By the EradiTatt team · Laser tattoo removal specialists in Tampa Bay and Orlando since 2015
Short answer: PiQo4, PicoSure and PicoWay are all picosecond lasers that can remove tattoos, and all three are good machines. The main differences are the wavelengths they carry and how they deliver energy. PicoSure (Cynosure) is built around a 755 nm alexandrite wavelength, with optional 532 nm and 1064 nm add-ons for tattoo work. PicoWay (Candela) offers 1064 nm and 532 nm plus 785 nm and 730 nm handpieces for blues and greens. PiQo4 (Lumenis) offers four wavelengths (1064, 532, 650 and 585 nm) and can fire in both picosecond and nanosecond modes, which is useful for large, dense or multicolored tattoos. For most people, the right wavelengths for your ink colors and skin tone, the energy the laser can deliver, and the skill of the person running it matter more than the brand name. At EradiTatt we use the PiQo4 with Zimmer Cryo 6 cooling at all five of our Florida clinics.
Key takeaways
- All three are “pico” lasers: they fire pulses measured in trillionths of a second, which shatter ink into smaller particles than older nanosecond-only Q-switched lasers.
- PicoSure centers on 755 nm, which works well on blue, green and black ink. Red, orange and yellow need its optional 532 nm handpiece.
- PicoWay pairs 1064 nm and 532 nm with dedicated 785 nm and 730 nm handpieces for blue and green ink.
- PiQo4 has four wavelengths and both pico and nano pulse modes. Lumenis lists it among the highest-energy pico lasers available, with spot sizes up to 15 mm.
- Ink color decides which wavelength does the work. Skin tone decides how carefully it has to be used. 1064 nm is generally the gentlest choice on darker skin.
- No laser removes a tattoo in one visit. Most EradiTatt clients need 8 to 12 sessions spaced 6 to 8 weeks apart, whatever the machine.
- At EradiTatt, price depends only on tattoo size: $100 to $600 per session, with 20% off a 4-session package.
If you’ve been reading about tattoo removal, you’ve probably seen clinics promote their laser by name as if it were the only one worth using. A dermatology office might say PicoWay is the best, a med spa might swear by PicoSure, and we talk about the PiQo4 a lot because it’s what we use. The pages that rank for this comparison tend to be either sales pages for one device or buying guides written for clinic owners comparing purchase prices. Neither helps much if you’re the one with the tattoo.
This guide is written for patients. We’ll explain how each laser works, which ink colors each one handles best, what the published specifications actually mean, what matters for darker skin, how to think about pain, sessions and cost, and what to ask any clinic before you book. Where we quote numbers for PicoSure, PicoWay or PiQo4, they come from the manufacturers’ own published specifications, and we’ve tried to describe every machine fairly.
What is a picosecond laser, and why does it matter for tattoos?
A tattoo is ink deposited in the dermis, the layer of skin below the surface. The ink particles are too big for your immune system to carry away, which is why tattoos last. A tattoo removal laser sends a very short, very intense pulse of light into the skin. The ink absorbs that light, heats and expands so quickly that it breaks into smaller fragments, and over the following weeks your lymphatic system clears those fragments. That’s why tattoos fade gradually between sessions instead of disappearing on the table. Our article on what tattoo removal is and how it works covers the biology in more detail.
Older tattoo lasers, called Q-switched lasers, fire pulses in the nanosecond range (billionths of a second). Picosecond lasers fire pulses about a thousand times shorter, measured in trillionths of a second. A shorter pulse delivers its energy before heat has time to spread, so the effect on the ink is more mechanical, sometimes described as a photoacoustic or “pressure wave” effect. The practical result is that pico lasers can break ink into finer particles, which the body can often clear more easily, and they tend to put less heat into the surrounding skin. If you want the history, see our guide to the types of laser tattoo removal and our explainer on Q-switch laser uses.
That doesn’t make nanosecond pulses obsolete. Larger, denser ink particles, such as those in heavy black professional work or old layered tattoos, can still respond well to a nanosecond pulse. That’s why one of the three lasers in this comparison, the PiQo4, was designed to do both.
PiQo4 vs PicoSure vs PicoWay at a glance
The table below summarizes each platform from the manufacturers’ published materials. Configurations vary between clinics, because some handpieces are optional, so always ask which wavelengths a clinic actually owns.
| Feature | PiQo4 (Lumenis) | PicoSure / PicoSure Pro (Cynosure) | PicoWay (Candela) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core wavelength(s) | 1064 nm and 532 nm | 755 nm (alexandrite) | 1064 nm and 532 nm (Nd:YAG) |
| Additional wavelengths | 650 nm and 585 nm | Optional 532 nm and 1064 nm handpieces | 785 nm and 730 nm handpieces |
| Total wavelengths for tattoos | 4 | Up to 3 | Up to 4 |
| Pulse modes | Picosecond and nanosecond (Q-switched) | Picosecond | Picosecond |
| Published pulse width | Picosecond range (Lumenis describes a true single pulse) | 500 to 900 ps (PicoSure Pro, 755 nm) | 450 ps (1064), 375 ps (532), 300 ps (785) |
| Published maximum energy | 650 mJ at 1064 nm and 325 mJ at 532 nm in pico mode; higher in nano mode | 300 mJ at 755 nm | 400 mJ at 1064 nm, 200 mJ at 532 nm, 85 mJ at 785 nm |
| Spot sizes | 2 to 15 mm | Varies by lens and handpiece | Up to 10 mm (1064/532); 2 to 4 mm (785) |
| Best known for | Multicolor and dense tattoos; pigment | Blue/green ink; skin revitalization | Black ink on a wide range of skin tones; pigment |
A few cautions about reading spec sheets. Higher energy and bigger spot sizes generally mean the laser can reach deeper ink and treat large areas faster, but nobody uses maximum settings on every patient. Pulse width differences of a few hundred picoseconds matter less than whether the wavelength matches your ink. Manufacturers also measure and present their numbers differently, so treat the table as a guide to each machine’s design, not a scoreboard.
PiQo4: four wavelengths, pico and nano in one laser
The PiQo4 is made by Lumenis and was introduced in 2018. Its name refers to the four wavelengths it offers: 1064 nm, 532 nm, 650 nm and 585 nm. Lumenis says those four wavelengths target nine of the most commonly used tattoo colors, from light orange to dark black.
The feature that sets the PiQo4 apart from the other two is that it can fire in either picosecond or nanosecond mode. Lumenis’s approach is to use nanosecond pulses on larger, deeper ink particles and picosecond pulses on smaller, shallower ones, and it says that combining the two works better than either alone. In practical terms, it gives the provider more ways to approach a tattoo that has stopped responding, or one with very dense ink.
Lumenis also emphasizes energy. Its published figures list up to 650 mJ at 1064 nm and 325 mJ at 532 nm in picosecond mode, and a large maximum spot size of 15 mm. A larger spot reaches deeper into the dermis with less scatter and covers big tattoos in fewer pulses, which helps keep appointments short.
This is the laser we chose for EradiTatt. Every client at every one of our clinics is treated with the PiQo4, together with Zimmer Cryo 6 cold-air cooling for comfort. We’ve written more about it in our complete guide to PiQo4 laser tattoo removal, and our post on frosting during PiQo4 treatment explains the white reaction you’ll see on the skin right after a pass.
Where the PiQo4 is strongest
- Multicolor tattoos: having 532, 585, 650 and 1064 nm on one machine means reds, oranges, greens, blues, purples and black can all be treated with a matched wavelength.
- Dense or older black ink: high 1064 nm energy plus the option of nanosecond pulses gives more ways to treat heavy pigment.
- Large tattoos: big spot sizes help cover sleeves and back pieces efficiently.
- Cover-up fading: because it handles mixed colors, it’s well suited to lightening a tattoo enough for an artist to work over it.
PicoSure and PicoSure Pro: the 755 nm specialist
PicoSure, made by Cynosure, was the first picosecond laser widely marketed for aesthetic tattoo removal in the U.S., and it helped make “pico” a household term. The current version is the PicoSure Pro.
PicoSure is built around a 755 nm alexandrite wavelength. That wavelength is absorbed well by blue and green ink, which have historically been some of the hardest colors to remove, and it also works on black. Cynosure’s published specifications for the PicoSure Pro list a 755 nm pulse width of 500 to 900 picoseconds and a pulse energy of about 300 mJ. For tattoo work, Cynosure offers optional 532 nm and 1064 nm wavelengths, so a fully equipped PicoSure can treat warm colors like red and orange too. Whether a particular clinic’s PicoSure has those add-ons is worth asking.
PicoSure is also widely used for skin revitalization, with a “Focus” lens array used for texture, fine lines and acne scarring. That’s one reason many med spas and dermatology practices own one: it serves both tattoo patients and skin patients. Searches like “PicoSure vs PicoSure Pro” usually come down to the newer model’s updated platform and options. The core 755 nm approach is the same.
Where PicoSure is strongest
- Blue and green ink: 755 nm is a strong match for these colors.
- Practices that do both tattoos and skin: the Focus lens gives it a role beyond tattoo removal.
What to ask about
- Whether the clinic has the 532 nm and 1064 nm options, if your tattoo includes red, orange or dense black.
- How they approach darker skin, since 755 nm is absorbed by melanin more than 1064 nm is.
PicoWay: Nd:YAG power with blue and green handpieces
PicoWay, made by Candela, is built on Nd:YAG wavelengths: 1064 nm for black and dark ink and 532 nm (frequency-doubled) for red, orange and yellow. Candela’s published figures list 1064 nm at 450 picoseconds and up to 400 mJ, and 532 nm at 375 picoseconds and up to 200 mJ, with spot sizes up to 10 mm. To cover blue and green, Candela added a 785 nm titanium-sapphire handpiece (300 picoseconds, 85 mJ, 2 to 4 mm spots) and a 730 nm handpiece.
PicoWay has published clinical research behind it. In one study by Bernstein and colleagues, multicolored tattoos treated with PicoWay’s 1064 nm and 532 nm wavelengths showed an average clearance score of about 79% after an average of 6.5 treatments, with black and purple responding best to 1064 nm and red and yellow to 532 nm. It also has “Resolve” fractional handpieces used for skin texture and pigment.
Where PicoWay is strongest
- Black ink across a wide range of skin tones: 1064 nm is the wavelength least absorbed by melanin.
- Pigment and skin treatments: the Resolve handpieces give it uses beyond tattoos.
What to ask about
- Whether the clinic owns the 785 nm and 730 nm handpieces, if your tattoo includes blue or green.
Which laser is best for each ink color?
The most useful way to compare these machines isn’t by brand. It’s by color. Each ink color absorbs light best at certain wavelengths, and a laser can only treat a color well if it carries a wavelength that color absorbs. This is also why “which laser is best for black tattoo removal” and “which laser is best for color tattoo removal” have different answers.
| Ink color | Best-matched wavelength | PiQo4 | PicoSure | PicoWay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black, dark gray | 1064 nm (755 nm also works) | 1064 nm | 755 nm; optional 1064 nm | 1064 nm |
| Dark blue | 1064 nm or 755 nm | 1064 nm, 585 nm | 755 nm | 1064 nm, 785 nm |
| Light blue, purple | 585 nm to 785 nm range | 585 nm | 755 nm | 785 nm |
| Green | 650 nm to 785 nm range | 650 nm | 755 nm | 730 nm, 785 nm |
| Red, pink, orange | 532 nm | 532 nm | Optional 532 nm | 532 nm |
| Yellow | 532 nm (often resistant) | 532 nm | Optional 532 nm | 532 nm |
| White, pastels | None reliably | Difficult on any laser | Difficult on any laser | Difficult on any laser |
Two things stand out. First, every one of these lasers can be configured to treat most colors, but only if the clinic has bought the right handpieces. Second, some inks are hard for every laser. Yellow, white and pale pastel inks reflect much of the light, and white ink can sometimes darken when it’s treated. Our guides to laser removal of colored tattoos, green ink, blue ink, red ink and white ink go color by color.
Best laser for black ink
Black is the most common tattoo color and usually the easiest to remove. All three platforms can treat it, mostly with 1064 nm. Energy and spot size matter most here, especially for dense professional work or older tattoos with layered ink. We go deeper in our guide to the best laser for black ink.
Best laser for eyebrow and microblading removal
Cosmetic eyebrow ink often contains browns, reds and iron-oxide pigments rather than pure black, and it sits close to the eye, so treatment calls for careful settings and a matched wavelength. We remove eyebrow tattoos, microblading and powder brows with the PiQo4. Read about eyebrow tattoo removal at EradiTatt and the microblading removal healing process.
Which laser is safest for darker skin?
“PicoSure vs PicoWay for Asian skin” and similar searches are really asking about melanin. Melanin, the pigment in your skin, also absorbs laser light. The more a wavelength is absorbed by melanin, the more carefully it has to be used on darker skin to avoid temporary or long-lasting lightening (hypopigmentation) or darkening (hyperpigmentation) of the skin.
The general rule is that 1064 nm is the wavelength least absorbed by melanin, so it’s usually the first choice for black ink on medium and dark skin. 755 nm is absorbed by melanin more, and 532 nm more still. That doesn’t mean these wavelengths can’t be used on darker skin, only that settings and spacing between sessions need more care. All three lasers in this comparison include, or can include, 1064 nm, so a skilled provider can treat a wide range of skin tones with any of them. What matters most is the person running the machine and whether they test and adjust instead of using one setting for everyone. Our guides to tattoo removal on dark skin and hypopigmentation after tattoo removal explain the risks and how to reduce them.
Sun exposure counts here too. A recent tan adds melanin to the skin, which is why we ask clients to avoid sun and tanning for at least 4 weeks before a session, and why we can’t treat skin that’s freshly tanned.
Pico vs Q-switched: do pico lasers really need fewer sessions?
Manufacturers of all three machines say their lasers clear tattoos in fewer treatments than older lasers, and in general pico lasers are an improvement over nanosecond-only Q-switched machines for many tattoos. But be careful with any promise of “2 to 4 sessions.” We’re not aware of a large, independent head-to-head trial that pits PiQo4, PicoSure and PicoWay against each other on identical tattoos, so claims that one brand clears tattoos in dramatically fewer sessions than another should be treated as marketing.
What really drives the number of sessions is the tattoo itself and your body:
- Ink amount and depth: professional tattoos usually hold more ink, deeper, than amateur ones.
- Colors: black clears fastest; yellow, white and some greens are slower.
- Age of the tattoo: older tattoos have often faded naturally and may clear faster.
- Location: areas with better circulation, closer to the heart, tend to clear faster than hands, ankles and feet.
- Your immune system and habits: the body removes the fragments, so health, hydration and not smoking all help.
- Spacing: sessions spaced 6 to 8 weeks apart give your body time to clear ink between treatments.
At EradiTatt, most clients need 8 to 12 sessions, spaced 6 to 8 weeks apart, for full removal. Fading for a cover-up usually takes fewer. Some small, light tattoos clear faster, and you can see real examples on our results and reviews page, but we’d rather give you a realistic estimate than an optimistic one. For more, read why tattoo removal takes multiple sessions and how effective laser tattoo removal is.
Does one laser hurt less than the others?
All three lasers feel similar: most people compare a pulse to a rubber band snapping against the skin or a spatter of hot grease. Shorter pulses don’t make a session painless. Comfort depends far more on the treatment area, the size of the tattoo and how the skin is cooled than on the brand of laser.
At EradiTatt we use the Zimmer Cryo 6, which blows very cold air over the skin before, during and after each pass. Because our appointments are short, usually 5 to 15 minutes, the uncomfortable part is brief. Our article on ways to manage pain during laser tattoo removal has more tips.
Downtime and aftercare: is it different by laser?
Searches like “PiQo4 laser downtime” come up often. Healing is similar across all three platforms because the skin’s response is similar: right after treatment the area turns white (frosting), then red and slightly swollen. Some people get pinpoint bleeding, blisters or scabbing over the next few days. Most people go back to work the same day.
Our aftercare guidance for every client:
- Keep the treated area covered for 2 to 3 days.
- Skip exercise for 24 hours after treatment.
- Don’t pick at blisters or scabs. See our guide to laser tattoo removal scabs.
- Stay out of pools, hot tubs and the ocean until the skin has healed. Our post on how long to wait before swimming has the details.
- Protect the area from the sun, and avoid tanning for at least 4 weeks before your next session.
For the full list, read what not to do after tattoo removal and our overview of laser tattoo removal risks.
Does the laser change the price?
“PiQo4 laser cost” and “PicoSure tattoo removal cost” are common searches, but clinics price their treatments their own way, not by the brand of laser. Some charge by square inch, some by time, some by size category. At EradiTatt, the price depends only on the size of the tattoo. Color, ink density and location don’t change it, and every session uses the same PiQo4 and cooling.
| Size | Roughly smaller than | Per session | 4-session package (20% off) |
|---|---|---|---|
| XX-Small | A quarter | $100 | $320 |
| X-Small | A credit card | $175 | $560 |
| Small | A dollar bill | $225 | $720 |
| Medium | A CD | $300 | $960 |
| Large | A DVD case | $400 | $1,280 |
| X-Large | A sheet of paper | $600 | $1,920 |
Military members and veterans save 15%, and every referral earns a $50 credit. The consultation is free, and you can get a price before you come in by sending a photo of your tattoo for a free quote. Our laser tattoo removal cost page explains the size guide, and our Orlando tattoo removal cost guide shows how the totals add up over a full treatment plan.
What matters more than the brand of laser
A great laser in inexperienced hands won’t beat a good laser run by someone who removes tattoos every day. When you compare clinics, these questions will tell you more than the name on the machine:
- Which wavelengths do you actually have? Ask specifically about the colors in your tattoo.
- Who performs the treatment, and how many tattoo removals do they do? Tattoo removal at a full-service med spa may be one of dozens of services.
- How far apart do you space sessions? Sessions booked too close together don’t give your body time to clear ink, and they can raise the risk of skin damage.
- How do you handle my skin tone? A good provider will talk about wavelength choice, settings and test spots.
- What cooling do you use? Cold-air cooling makes a real difference to comfort.
- How is pricing calculated? Get it in writing, including package terms.
- Can I see before-and-after photos from your own clinic? Manufacturer photos show what a laser can do; clinic photos show what that clinic does.
EradiTatt was founded in 2015, and laser tattoo removal is all we do. We’re not a med spa, so our providers aren’t splitting their time with injectables or facials. Treatments are performed by owner Melissa Hoperich, FNP. You can read how a visit works on our laser tattoo removal process page, or see the newest tattoo removal technology in context.
Full removal or fading for a cover-up?
The laser comparison matters for cover-ups too. If you’re planning new work over an old tattoo, the goal is usually to lighten the darkest lines and colors enough for the artist to work freely, not to clear every trace. That often takes fewer sessions than full removal. A multi-wavelength laser helps because cover-up candidates are often older, mixed-color tattoos. The featured image on this post shows one of our clients: a green and black forearm tattoo faded over five sessions, then covered with a new multicolor piece. Read how our cover-up fade plan works and our comparison of tattoo removal vs a cover-up.
PiQo4 laser tattoo removal in Tampa: our Westshore clinic
If you’re in the Tampa area and want to be treated on the PiQo4, our Tampa tattoo removal clinic is at 1715 N Westshore Blvd, Suite 100, Tampa, FL 33607, inside Infinity Medical Institute. It’s near International Plaza and Tampa International Airport, with easy access from I-275 and the Veterans Expressway.
- Hours: Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Phone: (813) 235-4111
- Areas served: Tampa, South Tampa, Westshore, Brandon, Riverview, Valrico, Temple Terrace, Lutz, Wesley Chapel and Plant City.
From South Tampa or Westshore, the clinic is usually a short drive. From Brandon it’s about 25 to 35 minutes outside rush hour (see our guide for Brandon residents), and from Temple Terrace it’s about 25 to 40 minutes depending on traffic (see tattoo removal near Temple Terrace). Because sessions are spaced 6 to 8 weeks apart and each appointment takes only 5 to 15 minutes, most clients make the trip only about once every two months.
Tampa’s climate matters for any laser. Year-round sun, boating on the bay, Gulf beaches and outdoor work all mean more UV exposure, and tanned skin can’t be treated safely. Many Tampa clients start in the cooler, cloudier months for that reason. Our post on the best time of year to get a tattoo removed in Tampa explains how to plan around the sun.
Every EradiTatt clinic uses the same PiQo4 and Zimmer Cryo 6 setup, so you’ll get the same technology at our St. Petersburg clinic, our Palm Harbor clinic, our Bradenton/Sarasota clinic and our Orlando clinic. See all of our Florida tattoo removal locations.
Who should wait before laser tattoo removal?
Whichever laser a clinic uses, some people shouldn’t be treated yet. At EradiTatt we can’t treat you if you are:
- Pregnant
- Taking or have taken Accutane within the last 6 months
- Taking anticoagulants (blood thinners)
- Living with an autoimmune condition
- Recently tanned
- Strongly allergic to tattoo ink
If any of these apply, talk with us at your free consultation, or browse our tattoo removal FAQ.
Frequently asked questions about PiQo4, PicoSure and PicoWay
Is PiQo4 better than PicoSure?
For tattoo removal, the PiQo4 offers more wavelengths as standard (1064, 532, 650 and 585 nm), higher published energy and both pico and nano modes, which makes it very versatile for multicolor and dense tattoos. PicoSure’s 755 nm wavelength is excellent on blue and green ink, and a fully equipped PicoSure adds 532 nm and 1064 nm. Both can work well. The provider’s experience and the wavelengths a clinic owns matter most.
Is PicoWay better than PicoSure for tattoo removal?
PicoWay is built on Nd:YAG wavelengths (1064 and 532 nm) with 785 and 730 nm handpieces for blue and green, so it’s often preferred for black ink across a range of skin tones. PicoSure leads with 755 nm, which suits blue and green ink. A clinic with the full set of handpieces can treat most colors on either machine.
What’s the difference between PiQo4 and PicoWay?
Both include 1064 nm and 532 nm. For greens and blues, PiQo4 uses 650 nm and 585 nm, while PicoWay uses 785 nm and 730 nm handpieces. The PiQo4 can also fire nanosecond pulses, and Lumenis lists larger spot sizes (up to 15 mm) and higher maximum energy.
Which laser is best for tattoo removal overall?
There’s no single winner for every tattoo. The best laser is the one with the right wavelengths for your ink, enough energy for your tattoo’s density, and a skilled provider running it with sensible spacing between sessions. We chose the PiQo4 because its four wavelengths and pico/nano modes let us treat almost any tattoo we see.
How many sessions does PiQo4 tattoo removal take?
Most EradiTatt clients need 8 to 12 sessions spaced 6 to 8 weeks apart for full removal. Fading for a cover-up usually takes fewer. The exact number depends on ink, colors, age, location and your immune system.
How much does PiQo4 laser tattoo removal cost?
At EradiTatt, $100 to $600 per session depending only on tattoo size, with 20% off a 4-session package, 15% off for military and veterans, and a free consultation.
Does PiQo4 work on darker skin?
Yes. The PiQo4’s 1064 nm wavelength is the one least absorbed by melanin, and it’s generally the first choice for black ink on darker skin. As with any laser, settings and session spacing should be adjusted for your skin.
Can any laser remove every color?
No laser removes every color reliably. Yellow, white and pastel inks are difficult on all of them, and white ink can sometimes darken. Multi-wavelength lasers give the best chance with mixed colors.
Is a pico laser better than a Q-switched laser?
Picosecond pulses break ink into smaller particles with less heat, which helps on many tattoos. Nanosecond pulses still have a place for larger, denser ink particles. The PiQo4 offers both.
Can I see PiQo4 before-and-after results?
Yes. Our results and reviews page shows real before-and-after photos from our clinics, all treated with the PiQo4.
Book your free consultation
Whether you’ve been researching lasers for weeks or just want to know what your tattoo will take, start with a free consultation. We’ll look at your ink colors, skin and tattoo size, explain how the PiQo4 will treat it, and give you a clear price and an honest session plan. You can book a free consultation online, call our Tampa clinic at (813) 235-4111, or contact our team.