Introduction
In recent years, picosecond lasers have become one of the most sought-after technologies in aesthetic medicine, especially for pigmentation, melasma, tattoo removal, and overall skin rejuvenation. While both Picosure and Picoway belong to the family of Q-switched picosecond lasers, they differ in wavelength, pulse duration, handpiece design, and clinical applications.
This article compares Picosure (755nm) and Picoway (532/730/785/1064nm) to help practitioners, clinics, and distributors better understand their mechanisms, treatment advantages, and how to choose the right device for patient needs.
What Makes Picosecond Lasers Different?
Traditional Q-switched nanosecond lasers rely mainly on photothermal effects, which can cause collateral tissue damage and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Picosecond lasers, with a shorter pulse width (ps vs. ns), deliver more photomechanical shockwaves instead of heat.
- Shorter pulse duration = stronger photoacoustic effect
- Result: Melanin is shattered into finer particles, which are more easily cleared by macrophages.
- Benefit: Less heat damage, reduced downtime, and fewer side effects.
1. Picosure (755nm)
Key Features
- Wavelength: 755nm Alexandrite, highly absorbed by melanin, low absorption in water and hemoglobin → safer for surrounding tissues.
- Pulse Duration: 550–750ps.
- Handpieces:
- Zoom: 2–6mm adjustable spot size.
- Fixed: 6mm, 8mm, 10mm.
- Focus Lens Array (honeycomb): increases peak power 20x for skin rejuvenation.
- Modes:
- Whitening mode (large spot, uniform toning).
- Focus Lens Array mode (fractional rejuvenation, collagen stimulation).
- Pigment/tattoo removal mode (small spot, high power).
Clinical Advantages
- Gold standard for melanin-targeting (freckles, sun spots, melasma).
- Unique Focus Lens technology improves fine lines, pores, and redness.
- Strong collagen stimulation due to partial photothermal effect → better skin rejuvenation.
- Trade-off: Slightly more painful, with longer recovery compared to Picoway.
2. Picoway (532nm, 785nm, 1064nm)
Key Features
- Wavelengths:
- 532nm – superficial pigmentation (freckles, sun spots), red/yellow tattoos.
- 1064nm – deeper pigmentation (Ota nevus, dermal melasma), black tattoos.
- 730nm – resistant green/blue tattoos, mixed pigmentation.
- 785nm – alternative for dermal pigmentation.
- Pulse Duration: 300–450ps (shorter than Picosure).
- Handpieces & Modes:
- Zoom handpieces: for pigment and tattoo removal.
- Resolve handpieces: fractional rejuvenation, collagen induction via laser-induced optical breakdown (LOB).
Clinical Advantages
- Multi-wavelength versatility → broader range of indications (multi-color tattoos, deeper dermal lesions).
- Stronger photoacoustic effect → less heat, shorter downtime.
- Resolve mode triggers dermal repair, collagen production, pore reduction, wrinkle improvement.
- Trade-off: Less melanin-specific absorption compared to Picosure 755nm.
Choosing Between Picosure and Picoway
Picosure (755nm)
✔ Best for melanin-related pigmentation (melasma, freckles, sun spots).
✔ Unique Focus Lens → strong rejuvenation benefits.
✔ More effective for stubborn pigmentation.
⚠ More discomfort, slightly longer downtime.
Picoway (532/730/1064nm)
✔ Multi-wavelength versatility → excellent for multi-color tattoos + deep dermal pigmentation.
✔ Strong photoacoustic effect → gentler on skin, faster recovery.
✔ Balanced rejuvenation results with less pain.
⚠ Less melanin-specific targeting compared to Picosure.
Conclusion
Both Picosure and Picoway are powerful picosecond laser systems designed for pigmentation, tattoo removal, and skin rejuvenation.
- Picosure stands out for melanin-specific absorption and collagen-stimulating rejuvenation with its honeycomb Focus Lens.
- Picoway offers versatility with multiple wavelengths, stronger photoacoustic effect, and shorter recovery times.
👉 For clinics, the choice depends on patient demographics:
- If your focus is Asian skin types with melasma and pigmentation, Picosure may deliver superior results.
- If your practice handles tattoo removal and diverse pigmentation types, Picoway provides broader versatility.
Ultimately, the most effective approach often combines device selection + individualized treatment protocols, ensuring safe, precise, and long-lasting outcomes.
