PicoSure^® Pro

The two systems offer different wavelengths, handpieces, and treatment options. We will assess your skin tone, type and depth of pigmentation, treatment area, previous procedures, and recovery needs before recommending a suitable option.

A picosecond laser should not be selected based only on brand recognition, price, or online claims about which device is “stronger.” Similar-looking spots or acne marks may have different causes, depths, and levels of pigment activity. The most suitable wavelength and handpiece can therefore vary between clients.

In general:

PicoWay® offers a wider selection of wavelengths and handpieces. It may be useful when a flexible plan is needed for different depths, colours, or types of concerns.

PicoSure® PRO uses 755 nm as its core wavelength. It is commonly considered for certain pigmentation concerns. Its Platinum Focus™ Lens may also be used for pores, fine lines, acne scars, and overall skin texture.

When might PicoWay® be considered?

PicoWay® may be considered when:

Different types or depths of pigmentation are present

The client has a darker skin tone

Acne scars, fine lines, or skin texture are treatment priorities

A tattoo contains several colours

A previous single-wavelength treatment provided limited improvement and the pigment depth or wavelength selection needs to be reassessed

When might PicoSure® PRO be considered?

PicoSure® PRO’s 755 nm wavelength has a relatively high absorption by melanin. With different lenses, it may be considered for:

Certain freckles, sunspots, or age spots

Dull or uneven-looking skin tone

Enlarged pores, fine lines, and overall skin texture

Skin revitalization with the Platinum Focus™ Lens

Selected cases of nevus of Ota, acquired bilateral nevus of Ota-like macules, or melasma

Black, blue, or green tattoo ink, as well as selected colours when additional wavelengths are available

What about melasma?

Melasma should not be treated based on photographs alone. Both PicoWay® and PicoSure® PRO have cases relating to melasma treatment, but melasma is a chronic condition that can return. It is also influenced by sunlight, hormones, inflammation, and skin-barrier health.

Some clients may be suitable for a gentle picosecond laser plan. Others may need to begin with medication, skincare, and sun protection instead of having laser treatment immediately.

Before recommending treatment, we may assess:

Whether the concern is a freckle, sunspot, acne mark, melasma, or another form of pigmentation

Whether the pigment is superficial, deeper in the skin, or present at mixed depths

Your skin tone and recent tanning or sunburn

Your risk or history of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation

Whether you also want to improve pores, acne scars, or fine lines

Previous laser treatments and how your skin responded

Your acceptable downtime and expected number of treatments

Neither system is automatically better for everyone. We recommend the device, wavelength, handpiece, and treatment plan based on your skin and goals.

Common treatment goals include freckles, sunspots, uneven skin tone, selected cases of melasma, dark acne marks, enlarged pores, fine lines, acne scars, and tattoos. Suitability depends on the type and depth of the concern, your skin tone, and the wavelength and handpiece used.

PicoWay® and PicoSure® PRO may be used for pigmentation, tattoo removal, and selected skin-texture concerns. However, different wavelengths and handpieces work in different ways. The same treatment mode is not appropriate for every concern.

Conditions that may be assessed include:

Freckles, sunspots, and age spots

Certain types of benign pigmentation

Brown or grey-brown acne marks and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation

Selected cases of melasma

Dull or uneven-looking skin tone

Enlarged pores and rough skin texture

Fine lines and certain wrinkles

Depressed acne scars

Selected pigment conditions, such as nevus of Ota or acquired bilateral nevus of Ota-like macules

Professional, amateur, and selected cosmetic tattoos

PicoWay® offers multiple wavelengths and handpieces. The provider can select an appropriate mode based on the colour, depth, and location of the pigment or tattoo ink. Its Resolve® and Resolve Fusion® handpieces may also be used for acne scars, fine lines, and skin texture.

PicoSure® PRO uses 755 nm as its core wavelength. The Flat Lens may be used for certain pigmentation concerns, while the Platinum Focus™ Lens may help improve pores, fine lines, acne scars, and skin texture. Some systems may also offer additional wavelengths for different tattoo colours.

It is important to understand that similar-looking “acne marks” may not be the same condition. Brown or grey-brown marks are usually related to pigmentation. Red acne marks are more closely associated with inflammation and blood vessels, so a picosecond laser may not be the primary treatment.

Depressed acne scars are structural changes in the skin and are different from pigmented acne marks. Before treatment, we need to determine whether the main concern is pigment, blood vessels, scarring, or a combination of these issues.

Not every spot, acne mark, or scar can be treated effectively with a picosecond laser alone. Some concerns may require other lasers, injectable treatments, microneedling, medication, or a home skincare plan.

Some small, superficial areas of pigmentation may begin to change after one treatment. Larger or more widespread pigmentation, melasma, enlarged pores, acne scars, skin-texture concerns, and tattoos usually require multiple sessions. Results can last, but they are not permanent. Sun exposure, natural ageing, acne recurrence, and pigment activity can all affect them.

The number of treatments and the time needed to see results vary considerably depending on the concern. There is no fixed schedule that works for everyone.

Small, superficial freckles or sunspots may begin to fade after one treatment. In some cases, the pigment may temporarily darken or form a thin crust before gradually flaking away as the skin heals.

If the goal is to improve pores, fine lines, skin texture, or acne scars, the skin needs time to remodel collagen and elastin. This process usually takes several weeks or months. Some clients notice an early change after their first session, but more visible improvement often requires several treatments.

Melasma is affected by sunlight, hormones, inflammation, and skin-barrier health. The goal is usually long-term control rather than complete removal in one session.

Tattoo removal also generally requires multiple treatments. The number depends on the colour, depth, density, composition, and number of ink layers.

Some pigmentation or skin-texture plans may begin with approximately three sessions, followed by a reassessment. The actual number may depend on:

The type, depth, and extent of pigmentation

How long the pigment has been present and how active it is

The type and depth of acne scars and whether fibrous attachments are present

Tattoo colour, ink composition, depth, density, and number of layers

Skin tone and risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation

The device, wavelength, handpiece, and treatment settings

Skin response and recovery after each treatment

The level of improvement you hope to achieve

Results may last, but they do not remain unchanged permanently. Once freckles or sunspots have improved, the treated pigment does not usually return immediately. However, new pigmentation may develop with continued sun exposure.

Collagen remodelling from acne-scar or skin-texture treatments may also last for some time, but natural ageing continues. New inflammatory acne can also create new marks and scars.

Melasma is more likely to return. Even after a good response, it may become more noticeable again due to UV exposure, visible light, hormones, or inflammation.

Temporary redness, swelling, or brightness immediately after treatment should not be considered the final result. Treatment should be gradual and guided by how the skin responds, rather than by using the highest possible energy in one session.

Most treatments are spaced several weeks apart. This allows the skin to heal, pigment particles to clear gradually, and collagen remodelling to begin. Tattoo-removal treatments often require longer intervals. The timing should be based on the concern being treated and your skin’s response.

After a picosecond laser breaks down pigment or tattoo ink, the body still needs time to clear the particles. Collagen repair triggered by a fractional handpiece or focusing lens also continues after the appointment.

For this reason, another treatment should not be performed too soon if the skin remains noticeably red, sensitive, crusted, inflamed, or has changes in pigmentation.

Pigmentation and skin-texture treatments are generally spaced several weeks apart. Tattoo removal may require longer intervals to allow the skin to recover and the immune system to clear the fragmented ink.

Before your next session, the provider will usually reassess:

The improvement following the previous treatment

Whether redness, crusting, or sensitivity is still present

Whether post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, loss of pigment, or another colour change has developed

Whether the wavelength, handpiece, or settings should be changed

Whether a longer interval is needed

Scheduling treatments more closely together does not necessarily produce faster or better results. Repeating treatment before the skin has recovered may increase inflammation, pigmentation, and downtime.

Treatment may feel like a rubber band snapping against the skin. You may also feel brief heat, tingling, or mild burning. The experience varies depending on the treatment mode, area, and personal tolerance.

Spot pigmentation treatment, full-face skin revitalization, and tattoo removal can feel very different.

In general:

Full-face skin revitalization is usually relatively mild.

Localized pigmentation treatment may cause brief snapping or stinging heat.

Tattoo removal is usually more uncomfortable than a skin-texture treatment.

Areas with thin skin, prominent bone, or concentrated pigment may feel more sensitive.

Many clients experience only mild discomfort during fractional treatments such as PicoWay® Resolve®. Tattoo removal or stronger localized treatments may require topical numbing cream or another comfort measure.

The need for numbing cream depends on the treatment mode, treatment area, your health, and personal tolerance. Do not take pain medication or sedatives or use an unapproved numbing product without professional guidance.

Tell the provider how you feel throughout the procedure. Report persistent burning, sharp pain, or a sensation that feels noticeably different in one area.

More pain does not mean better results. Selecting the correct wavelength, energy, handpiece, and treatment area is more important than creating a stronger sensation.

The device portion of some full-face skin treatments takes approximately 10 to 20 minutes. Your complete appointment will be longer because it also includes assessment, cleansing, photographs, possible numbing, and aftercare.

The device portion of some PicoWay® Resolve® treatments takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Some PicoSure® PRO skin-revitalization treatments may take around 10 minutes. These estimates refer only to the time spent using the device, not the entire appointment.

Your visit may include:

Skin and health assessment

Before-treatment photographs

Cleansing and disinfecting the treatment area

Application of topical numbing cream when needed, including time for it to take effect

Eye protection appropriate for the laser wavelength

A test spot or adjustment of treatment settings

The laser treatment

Post-treatment soothing care and aftercare instructions

Treating the full face, multiple concerns, or using several treatment modes will usually take longer. Tattoo removal, body treatments, and larger areas may also require additional preparation and treatment time.

When planning your day, allow more time than the estimated device-treatment time.

Most skin-revitalization treatments have relatively little downtime. However, temporary redness, swelling, warmth, dryness, or darkening of pigment may still occur. Localized pigmentation and tattoo-removal treatments often produce more visible reactions and may require longer recovery.

Some PicoWay® and PicoSure® PRO treatments have relatively short recovery periods. However, “minimal downtime” does not mean the skin will have no visible reaction.

Possible reactions vary by treatment:

Full-face skin revitalization: Temporary redness, warmth, dryness, or mild sensitivity

Pigmentation treatment: Temporary darkening of pigment, mild swelling, or thin crusting

Stronger localized treatment: Pinpoint bleeding or small purple-red spots

Tattoo removal: Swelling, temporary whitening, blisters, crusting, or the need for a protective dressing

Darker skin tones: Possible post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or loss of pigment

Recovery depends on the device, wavelength, handpiece, energy, treatment area, pigment depth, and individual skin response.

Some clients can return to normal activities soon after treatment. However, redness, thin crusts, or temporary darkening may still be visible at close range.

If you have a wedding, photoshoot, important event, or close-up camera appearance coming up, allow enough time for visible reactions to settle.

They may be used after professional assessment, but not every wavelength, handpiece, or treatment mode is suitable for every skin tone. People with darker skin or a history of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation require more careful wavelength and setting selection.

PicoWay® and PicoSure® PRO offer different wavelengths and handpieces for pigmentation and skin-texture concerns. However, the suitable skin-tone range varies between treatment modes.

PicoWay® offers several wavelengths and handpieces. For example, 1064 nm may be considered across a broader range of skin tones and for certain dark tattoo inks. Some official information for the 1064 nm Resolve® acne-scar treatment includes Fitzpatrick skin types II to V. The 532 nm, 730 nm, and 785 nm options each have their own treatment considerations.

PicoSure® PRO’s 755 nm Flat Lens may be considered for selected pigmentation concerns across different skin tones after assessment. However, the suitable skin-tone range may differ when the Platinum Focus™ Lens is used for acne scars, wrinkles, or skin revitalization.

A device should not be described as “suitable for darker skin” without considering the specific wavelength, handpiece, treatment mode, and settings.

Before treatment, we need to assess:

Your skin tone and risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation

Recent tanning, sunburn, or significant sun exposure

Melasma or other active pigmentation concerns

Previous darkening after laser treatment

Current skin sensitivity or inflammation

Whether the goal is to treat pigmentation, acne scars, pores, or tattoo ink

A darker skin tone does not automatically prevent you from receiving picosecond laser treatment. However, wavelength selection, settings, and post-treatment sun protection need to be more carefully personalized.

Some clients with melasma may be suitable for picosecond laser treatment after professional assessment. However, melasma can return and may become darker after irritation or sun exposure. Sun protection, skincare, and long-term management are usually necessary.

PicoWay® and PicoSure® PRO both have treatment cases relating to selected cases of melasma. However, melasma is not the same as a simple isolated spot, and the choice of device should not be based on photographs alone.

Melasma can be influenced by:

UV exposure and visible light

Hormonal changes

Genetics

Skin inflammation

A weakened skin barrier

Heat and unsuitable cosmetic treatments

Some clients may be suitable for a gentle, low-irritation picosecond laser plan. Others may need to begin with sun protection, topical products, or other medical management rather than immediate laser treatment.

Excessive energy, treatments that are scheduled too closely together, or inadequate sun protection may trigger post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and make melasma darker again.

The goal is usually long-term control rather than complete and permanent removal.

They may improve enlarged pores, uneven texture, fine lines, and certain depressed acne scars. However, complete removal of acne scars cannot be guaranteed. Results depend on the type and depth of the scars and whether other treatments are also needed.

PicoWay® Resolve® and the PicoSure® PRO Platinum Focus™ Lens use fractional or focused treatment modes to create small photomechanical effects within the skin. This activates gradual collagen and elastin remodelling.

After professional assessment, these treatments may be used to improve:

Enlarged pores

Rough or uneven skin texture

Fine lines and certain wrinkles

Selected depressed acne scars

Overall skin texture and smoothness

Different types of acne scars respond differently:

Shallow rolling scars: May improve gradually with fractional treatment.

Certain boxcar scars: Results depend on the depth and shape of the scar edges.

Deep ice-pick scars: Picosecond laser treatment alone is usually not enough.

Scars with fibrous attachments: Other scar treatments may need to be assessed first.

Active acne: Inflammation generally needs to be controlled first to reduce the risk of new scars.

The usual goal is to reduce scar depth and shadows and make the skin surface look smoother—not to promise that every scar will disappear completely.

Both systems may be used for tattoo removal. PicoWay® offers multiple wavelengths, which can make it easier to address different ink colours. PicoSure® PRO uses 755 nm for selected black, blue, and green inks and may use additional wavelengths for other colours.

Tattoo inks vary in colour, composition, depth, and density. The wavelength should be selected based on how well it is absorbed by the colour being treated.

PicoWay® wavelengths may be used for different colours, for example:

532 nm: Red, yellow, and orange

730 nm and 785 nm: Selected blue and green inks

1064 nm: Black, brown, and some darker inks; it may also be considered across a broader range of skin tones

PicoSure® PRO’s 755 nm wavelength is commonly considered for black, blue, and green inks. With a 532 nm option, it may address selected red, yellow, and orange inks. If a 1064 nm option is available, selected dark inks on darker skin tones may also be assessed.

The choice also depends on:

Whether the tattoo is professional or amateur

Whether it contains one colour, several colours, or multiple layers

Ink depth, density, and composition

How long the tattoo has been present

Previous tattoo-removal treatments

Skin tone and tendency to scar

Whether it is a cosmetic tattoo, such as eyebrow or eyeliner pigment

Some cosmetic tattoo pigments can darken or change colour after laser exposure. The pigment type should therefore be assessed first, and a small test spot may be recommended before treating a larger area.

Selected pigmentation or skin-texture concerns around the eyes may be treated after professional assessment. However, a picosecond laser must never be directed at the eyeball. The eye area requires professional eye protection designed for the specific laser wavelength.

Darkness around the eyes or dark circles may have several causes, including:

Pigmentation

Visible blood vessels

Thin skin

Shadows caused by tear troughs or bone structure

Protruding fat or under-eye bags

Skin laxity

Picosecond lasers mainly address selected pigmentation and skin-texture concerns. They are not suitable for every type of dark circle, under-eye bag, tear trough, or eyelid drooping.

Laser energy can cause serious damage to the eyes and retina. During treatment, professional eye shields with the correct optical density for the device wavelength must be used. Simply closing the eyes or using ordinary eye coverings or gauze is not an acceptable substitute for proper laser eye protection.

Tell your provider if you have had eye surgery, eyelid surgery, vision-correction surgery, fillers around the eyes, or permanent eyeliner. Glaucoma, retinal disease, changes in vision, and other eye conditions also require individual assessment before treatment.

Picosecond laser treatment may be included in a plan with other procedures, but not every treatment should be performed on the same day. The order and timing depend on the treatment area, skin response, injectable products, and recovery.

Different treatments address different concerns and tissue layers. For example:

Pico lasers mainly treat selected pigmentation, tattoos, and skin-texture concerns.

Botox mainly treats certain dynamic lines.

Fillers mainly restore facial volume and support contours.

RF microneedling mainly treats acne scars, pores, and dermal remodelling.

IPL or vascular lasers may be more suitable for certain redness and vascular concerns.

Some clients may benefit from combining treatments to address several concerns. However, whether they can be performed on the same day depends on:

Whether both treatments affect the same area

Whether the first treatment has caused significant redness or inflammation

Whether the skin still has wounds, crusting, or sensitivity

The type, location, and treatment depth of any injectable product

Whether you are prone to pigmentation or slower healing

Your acceptable downtime

Tell your provider if you recently received hyaluronic acid, botox, a collagen-stimulating injectable, thread lifting, microneedling, a chemical peel, or another laser treatment. Provide the treatment name, approximate date, and area whenever possible.

Treatment scheduling should not focus only on convenience. Skin may look healed at the surface before deeper tissue has fully stabilized. A professional assessment is needed to create a safe and appropriate plan.

Before treatment, tell us about your health, medications, allergies, recent sun exposure, skin conditions, implants, and any recent injectable, surgical, laser, or other cosmetic procedures.

PicoWay® and PicoSure® PRO are not suitable for everyone. To support a proper safety and suitability assessment, tell your provider if you:

Are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding

Have a wound, infection, eczema, dermatitis, or active acne in the treatment area

Have a history of cold sores or herpes simplex

Have a history of keloids, hypertrophic scars, or abnormal wound healing

Take anticoagulants, photosensitizing medication, or prescription topical medication

Recently used or have previously used oral isotretinoin

Recently had significant sun exposure, sunburn, or intentional tanning

Have melasma or previously developed darkening after laser treatment

Have permanent makeup, a tattoo, metal, or another implant in the treatment area

Recently received laser treatment, injections, thread lifting, surgery, or a chemical peel

Have an important eye condition, especially if treatment is planned around the eyes

These factors do not always mean that treatment is impossible. However, they may affect suitability, timing, wavelength, energy settings, test-spot requirements, and recovery planning.

Do not stop prescription medication on your own. If necessary, consult both the prescribing physician and your treatment provider.

Keep the skin clean, moisturize gently, avoid rubbing or picking at crusts, and use broad-spectrum sunscreen. The timing for makeup, exercise, acids, and other active skincare products depends on treatment intensity and how your skin is recovering.

Aftercare varies depending on whether you received pigmentation treatment, skin revitalization, or tattoo removal.

General recommendations include:

Use simple, gentle cleansers and moisturizers.

Do not scratch, rub, or remove thin crusts.

Temporarily stop scrubs, exfoliating acids, retinol, and other irritating products.

Avoid saunas, steam rooms, hot yoga, and strenuous exercise while the skin remains noticeably red or warm.

Avoid swimming pools, hot springs, and environments that may increase the risk of infection.

Use broad-spectrum sunscreen and physical protection such as a hat.

Avoid prolonged sun exposure, intentional tanning, and tanning beds.

Clients with melasma or pigmentation affected by visible light may be advised to use a tinted sunscreen containing iron oxides for additional visible-light protection.

Do not restart makeup, acids, retinol, or other active skincare products according to a fixed number of days alone. Wait until redness, crusting, dryness, and sensitivity have settled, and follow your provider’s instructions.

If blisters develop after tattoo removal or the area requires a protective dressing, follow the specific care instructions provided by your clinic. Do not break blisters or remove crusts yourself.

The cost depends on the device, wavelength, handpiece, treatment area, treatment size, and recommended number of sessions. After assessing your skin, the provider will explain the proposed plan and cost before treatment.

Different treatment modes require different amounts of time, different handpieces, and different numbers of sessions. Examples include:

A single localized spot

Full-face pigmentation treatment

Full-face skin revitalization

Acne-scar and pore treatment

Long-term melasma management

Small or large tattoos

Single-colour or multicolour tattoos

Even though these are all picosecond laser treatments, one fixed price cannot accurately represent every procedure.

When requesting a quote, ask whether it includes:

The exact treatment area and size

Whether PicoWay® or PicoSure® PRO will be used

The wavelength, handpiece, and treatment mode

Localized or full-face treatment

Recommended number of sessions and intervals

Numbing cream or other comfort measures

Follow-up and progress assessment

Any recommended combination treatments

Do not compare treatments based only on the price of one session. Accurate identification of the pigment, appropriate wavelength and handpiece selection, and the provider’s treatment plan are also important parts of treatment quality.

For PicoWay®, use the provider search on the official Candela Medical website. For PicoSure® PRO, use “Find a Provider” on the official Cynosure Canada website. At the clinic, confirm the device model, location, provider qualifications, and treatment details.

To search for a PicoWay® provider, use the official Candela Medical provider-search tool. For PicoSure® PRO, use the “Find a Provider” tool on the official Cynosure Canada website.

Check the following information carefully:

Official name of the clinic

Exact treatment address

Specific clinic location

Whether the device is PicoWay® or PicoSure® PRO

Whether the provider has received relevant training

Whether the selected wavelength and handpiece are appropriate for the concern

Whether a health and skin assessment will be completed before treatment

If a business has several locations, do not check only the brand name. Make sure the address in the search result matches the location you plan to visit.

In Canada, you may also use Health Canada’s Medical Devices Active Licence Listing to check whether a device has an active medical-device licence.

An official provider search is an important reference, but it cannot confirm every device, handpiece, or treatment detail at the clinic with complete certainty.

If a clinic does not appear in the online directory, this does not automatically mean that its device is not authentic. The registered business name, clinic address, or delays in updating the directory may affect search results. Ask the clinic for its registered name and contact the device manufacturer if further confirmation is needed.

Contact the clinic promptly or seek medical assessment if you develop worsening pain, significant blisters or burns, signs of infection, unusual swelling, noticeable skin-colour changes, or eye discomfort.

Temporary redness, mild swelling, warmth, dryness, or localized darkening of pigment may occur after treatment. These are common recovery reactions and usually improve gradually.

Contact the clinic promptly if symptoms do not improve, continue to worsen, spread, noticeably affect daily activities, or include:

Increasing pain or burning

Significant blisters, burns, or widespread broken skin

Swelling that continues to spread or becomes noticeably uneven

Pus, an unusual odour, increasing warmth, or another sign of infection

Rapid darkening, noticeable whitening, or an unusual difference in skin colour

Crusting that does not heal

Noticeable scarring, lumps, depressions, or unusual skin texture

A possible cold-sore or herpes outbreak

A widespread rash or significant allergic reaction

Seek medical assessment promptly if you develop eye pain, blurred vision, another change in vision, persistent tearing, light sensitivity, or a strong foreign-body sensation after treatment around the eyes. Do not simply wait for the clinic to respond.

Seek emergency medical care immediately if you develop difficulty breathing, significant swelling of the face or throat, a sudden change in vision, or another serious symptom that is worsening quickly.

When contacting the clinic, provide clear photographs if possible. Note when the symptoms began, how quickly they changed, your level of pain, and any skincare products or medications you have used.

Do not break blisters, remove crusts, or massage the treated area forcefully.