PicoWay® vs. Q-Switch Technology

Compare PicoWay® and Q-Switch laser technology to see which offers faster, more effective tattoo removal. PicoWay uses ultra-fast pulses for precise, low-discomfort treatments, while Q-Switch lasers often require more sessions. Discover which option delivers better results for your skin and tattoo type. Reveal your skin’s next chapter with clarity and confidence.

Laser Tattoo Removal Technology:

Why PicoWay® Outperforms Q-Switch Lasers

Discover the Science Behind Superior Tattoo Removal at Mountain Edge

Not all tattoo removal lasers are created equal. If you’re researching laser tattoo removal technology, you’ve likely come across terms like “Q-switched lasers” and “PicoWay.” Understanding the difference between these two technologies can make or break your removal experience.

At Mountain Edge Tattoo Removal, we’ve invested in the Candela PicoWay® laser system—an award-winning, clinically proven device that delivers faster, safer, and more complete tattoo removal than traditional Q-switched lasers​​. Here’s why this matters for your skin, your comfort, and your final results.

Candela PicoWay Laser Tattoo Removal in Colorado Springs

Laser Tattoo Removal Technology:

Why PicoWay® Outperforms Q-Switch Lasers

Discover the Science Behind Superior Tattoo Removal at Mountain Edge

Not all tattoo removal lasers are created equal. If you’re researching laser tattoo removal technology, you’ve likely come across terms like “Q-switched lasers” and “PicoWay.” Understanding the difference between these two technologies can make or break your removal experience.

At Mountain Edge Tattoo Removal, we’ve invested in the Candela PicoWay® laser system—an award-winning, clinically proven device that delivers faster, safer, and more complete tattoo removal than traditional Q-switched lasers​​. Here’s why this matters for your skin, your comfort, and your final results.

Q-Switched Lasers vs. PicoWay® What’s the Difference?

Pulse Duration

Candela PicoWay® Laser

Picosecond

(250–500 trillionths of a second)

Q-Switched Lasers

Nanosecond

(1 billionth of a second)

Ink Shattering Power

Candela PicoWay® Laser

Photoacoustic energy breaks ink

into ultra-fine particles

Q-Switched Lasers

Photothermal energy breaks ink

using heat

Treatment Efficiency

Candela PicoWay® Laser

Fewer sessions

faster fading

Q-Switched Lasers

Requires more sessions for

visible results

Comfort Level

Candela PicoWay® Laser

Less pain, minimal heat

Q-Switched Lasers

More discomfort due to

thermal damage

Skin Safety

Candela PicoWay® Laser

Low risk of scarring or discoloration

Q-Switched Lasers

Higher chance of burns or hyperpigmentation

Ink Color Versatility

Candela PicoWay® Laser

Effective on all ink color & resistant tones

Q-Switched Lasers

Limited success with green, blue,

and red inks

All Skin Types

Candela PicoWay® Laser

Safe for light to

dark skin tones

Q-Switched Lasers

Higher risk for darker skin tones

Personalization

Candela PicoWay® Laser

Adjustable wavelengths & beam types for precision treatments

Q-Switched Lasers

Limited flexibility for tattoo type / skin tone

Location Flexibility

Candela PicoWay® Laser

Safe and effective on delicate areas (hands, face, ankles)

Q-Switched Lasers

Higher risk of irritation in sensitive zones

Why Mountain Edge Chose PicoWay®: Our Commitment to Advanced Care

At Mountain Edge Tattoo Removal, we believe that delivering the best possible results starts with using the best technology available. That’s why we exclusively use the PicoWay® laser system by Candela—a groundbreaking device that utilizes four true picosecond wavelengths (532, 730, 785, and 1064 nm) to provide unparalleled precision and performance.

This advanced system allows us to target multi-colored and layered tattoos, tailor treatments to all skin tones, and minimize damage to surrounding tissue, all while achieving faster fading in fewer sessions. It also offers a significantly reduced risk of scarring, making it a safer option for those concerned about skin texture.

Additionally, its high-precision delivery system makes it ideal for treating tattoos in sensitive or detailed areas, such as fingers, ankles, or near cosmetic work. Unlike outdated, heat-based Q-switched lasers, PicoWay® uses photoacoustic energy, which shatters ink particles without overheating the skin—delivering safer, more comfortable, and more complete tattoo removal.

Our Differentiators: Why Patients Trust Mountain Edge

Choosing where to go for tattoo removal is just as important as choosing how it’s done. Here’s why clients across Colorado trust Mountain Edge: Medically Supervised Expertise, Better Technology = Better Results, Real Results. Honest Expectations, Skin-First Approach

Medically Supervised Expertise

Your treatments at Mountain Edge Tattoo Removal are performed in a clinical-grade environment designed to meet the highest standards of safety and professionalism. Every session is overseen by trained and experienced specialists who are deeply knowledgeable in skin health, laser physics, and proper treatment protocols. This level of expertise ensures that each laser pulse is calibrated with precision, minimizing risk and maximizing results. By combining advanced training with a controlled, medical setting, we’re able to provide safe, consistent, and effective tattoo removal that prioritizes both your skin’s health and your long-term satisfaction.

Better Technology = Better Results

At Mountain Edge Tattoo Removal, we didn’t settle for “standard” technology or basic results. Instead, we made a deliberate choice to invest in the most advanced laser platform available—the Candela PicoWay® system. This cutting-edge technology allows us to provide superior tattoo removal outcomes, including fewer total sessions, more thorough ink clearance, and significantly reduced downtime between treatments. By choosing PicoWay®, we ensure that our patients benefit from the latest innovations in laser science—delivering faster, safer, and more comfortable results that far exceed what traditional systems can offer.

Real Results. Honest Expectations.

From your very first free consultation to your final laser session, our team at Mountain Edge Tattoo Removal is dedicated to providing a transparent and honest experience every step of the way. We take the time to fully explain your treatment options, outline realistic outcomes, and answer every question with clarity and care. You’ll never feel rushed, pressured, or left in the dark. Unlike some providers who overpromise quick fixes or try to upsell extra sessions, we focus solely on what’s necessary to achieve your goals. Our commitment is simple: genuine guidance, ethical treatment planning, and results you can trust.

Skin-First Approach

At Mountain Edge Tattoo Removal, we’re not just focused on erasing ink—we’re committed to your long-term skin health and overall well-being. Tattoo removal is a journey, and we approach it with the care and foresight it deserves. Using the PicoWay® laser system, we ensure each treatment is as gentle on your skin as it is effective on your ink. Our priority is to deliver results that leave your skin clear, healthy, and beautiful—not compromised or damaged. By focusing on both the outcome and the integrity of your skin, we help you move forward with confidence that lasts far beyond your final session.

The Risks of Choosing Outdated Laser Technology

Many budget-friendly or high-volume tattoo removal clinics still rely on Q-switched lasers, primarily because of their lower upfront cost. However, those savings often come at your expense. These older systems typically cause more pain during and after treatment, require more sessions due to slower ink fading, and carry a higher risk of side effects like blistering, scarring, or hyperpigmentation—especially on sensitive skin or darker tones.

They also struggle with bright or resistant ink colors, leading to disappointing results. That’s why at Mountain Edge Tattoo Removal, we believe technology should never be compromised—and we exclusively use the PicoWay® system to deliver the safest, most effective results possible.

Experience the Future of Tattoo Removal at Mountain Edge

Don’t settle for outdated laser technology and one-size-fits-all treatments. With the PicoWay® laser and the dedicated team at Mountain Edge Tattoo Removal, you get a smarter, safer, and faster path to clear skin.

Whether you’re looking for full tattoo removal, fading for a cover-up, or spot treatments, we tailor every experience to your needs—with cutting-edge science and compassionate care.

👉 Book your free consultation today and experience why Mountain Edge is Colorado’s leader in advanced laser tattoo removal.

Mountain Edge Tattoo Removal — Confidence, Uncovered.

Precision & Purpose

Precision & Purpose

Advanced Lasers. Proven

Results.

Transparency & Guidance

Transparency & Guidance

Honest Answers. Expert

Support.

Empathy & Excellence

Empathy & Excellence

Genuine Care. Exceptional

Standards.

Start with a Free Tattoo Removal Assessment

You’ve evolved—now your tattoo can too. We're here to make the removal process smooth, straightforward, and stress-free. Start with a free estimate and get expert advice tailored to your unique ink and goals.