PicoSure Laser for Quicker Tattoo Removal?

Thank you for your question. Pico-second lasers like the PicoSure are an excellent choice for tattoo removal. The rapid pulse technology effectively shatters the ink to remove the tattoo in fewer treatment sessions than other lasers. In my office, we often use a proprietary combination of lasers, including the pico-second devices, to remove ink in even fewer sessions than the PicoSure alone. We have been able to remove even large tattoos almost completely in as few as 3-4 treatment sessions. I encourage you to work with a board-certified dermatologist who is also a laser expert to ensure you achieve the best possible results.

Picoseconds are much shorter bursts of energy than prior technology of nanoseconds used in former lasers and this new technology has revolutionized our tattoo removal practice and has been a big advance since the Q-switched lasers were invented years ago.Despite the pico laser being very effective and often lessening tattoos in far fewer treatments than older lasers, treating a stubborn tattoo with scarring and some changing of color, may require many treatments even with the pico laser, but its effectiveness will probably be greater than sticking with the technology you have had until now. One should not imagine that 100% eradication will occur but significant fading may be accomplished.The information provided in Dr. Shelton's answer is for educational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice.  The information provided should not be relied upon as a substitute for consultations with a qualified health professional who may be familiar with your individual medical needs. 

In studies the PicoSure was great at removing most colors, even yellow.  So although it is a 755nm wavelength and should really only target black, green and blue, the speed at which it delivers the energy is photo-acoustically breaking up the pigment. Nonetheless,  in the initial trials red was not as effectively targeted.  The laser is very expensive, which is why treatments typically cost more than those with other lasers.  We have the device, and are always happy to do a free consultation to provide pricing.

Thank you for your question! Every patient and tattoo responds differently. Some patients see improved clearance after the first treatment, while others may take a few treatments to see results. Following the recommended post treatment protocol will likely improve the results and reduce the chance of adverse events. Unlike traditional lasers, PicoSure is great at removing previously treated tattoos. PicoSure can even remove recalcitrant tattoos (tattoos previously treated more than 10 times). Best of luck!

You would be a great candidate for the Alex Trivantage laser. This laser is the only one on the market that can target colors.  The multiple wave lengths can target all the colors in the tattoo with 4-6 sessions.  You should contact a board certified dermatologist as soon as possible.

At this moment, there is not a single laser that is able to effectively treat every color. Pico technology is definitely the fastest, safest, most comfortable and most effective. However, both the PicoWave and the PicoSure have some limitations. In our laser center, we use two tattoo removal systems at no extra cost to the client. The combination of the PicoWay laser and the QSwitched laser can address all colors and provides the most effective clearance.

Our office has seen substantial results from PicoSure that have shown better results with fewer sessions.

PicoSure is the newest laser for removing tattoos. It is an advanced technology that allows for greater tattoo clearance with less treatments. Some patients responded to only three treatments, but most patients need more. PicoSure is able to more effectively clear blue and green inks, as it delivers a pulse of light 100 times faster than previous lasers. The cost of PicoSure treatments will vary across the country. You should expect to pay few hundred dollars.

Black ink on white skin often looks gray so tattoo artists often mix in blue ink to give the tattoo a darker look. I believe that is what happened in your case. Since you just have blue ink remaining your best bet is to get treatment with a Ruby laser as it is wdiely acknowledged as the best treatment for blue ink. God luck!

We have been seeing excellent results with the PicoSure laser at our practice. For professional tattoos, three or four treatments are generally required and for amateur tattoos, a little less. Treatments with the PicoSure clear the tattoo much more quickly, often twice as quick as the old device. But that’s a ballpark, it depends on the patient. If you have red tattoo ink, PicoSure won’t work. Yellow is difficult as well. That’s when you need a 532 device to treat the tattoo. You see the most dramatic improvement in green, blue and purple inks that were previously very difficult to treat. Now, you often get rid of them in one to two treatments. It’s incredible. A lot of my patients have been treated for years with older types of lasers and all of a sudden, with one treatment, everything is gone. We have also been seeing some intriguing results with scaring from past tattoo removal treatments. In the process of treating their tattoo, their past scarring also smoothing out. We offer this treatment at our office and we are pricing PicoSure treatments about 25% higher than treatments with our other devices. With the decrease in the number of treatments required to clear the tattoo, this generally results in a savings to the patient over the course of the clearing their tattoo.