PicoWay treatments go far beyond tattoo removal.
Tattoo removal made the Candela PicoWay famous. However, the platform can also treat several pigment concerns, acne scars, wrinkles, and melasma.
Its value comes from a mix of wavelengths and handpieces designed for different jobs.
So, what can the PicoWay actually treat?
Here is the full capability tour.
PicoWay Treatments Start With Four Wavelengths
Current PicoWay configurations can include:
- 532 nm
- 730 nm
- 785 nm
- 1064 nm
However, not every PicoWay has every wavelength.
The machine’s handpieces determine its actual capabilities.
That is why two PicoWay systems can have very different values even when the consoles look identical.
Tattoo Removal Is Still the Headline Treatment
Tattoo removal remains one of the best-known PicoWay treatments.
The platform uses very short picosecond pulses to create a strong photoacoustic effect in tattoo pigment.
Different wavelengths can target different tattoo colors.
532 nm
Candela lists 532 nm for colors such as:
- Red
- Yellow
- Orange
730 nm
The 730 nm applicator is designed for:
- Blue
- Green
785 nm
The 785 nm option also expands treatment of:
- Blue
- Green
1064 nm
The 1064 nm wavelength can address colors including:
- Black
- Brown
- Blue
- Green
- Purple
It is also cleared across a wider range of Fitzpatrick skin types than some shorter PicoWay wavelengths.
However, tattoo response still depends on the ink, depth, skin type, tattoo age, and treatment history.
No wavelength guarantees a certain number of sessions.
PicoWay Can Treat Benign Pigmented Lesions
PicoWay is also used for several benign pigment concerns.
Depending on the wavelength and handpiece, these may include:
- Lentigines
- Sun spots
- Age spots
- Freckles
- Café-au-lait macules
- Nevus of Ota
- Other benign pigmented lesions
Because different pigments can sit at different depths, wavelength selection matters.
For example, 532 nm is often used for more superficial pigment.
Meanwhile, 1064 nm can reach deeper targets.
Again, the provider chooses the correct treatment based on the patient and the lesion.
PicoWay Can Also Treat Melasma
Melasma is another current PicoWay indication.
Candela lists several PicoWay applicators for melasma treatment, including 532 nm and 1064 nm options depending on the configuration and patient.
However, melasma is a complex pigment condition.
It can recur and may respond differently from ordinary sun spots.
Therefore, patient selection and treatment planning belong with a qualified medical provider.
Do not market PicoWay as a guaranteed melasma cure.
PicoWay Resolve Treats Acne Scars
PicoWay also moves beyond pigment with its Resolve technology.
Resolve splits the laser beam into many small microbeams.
Instead of removing the outer layer of skin, these microbeams create changes below the surface that can stimulate tissue remodeling.
Candela lists the Resolve 1064 nm applicator for acne scars.
That gives practices a treatment option for texture in addition to tattoo and pigment work.
PicoWay Can Treat Wrinkles
Resolve technology is also cleared for wrinkles.
Current PicoWay configurations can use Resolve applicators at:
- 532 nm
- 1064 nm
Candela also offers Resolve Fusion configurations for certain skin applications.
These treatments work differently from ablative CO2 or Er resurfacing.
The skin surface remains largely intact while energy is delivered below it.
Therefore, patient expectations should match a non-ablative picosecond treatment.
Skin Rejuvenation Is Really Several Treatments
Practices often use the broad term:
“skin rejuvenation.”
However, it is better to explain what the machine is actually treating.
With PicoWay, that may include:
- Wrinkles
- Acne scars
- Benign pigment
- Melasma
- Uneven-looking pigmentation
That is more accurate than advertising one vague treatment that claims to fix everything.
The Handpieces Define the Machine
This is one of the most important things to understand about PicoWay treatments.
A PicoWay console alone does not tell you what treatments the machine can offer.
The configuration matters.
Possible applicators include:
Zoom
Provides:
- 532 nm
- 1064 nm
It is commonly associated with tattoo removal and pigment treatments.
730 nm Applicator
Provides a dedicated 730 nm wavelength for selected blue and green tattoos and pigment applications.
785 nm Applicator
Provides 785 nm for selected blue and green tattoos and other approved applications.
Resolve
Uses microbeam delivery for applications such as:
- Acne scars
- Wrinkles
- Benign pigmented lesions
Resolve Fusion
Uses a different microbeam pattern for selected pigment and wrinkle applications, depending on configuration.
Therefore, always inventory the handpieces before buying a used PicoWay.
One Healthy Wavelength Does Not Prove the Others
From the service side, multi-wavelength systems need careful testing.
A machine may perform well at one wavelength while another part of the optical system needs attention.
That is why we do not test 1064 nm and assume the entire PicoWay is healthy.
Where appropriate, technicians should evaluate each installed wavelength separately.
For example:
- 532 nm
- 730 nm
- 785 nm
- 1064 nm
The exact test setup depends on the wavelength and applicator.
One good reading does not certify the whole machine.
The Articulated Arm Matters Too
PicoWay uses an articulated arm to deliver laser energy.
Inside the arm, mirrors guide the beam through its joints.
Therefore, arm condition and alignment matter.
A problem in the delivery path can reduce the amount of energy reaching the treatment handpiece.
For that reason, output testing should consider the complete delivery path where appropriate.
A healthy source does not automatically mean healthy output at the end of the arm.
Output Verification Becomes More Important With More Uses
A PicoWay used only for one service may depend heavily on one wavelength.
A fully utilized system may depend on several.
Therefore, practices using multiple PicoWay capabilities should maintain clear performance records.
Depending on the machine and service procedure, those records may include:
- Output measurements
- Pulse counts
- Handpiece condition
- Error history
- Arm performance
- Cooling
- Previous repairs
The goal is to compare the machine with itself over time.
Buying a Used PicoWay? Audit the Configuration
A used PicoWay should never be priced by year and console alone.
Before buying, confirm:
- Which wavelengths are installed
- Which handpieces are included
- Whether each wavelength performs properly
- Resolve configuration
- Zoom condition
- Articulated-arm condition
- Pulse counts
- Cooling
- Error history
- Service records
- Included accessories
A PicoWay with Zoom only is a different clinical package from one equipped with multiple additional wavelength and Resolve applicators.
The price should reflect that.
Use the Capabilities You Already Own
If you already have a PicoWay, review its configuration.
You may have more treatment options than your current menu reflects.
For example, a tattoo-focused practice may also have equipment capable of selected:
- Pigment treatments
- Melasma treatments
- Acne scar treatments
- Wrinkle treatments
However, equipment capability is only the first step.
Next comes provider training, patient selection, local requirements, and accurate marketing.
Get More From Your PicoWay
PicoWay treatments can cover much more than tattoo removal.
The current platform can support tattoos, benign pigmentation, melasma, acne scars, and wrinkles across several wavelength and handpiece configurations.
The key is knowing exactly what equipment you have.
- Identify the wavelengths.
- Check the handpieces.
- Verify the machine.
- Train the provider.
Then build the menu around the capabilities your specific PicoWay actually supports.
Do not own just the PicoWay name. Know the configuration you actually own.
Own a PicoWay or consider buying one?
Call The Laser Professionals at 561-203-9776 or email [email protected].
We provide PicoWay evaluations, wavelength testing, repairs, articulated-arm service, preventative maintenance, refurbished equipment, rentals, installation, and nationwide laser support.
The Laser Professionals — More Than Sales, Complete Laser Support.
