Laser tattoo removal. Would it be better to use PicoSure or Nd:YAG?

Question

I have a large Japanese black and grey tattoo recently done on my forearm (taking up pretty much all off it). There is a lot a line work and shading involved. To be honest the more i look into it the more complicated i seem to find the situation. I have been looking into tattoo removal using laser treatment. Would it be best to us a picosure treatment or a Nd:YAG laser? I have no colour in the tattoo just alot of black and line work?

James Shire, MD · Answer

There is no question that the PicoSure laser is the best choice to remove a tattoo. It works in half the time, that is is fewer treatments. It would  clear the black ink easily. There also is no scarring. Best of luck.

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I have found that black ink responds the best with the Picosure laser as it has short pulse duration that exceeds photothermal action and results in an intense photomechanical impact. This adds up to faster results and fewer treatments when compared to older tattoo removal methods, such as the Q-Switch. The amount of sessions you will need will depend on the size, color and placement of the tattoo as the further the tattoo is from the heart the more time it will take to remove. The average price for a large tattoo per session is $500-$1000. I recommend having a consultation with an expert to determine the best treatment plan for you. Best of Luck!

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

For black ink tattoos either should be fine, the more expensive PicoSure lasers with perhaps fewer sessions of treatment or traditional nanosecond lasers. We use the ALex TriVantage and have good success with black ink tattoos.

James McMahan, MD (retired) · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I have two Nd:YAG lasers and the PicoSure laser that I use almost exclusively for tattoo removal in Columbus.  The PicoSure laser generally gets rid of black tattoos faster than the YAG laser. Both work great on grey tones.  The PicoSure laser can't be used on dark skin as it will permanently remove the natural skin pigment. If your tattoo is only a few weeks old, you should wait for a couple of months to get your first treatment. It is not true that you will not scar with the PicoSure laser, you can get a scar from any laser, including the PicoSure.

Laser tattoo removal. Would it be better to use PicoSure or Nd:YAG?

Answers (4)

Answer: PicoSure laser gets rid of black tattoos faster than the Nd:YAG lasr

Answer: PicoSure laser gets rid of black tattoos faster than the Nd:YAG lasr

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about PicoSure

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Laser tattoo removal. Would it be better to use PicoSure or Nd:YAG?

Answers (4)

Answer: PicoSure laser gets rid of black tattoos faster than the Nd:YAG lasr

Answer: PicoSure laser gets rid of black tattoos faster than the Nd:YAG lasr

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about PicoSure

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.