PicoSure (by Cynosure) and PicoWay (by Candela) are the two most common pico laser platforms in US clinics. Both are excellent. They have meaningful differences. Here’s a head-to-head comparison so you can choose the clinic with the right platform for your specific case.
The short answer
- PicoSure: original 755nm pico (newer Pro adds 532/1064nm). Strong on dark tattoo ink and pigmentation. The Focus Lens Array for skin treatments is well-regarded.
- PicoWay: launched as multi-wavelength (532/785/1064nm). Better versatility across ink colors and skin tones. PicoWay Resolve fractional is excellent for skin treatments.
For multi-color tattoos, darker skin, or anywhere you need maximum versatility, PicoWay generally has the edge. For dark-ink tattoos and skin revitalization on fair skin, original PicoSure remains very capable.
Wavelength comparison
| PicoSure (original) | PicoSure Pro | PicoWay | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 532nm | No | Yes (handpiece) | Yes (built-in) |
| 730nm | No | No | Yes |
| 755nm | Yes (primary) | Yes | No |
| 785nm | No | No | Yes |
| 1064nm | No | Optional (handpiece) | Yes (built-in) |
PicoWay’s four built-in wavelengths give it the broadest multi-wavelength coverage. PicoSure’s primary 755nm is excellent for dark tattoo ink and pigmentation. The PicoSure Pro closes most of the wavelength gap with optional handpieces.
Pulse duration
- PicoSure: 750 picoseconds
- PicoWay: 350-450 picoseconds (shortest pulse on the market)
PicoWay’s shorter pulse creates a stronger photoacoustic effect — meaning more ink shattering per pulse with less thermal byproduct. In theory this means fewer treatments. In practice, the difference matters most on dense or resistant ink.
Skin treatment handpieces
PicoSure Focus Lens Array
PicoSure’s fractional treatment uses an array of lenses that converts the laser into a fractional pattern for skin rejuvenation. Excellent for collagen stimulation and pigment treatment.
PicoWay Resolve
PicoWay’s fractional handpiece uses holographic optics to split the beam into 100+ micro-beams. Strong reputation for acne scar treatment and skin rejuvenation.
Both are clinically excellent. Operator experience with the specific handpiece often matters more than choosing between them.
Best use cases for each
Choose a PicoSure clinic for:
- Tattoo removal of black, dark blue, or dark green ink on fair skin
- Melasma and pigmentation on fair to medium skin
- Skin rejuvenation via Focus Lens Array
- Acne scars (with Focus Lens Array)
Choose a PicoSure Pro clinic for:
- Most cases PicoSure handles + multi-color tattoos (with 532nm handpiece)
- Darker skin tones (with 1064nm handpiece)
- Larger or denser tattoos
Choose a PicoWay clinic for:
- Multi-color tattoos (especially with both 532 and 1064nm)
- Darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick IV-VI)
- Combined pigment + texture concerns
- Acne scars (with Resolve handpiece)
- Cosmetic tattoo removal (less heat, less paradoxical darkening risk for some pigments)
Tattoo removal performance
Black ink
Both excellent. PicoSure’s 755nm is highly absorbed by black ink. PicoWay’s 1064nm also works well. Most patients clear in similar number of sessions on either platform.
Red, orange, yellow ink
PicoWay (with built-in 532nm) handles these well. PicoSure original doesn’t have 532nm — PicoSure Pro adds it via handpiece. Edge: PicoWay or PicoSure Pro.
Blue and green ink
PicoSure’s 755nm is actually excellent for blue and green ink. PicoWay handles these too but the 755nm edge sometimes favors PicoSure. Edge: PicoSure for hard-to-treat greens.
Multi-color tattoos
PicoWay’s built-in multi-wavelength makes treatment more efficient. Less switching of handpieces or settings. Edge: PicoWay.
For pigmentation treatment
- Surface pigmentation (sun spots, freckles): Both work well. PicoSure 755nm is excellent.
- Deeper dermal pigmentation (melasma): 1064nm is preferred. PicoWay built-in 1064nm or PicoSure Pro with 1064nm handpiece.
- Darker skin tones: Always need 1064nm. PicoWay or PicoSure Pro preferred.
Patient safety profile
Both platforms have strong safety records. PicoWay’s shorter pulse and multi-wavelength capability gives it a slight edge for safety on complex cases or darker skin. Original PicoSure (755nm only) has slightly higher hyperpigmentation risk on Fitzpatrick V-VI.
Cost differences for patients
In most markets, sessions on PicoSure Pro and PicoWay cost similar amounts (often within 10-20% of each other). Original PicoSure sessions sometimes cost less because the equipment is older. Don’t pay a major premium for PicoSure Pro over original PicoSure unless you specifically need the additional wavelengths.
How operators feel about each
Many practices that have both platforms report:
- PicoWay is more versatile out of the box (multi-wavelength)
- PicoSure has a slight edge for dark ink work and pigmentation on fair skin
- Both produce excellent results in skilled hands
- Specific operator preference often comes down to which they’ve used longer
How to choose
- Multi-color tattoo or darker skin? PicoWay or PicoSure Pro (skip original PicoSure)
- Dark ink tattoo on fair skin? Either works; choose by operator skill
- Skin rejuvenation primary goal? Either Focus Lens Array or Resolve is excellent
- Melasma? Need 1064nm — PicoWay or PicoSure Pro
- Hard-to-treat green ink? Slight edge to PicoSure (755nm)
Bottom line
PicoSure and PicoWay are both excellent platforms with overlapping but distinct strengths. For most patients, the choice between them matters less than the skill of the operator using them. Find a provider with the platform that matches your specific case, and confirm they’re experienced with patients like you.
See our full machines comparison · PicoSure vs PicoSure Pro details · Find providers.