Is Picosure or Picoway better for eyebrow tattoo removal with a darker skin tone? (photo)

Question

I have eyebrow tattoos I need removed. I had a spot test with picosure which has shown great results. But now I am reading that pico way is better for darker skin tones. Do you think it would be ok to go ahead with picosure or should I seek out pico way? Thanks!

Mitchel Goldman, MD · Answer

These are my favorite lasers for tattoo removal.  We have both in my practice, and in many cases, we use them both at the same time to get the best results.  We also my use a Q-switched laser in addition to these for the best possible results for our patients.  The Pico lasers are very precise and can successfully remove tattoos within 3-4 treatment sessions. I recommend scheduling a consultation with a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist who is an expert in laser skin resurfacing. They can customize a treatment plan for you.

Jennifer Mundt, NMD · Answer

Hello and thank you for providing a photo! You will have a couple things happen specifically on your brows. Your black will disappear within 1-2 treatments most likely with a PicoWay. Then you will be left over with the orange color I see underneath. This orange color needs to be hit with a 532nm wavelength. It will either go away after a few treatments OR it will turn gray the moment the laser hits it and then it needs to be hit again with black ink wavelength (1064nm). This may happen several times until it has gone away completely. You do not need a lot of strength with either wavelength to do a good job. PicoWay is a very safe wavelength and should not scar you.

Laura Riehm, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and posting pictures.  You pose a great question about the latest laser technology.  People think that they have to have the latest laser for the best results.  After doing 1000's of laser tattoo removal treatments over the last 4.5 years, I can tell you experience makes the difference and I can explain why.
When a doctor's office buys a new laser, they are usually trained by the laser manufacturer's team.  They are restricted to teach only the parameters and usages from their FDA approval.  You only learn what is in the book and no "off-label" tricks.  Unfortunately, real life isn't represented in the book.  Our current treatment protocols are completely different from our training.  We found what really works in the real world.
Nanosecond/Q-Switch vs. Pico:  We have a couple of new tattoo removal patients each week that have tried the older Q-Switch laser technology.  They come in burned, scarred, frustrated...  If you want to risk hypopigmentation or hypertrophic burn scars under your tattoo, why not try a Q-Switch.  You could save $100/treatment, but you will do 10-20 treatments over the next 2-5 years.  With our PicoSure laser protocol, we completely eliminate most tattoos in 6-10 treatments over 2 years with no collateral damage to the underlying skin.
My best advice:  Find a provider in your area with a picosecond laser that has the most experience with it.  Don't believe the marketing that PicoSure, PicoWay, Enlighten is better than the other.  The 755nm will work for most ink colors.  If you have red or pink ink, make sure they have a 532nm.  For PicoSure, 532nm is an add-on and not all have it.  I hope this helps.

Is Picosure or Picoway better for eyebrow tattoo removal with a darker skin tone? (photo)

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Is Picosure or Picoway better for eyebrow tattoo removal with a darker skin tone? (photo)

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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.