Lutronic Hollywood Spectra

Q-Switched Tattoo/Pigment · QS Nd:YAG 532/1064 high-power

CurrentFDA ClearedBe the first to review

What it's actually cleared for: Tattoo removal of dark ink (1064nm), epidermal pigmented lesions (532nm), other dermatologic uses

Last verified: August 6, 2026 · How we verify

New: $60k–$90k|Used: $30k–$50kmarket estimate, no email required

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Bottom line

The modern refresh of the Spectra — the best-selling Q-switched Nd:YAG line in history — and the value play in pigment and tattoo lasers: sub-picosecond marketing money buys proven 1064/532nm performance, the famous carbon "Hollywood peel," and melasma laser-toning protocols at roughly half the cost of a pico platform. It won't clear tattoos as fast as a true picosecond laser — that's the honest trade-off. For a medspa whose bread-and-butter is peels, tone, and pigment rather than heavy tattoo work, arguably the smarter buy at ~$60k-90k new.

Overview

Current-gen Spectra rebrand

How it works

The science

A nanosecond-domain Q-switched Nd:YAG emitting 1064nm and frequency-doubled 532nm (optional 585/650nm dye handpieces for multicolor ink), delivering photoacoustic pulses that shatter pigment particles — tattoo ink and melanin — into fragments the immune system clears. 1064nm penetrates deep and is safe in darker skin; 532nm targets superficial epidermal pigment. Low-fluence 1064 laser toning treats melasma gradually over a series; flat-top beam profiles reduce hot-spot side effects. Pulse-to-pulse stability at 2ns-class widths is the platform's engineering claim versus older Q-switched boxes.

Patented tech

The Hollywood Peel is the signature protocol: carbon lotion massaged into skin, then 1064nm in quasi-long-pulse and Q-switched modes explodes the carbon particles — exfoliating, degreasing pores, stimulating superficial collagen with zero downtime; a consumable-driven, highly Instagrammable glow treatment. In-Motion/quasi-long-pulse mode and dual-pulse PTP-style delivery are the named technical differentiators.

Origin

Lutronic, South Korea; US distribution under Cynosure Lutronic.

FDA & regulatory status

FDA ClearedCleared via 510(k)

What it's actually cleared for:

Tattoo removal of dark ink (1064nm), epidermal pigmented lesions (532nm), other dermatologic uses

510(k) numbers

K213569

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

Hollywood/carbon peels $250-500 per session, almost always in series of 4-6 ($900-2,400) or memberships; melasma toning series (6-10 sessions) $1,500-3,500; tattoo removal $200-600 per session by size over 6-12 sessions. A high-frequency, mid-ticket device — the model is repetition, not big tickets.

Consumables & recurring cost

Carbon lotion ~$5-25 per treatment; dye handpieces (585/650nm) are the hidden cost — consumable-life items costing thousands to replace, only worth stocking for real multicolor tattoo volume. Annual spend typically <$5k for a peel/toning practice.

Ideal for

Best-fit practice

Medspas serving diverse skin tones — 1064nm toning and peel protocols are staples for Fitzpatrick III-VI and for Asian and Hispanic demographics with high melasma demand. Patients 25-55, heavy repeat-visit behavior. A practice betting on premium tattoo removal should buy a pico instead.

Compliance

Medical director & delegation

Class II laser; typically delegated to RNs or licensed laser practitioners under medical director oversight; tattoo removal separately regulated in some states.

Contraindications & screening

Pregnancy, active infection, recent tan or photosensitizers, gold-containing medications (chrysiasis risk with Q-switched lasers), isotretinoin history; set expectations that melasma is managed, not cured.

Ownership

Warranty & service

1-year standard; extended ~$7k-12k/year; the Spectra platform's long service history means third-party techs and parts are unusually available.

Resale & used market

One of the most liquid used aesthetic lasers — the Spectra name moves fast among startups and international buyers; used Hollywood Spectras hold value well ($35k-55k), and older Spectra XTs still sell — a gentle depreciation curve.