Tattoo removal has evolved from a niche service into a cornerstone of modern aesthetic practice. Technological innovations in picosecond laser delivery have markedly improved treatment outcomes and minimized side effects compared with traditional nanosecond Q-switched lasers1. The PicoWay® laser system with its ultra-short pulse duration and four distinct wavelengths (532, 730, 785, and 1064 nm), enables targeted treatment of multicolored tattoos and benign pigmented lesions with minimal thermal injury2. The device’s flexible handpieces and photoacoustic mechanism of action make it equally valuable for skin rejuvenation*, extending its utility beyond tattoo clearance3.

In this on-demand webinar, Candela and clinical experts from Removery—the world’s leader in laser tattoo removal for an exclusive discussion on the latest advances in tattoo removal with the PicoWay® picosecond laser. Topics include:

The Evolution of Tattoo Removal

Tattoo removal demand continues to rise, particularly among adults aged 18–39 years seeking to eliminate or fade visible tattoos4. A retrospective analysis conducted by Removery, a leading global tattoo removal network, revealed that black ink constituted approximately 75% of all treated tattoos, while multicolored tattoos—although less frequent—presented greater removal challenges due to pigment complexity and depth variability5. The Fitzpatrick skin type distribution in the Removery dataset ranged from types II to IV, with fewer darker skin types represented. Tattoo design trends, including fine-line and illustrative styles, introduce further variability in ink concentration and density, requiring customized treatment parameters6.

Picosecond Laser

Clinical studies comparing picosecond and nanosecond lasers have shown higher clearance rates, improved patient tolerance, and reduced adverse events with picosecond systems8. The PicoWay laser’s ultra-short pulse ensures precise energy delivery, minimizing collateral tissue damage and making it suitable even for patients with higher Fitzpatrick skin types (V–VI), depending on applicator and indication treated9.

PicoWay Expanded Clinical Applications

Although initially designed for tattoo removal, the PicoWay laser machine has demonstrated results in multiple dermatologic and aesthetic indications. The Resolve® and Resolve Fusion® handpieces enable non-ablative skin resurfacing and rejuvenation*. By creating microscopic vacuoles within the dermis, the system stimulates neocollagenesis, leading to improvements in acne scarring, dyschromia, and wrinkles10. Studies have confirmed significant enhancement in skin texture, tone, and pigment uniformity, with minimal downtime and a low risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)11. These attributes make the PicoWay particularly well-suited for patients with ethnically diverse skin types, historically under-served in laser resurfacing treatments.

Insights from Data-Driven Practice

Removery’s extensive global patient registry enables robust data analysis across diverse populations. Aggregated treatment data helps identify demographic trends, response rates, and optimal fluence ranges, supporting evidence-based refinement of tattoo removal protocols14.

The Future of PicoWay Laser Applications

The PicoWay system represents a major advancement in laser dermatology by combining ultra-short pulse technology with multi-wavelength precision. Its adaptability allows for both tattoo removal and skin rejuvenation, including the reduction of pigmentation, café-au-lait macules (CALMs), lentigines, melasma, nevus of Ota, acne scars, and wrinkles19.

The PicoWay laser has redefined the standards of tattoo and pigment removal through its photoacoustic precision, broad wavelength range, and beam delivery capabilities. Clinical evidence and large-scale patient data demonstrate superior outcomes, faster clearance, and enhanced safety profile across all skin types. For practitioners, its versatility translates to greater procedural diversity and return on investment, while patients benefit from more comfortable treatments and visible, lasting results.

The continuous evolution of picosecond technology ensures that the PicoWay system will remain at the forefront of laser-based skin and tattoo treatments, supporting both clinical excellence and patient satisfaction.

*As defined by a reduction in pigmentation, acne scars and wrinkles.
References
1. Anderson RR, Parrish JA. Selective photothermolysis: precise microsurgery by selective absorption of pulsed radiation. Science. 1983.
2. Bernstein EF et al. Efficacy of a picosecond 755-nm alexandrite laser for tattoo removal. Lasers Surg Med. 2015.
3. Khatri KA et al. Non-ablative fractional resurfacing using picosecond laser technology. Dermatol Surg. 2019.
4. Pew Research Center. Tattoo prevalence and trends in young adults. 2022.
5. Removery Data Insights Report. 2024.
6. Munavalli GS et al. Picosecond laser safety and efficacy in tattoo removal for diverse skin types. J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2020.
7. Brauer JA et al. Picosecond laser mechanisms and clinical applications. JAMA Dermatol. 2017.
8. Saedi N et al. Comparative study of picosecond vs nanosecond lasers for tattoo removal. Lasers Surg Med. 2014.
9. Wu D et al. Optimizing picosecond laser treatment in darker skin types. Cutis. 2021.
10. Chan NP et al. Picosecond fractional laser for acne scars and rejuvenation. Dermatol Ther. 2018.
11. Bernstein EF. Advances in picosecond laser treatment for skin remodeling. Semin Cutan Med Surg. 2018.
12. Kilmer SL. Laser wavelength selection for multicolor tattoo removal. Dermatol Clin. 2017.
13. Tanghetti EA. Clinical endpoints and safety in picosecond laser tattoo removal. J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2020.
14. Removery Internal Data Analytics. 2024.
15. Removery Early Intervention Pilot Study. 2025.
16. Kono T et al. Pain management during laser tattoo removal: comparative approaches. Lasers Med Sci. 2016.
17. Bernstein EF et al. Paradoxical darkening of cosmetic tattoos after laser treatment. Dermatol Surg. 2013.
18. Wu DC. Combination approaches to optimize picosecond laser outcomes. Dermatol Surg. 2022.
19. Candela Corporation. PicoWay System Overview and Clinical Applications. 2024.

Featuring

  • Konika Patel Schallen, MD
    Founder and Medical Director of CMA Medicine Vice President of Clinical Operations and Medical Director, Candela
  • Douglas Wu, MD, PhD
    Double Board-Certified Dermatologist in both Canada and the USA with specialty training in Cosmetic Surgery. Dr. Wu also holds a PhD in Clinical Immunology from the University of Oxford.
  • William Kwan, MD
    Board-certified Dermatologist, practicing both medical and cosmetic dermatology - California, USA
  • Carmen VanderHeiden Brodie
    VP, Clinical Operations - Removery, California, USA
  • Joshua Weitz, MD
    Chief Medical Officer - Removery, California, USA