In short. PicoWay is a picosecond laser platform that combines near-infrared, green, and ultraviolet wavelengths in one system. The distinction that matters is choice: the ultra-short pulse shatters pigment acoustically instead of heating it, and the wavelength is matched to how deep the target sits. It treats pigment and tattoo ink, not laxity or volume.
Key points
- Multiple wavelengths in one platform let the clinician match colour to depth.
- Picosecond pulses break pigment into smaller fragments with less thermal injury than nanosecond systems.
- Used for sun spots, freckles, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and tattoo ink of several colours.
- Pigment plans usually need three to six sessions; tattoos often need more.
- It does not tighten skin, fill volume, or replace fractional lasers for scars.
What makes PicoWay different from a nanosecond laser?
The ultra-short pulse shatters pigment and tattoo particles through a photoacoustic effect rather than slow thermal heating. Smaller fragments clear more efficiently. Because the platform carries several wavelengths in one system, the clinician can match the pulse colour to the lesion colour. That matters for tattoo work, where different ink colours respond to different wavelengths, and for pigment work in mixed-depth lesions.
Matching wavelength to pigment depth
Longer wavelengths penetrate deeper and reach dermal pigment, while shorter wavelengths target superficial brown spots. The same principle decides safety on darker skin.
| Wavelength band | Target it suits | Note on melanin-rich skin |
|---|---|---|
| Near-infrared (longer) | Dermal pigment and deeper tattoo ink | Often preferred, because it bypasses the melanin-rich epidermis |
| Green (shorter) | Superficial brown spots and coloured ink | Epidermal melanin competes for the energy; extra caution |
| Ultraviolet (shortest) | Selected superficial targets | The same competition applies; extra caution |
| How the band is chosen | Lesion colour and depth, after a test spot | Conservative settings and longer intervals |
| Tattoo ink | Ink colours respond differently to different bands | Clearance varies by ink colour, age, and density |
What does PicoWay treat, and what does it not?
It is used for sun spots, freckles, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and tattoo removal across a range of colours. It does not lift tissue, fill volume, or replace skin tightening devices. For acne scars, deep wrinkles, or significant laxity, fractional lasers or energy-based devices remain the appropriate tool.
How a session runs
After skin-type assessment and a test spot, the clinician treats the area with a focused handpiece. The sensation is brief and sharp; topical numbing is routine for tattoo work. Brown marks darken, then flake over about a week, and redness settles within hours. Most plans involve three to six sessions for pigment and often more for tattoos, spaced six to eight weeks apart.
Is it safe on melanin-rich skin?
On melanin-rich skin, the longer near-infrared wavelength is often preferred for dermal pigment because it bypasses the melanin-rich epidermis. Shorter wavelengths require extra caution. Conservative parameters, longer intervals, strict sun protection, and test spots are standard. Pigment clearance is rarely complete in one pass, and patience protects the skin.
Recovery care and expected side effects
Mild redness and swelling settle within hours. Treated pigment darkens before flaking over about a week. Strict broad-spectrum sun protection, gentle barrier-supportive skincare, and avoidance of retinoids and acids for several days are the standard routine; active pigment-control topicals resume once the skin has fully calmed. Common temporary effects are redness, mild swelling, and a brief whitening or pinpoint bleeding at higher settings. Less common effects include blistering, scabbing, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Tattoo clearance varies by ink colour, age, and density, and incomplete removal is possible.
When should treatment be deferred or reviewed?
- An active tan, recent sunburn, or photosensitizing medication: treatment should be deferred.
- Active melasma, eczema, or a history of keloid scarring: the risk-benefit needs careful review with a dermatologist.
- Persistent pain, blistering, or unusual pigment change after a session: early review can limit long-lasting colour shift.
Sources
- American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery — patient safety information on laser and light devices
- NICE — guidance on laser treatment for pigmented skin lesions
- Cochrane Library — reviews of laser and light treatments for pigmentation
Internal links
Frequently asked questions
Why does having several wavelengths in one system matter?
Different wavelengths target different colours and depths. Longer near-infrared light reaches dermal pigment, while shorter wavelengths target superficial brown spots. For tattoos, matching the pulse colour to the ink colour is a large part of why some colours clear and others resist.
Is the shorter wavelength safe for darker skin?
Shorter wavelengths require extra caution on melanin-rich skin, because epidermal melanin competes for the energy. The longer near-infrared wavelength is often preferred for dermal pigment because it bypasses the melanin-rich epidermis. Test spots and conservative settings remain standard.
How long is the gap between sessions?
Most pigment plans involve three to six sessions spaced six to eight weeks apart, and tattoo work often needs more. Treated pigment darkens before flaking over about a week, while redness settles within hours to a couple of days.
Risks & Limitations
- Burns and blistering if settings do not match the skin.
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, particularly in darker skin types, which may take months to settle.
- Hypopigmentation (lightening) of treated skin, which can be permanent.
- Scarring, including hypertrophic scarring, which is uncommon but real.
- Infection, including reactivation of herpes simplex after resurfacing.
- Acne or milia flare during recovery.
- Results are incremental and most concerns need several sessions. Melasma may rebound or worsen with aggressive treatment.
When to Seek Care
- Blistering, weeping or broken skin beyond the expected reaction.
- Severe pain that is worsening rather than settling.
- Spreading redness, warmth, pus or fever.
- New darkening or firmness that looks like scarring at the treated area.
- Any change in a treated pigmented lesion — it should be reviewed, not retreated.
References & Further Reading
- American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) — laser and energy device information
- American Society for Laser Medicine & Surgery (ASLMS)
- National Medical Products Administration (NMPA, China) — device registration status
- Cochrane Library — systematic reviews in laser dermatology
This page is patient education, not medical advice, and it does not cite individual studies. Discuss your own case with a qualified clinician. To arrange an assessment at Chongqing West District Hospital, see Contact & Consultation.