Technology
PicoWay is a picosecond laser platform that delivers ultra-short pulses of light across several wavelengths to target pigment and stimulate skin renewal.
What it is
PicoWay is a laser platform that delivers energy in picosecond pulses, meaning each pulse lasts only trillionths of a second. It offers several wavelengths, commonly including 1064 nm, 532 nm, 785 nm and 730 nm, so a clinician can select the output best matched to a particular target, such as different tattoo ink colours or types of pigment in the skin. Some configurations also use fractional handpieces to treat texture and signs of ageing. It is a medical laser system that should be operated under qualified supervision, and its suitability for any individual is determined through a physician-led assessment rather than by the technology alone.
Because its pulses are extremely short, PicoWay relies heavily on a photoacoustic (pressure-based) effect in addition to heat. When the pulse strikes a pigment particle or tattoo ink, the rapid energy delivery can shatter it into very small fragments, which the body's own immune and lymphatic systems then gradually clear. Shorter pulses aim to concentrate the effect on the intended target while limiting the amount of heat spread to surrounding tissue. When a fractional handpiece is used, the laser creates tiny zones of controlled injury within the skin to prompt a natural repair and collagen-remodelling reaction over time.
PicoWay is used in areas such as removal of tattoos, including some multi-coloured tattoos, and treatment of certain benign pigmented lesions and unwanted pigment. Fractional modes may be used to address the appearance of fine lines, uneven texture and some acne scarring. The specific concerns a device may be authorized to treat, common clinical uses, and uses that are backed by evidence but considered off-label can differ; a clinician can set out which category applies to your situation. Not every pigment concern, tattoo or skin type reacts the same way, so results and the number of sessions vary considerably between individuals.
Anti-Aging Medical & Laser Clinic
Anti-Aging Medical & Laser Clinic can help you explore this technology, related treatments, and connected concerns.
The picosecond pulse duration is intended to fragment pigment efficiently while limiting heat delivered to nearby tissue, which for some patients can mean fewer sessions for certain tattoos compared with older nanosecond lasers. Multiple wavelengths allow treatment to be tailored to different targets and ink colours. When used in fractional mode, it offers a way to address texture and pigment together. These are general characteristics of the technology; the degree of benefit any one person experiences depends on their skin, the target being treated and an individual treatment plan.
Laser treatment can cause temporary redness, swelling, pinpoint bleeding, darkening or lightening of the skin, blistering and, less commonly, lasting changes in pigmentation or scarring. The risk of pigment change can be higher in darker skin tones, so wavelength and settings must be chosen carefully.
Eye protection is essential. Laser light can cause serious and permanent injury to the eye, so protective eyewear is worn by everyone in the room throughout treatment, and the eye area is shielded when work is carried out nearby. Treatment on or very close to the eyelid or eyebrow, including cosmetic tattoo in those areas, needs particular care and is not always appropriate.
Specific to tattoo work: cosmetic and flesh-toned inks, including those used for eyebrow, lip and permanent-makeup tattoos, can darken immediately rather than fade, because of the way certain pigments react to laser light. This is not always predictable, so a test patch is often used before treating such tattoos. Clearance is also gradual and sometimes incomplete: some tattoos leave a faint shadow or residual pigment even after a full course, and results vary with ink colour, depth, age and how your own body clears the fragments. Rarely, breaking ink down can provoke an allergic reaction.
Where a fractional handpiece is used on facial skin, anyone with a history of cold sores should mention it, as treatment can trigger a recurrence and preventive antiviral medication may be advised.
Treatment is generally avoided over active infection or in certain skin conditions, and some medications or a history of light sensitivity may affect suitability. Its use in pregnancy is generally not advised, and recent tanning usually means postponing. Sun protection before and after treatment is important. A clinical assessment reviews your skin type, medical history and expectations, and determines whether treatment is appropriate for you.
Related Treatments
Uses selected laser and light-based wavelengths, guided by assessment, to help address excess pigment, sun damage and uneven skin tone.
Controlled laser energy that renews the skin surface and stimulates repair, helping soften texture, scars, fine lines and sun damage.
Uses very short, high-energy laser pulses to break tattoo ink into tiny particles that the body gradually clears over a series of treatments.
Combines resurfacing and collagen-remodelling treatments, selected according to scar type, depth and skin type, to soften the texture and appearance of scars and stretch marks.
Conditions It May Help Address
The relationship between a technology and a concern depends on the treatment plan, patient assessment, and how the technology is being used.
Acne is a skin condition that can affect people of all ages and skin types. Our physicians assess what is happening in your skin and help you choose an appropriate medical treatment, maintenance and preventive plan as well as your at-home skincare.
Darkened patches, spots and texture changes caused by excess pigment and cumulative sun exposure.
Hollowing or darkness beneath the eyes from shadowing, pigment, visible vessels, thin skin, or volume loss.
Visible pores and an irregular skin surface often linked to oil, acne, or aging.
Skin that looks less smooth or radiant and feels uneven because of surface irregularity.
Visible facial creases that develop from repeated expression, collagen loss, sun exposure and skin dryness.
Reduced firmness and mild tissue descent related to aging and the decline of collagen and elastin.
Loose neck skin, horizontal creases, or visible muscle bands that can reduce definition of the neck and jawline.
Tattoo pigment that a person would like to fade or remove.
Changes in skin colour or texture from rapid stretching, injury, or surgical healing.
Talk with Anti-Aging Clinic about your goals and the options that may be worth exploring.
FAQ
The number of sessions varies widely depending on what is being treated, such as a tattoo versus a pigmented lesion, and on factors like ink colour, depth, your skin type and how your body responds. Some concerns need only a few visits while others require several. A clinician can give you a more realistic estimate after assessing the specific area.
Picosecond lasers can be used across a range of skin tones, but the risk of temporary or lasting pigment change is generally higher in darker skin, so wavelength and settings need to be selected with care. Whether treatment is appropriate for your skin is best decided during a physician-led assessment.
Most people feel a snapping or stinging sensation during treatment, and comfort varies by area, target and individual tolerance. Measures such as cooling or topical numbing may be used. Some tenderness, redness or swelling afterward is common and usually settles over a few days.
PicoWay delivers energy in much shorter pulses than traditional nanosecond lasers, which relies more on a pressure-based effect to break pigment into finer particles. For some tattoos this can mean more efficient clearance, though results still depend on the tattoo and the individual. A clinician can advise whether it is a reasonable option for your case.
Reviews
Reviews help show the human side of care, from the first consultation to comfort, communication, treatment planning, and follow-up.
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