PicoSure vs. Enlighten: Which Pico Laser Delivers Better Tattoo Removal Results?
- Kenny Arkangel
- 5 hours ago
- 4 min read
Tattoo removal demand continues to grow — and with it, the technology powering results. Two of the most-discussed pico lasers on the market are PicoSure® and Enlighten™. Both are cutting-edge devices that use ultra-short pulse durations to break up ink more effectively than traditional Q-switched systems. But when it comes to speed, comfort, and ultimate results, how do they compare? We break it down.
What Is Pico Technology?
Pico lasers emit energy in trillionths of a second (picoseconds) — dramatically faster than nanosecond pulses used in older lasers. These ultra-short pulses deliver high peak power that shatters ink particles into tiny fragments, making them easier for the body to clear naturally. Pico lasers have become the gold standard for tattoo removal because they offer:
Faster clearance per session
Reduced heat and collateral tissue damage
Fewer treatments overall
Wavelengths: Coverage & Versatility
Feature | PicoSure | Enlighten |
Primary Wavelength | 755 nm | 532 nm, 755 nm, 1064 nm (multiple) |
Best For Ink Colors | Green & blue | Broader — red, yellow, green, black |
Skin Types | Fitzpatrick I–III | Fitzpatrick I–VI (with settings) |
PicoSure: Utilizes a 755 nm Alexandrite wavelength optimized for green and blue inks, which historically have been tougher to remove. Clinically, this often yields fewer sessions on multi-color tattoos compared to earlier tech.
Enlighten: Offers a multi-wavelength platform (usually 532 nm, 755 nm, and 1064 nm) so providers can target virtually all common tattoo ink colors — including stubborn red and yellow — in addition to black. The broader spectrum makes Enlighten a versatile choice for full-service practices.
👉 Verdict: PicoSure has depth and strength for tricky colors like green/blue, while Enlighten’s multi-wavelength options provide greater color coverage overall.
Pulse Duration: Picoseconds Matter
The real magic in these lasers is pulse duration — the shorter, the better for photomechanical effect.
PicoSure pulses: ~550–750 ps
Enlighten pulses: as low as ~450 ps on some settings
Shorter pulses mean stronger pressure waves that fragment ink more efficiently.
💡 Key takeaway: Both operate in the picosecond regime, but Enlighten’s potentially shorter pulse can generate even more powerful ink fragmentation on certain settings — especially helpful for dense black ink.
Treatment Time & Number of Sessions
Typical Session Length:Both devices generally treat an area in about 10–30 minutes depending on size and complexity.
How many sessions until removal?
PicoSure: Often reports ~6–12 sessions for moderate tattoos
Enlighten: Similar range, but some clinics report fewer sessions on multi-color tattoos due to wavelength flexibility
📌 Important: Results vary based on tattoo age, ink depth/density, and skin type. Aftercare & practitioner skill also influence outcomes.
Comfort & Pain Levels
Pico lasers are known for being more comfortable than nanosecond lasers due to lower heat deposition:
Many practitioners report less pain and fewer side effects with PicoSure compared to older lasers.
Enlighten users also document relatively comfortable treatments, with cooling systems (e.g., Zimmer or integrated cryogen) making both options well tolerated.
💡 Pain comparison: Most patients describe both systems as moderate — a hot snap sensation — but tolerable with appropriate cooling.
Maintenance & Operational Costs
Owning and servicing a laser isn’t cheap. Here’s how the two generally stack up:
PicoSure
Moderate to high initial cost
Proprietary handpieces
Service contracts can be on the premium side
Enlighten
Comparable upfront investment
Multi-wavelength versatility reduces need for additional lasers
Parts & service vary by provider but can be competitive
📊 Clinic impact: A platform like Enlighten that handles more ink colors without needing add-on modules may offer better return on investment for high-volume practices.
Long-Term Results & Patient Satisfaction
Both lasers provide excellent clearance, but the “best” results often come down to use case:
✔ PicoSure excels when:
Treating green & blue inks
Minimizing scarring or thermal damage
Clinics want a strong reputation for tattoo removal
✔ Enlighten excels when:
Tattoo color palette is broad (reds/yellows included)
Providers want one device to handle many pigment concerns
Flexibility across patient skin types is critical
In large case series and clinic reports, both systems achieve high satisfaction — but Enlighten’s color coverage gives it an edge in multi-color cases.
Side-by-Side Summary
Aspect | PicoSure | Enlighten |
Color versatility | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Pulse strength | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Pain & comfort | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Treatment sessions | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Maintenance cost | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Best overall for | Standard & green/blue | Broad color spectrum |
So, Which Is the Best Pico Laser for Tattoo Removal?
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer — but here’s a simple guide:
➡️ Choose PicoSure if your primary focus is on difficult green/blue inks and you want a well-established brand with strong clinical backing.
➡️ Choose Enlighten if you want versatility across all tattoo ink colors, smooth integration into multi-service med spa settings, and potentially fewer total sessions for complex tattoos.
Both tools outperform older technologies and remain top choices in modern aesthetic practices.
Want Expert Support on Your Next Laser Purchase?
At Ventura Medtech Solutions, we help med spas and clinics assess the right pico laser for your patient demographics, budget, and service goals. From service history to optimizing ROI — we’ve got you covered.
Before You Repair, Replace, or Purchase — Talk to VMS First.
If your laser isn’t performing like it used to, you could be losing thousands in missed treatments, inconsistent results, or patient dissatisfaction. Ventura Medtech Solutions specializes in diagnosing output loss, cooling failures, handpiece degradation, and hidden system issues that most providers don’t catch until revenue drops. Already own equipment? We’ll restore it to peak, calibrated performance. Considering buying a pre-owned or new system? Let us inspect, test, and verify it before you commit. Don’t risk downtime, costly surprises, or unsafe energy delivery. Contact VMS today and protect your investment before it costs you more.
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