Clinical Education
Pro 1 Pico for Tattoo Removal
The Pro 1 Pico fragments tattoo ink with 1064 nm picosecond pulses via a photomechanical effect, suited to darker skin. Published studies show effective clearance with low long-term pigment change in skin types III–IV.
The Pro 1 Pico shatters tattoo ink into tiny particles using ultra-short 1064 nm pulses. The 1064 nm wavelength is well suited to darker skin, and studies report effective clearance with few long-term pigment changes.
- 1064 nm picosecond suits darker skin types due to lower melanin absorption.
- A photomechanical (photoacoustic) effect may reduce heat spread versus longer nanosecond pulses.
- 532 nm and optional 585/650 nm handpieces address warmer and resistant ink colours.
Key facts
In published clinical studies, 1064 nm picosecond laser tattoo removal was associated with effective clearance and a low rate of long-term pigment changes in skin types III–IV.
Picosecond lasers work primarily through a photomechanical (photoacoustic) effect that may reduce heat spread to surrounding skin compared with longer nanosecond pulses.
The 1064 nm wavelength is less absorbed by epidermal melanin than shorter wavelengths, which may help reduce the risk of pigment-related side effects in darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick IV–VI).
The Pro 1 Pico's twin-pulse mode distributes energy across paired picosecond sub-pulses, a design intended to keep per-pulse intensity lower while preserving the photoacoustic effect that fragments pigment.
How the Pro 1 Pico clears tattoo ink
Picosecond pulses act through a photomechanical (photoacoustic) effect: ultra-short bursts fragment tattoo ink into smaller particles that the body clears over time. Because the effect is mechanical rather than purely thermal, picosecond delivery may reduce heat spread to surrounding skin compared with longer nanosecond pulses.
Wavelengths and ink colours
Different inks respond to different wavelengths. The Pro 1 Pico uses 1064 nm for dark and black ink and 532 nm for red and warm-toned ink, with optional 585 nm and 650 nm pigment handpieces for selected blue and green inks.
Darker skin types
The 1064 nm wavelength is less absorbed by epidermal melanin, which is why it is the wavelength used for tattoo removal in darker skin. Published studies report effective clearance with a low rate of long-term pigment changes in skin types III–IV.
Realistic expectations
Tattoo removal is a course of treatments. The number of sessions and degree of clearance depend on ink type, depth, colour, age, body location, and skin type; complete clearance is not assured.
See the Pro 1 Pico and the tattoo removal overview for related detail. This page is educational; suitability is determined by a trained provider.
Technologies covered
Related devices
Related applications
FAQs
Can the Pro 1 Pico remove tattoos on darker skin?
Yes — its 1064 nm picosecond delivery is the wavelength used for darker skin. In published studies, 1064 nm picosecond tattoo removal was associated with effective clearance and a low rate of long-term pigment changes in skin types III–IV.
How many sessions does tattoo removal take?
It varies with ink type, density, depth, colour, age, body location, and skin type. Tattoo removal is a course of treatments; a clinician estimates a realistic plan, and complete clearance cannot be assured.
Which ink colours can it treat?
The 1064 nm wavelength targets dark and black ink; 532 nm targets red and warm tones; optional 585 nm and 650 nm handpieces add options for selected blue and green inks.
Is tattoo removal painful?
Most patients describe discomfort during treatment that is managed with cooling and technique. Picosecond delivery is generally well tolerated; experiences vary by individual and area.
Does it remove a tattoo completely?
Tattoos fade progressively over a course of treatments. Degree of clearance depends on ink and patient factors, and complete clearance is not assured for every tattoo.