PicoSure vs Q-Switched Tattoo Removal: Choosing the Right Laser for Your Tattoo
- Growth Foundry
- 2 days ago
- 7 min read
This guide covers the difference between PicoSure® and Q-switched tattoo removal.
Key Takeaways:
PicoSure® uses fast picosecond pulses, while the Q-switch laser uses slower nanosecond energy.
PicoSure® uses pressure to break ink, while Q-switch lasers rely more on heat and sound waves.
PicoSure® works well on colours like blue and green, while Q-switch lasers reach deep red and dark pigments with strong wavelengths.
PicoSure® often feels gentler during treatment, while Q-switch may feel warmer or sharper.
PicoSure® often causes mild skin reactions, while Q-switch treatments may cause deeper redness or swelling.
PicoSure® may need fewer sessions for some colours, while Q-switch may take more visits for deep ink.
If you have any questions about PicoSure®, call us at (905) 451-4545. We offer laser tattoo removal in Mississauga. Our studio is located at 37 Dundas St W, Mississauga, ON L5B 1H2, Canada.
PicoSure® vs Q-Switched Tattoo Removal
PicoSure uses ultra-fast pressure pulses, while Q-switched lasers use slower heat-based pulses. This difference changes how each system breaks ink, reacts with skin, and clears different pigment types.
PicoSure® creates a strong pressure wave that cracks pigment into very fine particles without significantly raising skin temperature. Q-switched devices rely on heat to fracture pigment, which can slow fading for tough colours and may lead to more redness after a visit.
Both systems treat many colours well, but they do it in different ways. The table below shows the main differences so you can see which one fits your ink, skin, and treatment goals.
PicoSure® vs Q-Switch: Comparison Table
Feature | PicoSure (Picosecond) | Q-Switch (Nanosecond) |
Pulse speed | Picosecond pulses that rely on pressure | Nanosecond pulses that rely on heat |
How it breaks pigment | Shatters pigment with a photomechanical effect | Breaks pigment with a photoacoustic and heat-based effect |
Ink response | Strong for black, blue, teal, and green | Strong for black and dark blue, may need more visits for other shades |
Skin reaction | Less heat, lower chance of swelling or hot spots | More heat, slightly higher chance of redness or irritation |
Number of sessions | Often, fewer visits for the same tattoo | Usually more visits due to slower pulse speed |
Comfort level | Many people find it more comfortable | Can feel sharper because of heat |
Recovery time | Redness usually fades faster | Redness may last longer in some cases |
Best uses | Tough colours, layered ink, for those wanting faster fading | Dark ink, older tattoos, for those okay with slower fading |
1. PicoSure® Lasers Use Picosecond Pulses, While Q-Switch Laser Uses Slower Nanosecond Energy
The PicoSure® laser technology uses picosecond energy to break down ink with a pressure effect, while the Q-switch laser uses slower nanosecond energy that relies more on light and heat.
PicoSure® uses picosecond pulses. A picosecond is a trillionth of a second. This fast pulse creates a pressure wave inside the ink. The pressure breaks the ink into tiny pieces. These small pieces travel through the lymphatic system. This speed lowers heat in the skin, which helps protect nearby tissue.
The Q-switch laser uses nanosecond pulses. A nanosecond is a billionth of a second. These pulses stay longer inside the skin. The ink absorbs light and converts some of it into heat. This heat helps break the ink into pieces that the body clears over time. This method has been used for many years and remains one of the most common systems in tattoo removal.
Both systems are safe when used by trained technicians. They just use two different ways to reach the ink and break it apart.
2. PicoSure® Targets Certain Ink Colours With a 755 nm Wavelength, While Q-Switch Laser Systems Target Dark and Red Pigments With 1064 and 532 nm
PicoSure® focuses on colours like blue and green at 755 nm, while Q-switch lasers use 1064 and 532 nm to reach dark and red pigments.
PicoSure® uses a 755 nm Alexandrite wavelength. This wavelength is known to interact well with blue and green ink. These colours are often harder to fade with some older lasers because they do not absorb light as easily as dark ink. It matches these tones better, which helps with steady fading. Some devices also use a 532 nm handpiece to address red or orange ink.
Q-switched Neodymium-doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (Nd: YAG) systems typically offer 1064 nm and 532 nm wavelengths. The 1064 nm wavelength is known for dark ink because black absorbs this light well. The 532 nm wavelength works for red, orange, and some yellow tones. This is why Q-switch lasers are known for handling deep, dark shades and strong red tones found in many tattoos.
Both systems can work on mixed colours. The choice depends on pigment type and how your skin responds to each wavelength.
3. PicoSure® Creates Smaller Ink Particles for Laser Results, While Q-Switched Breaks Larger Ink Particles
PicoSure® breaks ink into smaller particles, while Q-switched creates larger fragments that take longer to clear.
PicoSure® produces a photomechanical effect. This means the laser energy vibrates the ink instead of heating it. This vibration breaks the ink into tiny dust-like pieces. These pieces move through the lymphatic system over the weeks after each visit. Smaller pieces help your body clear ink at a steady pace.
Q-switch lasers produce a photoacoustic effect mixed with more heat. The pulses are short and strong. The light and heat break the ink into fragments. These fragments can be larger than the pieces created by a picosecond laser. Larger pieces still clear, but they may need more time and more appointments.
This is why PicoSure® can show faster visual fading for some colours and some styles.
4. PicoSure® Feels Gentle During Laser Treatment, While Q-Switched Lasers Can Feel Sharper or Warmer
PicoSure® often feels gentler during laser treatment, while Q-switched laser treatment may feel sharper or warmer due to slower pulses.
PicoSure® uses fast energy that limits heat buildup. Many people describe the feeling as quick snaps. We offer numbing cream to help with comfort. We also take breaks during the visit to avoid stress on the skin.
Q-switched lasers can create more warmth because the energy stays longer in the skin. People often feel a sharper snap or a warm pulse. This is normal with nanosecond systems. Clinics that use Q-switch lasers usually rely on cooling devices or numbing steps to support comfort.
Both methods are safe. They just feel different because the energy lasts for different lengths of time.
5. PicoSure® Heals With Milder Skin Reaction While Q-Switch May Create Deeper Redness or Swelling
PicoSure® creates mild skin reactions, while Q-switch can lead to stronger redness or swelling due to more heat.
PicoSure® directs most of its energy into the ink rather than the surrounding skin. This lowers heat stress. Typical reactions include light redness, mild swelling, or a frosted look that settles in a few hours. These reactions show that the ink responded to the laser.
Q-switch lasers rely more on heat. This heat can create deeper redness or swelling on the first day. Some people see small blisters or crusting when dark ink reacts strongly. This response is normal and depends on the ink concentration. As long as you follow the aftercare, the skin heals well.
Both systems need sun care, clean skin, and space between visits to protect the area.
6. PicoSure® Often Needs Fewer Sessions for Certain Colours, While Q-Switch May Need More Visits for Deep Ink
PicoSure® may require fewer sessions for some colours, such as blue and green, while Q-switch may require more visits for deep, dark ink.
PicoSure® creates smaller ink particles. This can support faster fading for colours that match the 755 nm wavelength. Many clients notice clear progress every four weeks. We review the area after each visit and adjust settings or timing based on the skin.
The Q-switch laser reaches deep black ink very well. Deep ink often sits lower in the dermis. This may require more visits because the body clears large, dark clusters more slowly. Most treatment plans involve several appointments spaced four to eight weeks apart.
The number of sessions depends on the depth of the ink, the colour, your skin type, and how your immune system clears the pigment.
Book a Free PicoSure® Laser Tattoo Removal Consultation in Mississauga
We offer Pico laser tattoo removal at our Mississauga clinic. We use safe energy settings, clear aftercare steps, and steady spacing between visits. Our lead technician, Steven, has over eleven years of experience in laser treatment. We welcome all tattoo sizes and colours.
Call (905) 451-4545 to book your visit or send us a photo for a quick review.
FAQs
What is picosecond vs nanosecond tattoo removal?
Picosecond laser tattoo removal uses faster pulses that create a pressure effect to break the ink into tiny pieces. Nanosecond lasers use slower pulses that rely on heat and sound waves to break the ink into larger fragments.
What is Q-switched Nd YAG tattoo removal?
Q-switched Nd YAG uses 1064 and 532 nanometer wavelengths to target dark ink and red tones. The laser energy breaks the ink into pieces that your body clears between visits.
What is Alexandrite laser tattoo removal?
Alexandrite laser uses a 755-nanometer wavelength that works well on blue and green ink. This wavelength reaches these colours because the light matches how these pigments absorb energy.
Is PicoSure for colour tattoo removal effective?
PicoSure for colour tattoos works well on blue and green ink because its 755-nanometer wavelength matches these colours. Some clinics also use a 532-nanometer handpiece to address red and orange areas.
What is PicoSure vs PicoWay tattoo removal?
PicoSure uses a 755-nanometer wavelength and focuses on blue and green tones. PicoWay uses multiple wavelengths that target a wider range of colours, including deep dark ink and bright red or yellow areas.
What is Enlighten vs PicoSure tattoo removal?
Enlighten uses both picosecond and nanosecond settings with several wavelengths. PicoSure uses picosecond pulses at 755 nm. The choice depends on ink colour, depth, and how your skin responds to each device.
How many PicoSure sessions for a tattoo removal?
Most people need 4 to 8 sessions. The number depends on ink depth, colour, skin tone, and how your body clears pigment between visits.
What are the PicoSure tattoo removal side effects?
PicoSure side effects may include redness, mild swelling, or a frosted look on the skin for a short time. These reactions settle as the area heals.
Can you switch laser technology systems during a tattoo removal plan?
Yes, you can switch laser systems during a tattoo removal plan. There is no harm in pausing your treatments and resuming with a different laser.