Which Is the Best Tattoo Removal Machine?
Comparing PicoSure, PicoSure Pro and PicoStar
Tattoo regret is common, and fortunately, so is the technology to remove it. With advancements in aesthetic lasers, Pico technology has emerged as the gold standard in tattoo removal. These lasers work faster, more safely, and more effectively than traditional options. But with multiple machines available, including PicoSure, PicoSure Pro, and PicoStar, which one truly offers the best results?
Let’s explore how they compare and which one stands out for clients looking for safe, quick and effective tattoo removal.
What Is Pico Laser Technology?
Pico lasers use ultra-short bursts of energy, measured in picoseconds, to shatter tattoo ink into tiny particles.
These particles are then naturally eliminated by the body. This technology is gentler on the skin and typically requires fewer sessions than older Q-switched lasers, which use longer nanosecond pulses.
Pico lasers are also known for treating a broader range of ink colours, minimising skin damage, and offering quicker recovery.
PicoSure
Overview
PicoSure was the first-ever picosecond laser system developed for aesthetic treatments. Manufactured by Cynosure, it uses a 755 nm Alexandrite laser wavelength and has become a widely recognised name in the industry.
Strengths
PicoSure is highly effective at removing dark tattoo inks such as black, blue and green. It has a solid safety record and is also FDA-cleared for pigmentation and skin rejuvenation treatments. Its ability to target ink while preserving the surrounding skin tissue makes it a reliable option for lighter skin tones.
Limitations
PicoSure is less effective at removing red, orange, and yellow inks. It is also not ideal for clients with darker skin tones, as the single 755 nm wavelength has limitations when it comes to deeper skin types.
PicoSure Pro
Overview
PicoSure Pro is the upgraded version of the original PicoSure, also developed by Cynosure. It retains the 755 nm wavelength but delivers higher energy and improved treatment precision.
Strengths
With double the energy output of its predecessor, PicoSure Pro offers faster ink clearance and improved outcomes in fewer sessions. It also features advanced skin revitalisation settings, making it more versatile. The treatment is more efficient, with shorter sessions and enhanced comfort for the client.
Limitations
Like the original, PicoSure Pro still operates with only the 755 nm wavelength, meaning it remains less effective on warmer ink tones like red and orange. While it is more powerful and refined, it still has constraints for treating all ink colours and all skin types.
PicoStar
Overview
PicoStar, manufactured by Asclepion, is one of the newest entrants to the market and comes equipped with dual wavelengths: 1064 nm and 532 nm. This gives it the versatility to treat a broader spectrum of tattoo ink colours and skin tones.
Strengths
The 1064 nm wavelength is ideal for darker inks and deeper skin types, while the 532 nm is excellent for lighter and brighter colours such as red, yellow and orange. PicoStar also boasts one of the shortest pulse durations available, allowing it to break ink into even finer particles for faster clearance and minimal skin trauma. Its flat-top beam profile ensures even energy delivery, which reduces the risk of hot spots and increases safety.
Limitations
As a newer system, PicoStar may be less widely recognised by name than PicoSure, although its performance specifications are often superior. Operator experience and training also play a crucial role in delivering consistent results.
Which One Is the Best?
While all three machines are capable of effective tattoo removal, PicoStar stands out as the most versatile and technically advanced option. Its dual wavelengths allow it to treat a wider range of ink colours and skin types, making it the ideal choice for diverse client needs. PicoSure and PicoSure Pro remain strong contenders, particularly for clinics focused on darker inks and skin rejuvenation, but they are limited by their single wavelength.
