For tattoo removal
PicoWay: The PicoWay laser is FDA-cleared to remove tattoos and treat benign pigmented lesions, along with acne scars and wrinkles. It offers three wavelengths and a number of unique handpieces.
The laser uses photoacoustic energy to achieve its effects without thermal damage. Like PicoSure, PicoWay is a nonablative device that requires a series of treatments—four to five monthly sessions—to see optimal results.
Some doctors on RealSelf say that the PicoWay, with its shorter pulse duration, treats tattoos faster, more efficiently, and with less discomfort than the PicoSure.Â
Q-switched lasers: Commonly used in dermatology practices, “these are safe, effective, reliable tattoo removal lasers that patients have been happy with for years and years,” says Dr. Paul.
Traditional Q-switched lasers like the ruby, alexandrite, and Nd:YAG remove discoloration and sunspots by releasing laser energy in short, nanosecond bursts. Hyperpigmentation clusters in the dermis absorb the heat, which breaks up the discoloration. The lasers vary in effectiveness and safety for dark skin tones.
For skin rejuvenation
Clear + Brilliant: Dubbed “baby Fraxel,” the Clear + Brilliant is a light fractional resurfacing laser that can ramp up collagen production while brightening the skin and subtly improving its overall texture. It’s best for those with only mild sun damage and a series of treatments is usually needed for best results.
Though the Clear + Brilliant generates more heat than picosecond lasers, some doctors find it gentle enough to treat melasma. The PicoSure has more data supporting its efficacy for the treatment of acne scars, which experts say speaks to its collagen-boosting powers.
Downtime after Clear + Brilliant is similar to that with picosecond lasers—generally a day or less of pinkness followed by a gritty skin feel that lasts a couple days.
Fraxel Dual: One of the most popular skin revitalization devices in dermatology, the Fraxel Dual is a nonablative resurfacing laser that, by definition, treats only a fraction of the skin, leaving behind untouched columns of tissue that help aid in healing.
By combining two wavelengths, the laser works both superficially (to clear the epidermis of sun damage) and deeper, to stimulate collagen production in the dermis.
Downtime with the Dual is more extensive than with picosecond lasers—usually a week of redness, swelling, darkening, and peeling—and single-treatment results are more dramatic.
The Fraxel Dual is not generally recommended for those with brown or deep skin tones (Fitzpatrick skin types V and VI).
