The Candela PicoWay launched in 2014 as a multi-wavelength picosecond laser designed to address what the original PicoSure couldn’t — multi-color tattoos and darker skin tones. It’s become the most versatile pico platform on the US market and the most common pico laser at modern dermatology practices.
The short version
- Manufacturer: Candela (Syneron-Candela merger)
- FDA cleared: 2014 for tattoo removal
- Wavelengths: 532nm, 730nm, 785nm, 1064nm
- Pulse duration: 350-450 picoseconds (shortest on market)
- Distinctive features: Built-in multi-wavelength; PicoWay Resolve fractional handpiece
- Best for: Multi-color tattoos; darker skin; combined pigment + texture work
How PicoWay works
PicoWay delivers picosecond pulses across multiple wavelengths via switchable handpieces. The 350-450ps pulse is the shortest of any picosecond cosmetic laser — meaning more efficient photoacoustic effect and less thermal byproduct.
The system’s distinctive advantage is built-in multi-wavelength capability. A single PicoWay delivers 532nm, 1064nm, and (depending on configuration) 730 and 785nm — eliminating handpiece-swapping needed on PicoSure Pro for multi-color cases.
What PicoWay treats well
Multi-color tattoo removal
- Black ink (1064nm)
- Red, orange, yellow ink (532nm)
- Blue and green ink (785nm)
- Mixed-color sleeves and complex pieces
Darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick IV-VI)
PicoWay’s 1064nm wavelength is the safer choice for darker skin. The 1064nm penetrates deeply without being heavily absorbed by surface melanin, reducing pigmentation risk.
Pigmentation including melasma
- Sun spots and surface pigmentation (532nm)
- Deeper dermal pigment (1064nm)
- Melasma (1064nm low-fluence “laser toning”)
Skin rejuvenation with Resolve
The Resolve handpiece uses holographic optics to split the beam into 100+ micro-beams. Excellent for:
- Acne scars (rolling and boxcar)
- Skin texture and pore refinement
- Mild fine lines
- Combined pigment + texture concerns
What PicoWay handles less well
Stubborn green ink (one note)
PicoWay lacks 755nm (alexandrite) wavelength that PicoSure uses. For unusually stubborn green ink cases, PicoSure 755nm may have an edge. In practice this is uncommon; PicoWay’s 785nm handles most green ink fine.
Specialized pigments
Like all lasers, PicoWay has limits on yellow, white, and pastel pigments. Equipment-agnostic limitations.
The Resolve handpiece
The PicoWay Resolve is the fractional skin treatment handpiece — equivalent in role to PicoSure’s Focus Lens Array. Available at:
- Resolve 1064: standard for skin rejuvenation
- Resolve 532: for pigmentation-focused fractional treatment
Strong clinical evidence for acne scars and mild-to-moderate wrinkles.
vs PicoSure / PicoSure Pro
- PicoWay has built-in multi-wavelength; PicoSure Pro needs handpiece swaps
- PicoWay’s pulse is shorter
- PicoSure has 755nm; PicoWay doesn’t
- Both excellent in skilled hands
See PicoWay vs PicoSure head-to-head.
vs Discovery Pico
- PicoWay has wider US availability
- Discovery Pico has higher peak power on specific wavelengths
- Discovery Pico offers 694nm Ruby (unique)
- PicoWay Resolve handpiece is best-in-class for skin work
vs Cutera Enlighten
- Both have 532nm and 1064nm
- PicoWay adds 730/785nm
- Enlighten III adds 670nm (uncommon)
Cost expectations
- Small tattoo: $150-$300/session
- Medium tattoo: $250-$500/session
- Large tattoo: $400-$800+/session
- PicoWay Resolve facial: $500-$1,200/session
Where to find PicoWay providers
PicoWay is the second most widely distributed pico platform in the US. Our directory lists 30+ PicoWay providers including dedicated tattoo removal practices and major dermatology groups. Find providers.
Bottom line
PicoWay is the most versatile pico platform on the market — best choice for multi-color tattoos, darker skin tones, and combined pigment + texture treatment. For dark-ink-only cases on fair skin, PicoSure 755nm is also excellent.
Related: PicoWay vs PicoSure · All machines compared · Pico for darker skin