I have 4x6 inch tattoo. Black ink only. For removal, which laser is better: Cutera Enlighten or Piqo4?

Hello,Tattoo removal, if not done correctly, can result in either scarring or ghosting.  Here are some tips:
Find a reputable office with a Pico laser. It produces faster results with less scarring than a nano alone.  Tattoo removal shops are not as reputable as a Doctor. Many of these shops close as quickly as they open, leaving you out of luck on pre-paid packages.Stay out of the sun— sunlight can be harmful to healing in after any laser procedureAvoid infections- This means keep your tattoo area clean (i.e. don’t garden right after a tattoo removal on your arm, etc), don’t pick scabs or blisters if they occur.  Follow our post procedure instructions. Avoid swimming for 48 hours as water can infect the treated areas.Allow healing between treatment sessions- typically 4-8 weeks.Be healthy- while the tattoo laser breaks up the tattoo particles, your body will actually eliminate the particles. Being healthy will help achieve this process faster and allow for consistent healing. Drink lots of water, get adequate sleep, and eat vitamin enriched foods.In our practice we utilize the currently most powerful Pico laser on the market called the PiQo4 by Lumenis.  The main advantage of a stronger tattoo laser (combining nano and pico wavelengths at greater power) is faster breakup of the tattoo.  The science of tattoo removal is complex but essentially the greater power will photo acoustically break up tattoo particles in smaller pieces.
Best,
Anil Shah

tattoo lasers can be used to improve or remova tattoos, but need a series of treatments regardless of . the technology and in some ways nano is better.  we use PFD patches to speed up the process.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Thank you for your question. It is difficult to give you advice. However, I like to use the Picosure laser which can remove 70-90% of a tattoo. It works best to remove dark colors such as black. It can take up to 6-10 sessions to remove a tattoo. I recommend having a consultation with an expert to determine the best treatment plan for you. Best of Luck!

You are a great candidate for laser tattoo removal! Black ink is the easiest color to remove.  Both of the lasers you mentioned would be capable of removing your tattoo successfully and safely, when used properly by licensed professionals. 

Black ink is usually the easiest color ink to remove.The best technology currently to remove tattoos is pico technology (vs. Nanotechnology).  Pico technology breaks the tattoo pigment into smaller particles which make it easier to remove the pigment.  With any technology however, the skill and experience of the provider is important.  Make sure your provider has experience removing your type of tattoo. 

Picosecond laser came out about 4 years ago.  Every laser manufacturer has a different marketing hook to make you choose their laser.  At the end of the day, it's about the technology and experience of the clinician.  All PicoSecond lasers (like the Enlighten, PicoWay & PicoSure) fire 1000 times faster per second, using a pressure wave rather than heat to shear the ink molecules apart.  The hype of extra wavelengths does not make that much of a difference.  The 755 nm will get rid of most of the ink colors.  For red and pink ink, you would need to make sure they have 532 nm.  After using the PicoSure for almost 3 and half 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.  We eventually encourage them to wait up to 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.  Best of luck

For your black ink, most any laser is adequate. What matters most—what *really* makes the difference—is whom you choose as a provider. Be sure your practitioner is medically trained and licensed, insured, and very experienced in laser tattoo removal. It’s not good enough for that person to be in the next room or available by phone. He or she must be right there, choosing settings and doing the treatment. I’d take a competent person with a Q-switched laser over a dabbler with a fancy new one, if it came down to that.
Best of luck!