Comparison Guides
Pro 1 Pico vs Cynosure PicoSure
For tattoo and pigment across Fitzpatrick I–VI, the Pro 1 Pico's 1064 nm picosecond delivery reaches ~1.6 GW single-pulse (800 mJ ÷ 500 ps) vs ~0.27 GW for the 755 nm PicoSure, and adds long-pulse vascular and hair-reduction modes the PicoSure does not have.
The Pro 1 Pico leads on 1064 nm wavelength (deeper, safer across skin types), higher peak power, and added vascular/hair-reduction modes; the PicoSure is a 755 nm picosecond pigment platform.
- Peak power: ~1.6 GW single-pulse (800 mJ ÷ 500 ps) vs ~0.27 GW (PicoSure, 200 mJ ÷ 750 ps), plus up to 1600 mJ cumulative PTP dual-pulse energy.
- Primary wavelength: 1064 nm Nd:YAG vs 755 nm Alexandrite.
- Pro 1 Pico adds long-pulse 1064 nm vascular and hair-reduction modes; PicoSure is picosecond-only.
- 1064 nm penetrates deeper with lower melanin absorption — suited across Fitzpatrick I–VI.
Side-by-side specifications
| Specification | Pro 1 Pico | Cynosure PicoSure |
|---|---|---|
| Peak power (calculated) | ~1.6 GW single-pulse (800 mJ ÷ 500 ps) | ~0.27 GW (200 mJ ÷ 750 ps) |
| Primary wavelength | 1064 nm Nd:YAG | 755 nm Alexandrite |
| Additional wavelengths | 532 nm (+ optional 585/650 nm) | 532 / 1064 nm (optional, tattoo only) |
| Pulse width | 500 ps | ~750 ps |
| Max pulse energy | Up to 1600 mJ (double-pulse) | 200 mJ |
| Long-pulse / vascular / hair-reduction mode | Yes — long-pulse 1064 nm | No (picosecond only) |
| Skin-type suitability | All Fitzpatrick types (I–VI) | 755 nm has higher melanin absorption — more caution on darker skin |
| Regulatory | Health Canada licensed (MDL 114765), FDA cleared | FDA cleared; Health Canada authorized |
| Condition | New — full warranty, training, support | New or used (see notes below) |
Cynosure PicoSure specifications per the manufacturer/retailer listing (source); items not published there are shown as “Not specified.”
Key differences
- Higher peak power: ~1.6 GW single-pulse (800 mJ ÷ 500 ps) vs ~0.27 GW for the 755 nm PicoSure — plus up to 1600 mJ cumulative PTP dual-pulse energy.
- 1064 nm primary penetrates deeper with lower melanin absorption — suited across Fitzpatrick I–VI; 755 nm competes more with surface melanin.
- Adds long-pulse 1064 nm vascular and hair-reduction modes — the PicoSure is a picosecond pigment platform only.
- A new Pro 1 Pico includes warranty, training, and support; a used picosecond laser can carry recertification, parts, and service considerations.
Peak power, honestly
Peak power is energy divided by pulse duration — the instantaneous power driving the photoacoustic effect. At 1064 nm the Pro 1 Pico delivers up to 800 mJ in a single 500 ps pulse, which calculates to ~1.6 GW. Its PTP dual-pulse mode adds energy headroom — up to 1600 mJ of cumulative energy delivered across two closely spaced picosecond pulses, rather than one larger pulse. The PicoSure, at 200 mJ over ~750 ps, calculates to ~0.27 GW.
Wavelength and skin-type
The PicoSure is built on a 755 nm Alexandrite wavelength, which is absorbed more strongly by surface melanin. The Pro 1 Pico’s primary 1064 nm Nd:YAG penetrates deeper with lower melanin absorption, which is why it is used across all Fitzpatrick skin types (I–VI). Specific treatments depend on the device, configuration, and provider assessment.
Versatility the PicoSure does not have
The PicoSure is a picosecond pigment and tattoo platform. The Pro 1 Pico adds a dedicated long-pulse 1064 nm mode for vascular protocols and hair-reduction — so a single platform covers more of a clinic’s menu.
New vs used: what you’re really buying
A used picosecond laser can carry recertification, proprietary consumable/handpiece access, software and field-service, and out-of-warranty repair considerations. A new Pro 1 Pico includes a manufacturer warranty, training, and ongoing support.
Competitor specifications are taken from Cynosure’s published materials for a new device; used units may differ. This is a factual specification comparison, not a clinical-outcome claim.
Summary
For a clinic that wants all-skin-type pigment and tattoo work plus added revenue from vascular and hair-reduction protocols, the Pro 1 Pico is the more versatile, higher-peak-power platform: 1064 nm picosecond delivery at ~1.6 GW single-pulse versus the 755 nm PicoSure's ~0.27 GW, with up to 1600 mJ cumulative PTP dual-pulse energy and long-pulse modes the PicoSure does not offer — and, new, it carries full warranty and training.
FAQs
Is the Pro 1 Pico more powerful than the PicoSure?
On calculated single-pulse peak power, yes. The Pro 1 Pico reaches ~1.6 GW (800 mJ ÷ 500 ps) versus ~0.27 GW for the PicoSure (200 mJ ÷ 750 ps), and adds up to 1600 mJ of cumulative PTP dual-pulse energy. Peak power is energy divided by pulse duration.
Why does 1064 nm matter versus 755 nm for darker skin?
The 755 nm Alexandrite wavelength is absorbed more strongly by surface melanin, so darker skin types are treated with more caution. The Pro 1 Pico's 1064 nm penetrates deeper with lower melanin absorption, which is why it is used across Fitzpatrick I–VI.
Can the PicoSure treat vascular lesions or perform hair removal?
No — the PicoSure is a picosecond pigment/tattoo platform. The Pro 1 Pico adds a long-pulse 1064 nm mode used for vascular protocols and hair-reduction, expanding the treatment menu from one device.
What wavelengths does each platform use?
The Pro 1 Pico uses 1064 nm and 532 nm (with optional 585/650 nm handpieces). The PicoSure is primarily a 755 nm device, with optional 532/1064 nm modules for tattoo indications.
Does peak power affect tattoo and pigment clearance?
Higher peak power increases the photoacoustic effect that fragments pigment. Actual session counts still depend on ink type, depth, colour, skin type, and provider settings, so results vary by patient.
Should I buy a used PicoSure?
A used picosecond laser can look cheaper upfront, but consider recertification, proprietary consumables/handpieces, software and field service access, and out-of-warranty repair exposure. A new Pro 1 Pico includes warranty, training, and support with no recertification fees.
Is the Pro 1 Pico licensed in Canada?
Yes — the Pro 1 Pico is licensed by Health Canada under Medical Device Licence 114765 and is FDA cleared via the 510(k) framework.
What does the Pro 1 Pico add beyond tattoo and pigment?
Beyond picosecond pigment and tattoo work, its long-pulse 1064 nm mode supports vascular and hair-reduction protocols, so one platform covers more of a clinic's service menu.