I just got my first PicoSure laser session yesterday on my tattoo, how long will it take before I see results? (Photo)

Question

my tattoo is black cheetah prints it cost me $250 per session not sure if they did it the right way or use the laser the right way but I don't see any results as of yet. Also I'm looking for someone a little bit cheaper.

Craig Schwartz, DO · Answer

I would recommend you go back to your treating office and have a follow-up session to clearly review the process of tattoo removal. I am concerned that you have unrealistic expectations for what this entails. We tell our patients that tattoo removal can take anywhere from 4-7 sessions, or perhaps even more, depending on the size, color, type of ink and density, and body location. We would not expect you to see any major results in just one day from your first session. This will be a slow process over time, and you must be patient with it. As for price, the fee you were charged is very reasonable for the size of your tattoo. In fact, I would dare say that most offices would charge more for that size.

Robert Pettis, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question and providing a photo.  My colleague Dr. Riehm provided excellent information regarding tattoo removal treatment.  It is quite likely that you will not see any change to your tattoo for several weeks to months, and you may not see any noticeable changes until after a few treatments.  It is important to keep your follow up appointments with your practitioner as they should be taking photos at the start of each treatment appointment.  The side by side comparison of before and after photos may reveal more improvement than you notice day to day.   In our practice we use the PicoSure laser by CynoSure and find that although individual treatments may cost more than treatments with other lasers, PicoSure typically requires fewer treatments and causes fewer unwanted complications, so overall it is a better value.
All the best to you!

Laura Riehm, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and posting a picture.  I'm surprised you can't see results 1 day into an 18 month treatment plan...  Based on your questions, I don't think you understand how laser tattoo removal works.  The laser energy breaks your ink particles up into much smaller pieces.  It's up to your body's immune system that has to chew up these toxins and remove them.  There is no way to speed up this process other than clean living.  We would recommend spacing initial treatments 2 to 4 months apart.  You can treat more often or find a cheaper q-switch laser, but you will have a great probability of complications.  Best of luck.

David E. Berman, MD (retired) · Answer

you are being treated with the very best laser for tattoo removal. However, you will need many sessions. you have not only black in your tattoo but also other colors. Also, it can take a few sessions before you see much of a difference. The picosure laser is very expensive to buy so you are actually paying a very good price. Patients often don't realize how expensive the equipment is and how expensive the yearly warranty is for these lasers. The mistake many patients make, is that they go where it is cheapest (usually a medispa) and these places usually have older, much inferior equipment. The type of laser used makes a huge difference. The picosure laser often requires only half the number of treatments a more regular laser will require. I would suggest that you give it at least 3 sessions and then wait at least 6 weeks before you judge its effectiveness. You will see a difference by then. david berman md

I just got my first PicoSure laser session yesterday on my tattoo, how long will it take before I see results? (Photo)

Answers (4)

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