Tattoo removal with PicoWay and Fractional CO2?

Question

I have a colored tattoo on my bicep I decided to remove. The doctor I went to decided on using both PicoWay and Fractional CO2 lasers. The doctor suggested that the CO2 laser will allow ink particles to come out and at the same time prevent scarring. Is this combination really helpful? I did the first treatment this week. The CO2 laser was painful and caused bleeding. I am not seeing any lightening of the pigment yet. Should I assume this session was unsuccessful if I see no change soon?

Renita (Lourdhurajan) Rajan, MD, DNB · Answer

Hi,I routinely combine these two lasers (Picoway with fractional Co2) for reducing downtime (especially blister formation) and reducing scarring. I adopted this after a study in the Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy in 2015, which concluded that the combination was much better than going it alone with the pigment laser - initially with our nanosecond Nd YAG laser and now with Picoway since 2016. This has helped reduce blistering, possible scarring and definitely the clearance is way better. Almost every recent talk and lecture in conferences, locally and internationally, mention this as a recommendation to reduce scarring and increase pigment removal. So IMHO, there is enough evidence for this combination. In your case, it is too early to see any change from the process. Also, the blistering and oozing is usually from the Picoway and not from the fractional CO2 - so do check with your doctor about that. Do make sure to take care of the treated area very well - no picking, rubbing, sun exposure for the first 4-7 days (maximum), and then it should settle quite well. With professional tattoos, you may first notice change around the second to the third session - this is not that the first session didnt work at all. I have noticed up to 70% pigment reduction with a single session, followed up for 6 months. There needs to be a critical amount of pigment reduction for us to notice the clearance - and this takes time and a few sessions. If you have the luxury of time, allow longer periods (10 to 12 weeks, longer if you can) between sessions, if you wish to reduce the number of sessions. The minimum interval anyway should be (again, IMHO) 6 weeks. Good luck!

Michele S. Green, MD · Answer

There is no evidence that combining the Fractional CO2 and Yag better removes tattoos.  I use the Candela Alex-Trivantage for multi-colored tattoos and it is extremely effective.  Please consult an expert in tattoo removal for the best cosmetic results. Best, Dr. Green

Tattoo removal with PicoWay and Fractional CO2?

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Tattoo removal with PicoWay and Fractional CO2?

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Everything you need to know about PicoWay

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.