How do tattoo removal lasers work?

Tattoo removal lasers use the energy from laser light to fade or remove unwanted tattoo ink. Pigment specific light from these lasers pass safely through the top layers of the skin and shatters unwanted tattoo ink into microscopic particles. These tiny particles are then removed by the natural scavenger cells of the body's own immune system.

What is the PicoSure™ laser?

The new PicoSure™ tattoo removal laser uses PressureWave technology to create a photomechanical effect to remove tattoos more rapidly than traditional tattoo removal lasers.  The PicoSure™ laser uses picosecond technology. The picosecond is 100 times shorter than the nanosecond used in traditional tattoo removal systems. The advantage of the shorter pulse time is that the shattered ink particles are much smaller than those produced with the nanosecond laser and are thus removed more rapidly by the immune system and secondly less heat is procedure thus minimising damage to the surrounding tissues.
Traditional tattoo removal lasers often require between 10 and 20 treatments spaced 6 to 8 weeks apart. PicoSure™ treatments can be performed every 6 weeks, and tattoos are often cleared in about 3 to 6 treatments, so your unwanted tattoo will be gone in a fraction of the time.

Are there any tattoos that cannot be treated with the PicoSure™ laser?

Eyeliner tattoo is not suitable for the PicoSure™ laser but responds well to treatment with traditional tattoo removal lasers.

Will the PicoSure™ treatment hurt?

The treatment feels somewhat similar to getting a tattoo but is much quicker. Most patients manage the treatment well with ice cooling or with the help of a special medical cooler call the Zimmer device that can blow cold air on the skin.
Patients may experience some redness; bruising or crusting after being treated that will quickly subside within about 1 week.

What are the advantages of PicoSure™ laser compared with traditional tattoo removal technology?

  • Fewer treatments compared with traditional Q-switched™ lasers
  • Improved clearance, even on difficult ink colours (including blues and greens) and recalcitrant tattoos
  • Faster treatments that last just minutes
  • Reduced side effects, including less injury to surrounding skin
  • More comfortable treatments

I have a partially treated tattoo, can I switch over to the new PicoSure™ technology?

Absolutely!