The Cynosure PicoSure was the first picosecond cosmetic laser to receive FDA clearance for tattoo removal, in 2012. It changed the laser tattoo removal market overnight and remains one of the most common platforms in US clinics over a decade later.
The short version
- Manufacturer: Cynosure (now Lutronic)
- FDA cleared: 2012 for tattoo removal; later expanded
- Primary wavelength: 755nm (alexandrite)
- Pulse duration: 750 picoseconds
- Distinctive features: Focus Lens Array for skin treatments; “PressureWave” branded technology
- Best for: Black/dark blue/green ink tattoos; pigmentation on lighter skin; skin revitalization
- Limited for: Multi-color tattoos with red/yellow; darker skin (Fitzpatrick V-VI)
How PicoSure works
PicoSure delivers 755nm pulses lasting 750 picoseconds. Cynosure markets the mechanism as “PressureWave technology” — picosecond pulses create a photoacoustic shock wave that shatters target pigment rather than relying on heat. The 755nm wavelength is well-absorbed by dark inks (black, blue, green) and by melanin in pigmented lesions.
What PicoSure treats well
Tattoo removal — dark inks
- Black ink (4-8 sessions typical)
- Dark blue ink
- Dark green ink (often easier with PicoSure than with PicoWay)
- Brown ink
Pigmentation on lighter skin
- Sun spots and solar lentigines
- Age spots
- Freckles
- Some melasma (with caveats)
Skin revitalization with Focus Lens Array
The Focus Lens Array attachment converts PicoSure into a fractional treatment, with strong clinical track record for:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Acne scars (rolling and boxcar)
- Skin texture and pore refinement
- “PicoSure facial” general radiance
What PicoSure handles less well
Red, orange, and yellow tattoo ink
Original PicoSure’s single 755nm wavelength is poorly absorbed by red/orange/yellow ink. For multi-color tattoos with these inks, the original is the wrong tool.
Darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick V-VI)
The 755nm wavelength is heavily absorbed by melanin in darker skin, raising risk of pigmentation changes. Many providers won’t use original PicoSure on Fitzpatrick V-VI patients.
Stubborn cosmetic tattoo pigments
White, pink, and peach cosmetic pigments can darken with PicoSure (paradoxical darkening). Patch test mandatory.
PicoSure vs PicoSure Pro
In 2022, Cynosure released PicoSure Pro with:
- 532nm handpiece for red/orange/yellow ink and lighter pigmentation
- Optional 1064nm handpiece for deeper pigment and darker skin tones
- Higher peak power
- Same Focus Lens Array compatibility
PicoSure Pro is essentially “PicoSure plus the wavelengths it was missing.” If a clinic has a Pro, ask whether they have the 1064nm handpiece — most important for darker skin. See our PicoSure vs Pro comparison.
vs PicoWay (Candela)
- PicoWay has shorter pulse (450ps vs 750ps)
- PicoWay has built-in 532, 785, 1064nm
- PicoSure has 755nm which PicoWay doesn’t
- Both excellent in skilled hands
See PicoWay vs PicoSure head-to-head.
vs Discovery Pico (Quanta)
- Discovery Pico offers 694nm Ruby (excellent for green ink)
- Discovery Pico has higher peak power
- PicoSure has wider US availability
Clinical evidence
PicoSure has the longest clinical track record of any picosecond laser. SkinCare Physicians (Boston) spearheaded the original 2013 FDA approval research. Studies have documented effective tattoo clearance in 4-8 sessions, strong safety profile on Fitzpatrick I-IV, effective melasma treatment at low fluence, and significant acne scar improvement with Focus Lens Array.
Cost expectations
- Small tattoo: $150-$300/session
- Medium tattoo: $250-$500/session
- Large tattoo: $400-$800+/session
- Focus Lens Array facial: $400-$800/session
Where to find PicoSure providers
PicoSure has the widest US distribution of any pico platform. Our directory lists 30+ PicoSure or PicoSure Pro providers across 27 metros. Find providers in your area.
Bottom line
PicoSure remains one of the best laser tattoo removal platforms available, particularly for dark ink on fair skin and skin revitalization. The original 755nm-only version has limitations for multi-color ink and darker skin — for those, look for clinics with PicoSure Pro or PicoWay.
Related: PicoSure vs Pro · PicoWay vs PicoSure · All machines compared