TheAesthetic Index

Cutera enlighten III

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

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The Cutera enlighten III typically sells new in the $90k–$130k range in the US, with used and refurbished systems around $40k–$65k. Cutera enlighten III holds FDA 510(k) clearance for its marketed indication. Figures are market estimates verified August 6, 2026.

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

Key facts
ManufacturerCutera
CompanyOwner: Private; held by former lenders following Chapter 11 restructuring (private equity owned, since 2025) · Distribution: direct
CategoryResurfacing, Tattoo & Vascular
Technology532/670/1064nm pico+nano
FDA statusFDA Cleared
New price range$90k–$130k
Used price range$40k–$65k
ConsumablesNot published
Launch year2017
Last verifiedAugust 6, 2026
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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

Authorized 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.

Recent industry events

How we source company data

Ownership and corporate changes at Cutera that can affect warranty, service and parts availability.

  1. Mar 2025

    Cutera files Chapter 11 and emerges private

    Bankruptcy
    Service & warranty risk

    Cutera filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on March 5-6, 2025 and was delisted from NASDAQ that month. It emerged from bankruptcy on May 1, 2025 as a private company held by its former lenders, cutting debt by ~$400M (over 90%) and raising $65M of new capital. Buyers should confirm current warranty, service and parts commitments directly.

    Source: SEC filings; Lexology; The D&O Diary

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.

Chains using this device

No confirmed chain deployments recorded yet.

Owner reviews

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History

Every tracked change to pricing, lifecycle status, FDA data and warranty terms — newest first.

  1. August 1, 2026

    Record created

    Added to The Aesthetic Index — August 2026

    Source: The Aesthetic Index editorial

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