Today, tattoo removal technology has advanced rapidly, making a process that was once difficult and time-consuming easier and capable of producing clearer results. Picosecond laser innovations, in particular, have become widely popular. One common question among people considering tattoo removal is how PicoWay and Discovery Pico differ, and which device is better suited to their needs. This article introduces PicoWay and Discovery Pico to help you make an informed decision.
What Is PicoWay?
PicoWay is a Picosecond laser that uses the Photoacoustic Effect to deliver laser energy and break tattoo pigment into extremely small particles, which the body then eliminates naturally. Its Picosecond speed—one trillionth of a second—helps prevent heat from accumulating in the surrounding tissue, thereby reducing the risk of side effects such as hyperpigmentation, redness, or scarring. A commonly noticed effect after the procedure is facial redness, but it is not as alarming as it may seem. See the image for more information about what causes redness after PICO Laser treatment and how it differs from having no redness.
What Is Discovery Pico?
Discovery Pico is another popular Picosecond laser. It combines Picosecond and Nanosecond technologies, allowing a range of operating modes to suit different pigment types and tattoo depths. Its operating principle is similar to PicoWay: it emits laser energy at extremely high speed to break tattoo pigment into fine particles. As shown in the image, each color-specific Discovery PICO handpiece provides different skin benefits.
How Do PicoWay and Discovery Pico Differ?
Although PicoWay and Discovery Pico are both Picosecond lasers with similar operating principles, several important differences can affect treatment performance and results, as shown in this comparison table.
| Feature | PicoWay | Discovery Pico |
| Wavelengths | 1064 nm, 532 nm, 785 nm, 730 nm (depending on the model) | 1064 nm, 532 nm (primarily) |
| Peak power and pulse duration | Picosecond (up to 450 ps) | Picosecond (up to 370 ps) and Nanosecond (up to 12 ns) |
| Operating principle | Photoacoustic Effect (breaks pigment into small particles) Advantage: Focuses on finely fragmenting pigment while reducing heat accumulation | Photoacoustic Effect and Photothermal Effect (can both break down pigment and stimulate collagen) Advantage: Offers a variety of operating modes suitable for many tattoo types |
| Treatments | Focuses on removing tattoos of all colors and treating scars. Advantage: Suitable for complex or dark-colored tattoos | Removes tattoos of all colors, stimulates collagen, and treats pigmentation disorders. Advantage: Covers a broad range of treatments |
| Skin resurfacing | Fractional Laser (Focus Lens Array). Advantage: Rejuvenates the skin and reduces the appearance of wrinkles and dark spots | Fractional Laser (DOAE). Advantage: Helps improve skin smoothness |
| Pain level | Relatively low because the energy does not cause heat to accumulate | Relatively low, depending on the energy settings and the individual’s skin |
| Post-treatment results | Noticeable changes can be seen in fewer sessions | Also produces good, noticeable changes, although the number of sessions may vary |
| Post-treatment side effects | Very few; mild redness may occur and fade within a short time | Few; mild redness or swelling may occur depending on skin condition |
The Vanish Clinic understands that, after reading the table, some readers may still have questions about peak power and pulse duration. To clarify these concepts, the doctor will explain the meanings of peak power and pulse duration and examine the differences between PicoWay and Discovery Pico in greater depth.
What Is Peak Power?
Peak Power is the amount of laser power released over a very short period at the picosecond level. The higher the peak power, the more effectively the laser can break tattoo pigment or abnormal skin pigment into smaller particles. This makes it easier for the body to eliminate the particles and helps produce more noticeable treatment results.
– PicoWay Peak Power
PicoWay also delivers high peak power, particularly at the 1064 nm wavelength used to remove dark-colored tattoos and treat pigment in deeper layers of the skin. Its high Peak Power helps PicoWay break down pigment precisely and effectively, reducing the number of treatment sessions.
– Discovery Pico Peak Power
Discovery Pico is considered one of the lasers with the highest peak power currently available, with some models delivering up to 1.8 GW (Gigawatts). This substantial power can effectively break down resistant pigment or difficult-to-remove tattoos, even after the ink has faded through multiple treatment sessions.
The Vanish Clinic summarizes it as follows: “In summary, some Discovery Pico models may have higher peak power than PicoWay. This means Discovery Pico may have an advantage when breaking down difficult-to-treat pigment or tattoos that have already undergone multiple laser sessions.”
What Is Pulse Duration?
Pulse Duration is the length of time laser energy is emitted during each pulse, measured in Picoseconds—one trillionth of a second. The shorter the pulse duration, the more quickly the laser energy can reach pigment and break it into small particles without causing excessive heat to accumulate in the surrounding tissue. This helps reduce the risk of post-treatment side effects such as hyperpigmentation, redness, or scarring.
– PicoWay Pulse Duration
PicoWay is known for its extremely short pulse duration, which varies by wavelength and includes 300 ps, 375 ps, and 450 ps. Some handpieces can deliver pulses as short as 250 ps, considered among the shortest available on the market. This short pulse duration enables PicoWay to focus on breaking down pigment through the Photoacoustic Effect with maximum efficiency.
– Discovery Pico Pulse Duration
Discovery Pico also has a short pulse duration, typically around 370 ps to 450 ps in Picosecond mode. It can also be switched to Nanosecond mode to accommodate a wider range of treatments.
The Vanish Clinic summarizes it as follows: “PicoWay stands out for its shorter pulse duration at certain wavelengths, which may allow greater precision in breaking down pigment and further reduce heat accumulation. Discovery Pico, meanwhile, offers the flexibility to use both Picosecond and Nanosecond modes to meet a variety of skin- and tattoo-treatment needs.”
Stimulating Collagen Beneath the Skin (Fractional Laser)
In addition to tattoo removal, the PicoWay and Discovery Pico Picosecond lasers can stimulate collagen beneath the skin through a treatment known as Fractional Laser. This helps rejuvenate the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, dark spots, and scars. A key operating mechanism is Dermal LIOB (Laser-induced optical breakdown), in which laser energy creates tiny cavities beneath the skin, prompting the body to produce new collagen.
PicoWay has a Fractional Laser handpiece called the Focus Lens Array. It distributes laser energy into tiny points beneath the skin, creating Dermal LIOB and effectively stimulating collagen production to make the skin appear smoother and more youthful.
Meanwhile, Discovery Pico has a Fractional Laser handpiece called DOAE (Diffractive Optical Element Array). It works similarly by creating Dermal LIOB to stimulate collagen production beneath the skin, supporting skin renewal and improving its overall condition.
The Vanish Clinic summarizes it as follows: “In summary, PicoWay and Discovery Pico each use their own Fractional Laser handpiece to create Dermal LIOB and stimulate collagen production beneath the skin. This provides an additional benefit alongside tattoo removal and helps improve the skin’s overall appearance.”
Discovery Pico Tattoo Removal Reviews from The Vanish Clinic
Article Summary
Choosing between PicoWay and Discovery Pico depends on your needs and the condition of your tattoo. Both devices are highly effective for tattoo removal. PicoWay stands out for finely breaking down pigment while reducing heat accumulation, whereas Discovery Pico offers flexibility through its adjustable treatment modes. The Vanish Clinic uses modern Pico Laser technology to give you confidence in achieving the best possible results.
Consult a Medical Specialist at The Vanish Clinic
- Tel: 091-426-3624
- Line ID: @thevanishclinic (include the @)
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Learn more: www.thevanishclinic.com
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