DEKA SmartPICO

SmartPICO is a DEKA laser that produces both picosecond and nanosecond pulses at 532 nm and 1064 nm. DEKA describes the source as picosecond plus Q-switched Nd:YAG and lists four emission modes: PICO, NANO, DOUBLE and THERMAL. The applications DEKA lists are tattoo removal, benign pigmented lesions and rejuvenation, with pigment concerns such as melasma and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation named in its product text.

The handpieces are where units differ. DEKA says the SmartPICO handpieces come in several spot sizes, each with its own focusing lens, and include both traditional and fractional emission in square and round spot shapes. A separate DEKA Peel handpiece is used for carbon peel treatments. For tattoos, DEKA describes a two step approach in which nanosecond pulses are used first on larger pigment particles and picosecond pulses follow to break up what remains, which is why the nanosecond mode matters to buyers who treat tattoos.

Two points help place a SmartPICO. First, it is a standalone pico and Q-switched system, not the Prisma handpiece on DEKA's Luxea platform, which is a nanosecond Q-switched handpiece with a 6 ns pulse and 2.5 or 3 mm square spots according to the Luxea FDA summary. Second, the openFDA 510(k) database shows no clearance under the SmartPICO name and AccessGUDID returns no record for it, so US buyers will ask where the unit was sold and what documentation exists. The SmartPICO name on the label and the PICO mode on the startup screen identify it.

A dealer will want each handpiece listed by spot size and type, fractional or traditional, square or round, and will ask whether the Peel handpiece is included. Expect questions about the laser source's service history, any reduction in output, the condition of the focusing lenses and the installed software version. Photograph the serial label, the mode selection screen and every handpiece.