PicoWay vs PicoSure,

Selection criteria by pigment type based on wavelength

The clinic starts getting busy with consultations about old melasma and spots.

.

"Some say PicoWay is better and

some say PicoSure is better, so

I don't know where to go" and

there are really many people who say that.

Today I'll walk you through the reason step by step.

PicoWay

vs PicoSure search,

what you're really wondering is this

PicoWay uses three wavelengths: 1064nm, 532nm, 785nm

A multi-wavelength picosecond laser

with three wavelengths.

Meanwhile, PicoSure is the representative

picosecond laser that uses a single 755nm wavelength.

Because PicoWay can be used by switching wavelengths,

it covers black and brown as well as red and blue

color tattoos across a wide range,

while PicoSure focuses its output on one wavelength,

delivering very stable results in melanin breakdown.

Why, with the same picosecond laser,

does some choose PicoWay,

and others PicoSure?

"PicoSure's strength is its 755nm single wavelength,

and PicoWay's strength is its multi-wavelength capability.

For color tattoos or deep black,

PicoWay is advantageous,

while light pigmentation and spots

are a tradeoff where PicoSure is advantageous."

— Director Wi Young-jin (Hongdae Beautystone Clinic)

These two devices have different wavelengths.

Different wavelengths mean that

the light penetrates to different depths in the skin,

and the pigments it breaks down more effectively

are different.

PicoSure's 755nm is strongly absorbed by brown melanin,

that is, by what we commonly call

spots, melasma, and light pigmented lesions.

In contrast, PicoWay's 1064nm penetrates deeper

and shows a strong capability against dark black and blue pigments.

Therefore, cases like removing color tattoos

or dark black Ota nevus

are much more favorable for PicoWay,

while light brown pigments such as spots and melasma

tend to come off more cleanly with PicoSure.

A 50-year-old patient who visited last week

had mainly superficial brown melasma,

and in such cases, rather than a deeper wavelength, 755nm

hits the pigment more precisely,

so it fell under PicoSure indications.

PicoWay vs PicoSure,

Guide to choosing by pigment type

Take a look at the table and find your case.

Of course, melasma often mixes superficial and dermal types.

.

In that case, combining PicoWay's various modes

may be more efficient.

In the first consultation, I first check pigment depth

with a Wood's lamp,

then decide on the final device based on the depth.

By now, if you've read this far,

you may be wondering this

Q1. Since both are good devices anyway,

can I get treated at the nearest place?

No, if you receive treatment with a wavelength that doesn't match your pigment,

the number of sessions only increases and the results don't come.

I often see unfortunate cases in the clinic where

the pigment is in the dermis but people were

receiving treatment only with superficial wavelengths.

Q2. How many sessions are usually needed?

Based on superficial spots and melasma, 3-5 sessions,

and for dermal pigment or tattoos,

it's realistic to plan for 6 or more sessions.

Usually around the third session, many people say, "It really faded."

.

Q3. After treatment, the pigment seems darker

Is that a side effect?

As the broken melanin rises to the surface,

it may temporarily look darker

before shedding, which can be a normal process.

However, if the border spreads for more than a month,

the treatment interval needs to be adjusted, so

you must come in for a check.

If you take away just one thing today,

— more important than the device name is where your own pigment

is and what color it is in the skin.

In the next post,

I'll explain 'how to distinguish toning mode and

zoom handpiece within the same PicoWay'

.

This was Wi Young-jin.

Read together

• How many sessions on average until PicoWay tattoo removal is gone?

• PicoWay tattoo removal: how many sessions are needed? Complete guide by color and location

Frequently asked questions

Q. Either way, both are good devices, so can I pick it up from a nearby location?

A. No, if you get treated with wavelengths that aren’t suited to your skin pigment, you’ll just end up needing more sessions without seeing results.

Q. How many times should I usually plan for?

A. For superficial spots and melasma, 3 to 5 sessions is standard, while for dermal pigmentation or tattoos, it is realistic to expect 6 or more sessions.

Q. The pigmentation seems to have gotten darker after the procedure. Is this a side effect?

A. It may be a normal process in which broken-down melanin rises to the surface, temporarily looks darker, and then sheds.

Q. If I have a mix of superficial and dermal melasma, which is better between Picoway and Picosure?

A. If you have a mix of pigmentation types, combining different modes of Picoway can be highly effective. The 755nm wavelength works best for light, superficial pigment, while the 1064nm is ideal for deeper pigment. We recommend checking the depth with a Wood's lamp first.

Device choice is one question; how many sessions your tattoo may need is another. For tattoo cases, Beautystone uses the Kirby–Desai assessment in consultation, reviewing skin type, location, ink amount, layering, scarring and colour to give an expected range once the wavelength plan is decided. It is an estimate that we revisit as the pigment responds. If you are in Seoul for a limited period, mention it so we can prioritise what fits.

See how we plan tattoo sessions after device selection