Cutera enlighten or Picoway for small new black tattoo? (photos)

Question

I have a small 4 inch black arrow tattoo that is 7 weeks old. I had it treated with picosure this week and have included pre and post treatment pictures. I’m wondering if cutera enlighten or picoway is better?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Each Doctor will have their preferred laser. Tattoos should be removed with q switched or pico lasers. It will take a series of treatments. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a laser tattoo removal expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Kristin J. Tarbet, MD, FACS · Answer

Using a Pico laser like Cutera's Enlighten technology will yield you the best results. Newer, dark and high density tattoos may require more sessions vs. some low-density older and faded tattoos which can often clear in as few as two to three sessions. Your fresh tattoo will fade with time and multiple treatments spaced about 6-8 weeks apart. Your body has to do the work in between appointments to process the lasered ink into small particles to be excreted through your lymph system. You wouldn't expect to see any meaningful reduction in dark ink after your first appointment. The good news is black ink is the easiest color for effective tattoo removal. Be patient and select your experienced practitioner carefully.

Evan Sorokin, MD · Answer

Unfortunately nobody sees results after one week.  This is why we space out treatments to give time for the laser to work.  You need to give it time, the more the better, to watch the ink fade.....  Hang in there!

Richard Rosol, MD · Answer

I would expect to see no change this soon after a treatment with any laser. The good news is that most any laser can remove a fine, black line-work tattoo effectively.
Your provider may have explained that ink removal happens over the many weeks following treatment. Your tattoo looks exactly as it should at this stage, so I recommend staying with your current provider if you trust his/her experience and credentials. What I don't recommend is jumping from laser to laser because of unrealistic expectations. Best to withhold judgment until 6-8 treatments, and take a break if you're still not seeing good results.
Best of luck!

Laura Riehm, MD · Answer

Thanks for you question and posting pictures.  You have embarked on an 18 to 24 month treatment plan to reverse something you thought would be permanent.  I'm sorry after the first week that you aren't seeing results.  This is a long process.  You have to give your body time to absorb and eliminate the toxins that were put in your body.  Choose a doctor's office that has the most experience with a picosecond laser.  This technology has only been available for 3 years.  We suggest waiting at least 3-4 months between treatments.  Best of luck.

Lauren Chavez, MD · Answer

Simple black lines are generally very easy to remove with any good q-switched YAG laser (which is generally much less expensive than the other lasers you mentioned.) Find a good, reputable place and look at THEIR before and after photos :)

Cutera enlighten or Picoway for small new black tattoo? (photos)

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