Discovery Pico Alternative: PICOLO XL Picosecond Laser with 280 ps

“Buy Discovery Pico” or a Discovery Pico alternative: the Discovery Pico from Quanta System is a picosecond Nd:YAG laser with 1064 and 532 nm, in the Plus version additionally with 694 nm (ruby). Quanta states pulse durations of 450 ps at 1064 nm and 370 ps at 532 nm, three selectable pico pulses via VarioPulse technology and optional IPL and Er:YAG handpieces. The PICOLO XL from SIACSKIN is also a true picosecond laser: 280 ps, 532, 755, 1064 and 1320 nm (optionally 585 and 650 nm), up to 3,600 mJ, seven handpieces and long-pulse mode. From the manufacturer in Düsseldorf, financeable from approx. €1,000 per month.

PICOLO XL and Discovery Pico compared

Feature SIACSKIN PICOLO XL Discovery Pico (Quanta System)
Wavelengths 532, 755 (honeycomb and rectangular), 1064, 1320 nm; optionally 585 and 650 nm (dye) 1064 and 532 nm; Plus version additionally 694 nm (ruby)
Pulse duration 280 ps 450 ps (1064 nm), 370 ps (532 nm); 3 pico pulses via VarioPulse
Energy 100–3,600 mJ adjustable in pico mode up to 800 mJ (1064 nm) and 300 mJ (532 nm)
Frequency 1–10 Hz up to 10 Hz (1064 and 532 nm), ruby 694 nm up to 3 Hz in photothermal mode
Spots / handpieces 2–10 mm; 7 handpieces: 1064/532, 1064 fractional, 532 fractional, 755 honeycomb, 1320, optional 585/650 dye Optibeam II handpieces with square, round and fractional flat-top spot
Modes Pico, long pulse, PTP, multi pulse (carbon peeling) up to 4 emission modes, up to 6 with VarioPulse; pico and photothermal emission
Expansions optional dye handpiece 585/650 nm for vascular redness Twain connector for optional IPL and Er:YAG 2940 nm handpieces (not on the Discovery Pico Derm)
Operation 10.4-inch touchscreen, SIA AI sets parameters automatically 10.4-inch glass touchscreen, operable with gloves
Cooling Four-fold cooling: water, air, TEC, compressor no public information found
Manufacturer SIACSKIN Medical, Düsseldorf Quanta System

Wavelengths: where the concepts differ

Both lasers use 1064 nm for dark, deep-lying pigments and 532 nm for red, orange and light colors. In the Plus version, Quanta adds a ruby wavelength at 694 nm. The PICOLO XL adds 755 nm as a honeycomb and rectangular handpiece, which according to the SIACSKIN product description is mainly intended for skin texture and pigment disorders such as melasma, chloasma and age spots, as well as 1320 nm for carbon peeling and optionally 585 and 650 nm for vascular redness. With this combination, the PICOLO XL treats tattoos of all colors. How many sessions a tattoo needs depends on color, depth and age with every device. Basics can be found under Laser tattoo removal.

Expand modularly or everything in one pico system

With the Discovery Pico, Quanta System relies on modularity: via the Twain connector, an IPL handpiece, for example for hair removal, vascular treatments and acne, as well as an Er:YAG handpiece at 2940 nm for resurfacing can optionally be attached. The Optibeam II handpieces deliver square spots for tattoos, round ones for pigment lesions and fractional ones for skin texture.

The PICOLO XL covers the additional treatment fields through its modes: long pulse for skin rejuvenation and hair removal, PTP for pigment disorders and pores and multi pulse for carbon peeling. Fractional handpieces at 1064 and 532 nm are already on board. For your studio this means: tattoo, pigment, carbon peeling and skin texture all run on one device, and the more treatments a device handles, the better it can be utilized. More on Carbon peeling with the laser and Removing permanent makeup.

Picosecond or Q-switch: a look at the budget

Not every studio needs a picosecond laser to start. If tattoo removal is only being built up, a nanosecond-range Q-switch laser can make sense. The PICOLO L is a Q-switch with long-pulse mode and is available on leasing from approx. €690 per month. The differences are explained in the article Picosecond laser or Q-switch, the selection criteria in the tattoo removal laser buying guide.

When which device fits better

  • Discovery Pico: if you want to work with the 694 nm ruby wavelength or later expand the system via Twain handpieces with IPL or Er:YAG.
  • PICOLO XL: if you want tattoo, pigment, carbon peeling, skin rejuvenation and hair removal in one device, with AI-assisted parameters, service from Düsseldorf and financing directly from the manufacturer.
  • More comparisons: PicoSure alternative and PicoWay alternative.

What always comes with SIACSKIN

  • Manufacturer, not dealer: SIACSKIN develops and builds its devices in Germany, CE-marked under MDR. In the industry since 2008, 853 devices delivered.
  • 2-year warranty, service and spare parts from Düsseldorf (Service and maintenance).
  • Onboarding and training included through the SIAC Akademie.
  • Financing through our own partner bank: leasing, rent-to-own, loan or purchase, with no down payment on request, also for start-ups (credit check). Details under Financing.
  • Transparent monthly rate: The PICOLO XL is available on leasing from approx. €1,000 net per month (example, 60 months). In the price calculator you can play through how many treatments it takes for the device to pay for itself.
  • Showroom in Düsseldorf: view and test devices on site by appointment.

View PICOLO XL Calculate a leasing rate from €1,000/month Free consultation

Frequently asked questions

Is the PICOLO XL a true picosecond laser?

Yes. The PICOLO XL works with a pulse duration of 280 picoseconds. The short pulse acts more photoacoustically than thermally, breaks pigments into fine particles and puts little strain on the surrounding tissue.

Which tattoo colors does the PICOLO XL remove?

With 1064 nm, 532 nm and the other wavelengths, the PICOLO XL treats tattoos of all colors: dark and deep-lying pigments with 1064 nm, red, orange and light colors with 532 nm. The number of sessions depends on the color, depth and age of the tattoo.

Can the PICOLO XL also remove hair?

Yes, in long-pulse mode. It also offers skin rejuvenation, carbon peeling with the 1320 nm handpiece and, with the optional dye handpiece, the treatment of vascular redness.

Picosecond laser or Q-switch to get started?

Anyone who offers tattoo removal as a focus benefits from the PICOLO XL's short pulse duration. To get started, the PICOLO L as a Q-switch with long pulse may be enough, and for PMU removal and carbon peeling often the PICOLO S as well.

How much does a picosecond laser cost per month?

As an example: the PICOLO XL is available on leasing from approx. €1,000 net per month for a 60-month term, subject to credit check. The PICOLO L is at approx. €690 per month.

More: PICOLO XL: frequently asked questions, Leasing and financing a picosecond laser, Pigment spots and melasma, Tattoo removal devices.

Third-party brand names are the property of their respective owners and are used for description only. Information about third-party devices comes from publicly available manufacturer information (as of October 2026), without guarantee of completeness; the manufacturers' current data sheets are authoritative.

All rates net, example calculation based on a 60-month term, subject to credit check. As of October 2026.