Is it safe to switch from PicoSure to Q-switch due to lack of availability of clinics using Q-switch in my new city?

Question

I have had 7 sessions of tattoo removal with PicoSure at a clinic in Glasgow, UK. I am about to move to Tenerife, Spain in a few weeks and my research on-line showed that there are no clinics or tattoo studios offering laser treatment with PicoSure and they all use Q-switch. Is it safe to go ahead and continue the removal of my tattoo using Q-switch? Is it safe to assume that at worst of cases the procedure will only be slower? Thank you very much for your time.

Richard Ort, MD · Answer

Yes you can switch from Picosure to Q-switched technology.  The correct laser really depends on the color of your tattoo and how dark your skin is.  To some extent picosecond lasers have been overhyped by the laser companies.  It's not proven that picosecond lasers work better for all tattoos.  Either picosecond or Q-switched lasers are appropriate for tattoo removal.  See an experienced laser provider and discuss your concerns in person.Regards,Dr. Ort

Laura Riehm, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and posting pictures.  Tattoo regret is very common.  Almost every tattoo can be completely removed with enough time and treatments.  The most important factor is patience.  You have to give your body time to absorb the ink.  For laser tattoo removal you have two routes.The older nanosecond or Q-Switch lasers that came out about 20 years ago.  The majority of former Q-Switch patients we see have significant hypopigmentation (ghosting) around and under their tattoo.  The Q-Switch lasers have trouble differentiating between the melanin in your skin and ink.  The technology uses heat to burn the pigment out of your skin.  In addition, we have seen patients with raised scars as if they have been branded.  Both of these condition are irreversible.  Picosecond laser came out about 3 years ago.  Every laser manufacturer has a different marketing hook to make you choose their laser.  At the end of the day, it's about the technology and experience of the clinician.  All PicoSecond lasers (like the Enlighten, PicoWay & PicoSure) fire 1000 times faster per second, using a pressure wave rather than heat to shear the ink molecules apart.  The hype of extra wavelengths does not make that much of a difference.  The 755 nm will get rid of most of the ink colors.  For red and pink ink, you would need to make sure they have 532 nm.  After using the PicoSure for almost 3 years, we have only seen pinpoint hypopigmentation in a very small number of patients usually of darker skin tones.  We cannot say it is impossible to get burned with a Picosecond laser, but it is highly unlikely.  We tell every PicoSure tattoo patient to expect at least 6 treatments, but don’t be surprised if it takes 10 to 12.  Patience is the key for our patients.  We typically see our tattoo removal patients every 8 to 12 weeks initially.  If they have more time than money, we encourage them to come every 6 months as the tattoos seem to continue to fade while they wait.IF THE DOCTOR DOESN'T USE A PICO, HE HAS NO IDEA HOW MUCH BETTER IT IS WITH LESS TREATMENTS AND MUCH LESS COMPLICATIONS.  Treatment prices vary by market. The cost for picosecond treatments will be higher, but you should need less than half the treatments compared to a nanosecond laser.

Lauren Chavez, MD · Answer

The most important thing is to make sure it's a good q-switched laser that uses the right wavelength for your ink. Ask to see that particular office's before and after photos, for your color ink. I hope it goes well! :)

Is it safe to switch from PicoSure to Q-switch due to lack of availability of clinics using Q-switch in my new city?

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Is it safe to switch from PicoSure to Q-switch due to lack of availability of clinics using Q-switch in my new city?

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Everything you need to know about Tattoo Removal

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