Compare the PicoWay® and Q-Plus C laser systems to see which technology delivers the safest, fastest, and most effective tattoo removal results. PicoWay® provides four true picosecond wavelengths and advanced energy delivery that works across all skin tones. Q-Plus C relies on older nanosecond pulses with fewer wavelengths and higher heat output. Learn which laser performs best for color clearance, comfort, and long-term skin safety. Begin your tattoo removal journey with trusted expertise and cutting-edge precision.
If you’re researching tattoo removal options, you’ve likely come across a wide range of laser systems—some modern, others relying on older methods. Two commonly discussed technologies are Candela’s PicoWay® and Quanta System’s Q-Plus C. While both are used for laser tattoo removal, their pulse speed, wavelength versatility, skin safety, and long-term results are not created equal.
At Mountain Edge Tattoo Removal in Colorado Springs, we exclusively use PicoWay® because it delivers faster fading, greater ink color versatility, fewer sessions, and superior skin safety—especially for clients with darker skin tones, detailed linework, or multi-colored tattoos. Below, we break down the differences so you can make a confident, informed decision about your tattoo removal journey.

PicoWay® delivers ultra-precise picosecond pulses that rely on pure photoacoustic energy, breaking ink apart without excessive heat. This cleaner energy profile protects collagen, reduces tissue stress, and allows the skin to recover faster with minimal irritation.
Q-Plus C uses photothermal nanosecond energy, which generates more heat during each pulse, increasing the likelihood of swelling, redness, and prolonged sensitivity—especially in heat-reactive or delicate areas.
With its four-wavelength platform, PicoWay® adapts to tattoos that have multiple colors, layered work, cover-ups, or stubborn shading. This flexibility makes it effective for clients with long-standing tattoos, cosmetic tattoos, or previously treated ink that has plateaued.
Q-Plus C, with fewer wavelengths and a Ruby 694 nm beam that is harsher on skin, offers limited precision for multicolor or aged tattoos. Its performance is inconsistent when dealing with layered ink depth or advanced blending work.
Because PicoWay® uses significantly less heat during treatment, clients experience dramatically reduced inflammation, quicker post-session recovery, and far fewer downtime restrictions compared to older laser technologies. The ultra-short picosecond pulses allow ink to be fractured with minimal thermal diffusion into surrounding tissue, which helps preserve the skin’s natural structure and reduces stress on melanocytes. Clinical studies consistently demonstrate that PicoWay® lowers the risk of hypopigmentation, hyperpigmentation, and unwanted texture changes, making it an exceptional choice for patients with sensitive skin, melanin-rich skin, or a history of reactive pigment issues. This gentle yet powerful energy delivery lets clients resume daily activities more quickly and progress through their removal journey with greater comfort, confidence, and long-term skin health.
Q-Plus C’s nanosecond pulses, by contrast, introduce substantially more heat into the skin with every treatment. This slower energy delivery can lead to increased thermal buildup within the epidermis and dermis, heightening the potential for blistering, localized hotspots, and post-inflammatory pigment disruption. Clients with darker skin tones or sensitivity-prone skin are especially vulnerable to these heat-related complications, as excess thermal exposure can trigger melanin instability and result in uneven pigmentation. These inherent risks often require more conservative treatment settings, slower fading, and longer healing timelines—making Q-Plus C a less suitable option for individuals who prioritize safety, gentleness, and predictable results across all skin types.
PicoWay® creates far finer, more uniform ink particles that the body can clear through the lymphatic system with greater speed and efficiency. Because the ink is shattered into such small fragments, the fading process begins earlier, progresses more consistently, and continues more effectively between sessions. Clients typically notice more dramatic improvements after each appointment, with smoother transitions in fading and fewer unpredictable plateaus. This advanced ink breakdown leads to a shorter overall treatment timeline, reduces the number of sessions required, and allows for a more stable, reliable removal experience—even for tattoos that are older, layered, densely saturated, or previously treated.
Q-Plus C, by comparison, often breaks ink into larger, less refined fragments due to its slower nanosecond pulse duration, making it harder for the body to efficiently absorb and eliminate pigment. This slower ink clearance can result in irregular fading patterns and longer gaps before progress becomes visible. Clients may experience uneven lightening, particularly with vibrant pigments such as blues, greens, and reds or with tattoos that contain deep saturation and heavy shading. As a result, treatment plans often require more sessions and extended timelines, making the removal process less predictable and potentially more frustrating for individuals seeking steady, measurable results.
At Mountain Edge Tattoo Removal, we are committed to providing the safest, most advanced laser treatments available, which is why we exclusively use the PicoWay® system by Candela. Trusted by dermatologists and backed by rigorous clinical research, PicoWay® is FDA-cleared for tattoo removal, pigmentation concerns, acne scars, and wrinkles. Its ultra-fast pulses significantly reduce skin trauma, while its four true wavelengths allow us to target and clear every ink color with precision.
PicoWay® is also proven safe for all skin tones, including Fitzpatrick IV–VI, making it one of the most inclusive technologies on the market. Clients benefit from fewer sessions, more predictable fading, greater comfort, and shorter recovery times. At Mountain Edge, we don’t just remove tattoos—we help restore confidence with the industry’s most advanced and reliable technology.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 assessment and get expert advice tailored to your unique ink and goals.
Every tattoo has its own story—and that means removal time can vary based on factors like size, age, ink density, and color.
Want to know what full removal might look like for you? Just fill out the form, and a Mountain Edge specialist will give you a quick call to walk you through it. No pressure, just honest answers.
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Jeffrey brings a deep passion for skin aesthetics and laser science to his writing. Every article is carefully researched to provide clear, trustworthy, and actionable insights for those seeking tattoo removal.
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