The Quanta Discovery Pico is the most powerful picosecond laser available in the US market by some measures, and uniquely offers a 694nm Ruby wavelength that other pico lasers don’t. It’s less commonly available than PicoSure or PicoWay but is the platform of choice for many dedicated tattoo removal specialists, particularly for stubborn green inks and complex multi-color cases.
The short version
- Manufacturer: Quanta System (Italian medical laser company)
- FDA cleared: Multiple clearances for tattoo removal and pigmented lesions
- Wavelengths: 532nm, 694nm (Ruby), 1064nm
- Models: Discovery Pico and Discovery Pico Plus (added supplementary nanosecond mode for the toughest ink)
- Distinctive features: 694nm Ruby wavelength (unique); high peak power; “4 emission modes”
- Best for: Stubborn green/blue inks; complex multi-color tattoos; residual ink from prior treatments
How Discovery Pico works
Discovery Pico delivers picosecond pulses across three true wavelengths via different handpieces. The system’s distinctive features:
- High peak power — claimed twice the peak power of competing pico lasers
- 4 emission modes — picosecond, nanosecond, and combinations
- QuattroPulse technology — split-pulse capability for energy modulation
- 694nm Ruby wavelength — unique among current pico lasers
What Discovery Pico treats exceptionally well
Stubborn green and blue ink
The 694nm Ruby wavelength is highly absorbed by green tattoo ink — historically one of the hardest colors for any laser. Discovery Pico’s Ruby module clears stubborn greens that resist other platforms.
Residual ink from prior treatments
Patients with tattoos that resisted PicoSure or PicoWay often respond to Discovery Pico because the Ruby wavelength accesses ink the other lasers couldn’t.
Complex multi-color tattoos
With 532nm + 694nm + 1064nm, Discovery Pico covers nearly all common tattoo ink colors. The Pico Plus model adds supplementary nanosecond modes for inks that still resist.
High-density tattoos
High peak power makes Discovery Pico effective on dense professional tattoos.
What Discovery Pico handles less well
Some skin treatments
Discovery Pico has fractional capabilities but its skin revitalization handpiece is less commonly used than PicoSure’s Focus Lens Array or PicoWay’s Resolve. Most operators choose Discovery Pico for its tattoo removal strengths rather than for skin work.
Availability
Discovery Pico is less widely available in US clinics than PicoSure or PicoWay. Finding a provider may require travel or specific search.
Discovery Pico vs Discovery Pico Plus
The “Plus” model adds:
- Supplementary nanosecond modes for ink that resists pico-only treatment
- Updated control software
- Sometimes refined Ruby module
Pico Plus is the more aggressive version. For most cases, standard Discovery Pico is sufficient.
vs competing pico platforms
vs PicoSure
- Discovery Pico has 532nm and 694nm; PicoSure has only 755nm (original)
- Discovery Pico has higher peak power
- PicoSure has wider US distribution and longer track record
- Both excellent in skilled hands; Discovery is often preferred for green ink
vs PicoWay
- PicoWay has 730/785nm; Discovery has 694nm (different green/blue strengths)
- Both have 532nm and 1064nm
- Discovery has higher peak power on most wavelengths
- PicoWay is more widely available
vs Cutera Enlighten
- Discovery has 694nm; Enlighten III has 670nm
- Both have 532nm and 1064nm
- Discovery has higher peak power
- Enlighten has stronger pigmentation reputation; Discovery has stronger tattoo reputation
Patient experience
Sensation
Similar to other pico lasers — sharp snapping sensation. The high peak power can feel slightly more intense per pulse, sometimes requiring more aggressive numbing protocols.
Recovery
Standard pico recovery. Redness 24-48 hours, possible micro-scabbing, full healing in 7-10 days.
Cost expectations
Similar to PicoWay and PicoSure Pro pricing. Discovery Pico sessions are often priced at the higher end because the platform is less common and clinics that have it know its specific advantages:
- Small tattoo: $200-$400/session
- Medium tattoo: $300-$600/session
- Large or complex: $500-$900+/session
Where to find Discovery Pico providers
Discovery Pico is most commonly found at:
- Specialized aesthetic plastic surgery practices
- Dedicated tattoo removal practices
- High-end cosmetic dermatology clinics
In our directory: Illuminate Plastic Surgery (Bay Area), Wang Plastic Surgery (LA), Think Again Tattoo Removal (Austin, LA), Plastic Surgery Center of Dallas, Dr. Sean Simon Plastic Surgery (Miami).
Find Discovery Pico providers in your area
Bottom line
Discovery Pico is a premium tattoo removal platform best suited for stubborn or complex cases — particularly green ink, multi-color work, and tattoos that resisted treatment with PicoSure or PicoWay. For straightforward cases on lighter skin, the more widely available PicoSure or PicoWay are equally good choices.
Related: All machines compared · Hardest tattoo colors