Picosecond Laser Technology: PicoSure Cynosure Price & Pre-Owned Picosecond Lasers 2025

Your practice needs a laser that delivers results patients can see after one session—not five. That is the core promise of picosecond technology, and it is the reason clinics that adopt these systems report 30–50% higher patient retention than those using older nanosecond platforms. But with new Cynosure PicoSure systems priced above $150,000, the real question is whether you can afford this technology without destroying your margins.

You can. Pre-owned picosecond lasers now sell for $60,000–$90,000, cutting your payback period nearly in half. This guide covers the technology, the pricing, the ROI math, and the specific inspection steps you should follow before purchasing a used system.

What Are Picosecond Lasers and Why Do They Matter?

Picosecond lasers deliver energy pulses measured in trillionths of a second (10⁻¹² seconds). For comparison, a nanosecond laser fires at billionths of a second—approximately 1,000 times slower. This speed difference is not marketing—it fundamentally changes how energy interacts with tissue.

The Physics: Photoacoustic vs. Photothermal

Traditional Q-switched lasers work through photothermal destruction—they heat pigment particles until they fracture. This generates collateral thermal damage to surrounding tissue, which is why patients experience longer downtime and more side effects.

Picosecond lasers work through photoacoustic (also called photomechanical) disruption. The pulse is so fast that energy creates a shockwave that shatters pigment into particles small enough for the body's lymphatic system to clear naturally. Less heat means less damage, faster healing, and better outcomes on difficult pigment colors like blues and greens that nanosecond systems struggle with.

Clinical Applications

Picosecond lasers are FDA-cleared for a wider range of applications than most practitioners realize:

• Tattoo removal — the primary revenue driver; clears multicolor ink in 4–6 sessions vs. 8–12 with Q-switched
• Pigmented lesion treatment — melasma, sun spots, age spots, café-au-lait macules
• Skin revitalization — the "Focus Lens Array" (PicoSure) or "Resolve" (PicoWay) fractional handpieces stimulate collagen remodeling without ablation
• Acne scar treatment — photoacoustic energy remodels scar tissue with minimal downtime
• Benign pigmented lesions — dermal and epidermal melanocytic lesions

Picosecond Platforms Compared: PicoSure vs. PicoWay vs. EnLighten

Three systems dominate the picosecond market. Each has distinct clinical and business trade-offs:

| Feature | Cynosure PicoSure | Candela PicoWay | Cutera EnLighten | |---------|------------------|-----------------|------------------| | Wavelengths | 755nm, 532nm, 1064nm | 785nm, 532nm, 1064nm, 730nm | 532nm, 670nm, 1064nm | | New Price | $150,000–$200,000 | $130,000–$180,000 | $120,000–$160,000 | | Pre-Owned Price | $60,000–$90,000 | $55,000–$80,000 | $50,000–$70,000 | | Key Differentiator | Focus Lens Array, largest installed base | Most wavelength options, dual pulse | Triple wavelength, competitive pricing | | Tattoo Clearance | 4–6 sessions typical | 4–6 sessions typical | 5–7 sessions typical | | Skin Revitalization | Focus Lens (excellent) | Resolve handpiece (excellent) | Available but less data | | Consumable Costs | $15–25/treatment | $10–20/treatment | $10–18/treatment | | Service Contract | $12,000–$18,000/year | $10,000–$15,000/year | $8,000–$12,000/year |

Cynosure PicoSure Pricing: New vs. Pre-Owned Breakdown

The PicoSure is the most searched picosecond system, and pricing is the #1 question we receive. Here is the complete cost picture:

New PicoSure Pricing

• Base system (755nm): $150,000–$170,000
• With 532nm handpiece: $170,000–$185,000
• Full configuration (755nm + 532nm + 1064nm + Focus Lens): $185,000–$200,000
• Annual service contract: $12,000–$18,000
• Training: Usually included with new purchase

Pre-Owned PicoSure Pricing

• Grade A (excellent condition): $75,000–$90,000
• Grade A- (very good): $60,000–$75,000
• Grade B (good, may need service): $45,000–$60,000
• Key consideration: Verify remaining lamp/diode life, software version, and whether the service contract is transferable

Total Cost of Ownership (3 Years)

| Cost Component | New | Pre-Owned (Grade A) | |---------------|-----|-------------------| | Acquisition | $185,000 | $80,000 | | Service contracts (3 yr) | $42,000 | $42,000 | | Consumables (3 yr) | $23,400 | $23,400 | | Total 3-Year Cost | $250,400 | $145,400 | | Savings | — | $105,000 (42%) |

The service contract and consumable costs are identical whether you buy new or pre-owned—the savings are entirely in acquisition cost. This is why pre-owned picosecond lasers deliver dramatically faster ROI.

ROI Analysis: The Revenue Math

A picosecond laser is a revenue engine. Here is how the math works for a typical practice:

Revenue Model

• Tattoo removal: $350–$500/session × 4–6 sessions/patient
• Skin revitalization: $300–$450/session × 3–4 sessions/patient
• Pigmented lesion treatment: $250–$400/session × 1–3 sessions

Conservative Scenario (Pre-Owned PicoSure at $80,000)

| Metric | Value | |--------|-------| | Treatments per week | 15 | | Average revenue per treatment | $350 | | Weekly gross revenue | $5,250 | | Annual gross revenue | $273,000 | | Consumables + service (annual) | $21,800 | | Net annual contribution | $251,200 | | Payback period | 4.5 months |

vs. New PicoSure ($185,000)

| Metric | Value | |--------|-------| | Same revenue assumptions | $273,000/year | | Same operating costs | $21,800/year | | Net annual contribution | $251,200 | | Payback period | 10 months |

The pre-owned unit pays for itself in less than 5 months. The new unit takes nearly a year. Both are strong ROI, but the pre-owned route lets you reinvest the $105,000 savings into marketing, staff, or additional equipment.

For a deeper analysis with real practice numbers, see our Equipment ROI guide with real practice data.

How to Buy a Pre-Owned Picosecond Laser

Buying used laser equipment requires due diligence. Follow this process to avoid costly mistakes:

For the complete pre-purchase inspection guide, see our Equipment Inspection Checklist. And if you're exploring financing for your purchase, review our Financing Options Guide.

Clinical Evidence and Patient Outcomes

Picosecond technology is backed by a robust body of peer-reviewed research:

• Tattoo clearance: A 2023 meta-analysis of 12 studies (n=847 patients) found picosecond lasers achieved complete tattoo clearance in 67% of cases vs. 39% for Q-switched nanosecond lasers after the same number of sessions
• Skin revitalization: Clinical trials demonstrate 70–80% patient satisfaction for wrinkle reduction and skin texture improvement using the Focus Lens Array, with minimal downtime (24–72 hours vs. 7–14 days for ablative fractional)
• Pigmented lesions: 85–95% clearance rates for benign pigmented lesions in 1–2 treatments
• Safety profile: Lower risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) compared to nanosecond systems, making picosecond lasers safer for Fitzpatrick skin types III–VI

• FDA 510(k) cleared for tattoo removal, pigmented lesions, and skin revitalization
• Lower PIH risk than Q-switched systems—safer for darker skin types
• Focus Lens/Resolve fractional handpieces enable non-ablative skin rejuvenation
• 4–6 sessions for multicolor tattoo clearance vs. 8–12 with nanosecond lasers
• Consumable costs of $10–25 per treatment keep operating margins high

Making Your Decision

Picosecond technology represents the current gold standard for tattoo removal and an increasingly important platform for skin revitalization. Whether you choose the Cynosure PicoSure, Candela PicoWay, or Cutera EnLighten depends on your clinical mix, budget, and market positioning.

For most practices, a pre-owned Grade A PicoSure at $75,000–$90,000 offers the best combination of clinical performance, brand recognition, and ROI. The 40–60% savings over new pricing translates directly into faster payback and higher first-year profitability.

Ready to explore pre-owned picosecond systems? Browse our verified laser equipment listings or contact our equipment specialists for personalized recommendations based on your practice goals.