Deep tattoo removal. Am I wasting my time with PicoSure?

Question

Hi I have undergone one picosure treatment on 2 star tattoos that I had around 10 years ago. The tattoo was done professionally but badly and then touched up afterwards to make it less wonky! I now remember the touch up tattooist saying the dodgy tattooist had gone too 'deep' with the ink in the original sitting. Am I wasting my time with Picosure or is it possible to remove the original deep black tattoo? If not Picosure what alternatives do I have? Any help would be greatly appreciated Thanks,

Brian K. Machida, MD, FACS · Answer

You will need multiple treatments before you can make any conclusions. Pico technology lasers such as the picosure are the current gold standard for tattoo removal. You won't find better. In the end, if certain areas still bother you, excision of skin is an option but it will leave a scar.

Craig Schwartz, DO · Answer

Absolutely not! The picosecond laser technology in PicoSure is the absolute best way to remove tattoos, and does so with any ink color, in any skin type, with less discomfort and in fewer sessions than any of the older technology devices, such as Q-switched lasers. However, resolution will still take multiple sessions over time, so you have to be patient with the process. Hopefully you were not under the impression that a single treatment was going to remove this "deep" tattoo.

Bruce E. Katz, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. The key to tattoo removal is patience. The number of treatments varies by the ink and size of the tattoo. The PicoSure laser is has been developed and approved for tattoo ink removal, acne scars and any other blemishes you dislike. The PicoSure is FDA-approved and highly effective for removing regrettable tattoos and scars.  I recommend getting a in person consultation with a board-certified dermatologist.

Deep tattoo removal. Am I wasting my time with PicoSure?

Answers (3)