Buy an Nd:YAG Laser: Q-Switch, Long Pulse or Picosecond?

Looking to buy an Nd:YAG laser and finding that very different devices are offered under this term? The 1064 nm wavelength alone reveals little about the application; what matters is the pulse duration: a nanosecond-range Q-switch laser shatters pigments, a millisecond-range long-pulse Nd:YAG heats hair roots and vessels, and a picosecond laser works even shorter and finer. This buying guide explains the three operating modes, matches the suitable SIACSKIN devices and shows you which monthly rate to plan for depending on your studio's focus.

What makes an Nd:YAG laser

The Nd:YAG laser is a solid-state laser: a crystal doped with neodymium generates light at 1064 nm. It penetrates comparatively deep and is absorbed less strongly by melanin than shorter wavelengths, so it suits dark pigments at depth, darker skin types and structures in deeper layers of the skin. Frequency doubling additionally produces 532 nm, a wavelength for red, orange and light-colored pigments. How wavelengths act in tissue is explained on the page Laser wavelengths explained.

For your buying decision, pulse duration is the most important value. The shorter the pulse, the more the energy acts photoacoustically, that is, as a pressure wave that breaks pigment into small particles. The longer the pulse, the more it acts photothermally, that is, through heat.

Q-switch, long-pulse and picosecond compared

Many devices combine several operating modes. The PICOLO L has a long-pulse mode in addition to Q-switch operation, and the PICOLO XL combines pico and long-pulse technology. You will find the direct technical comparison under Picosecond laser or Q-switch.

The SIACSKIN devices with 1064 nm at a glance

• PICOLO S: compact Q-switch Nd:YAG with 532, 755, 1064 and 1320 nm, 1500 W, 10–2000 mJ, up to 10 Hz, five treatment probes and a 5 million shot allowance. Key applications are permanent makeup removal, carbon peeling, pigmentation spots and pore refinement. Tattoos only if they are very small. Leasing from approx. €130 per month.
• PICOLO L: Q-switch Nd:YAG with 3 ns, 1064 and 532 nm, five attachments (fractional, 755 nm honeycomb, zoom, 585 nm, collimator) and six modes from STP to long pulse. Spot size 2–10 mm, up to 3500 W, Genesis mode up to 5000 mJ for carbon peeling. For dark, colored and resistant tattoos. Leasing from approx. €690 per month.
• PICOLO XL: picosecond laser with 280 ps, 532, 755, 1064 and 1320 nm, optionally 585 and 650 nm, up to 3600 mJ and 6500 W, seven handpieces and four modes. In long-pulse mode also hair removal and skin rejuvenation. Leasing from approx. €1,000 per month.
• AlexDUAL UFO: alexandrite 755 nm and Nd:YAG 1064 nm in one device, 7500 W, square spot 10–40 mm, pulse duration 0.3–100 ms, 4-fold cooling and up to 100 million shots. Hair removal for skin types I to VI, plus pigment, vessels and skin tightening. Leasing from approx. €1,190 per month.

Which Nd:YAG laser suits your studio's focus?

• PMU studio or beauty institute with skin appearance treatments: You want to correct faded permanent makeup and offer carbon peeling. The PICOLO S is the compact entry point with a low rate.
• Tattoo removal as a standard service: If you regularly treat larger or colored tattoos, you need more energy, variable spots and 532 nm for red tones. Here the PICOLO L is the economical choice. More on the treatment: Tattoo removal with laser.
• Clinic or specialized center: The PICOLO XL is designed for complex, multicolored tattoos and demanding pigmentation cases. According to the manufacturer's description, such tattoos often need fewer sessions than with nanosecond technology, depending on color, depth and age.
• Hair removal: For hair removal with a long-pulse Nd:YAG, the AlexDUAL UFO combines alexandrite 755 nm and Nd:YAG 1064 nm for skin types I to VI. If you prefer a diode laser, the DEWEON 4LD offers four wavelengths including 1064 nm in one device (Diode laser buying guide). Background: Alexandrite laser and Nd:YAG laser.

Before deciding, check which skin types your clients have (Fitzpatrick skin types), and take a look at the devices in the showroom in Düsseldorf.

Costs as a monthly rate

We do not state purchase prices but example leasing rates, net, over a 60-month term: PICOLO S from approx. €130, PICOLO L from approx. €690, PICOLO XL from approx. €1,000 and AlexDUAL UFO from approx. €1,190 per month. Financing is through our house bank as leasing, hire purchase, loan or purchase, with no down payment on request and also for business start-ups, subject to credit check. Details: Leasing or financing a laser device.

Example with assumptions: Suppose a tattoo removal session earns you €100 net after deducting your costs. Then around 7 sessions per month cover the example rate of the PICOLO L of approx. €690. Prices and costs here are only assumed. Calculate with your own figures in the price calculator.

What to look out for in offers

• Pulse duration in black and white: "Pico" or "Q-switch" in the name is not enough. Have the pulse duration stated in ns or ps.
• Energy per pulse: For the pigment effect, energy in mJ, spot size and frequency count, not just the wattage figure.
• Wavelengths and attachments: Clarify which wavelength the laser source delivers directly and which is produced via attachments or handpieces, and what you need them for.
• Shot allowance and follow-up costs: Ask about the allowance and about the costs afterwards.
• Laser safety and qualification: For every wavelength you need matching protective goggles (Laser protection and safety). In Germany, the NiSV regulates who may perform which treatment. Clarify the requirements case by case before ordering.

Checklist before ordering

1. Main service defined: PMU, tattoo, pigment, carbon peeling or hair removal?
2. Required operating mode determined: Q-switch, long-pulse or picosecond?
3. Pulse duration, energy, spot sizes and wavelengths of the offers compared?
4. Your clients' skin types and tattoo colors taken into account?
5. Device tested in the showroom and training via the SIAC Akademie planned?
6. Monthly rate calculated in the price calculator with realistic utilization?

SIACSKIN builds its laser devices itself in Germany, with a 2-year warranty and service from Düsseldorf. You will find the comparison specifically for tattoo removal in the Tattoo laser buying guide.

View PICOLO L Calculate a leasing rate from €690/month Free consultation

Frequently asked questions

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