Laser Skin Renewal

PicoWay® Picosecond Laser Tattoo Removal – Advanced Non-Invasive Skin Treatments

PicoWay® picosecond laser delivers ultra-short pulses to break down tattoo ink and pigmentation with minimal heat damage and little downtime.

Written by Dan Medically reviewed by Dr. Dan Xu Published 2025.09.18 Updated 2026.09.17 Read time ~8 min

Key Takeaways

The bottom line

✓ Ultra-short picosecond pulses break down ink and pigment with less heat than older nanosecond lasers, lowering the risk of burns or scarring across all skin tones
✓ Treatments typically take 15–20 minutes with the epidermis left intact, allowing most patients to resume daily activities shortly after
✓ A single platform addresses multiple concerns — tattoo removal, acne scars, fine lines, melasma, and benign pigmented lesions — reducing the need for separate devices
✓ PicoWay Resolve applicators stimulate collagen and elastin remodelling, supporting gradual skin texture improvement between sessions
✓ Clinical data show measurable outcomes across skin types, including up to 96% clearance of benign pigmented lesions and up to 92% improvement in wrinkles in studied populations

Direct Answer

What is PicoWay® picosecond laser treatment and is it available in Toronto?

PicoWay® is a picosecond laser system manufactured by Candela Medical, cleared for tattoo removal, pigmented lesions, acne scars, wrinkles, and melasma. It delivers pulses measured in trillionths of a second, creating a photoacoustic effect that shatters ink and pigment particles while preserving surrounding tissue. Suitable for Fitzpatrick skin types I–VI, it is a clinically studied non-invasive option for patients seeking pigmentation correction or tattoo clearance. In the Greater Toronto Area, PicoWay® treatments are available at ID Cosmetic Clinic (Markham · Toronto), performed personally by Dr. Dan Xu, M.D. CCFP. Most concerns require 3–6 sessions spaced 4–8 weeks apart, with visible improvement typically appearing after the first few treatments.

Table of Contents

PicoWay® Picosecond Laser Tattoo Removal – The Future of Skin Rejuvenation

The PicoWay® picosecond laser tattoo removal system represents a new era in non-invasive aesthetic treatments. Designed to work from the inside out, this advanced technology delivers ultra-short laser pulses in trillionths of a second, producing a photoacoustic effect that breaks down tattoo ink and pigmentation while minimizing heat damage to surrounding skin.

Whether you’re addressing unwanted tattoos, acne scars, wrinkles, melasma, or benign pigmented lesions, the PicoWay laser combines precision power, versatile applications, and proven safety to deliver results patients love.

Why PicoWay Stands Out in Picosecond Laser Tattoo Removal

Minimal Downtime, Maximum Results

PicoWay treatments take as little as 15–20 minutes, leaving the epidermis intact. This means patients can return to daily activities almost immediately after treatment.

Assessed for a Wide Range of Skin Types

Unlike older nanosecond lasers, PicoWay’s picosecond pulses reduce the risk of hypopigmentation, burns, or scarring, even in Fitzpatrick skin types I–VI.

Comfortable Treatments

PicoWay Resolve applicators stimulate new collagen and elastin for smoother skin while keeping sessions quick and comfortable.

Proven Effectiveness

94% improvement in acne scars
92% improvement in wrinkles
96% clearance in benign pigmented lesions
86% success in tattoo removal

50–75% improvement in melasma and other pigmentation conditions

Advanced PicoWay Laser Technology

PicoWay offers four true picosecond wavelengths—532 nm, 730 nm, 785 nm, and 1064 nm—allowing practitioners to target the widest range of tattoo ink colors:

532 nm – Red, yellow, orange
730 nm / 785 nm – Blue, green
1064 nm – Black, brown, purple, deep blue, green

This flexibility makes PicoWay one of the most customizable laser tattoo removal systems on the market.

Beyond Tattoo Removal – Versatile Skin Applications

The PicoWay laser doesn’t just remove tattoos—it’s a multi-purpose skin rejuvenation system:

Pigmented lesion treatment: Lentigines, Café au lait macules (CALMs), freckles, sunspots, Nevus of Ota
Acne scar reduction: Stimulates collagen production to smooth pitted scars
Wrinkle treatment: Improves skin texture and elasticity
Melasma treatment: FDA-cleared, safe for darker skin tones

The Science Behind Picosecond Laser Tattoo Removal

PicoWay’s ultra-short pulses shatter pigment particles into tiny fragments through a photoacoustic effect. The body’s immune system naturally clears these fragments, resulting in faster and more complete tattoo fading.

In skin rejuvenation, PicoWay creates micro-vacuoles (LIOBs) beneath the surface, triggering collagen and elastin regeneration for smoother, younger-looking skin.

Benefits for Your Practice

FDA, CE, and TGA Cleared for a broad range of indications
Customizable settings for patient-specific treatment plans
Large spot sizes for faster coverage
Lightweight ergonomic handpieces for ease of use
Proven return on investment with growing global demand

With the global tattoo removal market projected to reach USD 12.15 billion by 2030, adding PicoWay to your clinic positions your business for long-term success.

Watch the video and see Right after PicoSure or PicoWay laser:

For more videos, please visit our Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@IDCosmeticClinic

Conclusion

The PicoWay® picosecond laser tattoo removal system offers unmatched precision, versatility, and safety. With the ability to treat tattoos of all colors, improve skin texture, and target stubborn pigmentation, PicoWay is trusted by practitioners in over 58 countries. Whether for tattoo removal or advanced skin rejuvenation, PicoWay delivers fast, effective, and patient-friendly results.

Book a Consultation

If you’re looking for laser in Markham that near you, and want to book a PicoWay treatment, please feel free to contact us:

Toronto ID Cosmetic Clinic: Unit 113-115-116-117, 30 Gibson Dr. Markham, ON L3R 2S3

Book by phone | Free consultation: (905)-477-2225

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Pico Laser Treatment Near Me: A Powerful Path to Clear, Even-Toned Skin

About Dr.Xu

Dr. Xu Dan, chief physician at ID Aesthetic Medicine, possesses a Canadian Medical Doctorate.
In-depth knowledge of North American aesthetics and Asian facial intricacies.
By integrating Eastern and Western aesthetics, she expertly crafts ideal facial features for Asians.
She boasts over 80,000 treatment areas.
Dr. Xu has innovated a technique using injections for eye and face lifts, targeting the Asian facial profile.
Tailored solutions for your skin, emphasizing the medical core of aesthetic medicine.
As an experienced Chinese doctor, she personally conducts procedures.
Bilingual consultations are available on-site, ensuring safe treatments.
Free consultation appointments are offered.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does PicoWay® laser treatment cost in Toronto?

PicoWay® pricing in Toronto varies based on the treatment area, the concern being addressed (tattoo removal vs. pigmentation vs. skin rejuvenation), and the number of sessions required. At ID Cosmetic Clinic in Markham and Toronto, Dr. Dan Xu conducts a personalized consultation to assess your skin, define realistic goals, and provide a transparent cost estimate before any treatment begins. Generally speaking, per-session fees for picosecond laser in the GTA range from a few hundred to several hundred Canadian dollars depending on area size and complexity. Package pricing is not discussed here, but a consultation will clarify your individual investment.

How does PicoWay® picosecond laser actually work on tattoo ink and pigmentation?

PicoWay® generates laser energy in pulses lasting picoseconds — trillionths of a second — far shorter than traditional nanosecond lasers. This ultra-brief pulse duration creates a predominantly photoacoustic (pressure-wave) effect rather than a photothermal (heat) effect. The rapid energy delivery causes tattoo ink particles or melanin clusters to shatter into tiny fragments that the body's immune system can then clear naturally. Because heat transfer to surrounding tissue is minimized, there is a lower likelihood of thermal injury. Different wavelengths (1064 nm, 532 nm, 785 nm) allow the system to target a broad spectrum of ink colours and pigment types.

Does PicoWay® laser hurt? What does the treatment feel like?

Most patients describe PicoWay® as producing a sensation similar to a rubber band snapping against the skin, which is generally more tolerable than older nanosecond laser systems because the pulses are shorter and the thermal component is reduced. Discomfort levels depend on the treatment area, your individual pain threshold, and the energy settings used. A topical numbing cream is commonly applied before sessions to improve comfort. At ID Cosmetic Clinic, Dr. Dan Xu discusses comfort management options during your consultation so that your experience is as comfortable as clinically appropriate.

How long do PicoWay® results last for tattoo removal and skin rejuvenation?

Tattoo removal results are generally considered long-lasting once ink is cleared, because the fragmented particles are metabolized by the body and do not regenerate. However, very dense or layered tattoos may retain faint ghosting. For skin rejuvenation concerns such as acne scars or pigmentation, longevity depends on ongoing sun protection, skincare habits, and whether the underlying condition (e.g., melasma triggered by hormones or UV exposure) is managed. Maintenance sessions may be recommended over time. Dr. Dan Xu at ID Cosmetic Clinic will set realistic expectations about durability based on your specific skin type and concern during consultation.

How soon will I see results after PicoWay® treatments?

Some patients notice initial changes — such as lightening of a tattoo or reduction in a pigmented spot — within a few weeks of their first session as the body clears fragmented particles. Collagen remodelling outcomes, relevant for acne scars and fine lines, typically develop more gradually over 2–3 months following treatment. Clinical studies associated with PicoWay® report measurable improvements after a series of sessions rather than a single treatment. At ID Cosmetic Clinic in Markham and Toronto, Dr. Dan Xu photographs and tracks progress across your treatment plan so you can see documented improvement over time.

How many PicoWay® sessions are needed, and how often should treatments be spaced?

The number of sessions varies considerably by indication. Tattoo removal commonly requires 6–10 or more sessions depending on ink density, colours, age of the tattoo, and skin type. Pigmented lesion clearance may require fewer sessions — sometimes 2–4. Skin rejuvenation protocols for acne scars or wrinkles typically involve 3–6 sessions. Sessions are generally spaced 4–8 weeks apart to allow the skin to heal and the immune system to clear treated material between appointments. Dr. Dan Xu at ID Cosmetic Clinic will outline a realistic session estimate during your initial assessment.

Is PicoWay® approved or cleared for use in Canada?

PicoWay® is a licensed medical device marketed in Canada and used in physician-led clinics under applicable Health Canada regulatory frameworks for medical aesthetic laser devices. As with all laser treatments, it should be administered by or under the direct supervision of a qualified medical professional. At ID Cosmetic Clinic, treatments are personally performed by Dr. Dan Xu, M.D. CCFP, a physician with training in medical aesthetics, ensuring that device use aligns with clinical and regulatory standards. Patients from across the Greater Toronto Area — including Markham, Toronto, Richmond Hill, Vaughan, Scarborough, and North York — attend the clinic for physician-supervised laser care.

Can PicoWay® laser be combined with other aesthetic treatments?

PicoWay® is often incorporated into broader skin treatment plans that may include topical skincare, chemical peels, or other energy-based modalities, depending on individual skin goals and the treating physician's assessment. Combining treatments requires careful scheduling to allow adequate healing between procedures. Certain treatments — such as other ablative or aggressive laser procedures — may need to be separated by a meaningful interval. At ID Cosmetic Clinic in Markham and Toronto, Dr. Dan Xu evaluates your full skin history and current treatment regimen to determine safe and effective combination approaches tailored to your needs.

What are the risks and side effects of PicoWay® picosecond laser?

PicoWay® has a well-documented clinical safety profile, particularly compared to older nanosecond laser systems, due to its reduced thermal impact. Common temporary side effects include redness, swelling, mild frosting immediately after treatment, and pinpoint bleeding in some tattoo removal cases — most of which resolve within days. Less common risks include temporary hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation, especially if post-treatment sun protection is not followed. Serious adverse events such as scarring are uncommon but possible if settings are inappropriate or aftercare is neglected. Dr. Dan Xu at ID Cosmetic Clinic conducts a thorough skin assessment and provides detailed aftercare instructions to minimize these risks.

What is the difference between PicoWay® and older Q-switched nanosecond lasers for tattoo removal?

The principal difference is pulse duration. Q-switched nanosecond lasers deliver pulses in billionths of a second; PicoWay® operates in picoseconds — up to 1,000 times shorter. Shorter pulses mean more of the energy produces a photoacoustic shockwave effect rather than heat, which more efficiently shatters ink particles into smaller fragments and reduces the thermal burden on surrounding skin. This translates to a potentially lower risk of heat-related side effects such as scarring or hypopigmentation, broader effectiveness across multicolour tattoos, and greater suitability across Fitzpatrick skin types I–VI. At ID Cosmetic Clinic, Dr. Dan Xu can discuss which technology is appropriate for your specific tattoo colours, skin tone, and treatment history.

Next Step

Ready to Take the First Step?

Laxity, wrinkles and facial sagging have different root causes — one physician-led consultation identifies the true problem layer before deciding which plan fits you best.

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● Unit 113–117, 30 Gibson Dr, Markham ON L3R 2S3 ● Open Daily 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM ● English & Chinese · Mandarin / Cantonese

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Medical Disclaimer

This article is for educational and reference purposes only and cannot replace an in-person consultation, diagnosis or personalized treatment plan from a qualified physician. Skin condition, degree of laxity, medical history and treatment response vary from person to person — suitability, risks and expected outcomes should be assessed by a qualified medical aesthetic physician during a consultation. If you are considering treatment, please book a consultation with ID Cosmetic Clinic or a licensed medical provider in your area.

Last Updated · 2026.09.17