Shopping for tattoo removal in Toronto? You’ll run into two kinds of lasers: PicoWay (picosecond) and traditional lasers (nanosecond, often called Q-switched). They both remove tattoos. They’re not the same.
Here’s the plain-language breakdown.
The Core Difference: Speed
Traditional tattoo removal lasers fire pulses measured in nanoseconds — billionths of a second. PicoWay fires in picoseconds — trillionths of a second. That’s roughly 1,000 times faster.
This isn’t a spec-sheet flex. The speed changes how the laser interacts with your ink.
Traditional lasers mostly heat the ink until it breaks apart. PicoWay’s ultra-short pulse creates a photo-mechanical shockwave — it shatters the ink into far smaller particles without relying on heat. Smaller particles are easier for your immune system to flush away.
Fewer Sessions With PicoWay
Because each PicoWay session breaks ink down more thoroughly, most clients need fewer sessions overall to reach their goal — whether that’s full removal or fading for a cover-up.
This is the number that matters for your wallet. A clinic quoting a lower per-session price with an older laser can end up costing you more in total if it takes significantly more sessions. Always ask: what laser do you use, and how many sessions do you expect for my tattoo?
Better on Stubborn Colours
Some ink colours have always been the hard part of tattoo removal. Black is the easiest — it absorbs laser light best. But colours like blue, red, orange, and purple have historically needed many sessions with traditional lasers, and some never fully cleared.
PicoWay’s dual wavelengths (532nm and 1064nm) target a wider range of ink colours more effectively. Tattoos that stalled out with older lasers — the ones where someone did eight sessions and gave up — are exactly the cases where PicoWay often succeeds.
Safer for All Skin Tones
Here’s a big one. Traditional lasers carry a higher risk of pigment changes on darker skin tones, because the heat they generate can affect the skin’s own melanin.
PicoWay’s photo-mechanical approach uses minimal heat. That’s why it’s considered safe and effective across all skin tones — a major reason Toronto clients with deeper skin tones specifically seek it out.
Less Discomfort, Less Downtime
Less heat also means a more comfortable treatment. Most PicoWay clients describe a quick snapping or tingling sensation. Sessions are short — small tattoos take minutes — and there’s no downtime. You leave and get on with your day.
What Traditional Lasers Still Do Fine
To be fair: traditional Q-switched lasers do remove tattoos, especially simple black-ink designs. If a clinic near you uses one and quotes you a fair total price for your specific tattoo, it’s not a scam. It’s just older technology that typically needs more sessions to do the same job.
Questions to Ask Any Toronto Tattoo Removal Clinic
Whether you choose us or someone else, go in armed with these:
What exact laser model do you use? “PicoWay” is specific. “A picosecond laser” is vague — ask for the name. Candela’s PicoWay is the benchmark.
How many sessions do you expect for my tattoo — and why? The “why” matters. They should reference your ink colours, size, and depth, not just hand you a package.
What happens if my tattoo needs more sessions than estimated? Honest clinics explain that estimates are estimates. Be wary of anyone guaranteeing a fixed number.
Do you treat all skin tones? If they hesitate, walk away. PicoWay handles all skin tones — a clinic should say so confidently.
Can I see your own before-and-after photos? Not manufacturer brochures. Their clients, their laser, their results.
Quick Answers
Is PicoWay really worth it over a cheaper laser? Do the total-cost math: fewer sessions at a higher per-session price usually beats many sessions at a lower price. Plus better colour clearance.
Can PicoWay remove my tattoo completely? Most tattoos can be fully removed or faded to nearly invisible. We’ll tell you honestly what’s realistic for yours at your consultation.
How do I know a clinic actually has PicoWay? Ask for the machine by name and look for Candela branding. Real PicoWay providers are proud to show it.
The Bottom Line for Toronto Clients
If you want the fastest path to faded or gone — fewer sessions, better colour clearance, safe on all skin tones — PicoWay is the better technology. That’s why we invested in it at our clinic.
But don’t take a blog post’s word for it. Come see us, show us your tattoo, and we’ll tell you honestly what PicoWay can do for it, how many sessions it will likely take, and exactly what it costs. Free consultation, no pressure.
New Skin Laser Clinic, 1834 Queen St E, Toronto. Call (416) 317-6696 to book.