Candela (Syneron) PicoWay

Picosecond Tattoo/Pigment · 532/730/785/1064nm picosecond Nd:YAG

CurrentFDA ClearedBe the first to review

What it's actually cleared for: Picosecond laser cleared for tattoo removal, benign pigmented lesions, acne scars and wrinkles

Last verified: August 6, 2026 · How we verify

New: $100k–$150k|Used: $45k–$75kmarket estimate, no email required

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Bottom line

Arguably the best-engineered picosecond laser on the market — true short pulses, four wavelengths, and the strongest tattoo-removal reputation alongside PicoSure. A genuine multi-tasker: tattoos pay the bills while Resolve fractional handpieces open pigment, melasma management, and low-downtime rejuvenation. Steep buy-in (~$100k-175k new depending on handpiece bundle) and tattoo removal is a grinding, price-competitive business — the math works if you're in a tattoo-dense market or actively selling the skin side.

Overview

Shortest pulse durations; Resolve fractional handpieces

How it works

The science

Picosecond pulses — hundreds of times shorter than Q-switched nanosecond lasers — shatter pigment photoacoustically (mechanical shockwave) rather than primarily heating it: better ink/pigment fragmentation with less collateral thermal damage. Core wavelengths 1064nm and 532nm, optional 785nm and 730nm handpieces for stubborn blues, greens, titanium inks. Clears multicolor tattoos, benign pigmented lesions, nevus of Ota; 1064nm pico is among the safest pigment options for darker skin. Resolve fractional handpieces focus the beam into microscopic high-intensity zones creating dermal vacuoles that stimulate remodeling for acne scars, wrinkles, tone with minimal downtime.

Patented tech

Resolve and Resolve Fusion are holographic fractional handpieces (beam-splitting optics turning a pigment laser into a low-downtime rejuvenation device); PicoWay markets among the shortest pulse durations (~250-450 ps) and highest peak powers in the pico class.

Origin

Developed by Syneron-Candela; manufactured in Israel (Yokneam), US HQ Marlborough, Massachusetts — verify current site.

FDA & regulatory status

FDA ClearedCleared via 510(k)

What it's actually cleared for:

Picosecond laser cleared for tattoo removal, benign pigmented lesions, acne scars and wrinkles

510(k) numbers

K162454; K170597; K191685; K220853

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 ~$200-600 per session by size, 6-12+ sessions spaced 6-8 weeks — sell packages or memberships. Pigment/facial sessions ~$300-700; Resolve rejuvenation series 3-4 sessions at $400-800 each.

Consumables & recurring cost

None per treatment — but handpieces are expensive precision optics, and out-of-warranty handpiece repairs can run five figures; that's the hidden cost of ownership.

Ideal for

Best-fit practice

Practices in tattoo-heavy urban markets, and medspas serving diverse skin types (Fitzpatrick IV-VI) where 1064nm pico is the pigment workhorse. Poor fit if you expect facial rejuvenation alone to carry a six-figure device.

Compliance

Medical director & delegation

Class II prescription device; most states allow RNs, NPs/PAs, or certified laser technicians under a supervising medical director, though several states restrict tattoo-removal delegation specifically — verify locally.

Contraindications & screening

Pregnancy, recent tanning, isotretinoin, active infection, gold therapy history, allergic/reactive tattoo ink responses; melasma demands conservative settings and honest recurrence counseling.

Ownership

Warranty & service

~1 year new; Candela contracts ~$10k-18k/year after; given handpiece repair costs, a contract covering handpieces is usually worth it — read exclusions carefully.

Resale & used market

Picosecond remains hot — used PicoWays are liquid at ~$40k-80k depending on wavelength/handpiece complement and shot counts; stable trend on ongoing tattoo-regret demand.