Does PicoSure Get Rid Of Red Ink?

Question

I have a small red heart on my rib cage that I've completely outgrown. I was interested in trying the new PicoSure laser, but I heard that while it's better with blues and greens it doesn't really treat reds and yellows. Is this true? Or is there another tattoo removal treatment that would be better?

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Hi anon.  The Picosure would be fine for red ink.  In fact any q-switched Nd:Yg laser would be good for red ink.  With yellow and green the Ruby and Alexandrite lasers are better.  

	We offer a free consultation and are located right up the road in Orange, CA.  See the link below.

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Picosure is not a good laser for a red ink tattoo. Your tattoo will be best treated with a 532 wavelength laser. Picosure is best for dark colors such as black, blue, green and purple as these colors were previously very difficult to treat. I recommend having a consultation with an expert to determine the best treatment plan for you. Best of Luck!

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

PicoSure uses picosecond technology to clear tattoo ink.PicoSure is great for blue and green inks.PicoWay is a picosecond laser that is used for red inks. EnLighten is a picosecond laser with dual wavelengths - 750 ps and 2 nanosecond.Red ink tattoos are best treated with 532 nm Q switched lasers.

Jessica J. Krant, MD, MPH · Answer

Unfortunately, just like many laser generations before it, despite what you may read in the marketing materials, the PicoSure is not reliable for red ink tattoos. That's not to say it can't clear SOME of them. It may. But others it really does not budge. It depends truly on exactly which red pigments were used in your ink, and how deep the ink was placed. There is also no way to know ahead of time, other than to try it, and there is no guarantee of your result. I know! You regret the tattoo and now especially the red. Give the PicoSure a try. It certainly is at least as good as other lasers, if not better, but it's not a sure thing.

William Kirby, DO, FAOCD · Answer

It is well establised in the laser literature that red ink responds best to 532nm. The Picosure is 755nm. Green responds well to this wavelength. Hope this info helps.

Emil A. Tanghetti, MD · Answer

If you have red tattoo ink, PicoSure would most likely not be the best laser to clear your tattoo. Yellow is difficult as well. That’s when you need a 532 device to treat the tattoo. With the PicoSure, you see the most dramatic improvement in green, blue and purple inks that were previously very difficult to treat. Now, you often get rid of them in one to two treatments. It’s incredible. A lot of my patients have been treated for years with older types of lasers and all of a sudden, with one treatment, everything is gone. Finding a provider that has the most appropriate laser or lasers to treat your tattoo is important to ensure that you will receive the best results for your particular tattoo.

Timothy Knight, MD · Answer

At North County Dermatology Clinic in Lakeland, Florida we offer the Picosure for all ink colors except red. For red ink, the Q-switched ndYag 1064 Medlite C6 by Cynosure works better. We have both to treat all ink colors.

Roy G. Geronemus, MD · Answer

At the Laser & Skin Surgery of New York in NYC we have been using the PicoSure for over a year and a half as we performed the original trials that led to FDA clearance. While the PicoSure did lighten red ink the response was slower than we see with the q-switched Nd:YAG laser. We often use the two lasers together for tattoos with multiple colors. The PicoSure is far better for all other colors.

Does PicoSure Get Rid Of Red Ink?

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