Which tattoo removal laser should you choose: PicoSure or PicoWay?

At Ray studios, we exclusively offer laser tattoo removal treatments using PicoWay picosecond lasers from Candela. This choice was made after comparing and testing multiple devices developed by different companies.

Taking the time to conduct this testing phase—carried out by our specialized professionals over several months—proved to be a highly relevant decision. Today, it allows us to provide treatments that are both effective and safe, using technologies fully mastered by our medical team.

What Is a Picosecond Laser?

Picosecond lasers deliver energy in pulses lasting one picosecond (one trillionth of a second). The laser passes through the upper layers of the skin to directly reach the area where the tattoo ink is located. The ink is then broken down into extremely fine particles, which are naturally eliminated by the body through the lymphatic system.

These lasers produce ultra-short pulses, replacing older nanosecond lasers (one billionth of a second), often referred to as Q-switched lasers.

In addition to improved performance, the significantly shorter pulse duration helps preserve the skin, reducing discomfort and side effects while promoting faster healing. This is why the interval between sessions can be reduced to approximately eight weeks with this type of laser.

Picosecond lasers can be adjusted to different wavelengths, measured in nanometers. Other parameters—such as fluence and spot size—can also be customized to account for treatment variables like tattoo depth, pigment color, and the patient’s phototype (skin type). This results in a treatment that is both less invasive and more effective.

All of these factors make picosecond lasers the most effective and safest option currently available. However, not all devices within this category perform equally. That’s why, at Ray studios, we tested multiple systems before selecting the most advanced one: the PicoWay laser by Candela.

Why Choose PicoWay Over PicoSure?

Two lasers stood out during our evaluation: PicoWay by Candela and PicoSure by Cynosure. We ultimately chose PicoWay, mainly because it relies on photoacoustic pulses, whereas PicoSure primarily uses thermal-based pulses.

This difference provides several advantages:

• More effective treatment of colors:
  PicoWay delivers strong results across a wider spectrum of colors, including challenging shades like blue and green. While some very light pigments (such as white) remain difficult or impossible to remove, PicoWay has demonstrated superior overall performance compared to other lasers. This is largely due to its four available wavelengths, whereas PicoSure offers only three.
• Fewer sessions required:
  PicoWay generally reduces the total number of sessions needed to remove a tattoo. Since sessions must be spaced about eight weeks apart, this can significantly shorten the overall treatment duration.
• Better skin tolerance:
  The combination of multiple wavelengths and ultra-short pulse duration helps protect the skin. This reduces discomfort during treatment, minimizes visible side effects such as redness, and promotes faster healing.

In summary, PicoWay stood out as the superior choice due to its higher effectiveness, lower invasiveness, and shorter overall treatment time.

Choosing the Right Laser Is Essential—but Not Enough

Selecting the right laser is a key factor in successful tattoo removal, but it is not the only one. The quality of care before, during, and after each session is just as important.

At Ray studios, we place as much importance on preparation and aftercare as we do on the treatment itself.

Before the first session, each patient attends an initial consultation with a specialized professional. During this appointment, the full treatment process is explained in detail, including duration, cost, and key recommendations. All questions are addressed, and a topical anesthetic cream may be prescribed to be applied one hour before the session to reduce discomfort.

Using advanced laser technology is essential, but the expertise and diagnostic skills of a trained professional are equally important to ensure optimal results. Following professional recommendations is therefore crucial.

After each session, patients receive a detailed aftercare protocol to support proper healing before the next session, which is always scheduled at least eight weeks later.