PicoWay is Candela's picosecond laser tattoo removal system, operating at four wavelengths covering most ink colors and cleared for all skin tones at its primary 1064nm setting. Most tattoos require 8–12 sessions for complete removal, spaced 8–10 weeks apart.

How PicoWay Works

PicoWay delivers laser energy in extremely short pulses (measured in picoseconds, or trillionths of a second) that cause ink particles to fracture through a photomechanical process. At this pulse duration, energy is concentrated enough to shatter ink mechanically, with less heat transferred to surrounding tissue than with older nanosecond Q-switched lasers.

This shift toward photomechanical fracturing is the core engineering rationale for picosecond lasers. It is not entirely non-thermal: Candela describes PicoWay's advantage using an "Acoustic to Thermal Pressure Index," where values above 1 indicate that photomechanical fracturing dominates over thermal damage. The practical result is less blistering and faster resolution of the acute skin reaction compared to nanosecond lasers, a finding supported by prospective split-comparison studies (Pinto et al.).

The shattered ink particles are small enough for the lymphatic system to carry away over the weeks following each session.

Some clinics use a multi-pass technique called R20, involving four passes per session at 20-minute intervals, to increase clearance per visit. This is a provider-level protocol decision, not a standard offering at every clinic.

Note: PicoWay also offers Resolve and Resolve Fusion handpieces, which use a split fractional microbeam array for acne scars, wrinkles, and pigment. These are entirely separate from the Zoom and Ti:sapphire handpieces used for tattoo removal. If a clinic mentions "PicoWay Resolve," they are referring to a different application.

PicoWay's Four Wavelengths

PicoWay has four available wavelengths, produced by two different handpiece types:

Wavelength Handpiece Pulse Duration Primary Use
1064nm Zoom 450ps Black, dark blue, dark brown
532nm Zoom ~375ps Red, orange, brown, warm tones
785nm Ti:sapphire 300ps Blue, green, purple
730nm Ti:sapphire ~250ps Blue, green (shorter pulse)

The 1064nm and 532nm wavelengths come from the core Nd:YAG laser body. The 785nm and 730nm wavelengths are produced by a separate titanium-sapphire crystal handpiece. The Zoom handpiece (1064/532nm) supports spot sizes from 2–10mm. The Ti:sapphire handpieces (785/730nm) work at 2–4mm, smaller spots that require more passes on larger tattoos.

Not all PicoWay clinics have both Ti:sapphire handpieces: the 785nm received FDA clearance in July 2016 (K160607); the 730nm was cleared in September 2019 (K191685). Some clinics have only one, or neither. If your tattoo contains blue or green ink, ask which wavelengths the clinic's specific unit supports before booking.

Which Ink Colors PicoWay Handles Best

Black: PicoWay's strongest application. The 1064nm wavelength is absorbed by black ink and offers the deepest penetration in the system. Experienced practitioners consistently identify it as the preferred tool for black ink, describing it as particularly powerful on dense, saturated black.

Red, orange, brown: Treated at 532nm. This wavelength is effective on warm-tone inks but is absorbed more by melanin than 1064nm, limiting safe use to Fitzpatrick skin types I–III. Clinics treating patients with darker skin will generally avoid or carefully calibrate 532nm treatment.

Blue and green: Treated at 785nm or 730nm via the Ti:sapphire handpiece. A peer-reviewed study using the 785nm handpiece (Bernstein et al., Lasers Surg Med 2018) found average clearance of 85%, 81%, and 74% for purple, blue, and green pigments respectively after 4 treatments.

Yellow: Yellow ink responds poorly to all current laser wavelengths. The same 2018 study found 5% yellow clearance; a 730nm study (Bernstein et al., Lasers Surg Med 2021) found approximately 8%. Yellow usually cannot be satisfactorily removed by any available laser.

White ink: White ink containing titanium dioxide carries a documented risk of paradoxical darkening (oxidation) when treated with any laser, including PicoWay. Ross et al. (Arch Dermatol 2001) found a significant association between titanium dioxide and poor laser response, including permanent darkening in some cases. A test spot is standard before treating white or flesh-toned tattoos.

What PicoWay Tattoo Removal Costs

Based on verified pricing from 177 PicoWay clinics in the US that disclose their rates, the average starting price per session is $109 and the average upper price is $411. Geographic variation is large: New York City providers average $262 per session, while clinics in Texas, Chicago, and Philadelphia cluster around $100. The laser is identical; the difference is rent and labor costs.

For a full breakdown by city, tattoo size, and clinic type, see the PicoWay tattoo removal cost guide.

At $100 per session and 8–12 sessions, total cost runs $800–$1,200. At the NYC average of $262 per session, those same sessions cost $2,096–$3,144. Chains like Removery that offer unlimited-session flat-fee plans can reduce total cost considerably for complex or stubborn tattoos.

Who PicoWay Is Best For

Multi-color tattoos. PicoWay's four wavelengths cover the widest color range of any single-platform system in wide clinical use. A fully equipped unit can address black, warm-tone, and blue-green ink without switching lasers.

Darker skin tones. At 1064nm, PicoWay is FDA-cleared for Fitzpatrick types I–VI. The larger spot sizes available at that wavelength allow deeper, more uniform energy delivery without overheating the epidermis, reducing the risk of pigmentation changes in melanated skin. This makes PicoWay a preferred option over alternatives that operate at shorter, more melanin-absorbed wavelengths.

Dense, professional black tattoos. American Traditional, neo-traditional, and portrait-style work with heavy black saturation responds well to PicoWay's 1064nm photomechanical mechanism. Session counts still trend toward 10–12 for large, dense pieces.

People who want lower downtime. PicoWay produces less blistering and faster resolution of redness and swelling compared to nanosecond lasers, based on prospective clinical comparisons (Pinto et al.). Full epidermal healing still takes approximately 1–2 weeks post-session.

PicoWay vs. PicoSure

PicoSure (Cynosure) is the other major picosecond laser used in tattoo removal. No randomized controlled trial has directly compared the two on the same tattoos. All comparative conclusions rest on separate single-arm manufacturer studies and practitioner observation.

The engineering difference. PicoSure is a 755nm alexandrite laser, not an Nd:YAG. Its native wavelength performs well on blue, green, and blue-based purple ink on fair skin (Fitzpatrick I–III). Its key limitation: as energy increases, spot size must decrease, a physical constraint that limits penetration depth and raises the risk of pigmentation changes, particularly for skin types IV and above. The PicoSure Pro (Cynosure, 2024) added a 532nm wavelength and addressed some of these limitations, but very few clinics currently operate it.

Practical comparison. Practitioners who have used both lasers extensively tend to use PicoWay for black ink and for patients with skin types III and above. For blue, green, and purple on very fair skin, PicoSure's 755nm wavelength has a closer spectral match to those pigments, though PicoWay's Ti:sapphire handpieces cover most of that range. PicoWay also causes less blistering and swelling in clinical experience.

For most people with black or multi-color tattoos, PicoWay from an experienced provider is the more versatile and skin-type-inclusive option.

PicoWay Laser Tattoo Removal Results

The pivotal study supporting PicoWay's FDA clearance (Bernstein et al., Lasers Surg Med 2015) reported 79% average clearance after an average of 6.5 treatments across 21 subjects. That is significant partial fading, not complete removal. Full removal of professional tattoos consistently requires more sessions. A Candela-sponsored analysis reported 86% of subjects achieved at least 50% clearance after 3 treatments, a meaningful milestone, but also a partial-clearance endpoint, not a full removal figure.

Real cases from the gallery show what complete removal looks like over a full treatment course:

Black ink on the torso and upper arms consistently clears fastest across the gallery. Legs, ankles, and feet take longer.

These cases represent verified patient-documented outcomes, not clinic-selected testimonials. Browse the full PicoWay before and after gallery for more results.

For a broader view of what complete removal looks like across tattoo types, see Can You Completely Remove a Tattoo?.

To find a picosecond laser tattoo removal clinic near you, use the clinic search.

Before You Start: Who Should Not Use PicoWay

PicoWay is not appropriate in all situations. Most clinics will not treat:

  • Pregnant or breastfeeding patients: no safety data exists; most clinics wait at least 3 months postpartum before starting treatment
  • Active skin infection or open wounds in the treatment area
  • Recent isotretinoin use: the traditional guidance is a 6-month wait; some recent systematic reviews suggest this window may be conservative, but most practitioners still observe it
  • Photosensitizing medications: some antibiotics and other drugs increase sensitivity to laser energy
  • Tanned or sunburned skin: active tan raises melanin levels and increases the risk of pigmentation change; sun avoidance for 4–6 weeks before each session is standard
  • Keloid or hypertrophic scar tendency: pre-existing scar tissue in the tattoo area can respond unpredictably
  • History of gold therapy: chrysiasis (permanent skin discoloration) is a documented risk if gold deposits are present in the skin

Always disclose your full medication list and medical history at the consultation. A test spot is standard practice for risky ink types (white, flesh-toned) and higher-risk skin types.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many sessions does PicoWay tattoo removal take?

Most professional tattoos require 8–12 sessions for complete removal. Clinical studies show significant partial clearance at fewer sessions (79% average clearance at 6.5 sessions in the pivotal trial), but full removal reliably requires more. Fine-line and amateur tattoos may clear in 5–8 sessions; dense, multi-color, or cover-up tattoos often need 10–15 or more.

Is PicoWay safe for dark skin?

Yes, at 1064nm. PicoWay is FDA-cleared for Fitzpatrick types I–VI at its 1064nm wavelength, and is one of the most widely used lasers for tattoo removal on darker skin tones because of its large spot sizes and minimal melanin absorption at that wavelength. The 532nm wavelength is limited to types I–III due to increased melanin absorption at shorter wavelengths.

How does PicoWay feel during treatment?

PicoWay is generally more tolerable than nanosecond Q-switched lasers, which produce more heat and a sharper, snappier sensation. Most clinics use a cryo chiller and topical numbing cream during treatment. The acute reaction (redness and mild swelling) resolves faster with PicoWay than with nanosecond lasers, with full epidermal healing typically taking 1–2 weeks. Blistering is uncommon when protocols are correctly followed.

Can PicoWay remove all ink colors?

PicoWay covers most colors: black, dark blue, brown, red, orange, and blue-green (with the Ti:sapphire handpiece). Yellow responds poorly (~5–8% clearance in clinical studies) and usually cannot be satisfactorily removed. White ink containing titanium dioxide carries a risk of paradoxical darkening and requires a test spot before full treatment.

How long should you wait between PicoWay sessions?

8–10 weeks is standard, with a generally accepted range of 6–12 weeks. Waiting 4 weeks between sessions is too soon for full epidermal healing and is a red flag in a provider. Extending beyond 12 weeks does not improve outcomes; it only lengthens your total treatment timeline.

Is PicoWay better than PicoSure?

For most tattoos and most skin types, clinicians who have used both prefer PicoWay: it handles black ink faster, is safer for darker skin tones, and its four wavelengths cover a wider ink color range. PicoSure's 755nm wavelength has a closer spectral match to blue and green ink on very fair skin. No randomized controlled trial has directly compared the two, so all head-to-head conclusions are based on practitioner experience and separate manufacturer studies, not head-to-head clinical evidence.

Sources

  • Bernstein EF, et al. "Successful treatment of multi-color tattoos with an extended spectrum of wavelengths using a picosecond laser." Lasers Surg Med. 2018.
  • Bernstein EF, et al. "A pivotal study of the efficacy and safety of a new 730nm picosecond pulse duration laser." Lasers Surg Med. 2021.
  • Bernstein EF. "Successful treatment of a tattoo with a 532nm picosecond pulse duration laser." J Cosmet Dermatol. 2015.
  • Kirby W, et al. "A new gauge for quantifying the complexity of laser tattoo removal." J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2009;2(3):32–37.
  • Pinto et al. Prospective split comparison of picosecond vs nanosecond pulses: blistering, pain, hypopigmentation outcomes.
  • Ross EV, et al. "Tattoo darkening and non-response after laser treatment." Arch Dermatol. 2001.
  • Candela Medical. PicoWay Technical Specifications. FDA 510(k) K220853 (Oct 2022); K160607 (July 2016); K191685 (Sept 2019).
  • Syneron Candela press release. Nov 3, 2014: PicoWay pivotal trial partial-clearance data.
  • Mike from GO Tattoo Removal. Compiled expert positions from r/TattooRemoval, 2012–2026. [content-reference.md; Mike_From_GO_replies.csv; Mike_From_GO_toplevel.csv]
  • Clinic pricing data: 177 US PicoWay clinics with disclosed pricing. [picoway-laser-tattoo-removal-cost.md; Average_costs.csv]