Wavelength differences between Picosecond lasers and what they mean for color removal?

Question

I have been looking at the two different picosecond lasers (Picosure vs Picoway). One has 755nm/532nm wavelengths, and the other has 1064nm/532nm wavelengths. What do the different numbers mean for a patient (755 vs 1064) and how well the laser will remove their tattoo? I have tattoos of all colours and want the best results possible with the least amount of treatments. And for pulse duration, the lower the ps number the less painful it is?

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

Different wavelengths are better for different colors. I would try to find a practitioner that has the PicoSure device and schedule a consultation to discuss whether it's the right choice for you. The PicoSure laser is currently the best on the market working 3x faster than all other lasers. It's also ideal for all skin types and tattoo colors. 
My best,
Dr. Sheila Nazarian
@drsheilanazarian on Instagram

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Picosecond lasers work best for tattoo and pigment as they are much quicker firing and require less treatments for improvement.  The wavelengths determine what colors can be treated.  Best to see a laser trained cosmetic dermatologist or plastic surgeon.  Best, Dr. Emer.

David H. McDaniel, MD · Answer

This is an important question depending on the colors in your tattoo.  GENERALLY speaking, the 755nm Alexandrite Picosec laser is superb for fading green and many blue colors that traditionally could not be removed with 1064nm Nd:YAG lasers in the past (the 1064nm laser fyi has been the workhorse laser in the past but it could not remove these colors well).Generally speaking the 532nm works 'best' for yellow, red and orange tattoo colors.  The 1064nm and the 755nm both tend to work well for most black tattoos (thus the reason for having 532nm in both lasers).The picosecond pulses are much shorter/faster than the nanosecond pulses and this impacts how the tattoo particles react as well as how gentle the treatment is regarding pain.  Please note that there are differences between the 1064 and 755 and 532 for treating skin of color patients and also tattoo pigments and the depth and technique used as well as the amount/density of ink and the presence of any scarring in the tattoo area as well as various other factors including the energy/power of the laser beam that may significantly influence results on individual patients - as well as create variation in results between different tattoos on the same patient.  Sometimes all of these wavelengths are needed to produce optimal results, however the picosecond 755nm Alexandrite laser really is a star for green and blue tattoos.

Wavelength differences between Picosecond lasers and what they mean for color removal?

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Wavelength differences between Picosecond lasers and what they mean for color removal?

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