Cutera enlighten III

Picosecond Tattoo/Pigment · 532/670/1064nm pico+nano

CurrentFDA ClearedBe the first to review

What it's actually cleared for: Dual pico/nanosecond laser cleared for tattoo removal, benign pigmented lesions and acne scars

Last verified: August 6, 2026 · How we verify

New: $90k–$130k|Used: $40k–$65kmarket estimate, no email required

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Bottom line

The quiet overachiever of the pico category: three true wavelengths including solid-state 670nm for green/blue ink, dual pico/nano pulse durations, and no consumable handpieces — the things PicoSure and PicoWay owners pay dearly to approximate. For serious multi-color tattoo work plus pigment, arguably the most complete single box ever cleared. Same caveat as all Cutera: the 2025 restructuring clouds service. Used at $40k-80k is the value play.

Overview

Adds 670nm; PICO Genesis pigment protocol

How it works

The science

Three wavelengths — 1064nm, 532nm, 670nm — each deliverable in picosecond (~750ps) and nanosecond (~2ns) durations. Pico pulses shatter ink photoacoustically with less collateral damage and fewer sessions than Q-switched-only. 1064 handles black ink and darker skin safely; 532 clears reds/oranges/sunspots; 670 attacks greens and blues without fragile dye handpieces. PICO Genesis protocol uses low-fluence 1064 pico for pigment and tone in all skin types.

Patented tech

Dual pulse duration (750ps/2ns switchable) and true solid-state 670nm — Cutera's answer to PicoSure's alexandrite without a separate rod technology or consumable wavelength converters.

Origin

Brisbane, California, USA.

FDA & regulatory status

FDA ClearedCleared via 510(k)

What it's actually cleared for:

Dual pico/nanosecond laser cleared for tattoo removal, benign pigmented lesions and acne scars

510(k) numbers

K160488; K172077; K182997

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 (3-6 session packages at 15-25% off), 6-10+ sessions for professional ink. PICO Genesis facials $400-700, series of 2-3.

Consumables & recurring cost

Effectively none — no dye packs or conversion handpieces. Real annual cost is service: $8,000-14,000/year contract out of warranty; flashlamp and optics work is not DIY.

Ideal for

Best-fit practice

Derm offices and high-volume tattoo clinics also wanting a pigment/revitalization line — the 1064 pico is among the safer pigment platforms for Fitzpatrick IV-VI. Tattoo demographics skew 25-45 and package-driven.

Compliance

Medical director & delegation

Class II prescription laser; most states require a medical director with delegation, though several regulate tattoo removal more loosely — check your state's laser regulations specifically.

Contraindications & screening

Pregnancy, gold therapy history (chrysiasis risk), active infection, keloid tendency, recent tanning, iron-oxide cosmetic tattoos that can paradoxically darken — always test-spot permanent makeup.

Ownership

Warranty & service

~12 months new historically; post-Chapter 11, get parts and service commitments in writing and vet third-party availability in your region.

Resale & used market

Decent liquidity at $40k-80k with all three wavelengths — trending down with Cutera's troubles and pico competition; buy at today's discount, don't expect appreciation.