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Cutera Enlighten for melasma, pigmentation, tattoo removal

Last updated October 9, 2025

What Is Cutera Enlighten?

Cutera’s Enlighten system is a pico-/nano-second laser platform that incorporates multiple wavelengths and dual pulse durations (nanosecond + picosecond). Some key technical features:

It offers three wavelengths: 532 nm, 1064 nm, and 670 nm.
Dual pulse durations: very short picosecond pulses (e.g. 660/750 ps) plus nanosecond pulses (2 ns) to target pigments of different sizes and depths.
It can be configured for skin revitalization with PICO Genesis and PICO Genesis FX modes, which use multiple passes and optional fractional micro lens arrays (MLA) to stimulate remodeling
It is marketed as safe for a wide range of skin types (though, like all lasers, risk must be managed carefully).

How Does Enlighten Work (Mechanism)?

Understanding how the laser affects pigment and skin helps explain why it’s effective across multiple uses.

Selective photothermolysis + photomechanical effect
The laser energy is selectively absorbed by pigmented particles (tattoo ink, melanin in pigmented spots). Because the pulses are extremely short, the energy causes a photomechanical / photoacoustic shattering (fragmentation) of pigment rather than prolonged heat damage. This allows for more effective breakdown of pigment with less collateral thermal injury.
Dual pulse durations
The combination of nanosecond and picosecond pulses gives more control: large pigment pieces may respond better to longer pulses, while very small pigment particles benefit from ultra-short pulses. This flexibility helps treat different types or depths of pigment.
Wavelength versatility
Different ink or pigment colors absorb different wavelengths better. For example, red or orange hues may respond better to 532 nm, while deeper or darker pigments may respond better to 1064 nm. The 670 nm wavelength helps with certain red pigments or deeper targets.
Skin remodeling / stimulation
In “revitalization” modes (PICO Genesis), the laser triggers a mild “injury” response in the dermis, stimulating collagen, elastin, and remodeling of skin texture. Using multiple passes or fractional (micro-lens array) techniques can amplify this effect.

By combining these mechanisms, the device can effectively target unwanted pigment (both superficial and deeper) while also promoting skin quality improvements.

Applications: Melasma, Pigmentation & Tattoo Removal

Melasma & Pigmentation (Hyperpigmentation)

Melasma is more challenging than simple sunspots because the pigment often lies deeper and is hormonally and chronically driven. Traditional lasers carry risk of rebound hyperpigmentation.
Enlighten’s ability to deliver ultra-short pulses with multiple wavelengths allows it to more selectively target pigmented particles and reduce risk of heat-induced worsening.
Many providers report visible improvement in pigmentation after fewer than three sessions in selected cases using PICO Genesis mode.
However, because melasma may be recurrent or hormonally influenced, maintenance treatments and strict sun protection are vital.
Enlighten is also used to correct other benign pigmented lesions — age spots, freckles, sun damage spots.

Tattoo Removal

One of the strongest use cases of Enlighten is for multicolor tattoo removal. Because tattoos often include inks of various colors and depths, the multiple wavelengths and variable pulse durations give it a leg up compared to single-wavelength systems.
Enlighten is reported to often require fewer sessions than older Q-switched lasers, especially for certain ink colors.
It is capable of treating “stubborn” ink that has resisted traditional removal because of the deeper penetration and flexibility in pulse characteristics.
In many cases, 6 or more sessions are needed to fully remove the tattoo, although this is still fewer than older methods.

Skin Rejuvenation & Texture

The PICO Genesis / FX modes allow the device to act beyond pigment removal by stimulating collagen remodeling, improving skin texture and tone, and reducing fine lines or mild scars.
Using a fractional technique (via MLA) can produce micro-injuries in a controlled fashion, triggering healing responses in the skin while preserving surrounding tissue for faster recovery.

What to Expect: Procedure, Pain, & Downtime

Before treatment

A full skin assessment by a trained provider is critical.
Patch testing or test spots may be done to gauge response.
Skin prepping: cleansing; sometimes topical numbing may be applied.

During treatment

Duration: 15–30 minutes (or more) depending on area size.
Sensation: Many describe it as a “snap” or “rubber band” sensation. There may be heat or a sizzling sound.
Cooling devices or topical anesthetics are often used to improve comfort.

After treatment / downtime

Minimal downtime for pigment or skin rejuvenation treatments. Redness, slight swelling, sometimes mild peeling for 1–3 days.
Tattoo removal may have more downtime: blistering, oozing, scabbing are common in some cases.
Temporary darkening (“paradoxical darkening”) of pigment may occur initially as the body processes the pigment.
Sun protection is absolutely critical afterward. Untreated UV exposure may reverse gains or cause new pigmentation.

Some improvement may be visible after one session, especially for pigment or superficial spots.
For tattoo removal, 6 or more sessions are often needed (though fewer than older tech) with intervals of ~8–12 weeks between sessions to allow healing and pigment clearance
For melasma or pigmentation, additional sessions may be required, and results may take longer or require maintenance.
Results (e.g. ink removal, pigment fading) are considered permanent in many treated spots, but recurrence is possible (e.g. melasma, sun spots) if exposure or triggers persist.