If you’ve been comparing pico laser providers, you’ve probably seen some advertise the original PicoSure, others the newer PicoSure Pro. They’re both made by Cynosure (now Lutronic). They’re both legitimate pico lasers. But they’re not the same machine, and the differences matter — especially for multi-color tattoos, darker skin tones, and certain skin treatments.
Here’s a straight comparison.
The short version
- PicoSure (2012) — original. Single 755nm wavelength. Best for dark inks, pigmentation, and skin revitalization on lighter skin.
- PicoSure Pro (2022) — successor. Adds 532nm (with optional 1064nm handpiece) plus higher peak power. Better for multi-color ink, darker skin tones, and more aggressive pigmentation work.
If you have a multi-color tattoo or Fitzpatrick IV-VI skin, find a clinic with PicoSure Pro (or a competing multi-wavelength platform like PicoWay). If you have a black tattoo and fair skin, the original PicoSure is still entirely capable.
What’s actually different under the hood
1. Wavelengths
The original PicoSure operates at a single primary wavelength: 755nm (alexandrite). This is excellent for dark ink (black, dark blue, green) and certain pigmentation, but limited for red/orange/yellow inks and not ideal for very dark skin.
PicoSure Pro adds a 532nm handpiece (frequency-doubled, for red/orange/yellow ink and lighter pigmentation) and a 1064nm handpiece is available as an optional add-on. With the full handpiece set, PicoSure Pro covers three wavelengths.
This brings PicoSure Pro closer in versatility to PicoWay (which has had multi-wavelength capability since launch).
2. Peak power
PicoSure Pro delivers higher peak power than the original PicoSure — meaning more energy in each pulse without making the pulse longer. In practice, this means faster ink shattering on resistant cases and slightly fewer sessions for some patients.
3. Skin revitalization mode
Both models support the Focus Lens Array attachment, which converts the laser into a fractional treatment for skin rejuvenation, acne scars, and pigmentation. The Pro’s higher power and added wavelengths make this work better for a wider range of skin tones.
What this means for tattoo removal
Black or dark tattoos on fair skin (Fitzpatrick I-III)
Both PicoSure and PicoSure Pro work well. The Pro may clear in slightly fewer sessions, but the original PicoSure is entirely adequate.
Multi-color tattoos (red, orange, yellow ink)
PicoSure Pro with the 532nm handpiece is much better. The original PicoSure can address some red ink, but the additional wavelength on the Pro makes “sunset colors” much more treatable.
Green or blue ink
Both handle these reasonably well — 755nm is actually the best wavelength for many greens and blues. PicoSure Pro doesn’t dramatically improve on the original here, though some practices report fewer sessions with the higher power.
Darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick IV-VI)
PicoSure Pro with the optional 1064nm handpiece is significantly safer. The original PicoSure’s 755nm is absorbed more by melanin and carries higher hyperpigmentation risk on darker skin. Many practices recommend the Pro (or a PicoWay) for these patients.
Previously-treated tattoos with stubborn residual ink
PicoSure Pro’s higher peak power and wavelength options often clear residual ink that resisted older lasers. This is one of its strongest use cases.
For pigmentation and skin treatments
Melasma
Both models can treat melasma with low-fluence laser toning. PicoSure Pro with the 532nm handpiece can be more aggressive with surface pigmentation, while the 1064nm option (Pro only) is preferred for deeper or darker-skin melasma cases.
Acne scars and skin rejuvenation
The Focus Lens Array works on both, but PicoSure Pro’s increased power and additional wavelengths give the operator more flexibility to dial in the right depth and effect.
Sun damage and age spots
Both models work. The original PicoSure 755nm is excellent for spot treatment of brown spots on lighter skin. The Pro’s 532nm handpiece adds capability for lighter pigment.
How to know which one your clinic has
This isn’t always obvious from a clinic’s website. Some practices market “PicoSure” generically and don’t specify which model. To get a clear answer, ask directly:
- “Is your PicoSure the original or PicoSure Pro?”
- “If it’s the Pro, do you have the 1064nm handpiece available?”
- “Do you have the Focus Lens Array for skin treatments?”
Any clinic with a Pro is proud of it — they’ll know and tell you. A vague answer often means they have the original.
Does the difference always matter?
No. For a small black tattoo on fair skin, the original PicoSure is a strong, proven choice. You don’t need to pay a premium for Pro if your case is straightforward.
The difference matters most when:
- Your tattoo has red, orange, or yellow ink
- You have darker skin (Fitzpatrick IV-VI)
- You’ve had previous laser treatments with stubborn residual
- You want melasma or pigmentation treatment on darker skin
- You’re treating an unusually large or dense tattoo
How PicoSure Pro compares to PicoWay
PicoSure Pro and Candela’s PicoWay are now the two leading multi-wavelength pico platforms. Both offer 532nm and 1064nm. PicoWay additionally has 730/785nm options that PicoSure Pro doesn’t. PicoSure has the Focus Lens Array for skin rejuvenation; PicoWay has the Resolve fractional handpiece.
In skilled hands, either platform produces excellent results. The choice often comes down to which one your provider has and is most experienced with. See our full machines comparison for the deeper dive.
Bottom line
PicoSure Pro is a meaningful upgrade over the original PicoSure — adding wavelengths and power that matter for multi-color tattoos, darker skin, and complex cases. The original PicoSure is still a capable laser for straightforward dark-ink work on fair skin.
When evaluating clinics, ask which version they have. Match the laser to your actual case. To find providers with PicoSure Pro in your area, browse our directory and filter by laser machine.