Icon
Cynosure (formerly Palomar)
- Brand Tier
- Established
- Technology
- Hybrid
- Wavelengths
- 525nm-1200nm (IPL) · 1064nm (Nd:YAG handpiece)
- Skin Types
- Depends on handpiece. IPL handpieces (MaxR/MaxYs): Fitzpatrick I-V. 1064+ Nd:YAG: Fitzpatrick V-VI.
- Cooling
- Advanced Contact Cooling (5°C sapphire)
Notes
Successor to Palomar StarLux 500, now manufactured by Cynosure. Same platform architecture with upgraded 'Max' handpieces (MaxR, MaxRs, MaxYs, MaxG) offering higher peak power and optimized light delivery. Adds Skintel melanin reader: FDA-cleared device that objectively measures skin melanin content for safer parameter selection. Compatible with fractional laser handpieces (1540, 2940) and Lux Deep IR for skin tightening. Still in production and actively sold by Cynosure. Over 350 joules peak energy capability.
Overview
The current-generation evolution of Palomar's StarLux platform, now under Cynosure branding. The Icon maintains the multi-handpiece architecture but with upgraded performance, the addition of Skintel melanin measurement, and enhanced cooling. One of the most versatile multi-treatment platforms on the market, though still primarily IPL-based for hair removal.
How It Works
Same core technology as StarLux. Optimized pulsed light delivered through interchangeable handpieces. Max-series handpieces deliver higher peak power with optimized spectral filtering. Skintel melanin reader uses LEDs to calculate objective melanin values for safer parameter settings, removing subjective Fitzpatrick assessment. Advanced Contact Cooling maintains 5°C sapphire tip temperature.
Typical Uses
- Hair removal via MaxR/MaxRs IPL handpieces (all skin types I-V)
- Hair removal on dark skin via 1064+ Nd:YAG handpiece
- Photofacial/skin rejuvenation (MaxG handpiece)
- Fractional resurfacing for scars and wrinkles (1540, 2940 handpieces)
- Skin tightening (Lux Deep IR)
- Practices wanting maximum treatment versatility from one platform
Key Features
Same consumer advice applies: the Icon uses IPL handpieces for most hair removal, not laser. The 1064+ handpiece is the only true laser option. The Skintel melanin reader is a genuine safety advantage over competitor IPL systems: it removes guesswork from parameter selection. Cynosure's current multi-platform offering, often found alongside the Vectus (dedicated diode laser) and Elite iQ (dedicated Alexandrite+Nd:YAG laser) in larger practices.