Tattoo Removal Machines

A tattoo laser delivers a very short pulse of light at a wavelength the ink absorbs. The pulse breaks the pigment into smaller fragments, which the body clears gradually over the following weeks. Because ink sits at different depths and colors absorb different wavelengths, removal takes a course of sessions rather than one visit.

Q-switched vs. picosecond

Q-switched Nd:YAG lasers deliver nanosecond pulses and are the established workhorse for black and dark inks. Picosecond lasers deliver pulses roughly a thousand times shorter, which shatters pigment more mechanically and with less heat. Manufacturers position picosecond systems for stubborn pigment, color work and shorter treatment courses. In this collection, the Shape Tactics Mini ND YAG and NDPlus are Nd:YAG systems, and the Winkonlaser EL400, EL500, EL900 and Picoking II are sold as picosecond platforms.

What else these lasers treat

With the right wavelength and handpiece, the same machine can treat pigmented lesions such as sunspots, freckles and age spots, and some models support carbon peel or skin rejuvenation protocols. Check the product page for the applications the manufacturer lists for each model.

Match the laser to the ink colors and skin types you expect to treat, then weigh delivery, cooling and footprint. The comparison table above shows these side by side.

Wavelengths

• 1064 nm Nd:YAG treats black and dark inks and interacts least with melanin, which makes it the key wavelength for darker skin types.
• 532 nm treats red, orange and some warm colors. It interacts more with melanin, so settings and client selection matter.
• 755 nm is used for blue and green inks, the colors 1064 and 532 nm struggle with.
• 1320 nm is used for skin rejuvenation rather than ink.

All four Winkonlaser systems carry 532, 755, 1064 and 1320 nm. The Shape Tactics units are Nd:YAG platforms with multiple wavelengths; ask us for the exact list on each model.

Spot size and energy

Larger spots penetrate deeper and cover ground faster; smaller spots target fine detail and surface pigment. The Winkonlaser systems adjust from 2 to 10 mm. Compare the energy available at the spot sizes you will actually use rather than the headline maximum. The EL400, for example, ranges from 50 mJ at 532 nm to 1,200 mJ at 755 and 1064 nm.

Beam delivery and cooling

Articulated laser arms, as on the EL900 and Picoking II, give stable beam delivery for high-volume clinics. Fiber or handpiece delivery on the portable units keeps the machine smaller and easier to move. Water-plus-air cooling supports long treatment days; the air-cooled Shape Tactics units are lighter and simpler to maintain.

Match the laser to your practice

• Mostly black and dark ink, limited starting budget: the Shape Tactics Mini ND YAG or the Winkonlaser EL400 Portable.
• Adding pigmentation and carbon peel services alongside tattoo work: the EL500 or NDPlus.
• Diverse client base including darker skin types: any of the four-wavelength Winkonlaser systems, with 1064 nm as your primary wavelength.
• Frequent color work and high daily volume: the EL900 or Picoking II, with laser-arm delivery and a 3,000 W supply.
• Mobile or space-limited practice: the EL400 or EL500, both built as portable units.

This collection runs from the Shape Tactics Mini ND YAG at the entry level to the Picoking II Pro at the top. Price differences come from pulse technology, the number of wavelengths, energy at usable spot sizes, beam delivery, cooling and build.

Tiers in this collection

• Entry Nd:YAG: Mini ND YAG. A compact starting point for dark-ink work.
• Portable picosecond: EL400 and EL500. Four wavelengths in a portable form factor.
• Air-cooled Nd:YAG platform: NDPlus. A mid-range unit with built-in cooling assist.
• High-volume picosecond: EL900 and Picoking II. Laser-arm delivery, dual cooling and 3,000 W supplies for busy clinics.

Ongoing costs

Tattoo lasers have few per-treatment consumables compared with RF microneedling, but plan for protective eyewear, cooling gel, filter or water changes where the manual calls for them, lens and optics care, and service after the warranty ends. Operator training and insurance are the other two costs that often get missed.

The business case

A simple model: average session price multiplied by expected sessions per course gives the revenue from one tattoo. Set that against the machine price, training, insurance and maintenance, and use conservative booking numbers for the first months. Our B2B team can help you compare two machines on your own numbers without promising a return.

Laser tattoo removal is a professional procedure. Safe results depend on correct wavelength and energy selection, protective eyewear for operator and client, careful screening of skin type and medical history, and a trained operator following the manufacturer's protocol. Incorrect settings can cause blistering, scarring and pigment changes.

Skin types

1064 nm is the safest wavelength for darker skin because it interacts least with melanin. Shorter visible wavelengths such as 532 nm need more conservative settings and careful client selection. A four-wavelength system lets you choose the right tool for each client rather than compromising.

Who can operate a tattoo removal laser

US rules vary by state. Some states restrict laser tattoo removal to physicians or require supervision by a medical director; others allow trained laser technicians or estheticians with additional certification. Buying a machine does not change your scope of practice, so confirm the requirements with your state medical board or licensing authority before you buy.

FDA terminology

FDA cleared means a specific device model has completed 510(k) premarket review. FDA registered means a facility or device is listed with the FDA, which is not the same as clearance. Ask our team for the regulatory documentation for any model you are considering, and only use a clearance claim that is documented for that exact product.

Results

Response depends on ink color, depth, age and layering, body location, skin type, settings and operator decisions. Before-and-after images are only useful when they identify the machine, wavelength and session count. No laser guarantees complete removal.

Warranty

Winkonlaser systems (EL400, EL500, EL900 and Picoking II) carry a 3-year manufacturer warranty. Shape Tactics systems are covered by the manufacturer's limited warranty, with separate terms for the main unit, electronics and handpieces. Ask us for the full terms on any model.

In the box

Expect the main unit, a laser handpiece or arm, protective eyewear, power cable and user manual. The Picoking II also ships with a wavelength filter set and treatment protocols. Package contents vary by model, so confirm the list for your machine before ordering.

Training and documentation

Winkonlaser offers optional online training with a technician on selected models. Every machine includes a user manual and recommended parameters. Device training helps your team learn the controls; it does not replace the laser safety training and licensing your state requires.

Support, parts and service

Contact Longevity Based first for technical questions, replacement parts or service. We coordinate with the manufacturer so you have one US point of contact.

Shipping and power

Free shipping on all domestic USA orders, including freight for larger consoles. Alaska, Hawaii and international orders are shipped at cost; contact us for a quote. The EL900 runs on 110 to 220 V; confirm the power requirements for other models before installation.

By laser type: the picosecond units are on Picosecond Laser Machines and the Q-switched units on Nd:YAG Laser Machines.