The Cutera Enlighten is a dual or triple-wavelength picosecond laser with a strong reputation for pigmentation and tattoo removal work. It’s particularly well-regarded for treating melasma and pigmentation on a wide range of skin tones. Here’s a complete review.
The short version
- Manufacturer: Cutera
- FDA cleared: Tattoo removal and pigmented lesions
- Models: Enlighten (dual-wavelength) and Enlighten III (triple-wavelength)
- Wavelengths Enlighten: 532nm, 1064nm
- Wavelengths Enlighten III: 532nm, 670nm, 1064nm
- Distinctive features: Strong pigmentation reputation; 670nm (Enlighten III) is uncommon among pico lasers
- Best for: Melasma, pigmentation, tattoo removal on a wide range of skin tones
How Cutera Enlighten works
Enlighten delivers picosecond pulses at 532nm and 1064nm (Enlighten III adds 670nm). Like other pico lasers, the short pulse duration creates a photoacoustic effect that shatters pigment without significant heat to surrounding tissue.
The 670nm wavelength on Enlighten III is uncommon — it’s another good option for blue and green tattoo ink (similar to 694nm Ruby on Discovery Pico).
What Cutera Enlighten treats well
Pigmentation and melasma
Enlighten has built a strong reputation for pigmentation work:
- Melasma (low-fluence “laser toning” with 1064nm)
- Sun spots and age spots
- Solar lentigines
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
- Café au lait macules
Tattoo removal across skin tones
Enlighten’s 1064nm wavelength makes it safer for darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick IV-VI). It handles:
- Black ink (1064nm)
- Red and orange ink (532nm)
- Blue and green ink (1064nm on Enlighten; 670nm on Enlighten III)
PICO Genesis treatment
Enlighten supports the “PICO Genesis” skin treatment — a low-fluence, full-face protocol for skin rejuvenation and pigmentation correction. Comparable in role to PicoSure FOCUS or PicoWay Resolve.
Safety on darker skin tones
Strong 1064nm capability makes Enlighten safer for Fitzpatrick IV-VI than original PicoSure. Suitable for skin-of-color treatment with appropriate protocols.
What Cutera Enlighten handles less well
Limited wavelength on base Enlighten
The base Enlighten (532 + 1064nm only) lacks specific wavelengths for some difficult inks. The Enlighten III closes most gaps.
Skin treatments compared to leaders
Enlighten’s skin treatment capability is solid but less famous than PicoSure FOCUS or PicoWay Resolve. Most clinicians choose Enlighten for its pigmentation strengths rather than for full-face rejuvenation.
Enlighten vs Enlighten III
Enlighten III is the more capable model:
- Adds 670nm wavelength for blue/green ink
- Increased peak power
- More versatility across ink colors
If a clinic has an Enlighten, ask which version — the III is meaningfully more versatile.
vs competing platforms
vs PicoSure
- Enlighten has 532nm and 1064nm; PicoSure has 755nm
- Enlighten is safer for darker skin
- PicoSure has stronger skin revitalization reputation
vs PicoWay
- Both have 532nm and 1064nm
- PicoWay adds 730/785nm
- Enlighten III adds 670nm
- Both excellent for pigmentation
vs Discovery Pico
- Both have 532nm and 1064nm
- Enlighten III has 670nm; Discovery has 694nm Ruby
- Discovery has higher peak power
- Enlighten has stronger pigmentation reputation
Clinical evidence
Enlighten has strong clinical support for:
- Melasma treatment without rebound flare
- Pigmentation correction across skin tones
- Tattoo removal in fewer sessions than older Q-switched lasers
- Acne scar treatment with low-fluence protocols
Patient experience
Sensation
Similar to other pico lasers. Pigmentation treatments at low fluence are notably less uncomfortable than tattoo removal sessions.
Recovery
Standard pico recovery. Pigmentation treatments at low fluence often have minimal recovery (sometimes hours, not days).
Cost expectations
- Small tattoo: $150-$350/session
- Medium tattoo: $300-$550/session
- Pigmentation treatment (full face): $400-$700/session
- PICO Genesis session: $400-$800/session
Where to find Cutera Enlighten providers
Enlighten is moderately distributed in the US — common at dermatology practices and select aesthetic surgery practices, less common at dedicated tattoo removal shops.
In our directory: Bridgetown Aesthetics (Portland), Oregon Tattoo Removal Clinic (Tigard), Ringpfeil Advanced Dermatology (Philadelphia area).
Find Cutera Enlighten providers in your area
Bottom line
Cutera Enlighten is a strong pigmentation-focused pico laser, with the Enlighten III’s 670nm adding versatility for tattoo ink. It’s safer than original PicoSure for darker skin and has excellent track record for melasma. For pure tattoo removal on simple dark ink, PicoSure or PicoWay are equally good options.
Related: All machines compared · Pico for melasma