Picosure Laser Tattoo Removal
Tattoos are becoming increasingly common in the United States, as nearly 30% of all Americans and almost half of all millennials have them. For a lot of people, original tattoos can be a symbol of self-expression, a representation of an important memory or relationship, or just aesthetically pleasing. Others, however, may have second thoughts and regrets after receiving lettering, symbols, or art that will be present on your body for the rest of your life. Luckily, if you are experiencing tattoo regret, several options are available for tattoo removal, and one of the best is the Picosure picosecond laser, which safely shatters ink particles for complete and permanent tattoo removal. To access FDA-approved, safe, and effective tattoo pigment removal, schedule your initial consultation with expert board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green at her Upper East Side New York City dermatology office.
The Picosure picosecond laser is an FDA-cleared skin revitalization treatment that is highly effective for tattoo removal, skin resurfacing, eliminating acne scars, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and improving skin texture. Using ultra-short pulses of laser energy that last a trillionth of a second, the Picosure laser creates pressure waves that shatter pigmentation in the skin, allowing it to be naturally removed by the body’s immune system. Laser tattoo removal with the Picosure laser is quick and painless, with almost no risks of significant side effects and no recovery time necessary. After only a few treatment sessions, the unwanted tattoo will fade completely and permanently from the treated area. To achieve the best individual results, schedule your treatment with an experienced dermatologist, such as Dr. Michele Green.
Dr. Michele Green is a world-class expert in cosmetic dermatology and laser tattoo removal. She has been safely and effectively removing black and colored tattoo ink in patients of all different skin tones with laser treatments for over 25 years in her Upper East Side, New York office. Dr. Green has the most cutting-edge laser treatments to remove unwanted tattoos, regardless of the size and color of your tattoo. During your consultation, Dr. Michele Green will discuss the process of tattoo removal, the number of treatments needed, and the best laser technology for you. Well-known for high patient satisfaction and often praised in patient testimonials, Dr. Green has been voted one of the best dermatologists in New York City by such publications as Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, and Super Doctors.
What is Picosure tattoo removal?
The Picosure Pro is a picosecond laser that is FDA-approved for safe and effective laser tattoo removal. The Picosure laser is unique from other more traditional lasers in its method of action: where more traditional lasers emit light energy, which is then converted into heat to destroy pigmentation in the inner layers of skin, picosecond lasers like Picosure ultra-short pulses of laser energy pigmented cells while leaving the surrounding tissue unharmed. The Picosure laser can also remove full-color tattoos and not just black ink tattoos with three different wavelengths. The 532nm wavelength targets warm, sunset colors like red, yellow, and orange; the 755nm wavelength targets blue, green, and black ink; and the 1064nm wavelength targets black ink on patients with darker skin tones. In addition to tattoo removal, the Picosure laser can be used for skin lightening, reducing the appearance of fine lines, and addressing other forms of discoloration like sun spots, melasma, freckles, and acne scars.
How does Picosure laser tattoo removal work?
Picosure laser tattoo removal is a safe and highly effective way to remove tattoos and in fewer treatments than traditional lasers. The Picosure laser is a picosecond laser, meaning that it relies on ultra-short bursts of laser energy that last a trillionth of a second. These pulses destroy pigmentation in the skin while protecting the surrounding tissue from harm. The ultra-short pulses create a photomechanical impact known as a pressure wave, which shatters the tattoo ink into super-tiny dust-like particles. Once the ink particles have been broken down into tiny pieces, the body can naturally absorb and eliminate the pigmented cells, causing the tattoo to fade away throughout the treatment.
Is Picosure good for tattoo removal?
The Picosure laser is FDA-approved for tattoo removal, making it one of the best options for laser tattoo removal. To be granted FDA approval, a treatment method must undergo rigorous testing to demonstrate that it is both safe and effective for its intended purpose. The Picosure laser is particularly well-regarded for tattoo removal as it can eliminate tattoos of any color, including sunset colors like red, orange, and yellow, which have historically been challenging to remove. Additionally, the Picosure laser can be used on patients of any skin color and skin type. More traditional forms of laser treatment are not safe for patients with darker skin tones, but the Picosure 1064nm wavelength can safely eliminate black ink tattoos from patients with darker skin tones.
Who performs Pico tattoo removal?
The safest, most effective option for receiving a Picosure (Pico) tattoo removal treatment is to schedule your procedure with an expert, board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Michele Green. Institutions, such as MedSpas, may offer deals, specials, and free consultations, but patients who seek treatment at a MedSpa are often at a higher risk of developing serious side effects. An experienced dermatologist, such as Dr. Green, can provide high-quality, safe treatment options for any of your skincare needs. In addition to laser tattoo removal, Dr. Green offers a wide range of skin revitalization treatments, from laser skin tightening to injectable treatments like dermal fillers, Botox, and much more.
How long does Picosure tattoo removal take?
The Picosure laser tattoo removal process is simple and convenient. First, you’ll meet with Dr. Green at her New York City dermatology office for an initial consultation to discuss your medical history, current skin condition, and individual needs and goals. If Picosure picosecond laser is right for your treatment plan, you’ll engage in a scheduled treatment session tailored to your cosmetic objectives. The Picosure Laser treatment is a quick, safe, non-invasive cosmetic procedure requiring no downtime that eliminates unwanted tattoos and pigmented lesions while leaving the surrounding tissue unaffected. Most patients feel minimal discomfort throughout the process, but Dr. Green may apply a topical numbing cream to decrease the potential discomfort further. During a Picosure laser session, Dr. Green will use a handheld device to apply the Picosure laser energy to the treatment area, which will remove unwanted pigment in as little as 20 to 30 minutes. The sensation typically feels like a skin warming – akin to being out in the sun too long – and as though a rubber band is being snapped against the skin. The slight warming feeling will disappear soon after the treatment has finished, though patients may experience redness or irritation on the skin’s surface for several hours.
How many Picosure sessions for tattoo removal?
The exact number of treatment sessions necessary depends on several factors, including the size and scope of the treatment area, the age of the tattoo, and its location. Once you’ve had your initial consultation with Dr. Green, her office will provide a better estimate of the number of treatment sessions necessary for full tattoo removal. Typically, patients require between three and six treatment sessions spaced four to eight weeks apart.
Will Picosure remove a tattoo completely?
Picosure can effectively, safely, and permanently remove tattoos from the skin’s surface for various patients. Picosure Laser Treatments can be applied to most areas of the body, and patients typically find that unwanted pigment and tattoo ink can be entirely removed in a series of 3-6 treatment sessions, spaced 4 to 8 weeks apart, depending on the tattoo and your skin tone. Once all of the treatments have been performed, the tattoo will be permanently removed from the treated area.
Is Pico laser tattoo removal painful?
Patients often ask, “Does Pico laser hurt for tattoo removal?” The answer is that most patients find the discomfort during treatment minimal, and Picosure is often considered to be a pain-free treatment. At most, patients describe the sensation of the treatment as being like someone snapping a rubber band lightly against their skin. To decrease any risk of patient discomfort, Dr. Green will typically apply a topical anesthetic before the procedure. Following the procedure, patients may experience some redness, swelling, and skin irritation that will subside within a couple of hours. There is no downtime necessary following the treatment, and patients can immediately return to their regular activities. The skin will be extra sensitive to light, however, so Dr. Green recommends practicing strict sun avoidance and always wearing sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher when outside.
Pricing: How much is Pico laser tattoo removal?
The full cost of the Picosure laser tattoo removal treatment depends on several factors, including the size and scope of the treatment area, the number of sessions necessary, the type of institution at which you receive treatment, and your geographic location. During your initial consultation with Dr. Green, she will examine the treatment area and estimate the number of treatment sessions necessary to remove the tattoo fully. Afterward, her office can provide you with a better estimate of the total cost of treatment.
Which tattoo removal laser is best?
Patients often ask, “Is the Picosure the best tattoo removal?” When it comes to laser tattoo removal, Dr. Green will often turn to one of two lasers: the Picosure picosecond laser or the Candela Alex TriVantage nd: YAG Q-switched laser. Both options are safe for all skin types and can remove the full range of ink colors. While the Picosure laser uses short bursts of energy to destroy pigmentation with pressure waves, the Q-switched lasers use light energy that is converted into heat to destroy pigmentation. Neither option is inherently “better” than the other. Rather, Dr. Green will choose the tattoo removal laser that is best for you.
Helios 785 Laser for tattoo removal
The Helios 785 laser is another fantastic treatment option for tattoo removal. It is a Nd: YAG laser that effectively combines pico and nano modalities to treat the skin. This laser carries three wavelengths, a 532 nanosecond, a 785 picosecond, and a 1064 nanosecond, to allow providers to customize each treatment session to a patient’s specific skin type. These wavelengths also allow providers to treat a multitude of ink colors, including black, blue, green, and purple ink. The Helios laser can create clearer, brighter skin with little downtime or side effects. Multiple treatment sessions spaced at least four weeks apart are required to achieve the best cosmetic results. One of the unique features of the Helios 785 laser is its ability to remove unwanted tattoos in patients with darker skin tones. Clinical studies have shown its safety and efficacy in patients with Fitzpatrick skin types III-IV as well as sensitive Asian skin. In addition to tattoo removal, the Helios laser can also be used to remove sun damage and discoloration and even out skin tone for clearer, radiant skin.
Is Picosure better than Q-switched lasers?
Another commonly used laser for tattoo removal is the Nd: YAG Q-switched laser. The Q-switched laser is a high-intensity pulsed beam of light that pushes the laser into the skin in short bursts of energy. When the laser is delivered to the skin, the pigment absorbs the energy of the laser, which is then converted to heat. Chemical bonds in the pigment break down, and small pigment particles are removed from the skin through blood vessels and the lymphatic system.
The Candela Alex TriVantage® is a unique Q-switched laser/nd-YAG that is gentle and safe for all skin types, including darker skin and Asian skin. One of the advantages of this laser is that it can remove tattoos with different colors of ink without damaging the surrounding skin. Alex TriVantage removes tattoo ink safely and effectively, with minimal discomfort. Blue and green inks are known for their stubbornness during tattoo removal, but Alex TriVantage can break down even blues and greens. The Alex-TriVantage can be used for tattoo removal on all areas of the body, including the face, neck, arms, legs, and back. The same laser technology is also effective at removing pigmented lesions, brown spots, sun spots, and age spots from the face and body.
Who makes Picosure laser?
Picosure is a picosecond laser made by the company Cynosure Lutronic, which produces aesthetic and medical equipment for countries worldwide. They offer devices that help with skin rejuvenation, tattoo removal, body contouring, cellulite treatment, laser hair removal, and more. Their newest innovation for laser tattoo removal is the Picosure Pro, which has the addition of the 755nm handpiece, allowing for better removal of blue and green ink. Over 1 million treatments with Picosure lasers have been performed around the world.
Does Picosure tattoo removal work?
Picosure laser tattoo removal is a safe and effective way to eliminate all forms of unwanted discoloration and pigmentation, including tattoos of all colors for all skin tones. With three different wavelengths, 532nm, 755nm, and 1064nm, the Picosure laser can target the full spectrum of ink colors while leaving the surrounding tissue unaffected. In as few as three to six treatment sessions spaced four to eight weeks apart, the Picosure laser permanently fades tattoos by shattering ink particles and allowing them to be safely absorbed and expelled from the body. The Picosure laser requires no downtime following the procedure, and patients can immediately return to their regularly scheduled activities.
Is Picosure tattoo removal worth it?
Picosure is a safe and effective laser treatment with many purposes; it is capable of tattoo removal, elimination of unwanted hyperpigmentation, and overall skin rejuvenation by reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. When it comes to tattoo removal, the procedure is permanent and highly effective, with results visible after only three to six sessions, depending on the size and color of the tattoo. With the three wavelength frequencies, Picosure treatment can target many tattoo ink colors for removal, including red, orange, and yellow, which are typically much more difficult to remove. Unlike other lasers, Picosure can be used for patients of all skin types, including those with dark skin types. While some lasers can harm patients with dark skin, Picosure lasers at 1064nm are very safe and effective in removing tattoos and hyperpigmentation for patients with skin types IV-VI. For patients interested in removing an unwanted tattoo, eliminating unwanted pigment, or achieving skin rejuvenation with no discomfort or downtime, the Picosure tattoo removal treatment is worth it. When you consult Dr. Green at her boutique dermatology office in New York City, she will work with you to determine if Picosure laser treatment is the best procedure for addressing your specific concerns and achieving your ideal cosmetic results.
How to get started with Picosure treatment for tattoo removal today
The Picosure picosecond laser is a highly effective, FDA-approved option for tattoo removal. Using ultra-short pulses of laser energy, the Picosure laser destroys pigmentation in the dermal layer of skin using pressure rather than heat, making it safe and effective for all skin types and allowing for quicker and fewer treatment sessions. In addition to tattoo removal, the Picosure laser can be used to address other skin concerns, like acne scars, uneven skin texture, discoloration due to sun damage, fine lines, and wrinkles. To find the best tattoo removal treatment for you, you can schedule your initial consultation with expert dermatologist Dr. Michele Green.
Dr. Michele Green is an internationally renowned board-certified dermatologist with over two and a half decades of experience providing her patients with the best non-invasive treatment options. Dr. Green takes a holistic approach and embraces a less-is-more philosophy, creating customized skincare routines and treatment plans that cater to the unique concerns and aesthetic goals of her patients. She is consistently identified as one of New York’s best dermatologists by Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, and Super Doctors for her dedication to her patients and expertise. Please call us at 212-535-3088 or email our New York City-based office today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Michele Green and find the laser tattoo removal option that is best for you.