This is a question that I get quite commonly. PicoPlus, Pico way and Picosure are different brands of quality Picosecond lasers.
There are other picolaser brands like discovery picolaser, Picocare and Enlighten.
This being said, there are several differences amongst Picolasers:
1. Pulse duration
- the hallmark of Picosecond lasers is the ultra-short pulse duration as compared to nanosecond in Q switched lasers. Pulse duration is important as shorter pulse duration means less photo thermal effect (less heat) to surrounding skin.
- the "gold standard" pulse duration is widely accepted to be 450 Picoseconds. Picolasers like PicoPlus, Discovery pico and Picocare have 450 Picosecond pulse durations.
2. Number of Picosecond Wavelengths
- more wavelengths means more types of pigmentation conditions that can be treated.
- PicoPlus & Picocare have 4 Picosecond wavelengths. Discovery pico has 3 wavelengths. PicoSure has 2 wavelengths.
3. Peak Power
- high peak power means more Laser energy to break down stubborn pigments, which translates to better results in fewer sessions.
- Discovery pico and Picoplus have the highest peak power of 1.8GW.
Apart from technical specifications of machines, do consider the following 2 factors which affect results too.
1. Country of manufacture
- research and clinical protocols for the picolaser are developed based on the predominant skin type of their population (Korean lasers have been studied on korean/oriental skin).
- Korean Picolasers like Lutronic's Picoplus and Wontech's Picocare have been developed to treat stubborn pigments in Asian skin.
- other picolasers were originally made predominantly for tattoo removal in Caucasian skin.
- Experience & Training of the doctor in that specific Picolaser
- at the end of the day, an excellent picolaser that is suitable for Asian skin is just a tool for the doctor.
- look for a doctor who has been well-trained by key opinion leaders in the laser.
Special note: look at the credibility and track record of the laser manufacturer.
Syneron which produces Picoway has a history of producing excellent lasers.
Similarly, Lutronic, which produced PicoPlus, has a legacy of producing top grade pigment lasers like Spectra XT (Q switched laser).
Hope that this helps!
Warmest regards,
Dr Justin Boey
