effectiveness for the Picosure laser.

  • Versatility in Skin Types: One of the standout features of PicoWay is its versatility in treating various skin types and tattoo complexities. Unlike some traditional lasers that may carry a risk of causing hyperpigmentation (darkening) or hypopigmentation (lightening) in individuals with darker skin tones, PicoWay's innovative technology minimizes these risks. Its ability to deliver energy in picosecond pulses reduces heat buildup in the skin, making it safer and more effective for patients with diverse skin types.

  • Reduced Discomfort and Downtime: PicoWay's advanced technology not only enhances efficacy but also prioritizes patient comfort. The shorter pulses and higher peak power of PicoWay result in reduced thermal damage to the surrounding tissue, minimizing discomfort during treatment and accelerating the healing process. Patients undergoing tattoo removal with PicoWay experience less pain and shorter downtime compared to those treated with PicoSure or other traditional lasers.

  • Customized Treatment Options: PicoWay offers customizable treatment parameters tailored to each patient's unique tattoo characteristics and skin type. Practitioners can adjust the laser settings to target specific ink colors, depths, and densities effectively. This personalized approach ensures optimized outcomes while minimizing the risk of adverse effects, such as scarring or pigmentary changes.

Conclusion: In the competitive landscape of tattoo removal, PicoWay emerges as the clear frontrunner, outperforming PicoSure and other laser systems on multiple fronts. Its unparalleled precision, versatility, patient comfort, and efficiency make it the preferred choice for individuals seeking safe, effective, and expedited removal of unwanted tattoos. As laser technology continues to evolve, PicoWay remains at the forefront, setting the standard for excellence in tattoo removal procedures.

Whether you're considering tattoo removal for aesthetic reasons or preparing for a fresh canvas, choosing PicoWay ensures a journey towards clearer, smoother skin with minimal hassle and maximal satisfaction.

Also - the FDA cleared PicoWay for treating melasma, despite previous research supporting its efficacy for treating melasma. The results stated that the patients’ conditions significantly improved after one treatment, and didn’t experience side effects.

PicoWay is the stronger laser and could easily become the preferred option for treating hyperpigmentation.