“I want to remove pigmented spots or a tattoo with the enLIGHTen laser.”
“I want to know how enLIGHTen differs from other laser devices.”
If these questions sound familiar, read on.
The picosecond laser “enLIGHTen” is a medical device approved by Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. It delivers laser pulses in picosecond intervals, helping to minimize skin damage while targeting the removal of pigmented spots and tattoos.
This page summarizes the expected treatment benefits of enLIGHTen and how it compares with other picosecond laser devices.
At IC Clinic, we listen carefully to each patient’s concerns and symptoms, then recommend a treatment plan tailored to the individual.
Please book a consultation using the button below.
Table of Contents
- 1 What Is enLIGHTen? A Picosecond Laser Developed by Cutera
- 2 enLIGHTen SR vs. enLIGHTen III: The Key Difference Is Wavelength
- 3 enLIGHTen vs. PicoSure vs. PicoWay: How They Compare
- 4 Three Treatment Modes Using enLIGHTen
- 4.1 ① Pico Toning | For Pigmented Spots & Melasma
- 4.2 ② Pico Fractional | For Fine Lines and Acne Scars
- 4.3 ③ Pico Spot | For Removing Spots, Moles, and Tattoos
- 5 Three Treatment Benefits You May Expect from enLIGHTen
- 5.1 ① Reduction of Pigmented Spots, Melasma & ADM
- 5.2 ② Tattoo Removal
- 5.3 ③ Improvement of Acne Scars & Enlarged Pores
- 6 enLIGHTen Treatment Fees at Our Clinic
- 7 Is enLIGHTen Covered by Health Insurance?
- 8 IC Clinic for enLIGHTen SR Treatments
What Is enLIGHTen? A Picosecond Laser Developed by Cutera
“enLIGHTen” is a picosecond laser medical device developed by Cutera, an American company. In Japan, it has received approval from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare and is used for treatments such as pigmented spot removal, melasma treatment, and tattoo removal.
(Reference: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare | Insurance Coverage for Medical Devices)
Traditional Q-switched lasers used in skin treatments deliver pulses at intervals of one nanosecond (one billionth of a second).
By contrast, picosecond lasers fire at much shorter “picosecond” intervals—one trillionth of a second. This helps reduce damage to the skin and may allow for treatment over a shorter period.
Cutera’s enLIGHTen is a refined picosecond laser device with versatile settings well-suited to a range of skin treatments.
enLIGHTen SR vs. enLIGHTen III: The Key Difference Is Wavelength
Cutera’s enLIGHTen lineup includes the second-generation “enLIGHTen SR” and the third-generation “enLIGHTen III.”
The table below compares the key characteristics of each device.
| enLIGHTen SR | enLIGHTen III | |
|---|---|---|
| Laser Wavelengths | 532 nm / 1064 nm | 532 nm / 670 nm / 1064 nm |
| Pigment Colors Addressable | Red, Orange, Yellow, Brown, Black | Red, Orange, Yellow, Brown, Black, Blue, Green |
As shown above, the enLIGHTen SR features two wavelengths, while the enLIGHTen III features three.
enLIGHTen vs. PicoSure vs. PicoWay: How They Compare
In addition to enLIGHTen, a variety of picosecond laser devices are available from different manufacturers.
The table below compares the specifications of major picosecond lasers.
| Device | enLIGHTen | PicoWay | PicoSure | Spectra Pico |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Cutera | Syneron Candela | Cynosure | Lutronic |
| Pulse Width (picoseconds) |
750 ps 2,000 ps |
246 ps 294 ps 339 ps |
550–750 ps (variable) |
750 ps 2,000 ps |
| Wavelengths | 532 nm 670 nm* 1064 nm |
532 nm 730 nm 1064 nm |
755 nm | 532 nm 595 nm 660 nm 1064 nm |
| Key Features | ・Approved by Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare ・Capable of both picosecond and nanosecond laser delivery ・High maximum output power |
・Approved by Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare ・Short pulse width helps minimize skin damage |
・Approved by the U.S. FDA ・Has received clearance specifically for acne scar improvement ・Output power is comparatively lower than some other devices |
・Capable of both picosecond and nanosecond laser delivery ・Can address a wide range of pigment colors |
*670 nm is available on enLIGHTen III only
Medical lasers work by different mechanisms depending on their pulse width—the duration of each laser pulse.
A shorter pulse width reduces thermal effects, breaking down pigment primarily through photoacoustic (shockwave) action. While the range of treatable conditions may be narrower, this approach helps minimize damage to surrounding skin.
Conversely, a longer pulse width uses both thermal energy and photoacoustic force to break down pigment. Although the risk of redness or swelling may be higher, it enables treatment with greater energy.
A defining feature of enLIGHTen is its ability to deliver both short picosecond pulses and longer nanosecond pulses, allowing the clinician to select the appropriate mode for each situation.
This versatility supports a broad range of treatments—from gently addressing pigmented spots and melasma to more intensive tattoo removal.
Three Treatment Modes Using enLIGHTen
By varying the type of laser and delivery method, enLIGHTen can be used for the following three treatment modes.
- Pico Toning
- Pico Fractional
- Pico Spot
Each mode has distinct characteristics. See the sections below for details on each.
① Pico Toning | For Pigmented Spots & Melasma
Pico Toning is a treatment that delivers low-fluence laser energy over a broad area. It is primarily used for pigmented spots and melasma.
Melasma in particular has historically been difficult to treat with conventional lasers, as the stimulation can sometimes worsen the condition.
Pico Toning gradually lightens pigmentation with gentle energy, which helps reduce the risk of melasma worsening during treatment.
The page below provides a detailed explanation of Pico Toning’s effects. We encourage you to read it as well.
Is Pico Toning Effective for Pigmented Spots and Melasma? Treatment Process, Progress, and Session Intervals Explained
② Pico Fractional | For Fine Lines and Acne Scars
Pico Fractional is a treatment that delivers high-density laser energy to stimulate the deeper layers of the skin. It is primarily used for fine lines and acne scars.
Collagen and elastin play an essential role in maintaining healthy skin turnover. Pico Fractional activates dermal cells to help promote the production of collagen and elastin.
Because it causes minimal damage to the skin’s surface, it may help reduce the risk of inflammation. As a result, discomfort and downtime tend to be minimal.
The page below explains the features of Pico Fractional in detail. We encourage you to read it as well.
What Is Pico Fractional Laser? Two Expected Benefits and Treatment Fees Explained
③ Pico Spot | For Removing Spots, Moles, and Tattoos
Pico Spot is a treatment that delivers targeted laser energy calibrated to the size of the area being treated. It is primarily used for the removal of pigmented spots and moles.
Because high-fluence laser pulses are delivered in concentrated shots, there is a good chance of reducing deeply pigmented spots and moles within a relatively short period. Pico Spot is also well-suited for tattoos that are difficult to remove by other means.
While a brief downtime may be required, one notable feature is that results may be noticeable in a shorter timeframe.
Three Treatment Benefits You May Expect from enLIGHTen
The treatment benefits that may be expected from enLIGHTen fall broadly into the following three categories.
- Reduction of Pigmented Spots, Melasma & ADM
- Tattoo Removal
- Improvement of Acne Scars & Enlarged Pores
In addition, improvements in fine lines and skin firmness may also be expected. The sections below cover the three primary conditions.
① Reduction of Pigmented Spots, Melasma & ADM
enLIGHTen works by targeting melanin pigment in the skin to help reduce pigmented spots and melasma.
For melasma in particular, conventional Q-switched lasers carried a risk of worsening the condition. Because enLIGHTen causes less damage to the skin, it may help alleviate symptoms while reducing the risk of aggravation.
Additionally, enLIGHTen can also be used for ADM (Acquired Dermal Melanocytosis).
While common pigmented spots are caused by melanin in the epidermis, ADM originates from melanin in the dermis.
enLIGHTen’s maximum wavelength of 1064 nm penetrates deep enough to reach the dermis. This allows it to target the pigment of ADM with minimal effect on the epidermis.
② Tattoo Removal
enLIGHTen can also be used for tattoo removal. Just as with melanin pigment, tattoo ink can be broken down and lightened using laser energy.
Conventional Q-switched lasers were able to address some tattoos but were primarily reactive to black and red pigments, limiting the range of tattoo colors that could be treated. By contrast, enLIGHTen responds to a broader spectrum of dye colors, which may allow it to address a wider variety of tattoos.
Please note, however, that hand-poked tattoos may have ink deposited deep into the subcutaneous tissue, which can make laser treatment more challenging.
If you are considering removal of a hand-poked tattoo, we recommend consulting with us about surgical options such as excision or skin grafting.
③ Improvement of Acne Scars & Enlarged Pores
enLIGHTen may also offer benefits for acne scar treatment.
This is because the laser stimulates the epidermis to help promote skin regeneration. Cells with enhanced natural healing activity produce more collagen and elastin, which can help repair acne scar tissue.
Furthermore, collagen and elastin also help tighten pores. enLIGHTen may also help improve enlarged pores caused by aging or UV exposure.
enLIGHTen Treatment Fees at Our Clinic
IC Clinic offers multiple treatment options using enLIGHTen SR.
Please visit the relevant fee page below based on your area of concern.
- Pigmented Spots & Melasma – Fee Schedule
- Acne Scars (Depressed) – Fee Schedule
- Acne Scars (Redness) – Fee Schedule
- Skin Beautification & Radiance – Fee Schedule
- Wrinkles – Fee Schedule
- Body Darkening – Fee Schedule
- Clogged Pores – Fee Schedule
Is enLIGHTen Covered by Health Insurance?
enLIGHTen treatment may be covered by health insurance in certain cases.
enLIGHTen received approval from Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare in 2020 and was designated as an insurance-eligible device. However, insurance coverage applies only when a physician determines that the patient has one of the following conditions.
| Condition | Description |
|---|---|
| Nevus of Ota | A bluish discoloration seen from the eye area to the cheek; more common in women |
| Aberrant Mongolian Spot | A congenital bluish birthmark appearing in areas other than the buttocks or back |
| Traumatic Pigmentation | Pigment such as gravel or foreign material retained under the skin as a result of injury |
Treatment for common pigmented spots, melasma, and ADM is generally provided as out-of-pocket (self-pay) treatment and is not covered by insurance.
IC Clinic for enLIGHTen SR Treatments
enLIGHTen is a picosecond laser medical device developed by Cutera. It delivers laser pulses at picosecond intervals (one trillionth of a second) to target the removal of pigmented spots and tattoos.
Unlike other picosecond lasers, enLIGHTen can switch between two pulse widths—short and long—according to the condition being treated.
IC Clinic has introduced the second-generation “enLIGHTen SR” and provides individualized treatment for each patient. If you are experiencing skin concerns, we invite you to consult with us.
At IC Clinic, we listen carefully to each patient’s concerns and symptoms, then recommend a treatment plan tailored to the individual.
Please book a consultation using the button below.
