Quanta System Discovery Pico

Picosecond Tattoo/Pigment · 532/1064nm pico (694nm ruby option)

CurrentFDA status under reviewBe the first to review

What it's actually cleared for: Verified via openFDA: K171945 and K172376 (2017) cleared Discovery Pico and Pico Plus; K240983 (June 2025) updated the family — Class II, tattoo removal and benign pigmented lesion indications.

Last verified: August 6, 2026 · How we verify

New: $100k–$140k|Used: $45k–$75kmarket estimate, no email required

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Bottom line

The spec-sheet king of picosecond lasers — highest peak power in the category (claimed up to 1.8GW), a true ruby 694nm source for stubborn greens and blues, and four emission modes in one chassis. Specialists in Europe and Asia treat it as the benchmark; US footprint has grown through Cartessa. Expensive new, and the US service network is thinner than Candela's or Cutera's — factor geography into the decision. If maximum ink-clearing per session is the goal, this is the machine to beat.

Overview

High peak-power Italian pico

How it works

The science

Three wavelengths — 1064nm and 532nm from a picosecond Nd:YAG (~450ps/370ps) plus a genuine 694nm ruby for green, blue, and refractory pigment. Offers picosecond, Q-switched nanosecond, and longer photothermal modes: photoacoustic ink shattering, classic Q-switched work, and skin revitalization on one platform. Very high peak power means effective fluence at larger spots — deeper, more uniform ink fragmentation, often fewer sessions. Indications: multi-color tattoo removal, benign pigmented lesions, pico toning/rejuvenation.

Patented tech

OPTIBEAM II flat-top square/round beam-shaping handpieces — homogenized energy with no hot spots and tileable square spots; a real safety and speed advantage, not marketing fluff.

Origin

Samarate (Varese), Italy — Quanta System S.p.A., El.En. Group; US distribution historically via Cartessa.

FDA & regulatory status

FDA status under reviewRegulatory status not yet verified

What it's actually cleared for:

Verified via openFDA: K171945 and K172376 (2017) cleared Discovery Pico and Pico Plus; K240983 (June 2025) updated the family — Class II, tattoo removal and benign pigmented lesion indications.

Regulatory data is compiled from public FDA 510(k) records and may lag recent clearances. Always confirm status with the manufacturer before purchase.

Treatment economics

What practices charge

Tattoo removal $250-600+ by size, with multi-color pieces commanding premiums since few competitors clear greens well; pico facials/pigment $350-700. Packages of 4-8 sessions at ~20% off are standard.

Consumables & recurring cost

None per treatment — solid-state and ruby sources, no dye packs. Annual reality is service: $10,000-15,000/year out-of-warranty contract; ruby rod/flashlamp work requires factory-trained techs.

Ideal for

Best-fit practice

Dedicated tattoo removal clinics, laser-focused medspas, derm practices with pigment-heavy multi-ethnic panels — 1064 pico plus ruby handles Fitzpatrick I-VI and virtually every ink color. Overkill for occasional sunspot work.

Compliance

Medical director & delegation

Class II prescription laser; physician medical director with state-dependent delegation — some states are permissive for tattoo removal specifically.

Contraindications & screening

Pregnancy, gold salts (chrysiasis), active infection or eczema in the field, isotretinoin per protocol, keloid history, recent tanning; test-spot cosmetic tattoos and allergy-prone red inks.

Ownership

Warranty & service

New via Cartessa typically 1-2 years; used units carry 1-12 month dealer warranties — confirm who actually services Quanta in your state before buying; the field network is thin.

Resale & used market

Holds value respectably for a pico — 2018-2019 Pico Plus at ~$50k-85k; steady demand because the ruby keeps it clinically relevant; liquidity good but slower than Candela/Cynosure in the US.