Pico laser
A pico laser delivers ultra-short energy pulses for effective pigment and tattoo removal with minimal heat exposure. This makes treatments safer, faster, and suitable for various indications such as skin rejuvenation.
Pico laser
The pico laser, also known as the picosecond laser, is an advanced laser technology that excels in precision and power when treating pigment and tattoos. Through the use of ultra-short pulses (picoseconds), pigment particles are broken down extremely efficiently, with minimal impact on the surrounding skin.
Compared to other lasers used for tattoos and pigment, a picosecond laser can generate a stronger photoacoustic effect, often resulting in pigment particles being fragmented more efficiently.
For practices that want to distinguish themselves in tattoo removal and pigment treatments, the pico laser is a powerful and future-oriented choice.
What is a pico laser?
A pico laser (picosecond laser) operates with ultra-short pulses (1 trillionth of a second), in which a larger portion of the energy is converted into a photoacoustic effect, while the thermal load on the surrounding tissue remains limited.
In practice this means:
- Less thermal damage to the skin
- Finer fragmentation of pigment particles
- More efficient natural elimination by the body
- For certain tattoos and pigment indications, a picosecond laser can lead to more efficient pigment fragmentation, potentially requiring fewer treatments.
- Faster recovery due to minimal heat generation in the skin
Types of pico laser systems
Within the range of picosecond lasers, there are clear differences in positioning and application. The choice depends on your treatment focus: specialized or more broadly applicable.
Worldwide, Candela Medical and Fotona are among the most established names in this segment. Both brands offer high-quality systems, but with a different approach.
Below, we highlight two commonly used systems.
PicoWay laser
The PicoWay laser is a picosecond laser system fully optimized for maximum performance within pigment and tattoo indications. If tattoo removal and pigment treatments form the core of your practice, the PicoWay is a very strong choice.
- High peak power → effective breakdown of pigment
- Suitable for multi-colored tattoos
- Strong results with resistant pigmentation
- Consistent and reproducible results
StarWalker PICO Pro
The StarWalker PICO Pro is part of the StarWalker family and is optimized for speed, larger spot sizes, and higher fluences. This makes it suitable for both pigment and broader skin indications (and toning on the body).
- Suitable for both pigment and broader skin indications
- Option to adapt treatment strategy per indication
Picosecond vs Q-switched technology
The difference lies primarily in the pulse duration and how the energy is delivered (pulse build-up and peak power), which influences the effect on tissue.
- Q-switched (nanosecond) → predominantly photoacoustic with limited, but more thermal "by component"
- Pico (picosecond) → stronger photoacoustic effect, less time for heat build-up
In practice, pico is often more efficient for certain pigments and can lead to faster fragmentation, whereas Q-switched is a proven technology with broader applicability.
Questions?
Use the button below to leave your details and our specialists will be happy to advise you.
Leave your detailsFor which indications is a picosecond laser suitable?
Tattoo removal
The pico laser is one of the most effective methods for removing tattoos.
- Suitable for colored tattoos if you have multiple wavelengths in your system.
- Finer breakdown of ink particles
- Often fewer treatments required compared to other lasers aimed at pigment removal.
Pigment spots treatment
The pico laser is highly suitable for both superficial and deeper-seated pigment.
- Targeted treatment without overloading surrounding tissue
- More control over complex pigmentation problems such as melasma, sun damage, and age spots
Remove PMU
The pico laser is suitable for the controlled removal of permanent makeup, thanks to its high precision and reduced risk of scarring.
Skin Rejuvenation
The pico laser supports skin improvement, with a focus on texture and pigment. The strength of pico lasers lies primarily in pigment and tattoos, and less in broad anti-aging applications.
Pico laser treatment for dark skin
The pico laser is suitable for dark skin types (Fitzpatrick IV–VI), provided it is applied correctly, such as selecting the right settings and treatment strategy tailored to the skin type.
- Use of suitable wavelengths (such as 1064 nm)
- Custom energy settings
- Lower risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)
Pico laser vs other laser types
The StarWalker PICO Pro is a picosecond laser. The PICO Pro features a wide range of spot sizes, many different handpieces, and FracTAT technology that makes it truly different from the PicoWay. The laser is primarily optimized for speed, larger spot sizes, and higher fluences, which makes it specifically suited for toning (including larger areas such as the body), photorejuvenation, pigment, scars, and tattoos.
- StarWalker PICO Pro → flexibility in indications
- PicoWay → maximum efficiency for pigment and tattoos
Differences within the StarWalker platform (PICO Pro, PQX, and MaQX)
Within the StarWalker family, there are multiple systems available, each offering a different balance of power, technology, and usability.
StarWalker PICO Pro
- Picosecond technology
- Higher wattage, larger spot sizes, ideal for larger areas
- Developed with the practitioner in mind
- For skin toning, pigmentation, tattoos & skin improvement
StarWalker PQX
- Picosecond technology
- High peak power
- Unique treatments for tattoos, skin improvement, and pigmentation
StarWalker MaQX
- Extensive platform with Q-switched technology and additional modalities
- Developed for broader applicability across multiple skin indications
- Suitable for practices looking for a versatile system
- Various pulse modalities for a wide range of indications
StarWalker MaQX Pro
- Also Q-Switched technology
- Extra power for faster treatments with larger spot sizes
- Various pulse modalities for a wide range of indications
Frequently asked questions
A pico laser works with ultra-short pulses and less heat, allowing for more targeted pigment treatment. Because less heat is generated than with traditional lasers, the treatment is often more precise and the risk of skin damage is lower. Pico lasers are therefore widely used for pigmentation spots , tattoo removal , and skin improvement.
A diode laser is primarily used for permanent hair reduction. A pico laser is used for treating pigment spots and removing tattoos. Both lasers work based on light energy, but have a completely different purpose.
A pico laser is one of the most effective methods for removing tattoos. However, its effectiveness depends on several factors, such as the wavelength used, the color and depth of the tattoo, the skin type, and the composition of the ink.
Pico lasers can be very suitable for treating various forms of pigmentation. Success depends on the type of pigment, the depth in the skin, the cause of the discoloration, and the client's skin type.
Yes, provided the treatment is correctly tailored to the skin type and the indication.
For patients, the costs average between €100 and €300 per treatment, depending on the treatment area and the indication.
Buy a Pico laser or need more information?
Would you like to know more about picosecond laser technology or discover which system suits your practice? Contact us on +31(0) 162 74 44 44 or fill out our contact form. We are happy to assist you with personal advice, demonstrations, and support with training and implementation.