Buy a Tattoo Removal Laser: PICOLO S, L and XL Compared

Before you can buy a tattoo removal laser, you have to answer a fundamental question: Q-switch or picosecond? Your rate, target group and the range of treatments you can offer depend on it, from permanent makeup removal and carbon peeling to complex multicolored tattoos. This buying guide compares the three SIACSKIN lasers PICOLO S, PICOLO L and PICOLO XL, shows the criteria that matter when buying, and names the mistakes that cost the most money in practice.

Q-switch or picosecond: the first decision

Both laser types break up pigment photoacoustically: the pulse is so short that a pressure wave shatters the color particles, which the body then clears via the lymphatic system. Q-switch lasers work in the nanosecond range, picosecond lasers roughly a thousand times shorter. The shorter the pulse, the finer the particles and the less heat reaches the surrounding tissue. For you as a buyer, that means: a picosecond laser is the choice for complex, multicolored tattoos and a clientele willing to pay more for fewer sessions. A Q-switch laser is more economical to purchase and maintain and covers many tattoos as well as pigment and carbon peeling very well. The technology is explained in detail in Picosecond laser or Q-switch.

PICOLO S, PICOLO L and PICOLO XL compared

Feature PICOLO S PICOLO L PICOLO XL
Laser type Q-switch Nd:YAG, nanoseconds Q-switch Nd:YAG, 3 ns, with long pulse Picosecond laser, 280 ps, with long pulse
Wavelengths 532 · 755 · 1064 · 1320 nm 1064 · 532 nm plus attachments: fractional, 755 nm honeycomb, zoom, 585 nm, collimator 532 · 755 · 1064 · 1320 nm, optional 585 · 650 nm
Energy and power 10–2000 mJ, 1500 W up to 1800 mJ (1064 nm), Genesis up to 5000 mJ, max. 3500 W 100–3600 mJ, 6500 W
Equipment 5 treatment probes, 5 million shots 5 attachments, 6 modes 7 handpieces, 4 modes, 360° laser arm
Tattoos only very small tattoos dark and colored, including multicolored and resistant tattoos all colors, complex multicolored tattoos often with fewer sessions
Other applications Permanent makeup removal, carbon peeling, pigment spots, pores Pigment and chloasma, carbon peeling, skin rejuvenation, redness Melasma, pigment, acne, pores, carbon peeling, hair removal in long pulse, optionally vascular redness
Target group Beauty and PMU studios, entry level, mobile Tattoo studios, beauty institutes, practices High-end clinics, dermatology practices, specialized centers
Example leasing rate from approx. €130/month from approx. €690/month from approx. €1,000/month

Which PICOLO suits which studio

PICOLO S: the entry into laser treatment of pigments. Its strengths are the removal of permanent makeup on eyebrows, eyeliner and lips, carbon peeling and pigment spots. It is not intended for colored or larger tattoos (Removing permanent makeup).

PICOLO L: our bestseller for tattoo removal. The 3 ns pulses, five attachments and six modes make it a platform for tattoos, pigment, skin texture, carbon peeling and redness, with high profitability and full manual control.

PICOLO XL: a true picosecond laser for providers who want to work at the top of the field on complex tattoos and melasma, including hair removal in long-pulse mode. The SIA AI suggests the parameters, and you fine-tune.

Buying a carbon peel device: is a dedicated device worth it?

All three PICOLO lasers handle carbon peeling: the PICOLO S with nanosecond pulses, the PICOLO L in Genesis and multi-pulse mode, the PICOLO XL with the 1320 nm handpiece and the multi-pulse mode. If you are mainly looking for a device for carbon peeling, the PICOLO S from approx. €130 per month is the obvious start, because with the same device you also offer permanent makeup removal and pigment treatments. How the treatment works is described under Carbon peeling with the laser.

Costs and monthly rate

The example leasing rates, net for 60 months: PICOLO S from approx. €130, PICOLO L from approx. €690 and PICOLO XL from approx. €1,000 per month. Financing runs through our partner bank as leasing, rent-to-own, loan or purchase, with no down payment on request and also for start-ups, subject to credit check. You can read more about financing picosecond lasers under Leasing and financing a picosecond laser.

Example with assumptions: Suppose a tattoo session brings you €120 net after deducting your costs. Then around 6 sessions per month cover the example rate of the PICOLO L of approx. €690. Since tattoo removals usually need several sessions, you plan with recurring appointments. You can calculate your own values in the price calculator.

Common mistakes when buying a tattoo removal laser

  • Mistaking the name for the pulse duration: Always ask for the value in ps or ns. At SIACSKIN, too, only the PICOLO XL works in the picosecond range; PICOLO S and PICOLO L are Q-switch lasers.
  • Buying past your needs: Anyone who mainly removes permanent makeup does not need a high-end picosecond laser. Anyone who wants to offer colorful large-area tattoos will not get far with an entry-level device.
  • Overlooking missing wavelengths: 1064 nm for dark colors, 532 nm for red and orange, 585 nm for blue. If a wavelength is missing, a color is missing.
  • Forgetting safety goggles: Every wavelength needs matching laser safety goggles (Laser protection and safety).
  • Promising session numbers: How many sessions are needed depends on the color, depth, age and size of the tattoo.
  • Not planning for splash protection: Fine tissue splatter can occur during tattoo removal; mask, goggles and gloves are part of the equipment.

Checklist before buying

  • Pulse duration stated in writing in ps or ns?
  • Wavelengths matching the colors you want to treat?
  • Spot sizes for fine lines and large areas (2–10 mm on the PICOLO L and XL)?
  • Additional applications such as carbon peeling and pigment included in the calculation?
  • Onboarding, training through the SIAC Akademie and 2-year warranty clarified?

More on the treatment itself: Tattoo removal with the laser. You can find all devices in the collection Tattoo removal devices.

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

View PICOLO XL View PICOLO S

Frequently asked questions

How much does a tattoo removal laser cost per month?

At SIACSKIN, the PICOLO S is available from approx. €130, the PICOLO L from approx. €690 and the PICOLO XL from approx. €1,000 net per month, each for a 60-month term and subject to credit check.

Picosecond laser or Q-switch laser: which should I buy?

For complex, multicolored tattoos and melasma, a picosecond laser such as the PICOLO XL is the strongest choice. A Q-switch laser such as the PICOLO L is more economical and very good for dark and colored tattoos as well as carbon peeling.

Can I also remove permanent makeup with a tattoo removal laser?

Yes. Removing permanent makeup is a core application of the PICOLO S. How many sessions are needed depends on pigment, depth and age.

Do I need a separate device for carbon peeling?

No. PICOLO S, PICOLO L and PICOLO XL all handle carbon peeling. The PICOLO S is the most affordable entry for it.

How many sessions does tattoo removal need?

Depending on the starting situation, it depends on the color, depth, age and size of the tattoo. With picosecond technology, complex multicolored tattoos often need fewer sessions.

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