Which tattoo removal laser should you choose: PicoSure or PicoWay?
Laser technology is currently the most effective method for tattoo removal. Several laser devices are available on the market. Among them, we have chosen the Candela PicoWay laser.
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.
FAQ
What is a picosecond laser and how does it work on a tattoo?
A picosecond laser is an advanced medical technology that emits ultra-short energy pulses (one picosecond equals one trillionth of a second). During treatment, the energy passes through the epidermis to reach the dermis, where tattoo pigments are located. These pigments are then fragmented into microscopic particles, which are naturally eliminated by the body through the lymphatic system. This process is precise and effective, significantly reducing the risks of burns, scarring, or depigmentation, while also shortening healing time.
Why did Ray studios choose the PicoWay laser over PicoSure?
After several months of comparative testing between leading devices on the market, Ray studios chose the Candela PicoWay laser, considered more effective than the Cynosure PicoSure. Unlike PicoSure, which relies on thermal technology, PicoWay uses a photoacoustic mechanism, making it less aggressive for the skin. It also features four wavelengths compared to three for PicoSure, allowing treatment of a broader range of colors (including challenging shades like green and blue), while reducing the number of sessions required and minimizing visible side effects after treatment.
What are the benefits of the PicoWay laser for tattoo removal?
The PicoWay laser offers several key advantages for tattoo removal:
- It is faster than previous lasers thanks to its ultra-short pulses.
- It reduces pain and post-treatment redness, promoting faster healing.
- It is effective on all tattoo colors, except white.
- It is suitable for all skin types, including higher phototypes.
- It helps reduce the total number of sessions, shortening the overall treatment time.
These qualities make it the reference solution in Ray studios centers.
How does a laser tattoo removal session work at Ray studios?
Each treatment begins with an initial consultation with a specialized professional. This appointment is used to establish your Ray Tattoo Profile, assess the specific characteristics of your tattoo, check for any contraindications, and explain every step of the treatment protocol.
Before the session, you may apply a topical anesthetic cream to reduce discomfort. During the session, the practitioner precisely adjusts the laser settings based on the color, depth of the tattoo, and your phototype.
After the treatment, you will be given aftercare instructions to follow at home. All sessions are spaced at least eight weeks apart to ensure optimal elimination of pigments by the body.
