If you are researching Pico laser types, you will quickly encounter terms such as picosecond, Nd, Q-switched, 1064nm, 532nm, 585nm, 650nm, fractional Pico and multi-wavelength Pico lasers. Although some of these terms are used interchangeably, they describe different aspects of laser technology.
A Pico laser is primarily defined by its extremely short pulse duration. However, professional systems can differ in their laser source, wavelengths, pulse widths, operating modes, peak power, spot sizes, and handpieces. These differences affect the pigments a machine can target, the treatments it can support, and how well it fits a clinic's service model.
For clinic owners and aesthetic professionals comparing professional aesthetic laser equipment, the word “Pico” is only the starting point. The full machine configuration matters. This guide explains Pico laser technology through the wavelengths and machine configurations available from BeautiMed: 1064nm, 532nm, 585nm and 650nm.
A Pico laser delivers energy in extremely short pulses measured in picoseconds. One picosecond is one trillionth of a second. Traditional pigment and tattoo-removal lasers commonly use nanosecond pulses. Pico technology delivers energy over a much shorter period, producing high peak power and a strong photoacoustic or photomechanical effect.
Instead of relying mainly on prolonged heating, the rapid pulse helps break targeted tattoo ink or unwanted pigment into smaller particles. The body's natural clearance processes can then gradually remove these particles. This is why picosecond technology is used in professional tattoo removal, pigmentation correction, and selected skin-rejuvenation treatments.
BeautiMed offers different approaches within this category, including a pure picosecond system, a hybrid Nd Q-switched laser with fast pico pulses, and a dependable Q-switched Nd platform. Understanding these differences helps clinics choose a machine based on treatment goals rather than terminology alone.
There is no single fixed list of Pico laser types. Professional systems are normally compared using characteristics such as:
Within the BeautiMed range, the most relevant distinctions are the pulse architecture and the available 1064nm, 532nm, 585nm and 650nm wavelengths.
Nd is an established laser technology used in professional tattoo removal and pigmentation equipment. Its primary wavelength is 1064nm. A 532nm wavelength can also be produced, giving a professional system access to wavelengths with different optical characteristics.
BeautiMed builds on this foundation with systems ranging from Q-switched nanosecond delivery to fast picosecond pulses and specialized wavelength handpieces.
The 1064nm wavelength penetrates relatively deeply and has lower absorption by epidermal melanin than shorter visible wavelengths. In tattoo removal, it is commonly associated with black and other dark tattoo pigments. It may also be used within treatment plans for selected deeper pigmentation concerns, depending on the machine, diagnosis, and practitioner protocol.
Skin assessment, suitable parameters, and practitioner training remain essential for every skin type and treatment indication.
The 532nm wavelength interacts more strongly with superficial pigment. In tattoo removal, it is commonly associated with selected warmer ink colours, including red and orange. Because 532nm also interacts more strongly with epidermal melanin, treatment planning should account for skin type, pigment depth, fluence, spot size and other clinical factors.
A professional system offering both 1064nm and 532nm gives clinics flexibility across darker, deeper targets and selected superficial or warmer-colored pigments.
BeautiMed offers 585nm as a specialized wavelength option within selected Pico configurations. It is designed to extend the machine's flexibility when practitioners are assessing selected tattoo ink colors and pigment targets that may respond differently from those commonly addressed with 1064nm or 532nm.
The suitability of this wavelength depends on the ink composition, pigment depth, skin type, device configuration, and approved treatment protocol.
The 650nm wavelength is another specialized option available with selected BeautiMed Pico machines.
It further broadens the wavelength selection available to clinics treating multicolored or resistant tattoos. As with every wavelength, it should not be selected by color alone. Ink chemistry, treatment history, skin type, fluence, spot size, and practitioner assessment all affect the treatment approach.
Tattoo ink does not consist of one universal pigment. Tattoos may contain black, red, orange, blue, green, and mixed pigments, with variations in composition, density and depth.
One wavelength will not interact with every pigment in the same way. Access to 1064nm, 532nm, 585nm and 650nm gives appropriately trained practitioners more options when planning treatments for different tattoo and pigmentation presentations.
This does not mean that more wavelengths automatically make a machine suitable for every case. The machine's pulse duration, power, beam quality, handpieces, and treatment protocols remain equally important.
A more useful question than “Which wavelength is best?” is:
Which wavelength and machine configuration are appropriate for the pigment, depth, skin type and treatment indication being assessed?
This table is a general equipment overview, not a treatment protocol. Suitability depends on the individual client, ink chemistry, diagnosis, skin type, pigment depth, machine configuration and practitioner training.
A hybrid system gives practitioners access to more than one pulse-delivery approach rather than restricting the machine to a single operating mode.
BeautiMed's PicoMed is a hybrid Nd Q-switched laser with fast pico pulses, designed for tattoo removal, pigment breakdown, and skin revitalization.
PicoMed offers four operating modes:
Its 1064nm and 532nm wavelengths are standard. Specialised 585nm and 650nm wavelength options are also available, along with fractional capability.
This combination gives clinics greater control over pulse delivery and wavelength selection. It can be valuable for practices treating varied tattoo pigments or expanding into pigmentation and skin-revitalization services.
Shorter is not automatically better for every treatment scenario. Experienced practitioners should consider the target, required energy delivery, wavelength, pulse structure and treatment protocol together.
Pure picosecond systems are engineered around extremely short pulse delivery. They generate high peak power over a very brief period, creating a pronounced photoacoustic effect on targeted ink and pigment.
BeautiMed's PicoMed Pro is its premium pure picosecond machine. It offers:
PicoMed Pro is designed for clinics focused on advanced tattoo removal, pigmentation correction and skin rejuvenation.
When comparing pure picosecond systems, clinics should look beyond the category name. Pulse width, peak power, energy output, beam profile, wavelength delivery, spot size, and handpiece selection all influence how a machine performs.
BeautiMed's PicoMed 01 is a Q-switched Nd machine designed for reliable tattoo removal, pigmentation correction, and skin-rejuvenation applications.
It operates with 1064 nm and 532 nm wavelengths and uses nanosecond pulse delivery. This makes it different from the fast pico-pulse architecture of PicoMed and the pure picosecond approach of PicoMed Pro.
PicoMed 01 provides clinics with a focused dual-wavelength platform, adjustable treatment parameters and an established Q-switched approach. It can suit businesses seeking dependable professional capability without requiring the broader configuration of the other two systems.
The right choice depends on the clinic's treatment menu, client base, expected treatment volume, budget, and long-term growth plans.
Fractional Pico refers to the way laser energy is delivered rather than to a separate laser source or wavelength. A fractional handpiece redistributes energy into multiple microscopic treatment zones. Depending on the machine and approved protocol, this delivery method may support treatment plans involving:
This is important when comparing machines because two systems may provide similar wavelengths but support different treatment menus due to their handpieces and delivery options.
This comparison is often misunderstood. Picosecond describes pulse duration. Q-switching describes a method of generating high-energy laser pulses. They are not necessarily opposite categories.
Traditional Q-switched pigment lasers commonly operate with nanosecond pulses. However, a hybrid Nd Q-switched platform can also deliver fast pico pulses, as with BeautiMed's PicoMed.
The more useful comparison is therefore between:
This makes it easier to understand the differences between PicoMed 01, PicoMed and PicoMed Pro without reducing the comparison to marketing labels.
A nanosecond is one billionth of a second. A picosecond is one trillionth of a second.
Because picosecond energy is delivered over a shorter period, a system can generate high peak power and a strong photoacoustic effect. This can help fragment targeted pigment and tattoo particles while limiting unnecessary thermal diffusion into surrounding tissue.
However, pulse duration is only one part of machine performance. Clinics should also compare:
A well-configured machine used by a trained practitioner is more important than the word “Pico” alone.
There is no single wavelength that is best for every tattoo. Dark pigment, warmer colours, mixed inks and resistant colours interact differently with laser energy. Tattoo depth, pigment concentration, ink chemistry, previous treatment history and skin type can also affect the response.
Within the BeautiMed range:
The final wavelength and settings should always be selected following appropriate assessment, training, and the machine's approved protocols.
For more information about tattoo color, treatment planning, and laser technology, read BeautiMed's guide to laser tattoo removal.
Choosing a machine for pigmentation is more complex than matching a wavelength to the visible color of a concern. Pigmentation may be epidermal, dermal, or mixed. Conditions that appear similar may also have different causes. Diagnosis, wavelength, pulse duration, fluence, spot size, skin type and treatment technique all influence the approach.
In general:
Practitioners should select technology according to the clinical indication and complete machine configuration, not a generic “Pico pigmentation” label.
No. Depending on the machine, handpieces, and appropriate protocols, BeautiMed Pico systems may support treatment categories involving:
A machine that supports several suitable treatment categories may also provide greater commercial utilisation than equipment purchased for only one service.
When comparing Pico laser machines in Australia, clinics should consider the complete platform.
Confirm which wavelengths are standard, which are optional, and how each wavelength is delivered.
Check the actual pulse architecture and available modes instead of relying solely on the product name.
Review how consistently the system delivers energy across repeated pulses and high treatment volumes.
Adjustable spot sizes and consistent energy distribution can affect flexibility, penetration, energy density and treatment speed.
Specialised wavelength, adjustable-spot and fractional handpieces can significantly expand a machine's treatment capabilities.
Advanced equipment should be supported by practitioner education, clinical guidance, servicing and warranty coverage.
Laser requirements vary across Australia. Clinics should understand the obligations applying to their state, practitioners, and intended treatments.
BeautiMed provides training, laser-hours assistance, licensing guidance, and ongoing clinical support alongside its equipment.
Start with the treatments your clinic intends to provide.
Choose PicoMed Pro if your priority is a premium pure picosecond platform with 1064nm, 532nm, 585nm and 650nm wavelengths, specialized handpieces, and advanced treatment flexibility.
Consider PicoMed if you want a hybrid Nd Q-switched laser with fast pico pulses, multiple operating modes, 1064nm and 532nm as standard, and the option to add 585nm and 650nm.
Consider PicoMed 01 if your clinic needs a dependable Q-switched Nd system built around 1064nm and 532nm nanosecond delivery.
The most suitable machine depends on your service mix, practitioner qualifications, expected volume, client demographics, budget and growth strategy.
Understanding Pico laser types requires looking beyond brand names and considering the full technology platform. BeautiMed's relevant wavelength range is 1064nm, 532nm, 585nm and 650nm. These wavelengths are available in different configurations across PicoMed Pro, PicoMed and PicoMed 01.
PicoMed Pro provides a pure picosecond approach. PicoMed combines hybrid Nd Q-switched technology with fast pico pulses. PicoMed 01 provides established Q-switched Nd performance using nanosecond delivery.
For clinic owners, the best machine is not determined by one specification. Wavelengths, pulse architecture, peak power, handpieces, training, equipment reliability, servicing, and regulatory support all contribute to the long-term value of the investment.
Explore BeautiMed's range of aesthetic and laser equipment or contact BeautiMed to discuss the machine configuration that best matches your clinic's treatment goals.
Across its Pico range, BeautiMed offers 1064nm, 532nm, 585nm and 650nm. Availability depends on the model. PicoMed Pro offers all four wavelengths; PicoMed includes 1064nm and 532nm as standard with 585nm and 650nm options, and PicoMed 01 uses 1064nm and 532nm.
It is a system that combines NdQ-switched architecture with fast picosecond pulse delivery and multiple operating modes. BeautiMed's PicoMed uses this hybrid approach to provide greater flexibility across tattoo removal, pigment breakdown and skin revitalization applications.
PicoMed is a hybrid NdQ-switched laser with fast pico pulses. It provides 1064nm and 532nm as standard, with optional 585nm and 650nm wavelengths. PicoMed Pro is a pure picosecond platform offering all four wavelengths with multiple specialized handpieces.
PicoMed 01 is BeautiMed's Q-switched Nd system. It uses nanosecond pulse delivery with 1064nm and 532nm wavelengths, making it different from PicoMed and PicoMed Pro.
Neither is universally better. The 1064nm wavelength is commonly associated with dark tattoo pigments and deeper targeting, while 532nm is commonly considered for selected warmer tattoo colours and superficial pigment. They serve different purposes.
The 585nm and 650nm options extend the wavelength flexibility of selected BeautiMed Pico configurations. They give trained practitioners additional options when assessing selected tattoo ink colors and pigment targets.
No. Machines can differ in wavelength, pulse duration, peak power, fluence, spot size, beam profile, handpieces, operating modes, and energy stability. Clinics should compare the complete technical platform rather than the word “Pico” alone.
The answer depends on the treatment target and complete machine configuration. Q-switching describes how high-energy pulses are generated, while picosecond describes pulse duration. BeautiMed offers a Q-switched nanosecond system, a hybrid Q-switched system with fast pico pulses, and a pure picosecond system for different clinic requirements.
