Enlighten Laser in Brickell, Miami
The Cutera enlighten III combines nanosecond and picosecond pulse durations with three wavelengths to clear tattoos, permanent makeup, melasma, and stubborn pigmentation — faster and in fewer sessions than many traditional lasers. Safe for all skin types, including darker skin tones.
Medically reviewed by Mariana Tolosa, PA-C1501 South Miami Avenue #201, Brickellenlighten III® by CuteraPart of: Body Contouring

Enlighten laser tattoo removal results
Representative Cutera Enlighten III cases from the device's provider network, chosen because they mirror the ink types and clearance patterns we treat. Individual results vary — see more in our results gallery.
Before
AfterTattoo removal — Case 1. Significant ink clearance after a treatment series on the Enlighten III. Courtesy of Benjamin Boudreaux, MD.
Before
AfterTattoo removal — Case 2. Progressive fading across multiple Enlighten III sessions. Courtesy of Benjamin Boudreaux, MD.
Before
AfterTattoo removal — Case 3. Clean ink clearance with minimal residual shadow. Courtesy of Erasable Inc.
Photos courtesy of Benjamin Boudreaux, MD, and Erasable Inc. — representative cases from the device's provider network, not Miami Skin Spa patients. Individual results vary.

What an Enlighten session looks like
Everything you'd ask at the consult
Picosecond + nanosecond technology in one platform
Tattoo removal lasers work by applying targeted energy to a tattoo. That energy separates ink into small particles the body can absorb and expunge. Different tattoo inks require different types and amounts of energy to remove, and the wavelength of the laser determines which pigments respond. Until recent advances in technology, wavelength and pulse duration were not adjustable, which forced older lasers into a single, narrow type of removal.
The Enlighten by Cutera is part of the new generation of laser machines. It operates at picosecond pulse durations — faster, more powerful, and gentler on the surrounding skin than older nanosecond-only systems — and it was the first system to feature both picosecond technology and nanosecond technology in one platform, an industry-leading combination for tattoo removal and skin retexturizing.
As E. Victor Ross, M.D., explains: “The Enlighten system offers the capability to go from 750 picoseconds to 2000 picoseconds, or 2 nanoseconds simply by hitting a button on the touchscreen. That allows additional versatility beyond the range of spot sizes, or dual wavelengths. Now you also have a dual pulse duration system.”
Why dual pulse durations matter
Picosecond pulses are extremely short, which means more of the laser's energy is converted into the photoacoustic effect that shatters ink rather than into heat that can damage surrounding skin. Nanosecond pulses, although older, are still highly effective for certain ink densities and depths. By combining both in one device, the Enlighten 3 adapts to different ink variables. It also uses acoustic technology to make the ink vibrate, which lowers the total amount of heat required to remove the tattoo. Through the course of treatments, the laser dissolves the ink into tiny particles that are absorbed by your body — and because the Enlighten laser is faster and more effective than traditional methods, your tattoo can often be removed in fewer sessions.
Three wavelengths, the full color spectrum
The Enlighten III pairs its dual pulse durations (2 ns plus 750/660 ps, selectable on the fly) with three unique laser wavelengths — 532 nm, 1064 nm, and 670 nm — so we can target the full color spectrum of tattoo inks, plus variable spot sizes for precision on small detail and efficiency on larger pieces. For pigment concerns, the same energy targets excess melanin without damaging surrounding skin — the mechanism behind clearing hyperpigmentation and unwanted pigmented lesions. The platform's versatility also powers Pico Genesis, our picosecond skin-revitalization treatment, making this an essential device in our Lasers suite at Miami Skin Spa.
Tattoo removal — all ink colors
Whether you're looking to remove a small tattoo or a large, multi-colored piece, the dual wavelengths reach inks that older devices struggled with — including stubborn blue and green. Body tattoo sessions typically last 10 to 30 minutes depending on the tattoo's size and color, a cooling device keeps you comfortable, and most tattoos require 5–10 sessions spaced 4 to 8 weeks apart. We treat tattoos anywhere on the body — arms and shoulders, legs and ankles, chest and back, neck and face. For the full picture on sessions, pricing by size, and aftercare, see our complete guide to laser tattoo removal in Brickell, or start from the unwanted-tattoo concern guide.
Even for smaller tattoos, the right machine matters. Older nanosecond-only devices cannot deliver energy fast enough to precisely tackle small ink blots, so providers compensate with more heat — the cause of burning and unnecessary scarring. Picosecond pulses deliver the energy photoacoustically instead, which is how the Enlighten III keeps that risk low.
Melasma & hyperpigmentation
The 1064 nm wavelength reaches pigment without relying on surface heat, which is why the platform is one of our preferred tools for melasma and stubborn dark spots. Pigmentation treatments typically need 2–4 sessions, and many patients see improvement after the first one.
Age spots & sun damage
Years of Miami sun show up as scattered lentigines and uneven tone. The Enlighten clears age spots and sun damage by shattering the excess melanin so your body can carry it away — no peeling required for most patients.
Acne scars, enlarged pores & texture
Beyond pigment and ink, the Enlighten 3 stimulates elastin and collagen production to revitalize treated skin — improving acne scars, enlarged pores, and uneven skin tone and texture. If scarring is your main concern, our scar removal guide compares the options, and patients chasing overall radiance often pair pigment clearance with treatments from our brighten & glow playbook.
Cosmetic tattoo removal, made precise
We offer a relatively pain-free permanent tattoo removal treatment using the Enlighten 3 laser for cost-effective and quick removal, engineered to minimize the risk of burning or scarring. This technology removes eyebrow microblading as well as permanent lip liner and eyeliner tattoos. Because permanent makeup tattoos usually cover a small area and are a single color, complete removal can sometimes be accomplished in one or two 20-minute sessions — and the precision of the laser allows for partial or full removal, so we can lighten a brow you don't love without removing it entirely, or fully clear a lip line that has migrated.
Microblading removal
Microblading adds semi-permanent pigment to the eyebrows with several tiny needles — and if you're not satisfied with the result, the Enlighten 3 allows partial or full microblading removal. The treatment is also safe for permanent lip and eyeliner tattoos despite the sensitivity of the area.
Treatable areas
- Eyebrows (including microblading)
- Permanent lip liner
- Permanent eyeliner
- Scalp micropigmentation
- Other small face and scalp tattoos
Before your make-up tattoo removal
A consultation sets the exact course of treatment and your appointment estimate. Bring a list of any oral medications and topical skincare products you use, and on the day of your procedure arrive with clean, freshly-showered skin — no lotions, perfumes, or makeup, as they may interfere with the procedure and recovery.
Searching for a PicoSure laser in Miami?
Patients often search for PicoSure laser treatment in Miami when what they need is picosecond-class tattoo or pigment removal. We chose a different device in the same class: the Cutera enlighten III. All picosecond lasers are a big step above older nanosecond-only lasers — the differences between platforms come down to wavelengths and pulse control.
How the platforms compare, factually
- PicoSure (Cynosure) — built around a 755 nm picosecond alexandrite laser, with delivery options for additional wavelengths. Strong on green and blue inks; picosecond-only pulse durations.
- PicoWay (Candela) — a picosecond-only platform offering multiple wavelengths for different ink colors and pigment depths.
- enlighten III (Cutera) — three wavelengths (532, 1064, and 670 nm) plus dual pulse durations: 750/660 picoseconds and 2 nanoseconds, selectable on the fly. It remains one of the few platforms that lets the provider choose pulse speed based on individual ink and skin factors.
That pulse-duration flexibility is why we can safely treat all skin types on a single device, matching the energy profile to your ink colors, ink density, and skin tone rather than treating every tattoo the same way. Manufacturer-reported clearance data suggest up to 32% fewer treatments than competing devices, with comparable or better clearance.
If your goal is pigment correction or glow rather than ink, the same platform runs Pico Genesis — and for diffuse redness or sun spots, an IPL photofacial may be the better-fitting tool. The consultation sorts that out before anything touches your skin.
Safe for all skin types
The Enlighten 3 laser is safe and effective for all skin types, including darker skin tones. Its 1064 nm wavelength and adjustable pulse durations let us treat deeper complexions with settings that respect melanin-rich skin — where aggressive heat-based treatments carry a higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Comfort during treatment
You'll wear protective eyewear while the laser is gently applied to the treatment area. Most patients describe the sensation as mild tingling or warmth; a cooling device keeps you comfortable, and numbing options are available. Sessions typically last 15 to 45 minutes, depending on the area treated.
Who it's for
- Those wanting to remove unwanted tattoos of any color or size
- People dealing with melasma, hyperpigmentation, or uneven skin tone
- Anyone with acne scars, sun damage, or enlarged pores
- Those who have tried other treatments without success
- Anyone seeking non-invasive skin rejuvenation with minimal downtime
What we screen for
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding — treatment is deferred.
- Active infection, open lesions, or a recent tan in the treatment area.
- Recent isotretinoin use, keloid-prone scarring, and conditions that impair healing — discussed individually.
Every treatment at Miami Skin Spa is performed by a licensed medical provider after an individual evaluation — meet the team.
The first days
- Immediate results: many patients see improvement after the first session.
- Mild redness or swelling: typically resolves within hours; most clients return to normal activities the same day.
- Darkening before fading: your tattoo may appear darker for the first few days before the skin begins to flake and the ink fades.
- Minor scabbing or peeling can occur after tattoo removal as part of normal healing.
Aftercare instructions
Keep the area clean and apply Vaseline and bandages according to your technician's instructions. Avoid sun exposure on the treated area and use sunscreen during the entire course of treatment. Plan on 6 to 8 weeks between sessions for permanent makeup removal, and 4 to 8 weeks between sessions for body tattoo removal, so your skin heals and your body processes the broken-down ink.
Progressive, long-term results
Skin clarity and tattoo fading improve with each session, and once the treatment course is completed, results are long-term with proper skincare. Between sessions, many patients keep skin healthy and hydrated with HydraFacials; once active removal is complete, a chemical peel can layer in pigment correction, and Morpheus8 can address texture or scarring that existed under or around an old tattoo.
Not sure which laser fits your skin? Bring your concern, not a device name. A consultation maps your ink or pigment to the right plan — whether that's the Enlighten III, Pico Genesis, an IPL photofacial, or a combination.
Enlighten III vs the alternatives
Each option targets pigment or tone a different way — the right choice depends on whether you're clearing ink, melasma, sun damage, or chasing overall glow. We offer every option below, so the recommendation is based on your skin, not the device we happen to own.
| Treatment | How it works | Best for | Downtime | Skin tones |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enlighten III | Picosecond + nanosecond pulses shatter ink and pigment photoacoustically | Tattoo removal, permanent makeup, melasma, dark spots | Minimal — same day | All skin types |
| Pico Genesis | Fractionated picosecond passes on the same platform remodel tone and texture | Diffuse pigment, brown spots, glow, acne-scar texture | Minimal | All skin types |
| IPL photofacial | Broad-spectrum light heats pigment and vessels at the surface | Sun spots, redness, overall photoaging | Minimal | Caution in deeper tones |
| Chemical peels | Controlled exfoliation lifts pigmented surface layers | Layered pigment correction, tone, texture | Several days of peeling | Peel-dependent |
Why our Brickell laser providers
Clearance without complications comes down to wavelength and pulse-duration decisions made in the room. At Miami Skin Spa every Enlighten session is performed by a licensed medical provider — and more than 15,000 patients have trusted our Brickell team with their tattoo removal over years of hands-on experience with the Enlighten III.
Mariana Tolosa, PA-C
Board-certified Physician Assistant specializing in advanced injectables and laser rejuvenation — including Pico Genesis, IPL photofacials, and laser tattoo removal. Mariana matches device settings to skin type first, escalating energy only where your skin shows it can take more.
Meet Mariana →Jasmine Vazquez-Mack, APRN-C
Board-certified Nurse Practitioner specializing in Pico laser treatments for hyperpigmentation and acne scarring, plus laser tattoo removal with advanced comfort options for larger pieces.
Meet Jasmine →Meet the whole Miami Skin Spa team — and see the work in our results gallery.
Rated 5.0 by our patients
A 5.0 average across 15 Google reviews for Enlighten laser tattoo and permanent makeup removal at our Brickell studio.
“I had a great experience from start to finish with Miami Skin Spa for my tattoo removal. The staff were lovely, the service was fast (and effective), and the office was beautiful. I will definitely be back!”
— Natascha V.
“Very professional. Beautiful office. Had eyebrow tattoo removed. Only took 1 session to remove.”
— Dawn R.
“Came here for tattoo removal and I highly recommend their services.”
— Stephanie M.
Start from your concern
Each guide below covers the full evidence for that concern — what works, what doesn't, and where the Enlighten III fits among the options.
Unwanted tattoos
How picosecond lasers clear ink, what drives session counts, and what realistic clearance looks like by color.
Read the guide →Hyperpigmentation
Why excess melanin forms, and which devices clear it without triggering more pigment.
Read the guide →Melasma
Heat-sensitive pigment needs careful device selection — where low-heat picosecond passes fit in a melasma plan.
Read the guide →Sun damage
Miami sun leaves lentigines, rough texture, and uneven tone — the full treatment ladder, lasers included.
Read the guide →Dark spots
Spot-by-spot clearance versus full-face correction — and how to keep spots from coming back.
Read the guide →Skin resurfacing
How laser revitalization rebuilds tone and texture — and when resurfacing beats spot treatment.
Read the guide →From the blog
How does tattoo removal work?
The physics of shattering ink — wavelengths, pulse durations, and what your lymphatic system does next.
Read →Is tattoo removal painful?
What sessions actually feel like, and the comfort options that make them easy.
Read →How many sessions do I need?
The factors behind 5–10 sessions: ink color, density, depth, location, and skin type.
Read →10 things to know about tattoo removal
A pre-consultation primer — from realistic timelines to aftercare that protects your result.
Read →Frequently asked questions
The number of sessions varies depending on the size, color, and depth of the tattoo, but generally ranges from 5 to 10 treatments. Your provider gives you an estimate at your consultation — see our complete laser tattoo removal guide for session planning and pricing by size.
Yes, the dual-wavelength Enlighten 3 system effectively targets a wide range of ink colors, including stubborn shades like blue and green.
Most patients experience minimal discomfort, similar to a warm sensation or slight tingling. Numbing options are available for comfort.
Most patients require 2–4 sessions for pigmentation concerns, though this varies based on the severity and type of pigmentation.
Yes, the Enlighten 3 laser is safe and effective for all skin types, including darker skin tones.
There is minimal to no downtime. Most patients can resume daily activities immediately. Some mild redness or, for tattoo removal, minor scabbing may occur.
We recommend waiting 6 to 8 weeks between sessions to allow your skin to heal and for the body to process the broken-down ink particles.
You may notice improvements after the first session, with continued progress over the following weeks as the body eliminates the targeted pigment or ink.
The Enlighten laser is cutting-edge tattoo removal technology with multiple wavelengths to address tattoos of varying depths and colors. It uses picosecond and nanosecond technology to remove the most stubborn tattoo dyes with up to 35% fewer treatments. The Enlighten 3 also stimulates elastin and collagen production to revitalize the treated skin.
A consultation is usually recommended to determine the exact course of treatment for your laser make-up tattoo removal. During the consultation, your treatment specialist will go over what to expect before, during, and after your procedure. They will also give you an estimate as to how many appointments you will need for your unique tattoos and skin type. Bring a list of any oral medications and topical skincare products you use so that your provider can advise if you need to discontinue them before your procedure.
The Enlighten laser works by breaking down the top layer of the skin into small particles. Your body removes and absorbs the particles as new skin moves in to replace them. The varied wavelengths allow the technician to remove even the previously difficult green and blue tattoo colors. Since permanent makeup tattoos usually cover a small area and are a single color, complete removal might be accomplished in one or two 20-minute sessions.
The Enlighten 3 laser is also a safe and effective method to remove eyebrow microblading. Microblading is a newer form of permanent cosmetic tattoo that uses several tiny needles to add pigment to the eyebrows. The added pigment makes brows appear fuller — a semi-permanent solution to thin or invisible eyebrows. Even though the pigment is semi-permanent, you may not be fully satisfied with the end result. The precision of the Enlighten 3 laser allows for partial or full microblading removal. The treatment is also safe for permanent lip and eye liner tattoos, despite the sensitivity of the area.
The Enlighten 3 laser is designed for safe and fast tattoo removal, engineered to minimize the risk of burning or scarring. Recovery from permanent makeup removal using the Enlighten 3 laser is relatively pain-free and straightforward. Keep the area clean and apply vaseline and bandages according to your technician's instructions. Your tattoo may appear darker for the first few days before the skin begins to flake and fade. If you need more than one treatment, you will need between 6 and 8 weeks before your next procedure.
Both are picosecond-class tattoo removal lasers. PicoSure, made by Cynosure, is built around a 755 nm picosecond alexandrite laser. The Cutera enlighten III combines three wavelengths — 532, 1064, and 670 nm — with selectable picosecond and nanosecond pulse durations in one platform, which lets the provider match pulse speed and wavelength to your ink colors and skin type. If you have been searching for PicoSure in Miami, the consultation works the same way: bring the tattoo, and we will map out a clearance plan on the enlighten III.
Ready to clear unwanted ink or pigment?
Miami Skin Spa uses top-rated, FDA-cleared devices to rejuvenate your skin. Tattoo and permanent makeup removal does not have to be painful, drawn out, or scarring — book a consultation with our team in Brickell and we will build a treatment plan tailored to your tattoo, your skin, and your goals. Patients come to us for Enlighten laser treatments from across the Miami area, including Coral Gables, Miami Beach, and Pinecrest.
Miami Skin Spa · Brickell · 1501 South Miami Avenue #201, Miami, FL 33129 · 305-557-1615
Sources
- Cutera — enlighten platform overview: dual pulse durations (picosecond + nanosecond) and multi-wavelength delivery for tattoo removal and benign pigmented lesions. Manufacturer clinical page. https://www.cutera.com/products/enlighten/
- U.S. Food & Drug Administration — Tattoo Removal: Options and Results. Consumer update on laser tattoo removal expectations and safety. 2017 (updated). https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/tattoo-removal-options-and-results
- Reiter O, et al. Picosecond lasers for tattoo removal: a systematic review. Lasers in Medical Science. 2016. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27056705/
- Kirby W, Desai A, et al. The Kirby-Desai Scale: a proposed scale to assess tattoo-removal treatments — the factor model behind session estimates. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2009. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2923953/
- Ross EV, et al. Comparison of responses of tattoos to picosecond and nanosecond Q-switched Nd:YAG lasers. Arch Dermatol. 1998. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9521029/
- American Society for Dermatologic Surgery — Tattoo removal: procedure overview, candidacy, and what to expect from laser-based clearance. https://www.asds.net/skin-experts/skin-treatments/tattoo-removal