Which is better to remove a black tattoo, 11cm x 19cm: PicoSure or Nd:YAG?

Hi, thank you for your question.  The best technology is definitely PicoSure as it is designed to treat all skin colors and all ink colors in almost half the time compared to Nd;YAG laser. Picosure is very comfortable, virtually painless and does not use heat, but rather converts it into pressure waves that literally shatter the ink particles into sand grains compared to Nd:YAG, which breaks down the ink into pebble size particles.  The smaller the ink particles, the faster and easier it is for your body to eliminate it.  There is always a risk of developing Hyperpigmentation or Hypopigmentation with any laser, but this risk is very minimal with PicoSure. The amount of treatment sessions required to eliminate tattoo with PicoSure  is also less compared to Nd:YAG. Don't forget that the laser is simply a tool and I strongly advise you have an expert consultation before you allow anyone to touch your skin and commit to a few months long treatment. Your results depend on the laser and the expertise.  Good luck.  It's a great time for tattoo removal with amazing technology like Picosure.  Hope this helps.  Best, Dr.Avaliani

I love Picosure for laser tattoo removal. It minimizes the chances of any complications and side effects. It is faster than any other lasers, hence it removes tattoos in record number of treatments. Picosure treatments will cost you more than Nd:YAG but it may come to the same in the end. With Picosure one treatment is more expensive, but you will need fewer number of treatments. With Nd:YAG you will pay less per treatment but you will need way more treatments. It is of high importance that you choose experienced provider, regardless which laser you choose. Good luck!

Thank you for your question. The PicoSure laser is has been developed and approved for tattoo ink removal, acne scars and any other blemishes you dislike. PicoSure is FDA-approved and highly effective for removing regrettable tattoos and scars. PicoSure uses PicoSecond technology to help remove tattoo ink and acne scars. For more information on PicoSure, I recommend getting a in person consultation with a board-certified dermatologist. 

I love Picosure for laser tattoo removal. It minimizes the chances of any complications and side effects. It is faster than any other lasers, hence it removes tattoos in record number of treatments. Picosure treatments will cost you more than Nd:YAG but it may come to the same in the end. With Picosure one treatment is more expensive, but you will need fewer number of treatments. With Nd:YAG you will pay less per treatment but you will need way more treatments. It is of high importance that you choose experienced provider, regardless which laser you choose. Good luck! 

Thanks for your question.  You have 2 routes for laser tattoo removal.  You have a lot of dark ink.  We have been using PicoSure for over 2 years and have completely eliminated dark ink tattoos.Q-Switch or nanosecond lasers came out about 20 years ago.  Picosecond laser came out about 3 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 lasers (like the Enlighten, PicoWay & PicoSure) fire 1000 times faster, using a pressure wave rather than heat to shear the ink molecules apart.  After using the PicoSure for almost 2 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.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.

Pico is the premier laser and will work fastest on a pure black tattoo. you will need approximately half the number of sessions that you would with any other laser. Plus you are much less likely to get any complications such as hypo-pigmentation with the Pico. you should do your sessions about 2 months apart and avoid any tanning of this area during the treatment period.david berman md

The PicoSure laser deliver system offers a couple different options in regard to tattoo removal and the skin type the tattoo is on.  The 532 is designed to work faster on tattoo colors, the 1064 works best on dark ink, and especially on skin types V and VI.  Get all the facts on what laser should be used on you, that is best for your skin color and type.Always have the consult before allowing anyone to start a procedure on you.Best of Luck.