​Fast Laser Tattoo Removal with PicoSure Laser Technology

If you have outgrown your tattoo, it no longer has to be permanent. With PicoSure’s advanced laser technology, eliminating your unwanted tattoo is easy. The PicoSure Laser can remove very dark lines, multicolored inks and even recalcitrant tattoos that have previously undergone unsuccessful laser treatments. PicoSure laser tattoo removal is the GOLD STANDARD for tattoo removal because it is fast and effective. 

How Does Laser Tattoo Removal Work?

PicoSure is an effective tattoo removal device and is equipped with a picosecond laser. Using advanced PressureWave technology, PicoSure laser light bursts break up underlying tattoo inks into microscopic particles that the body can easily eliminate through the circulatory and lymphatic systems. Other nanosecond laser tattoo removal systems use heat energy to melt the pigment. As a result, the extreme heat from the laser can also burn your skin. PicoSure laser treatments are safer and do not harm surrounding skin as much as other lasers.

What to Expect When Removing Tattoos 

PicoSure represents a major advancement over Q-switched Nd: YAG devices for laser tattoo removal. Several factors, including the tattoo’s size and color, will determine the length of the procedure and the number of sessions it will take to remove. It is recommended that you wait four to eight weeks between each session so the pigment has time to be expelled from the body. Laser tattoo removal is tolerable, with many people saying that the procedure is less painful than getting a tattoo. Patients may experience some minor side effects including a temporary sunburn-like sensation, but scarring is rare. Most people can resume their normal activities immediately following treatment without any downtime.
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Stop hiding your unwanted tattoo and start the removal process by calling El Centro Dermatology and Laser Center to set up a consultation today!

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Frequently Asked Questions

​What is PicoSure?

PicoSure is the latest advancement in laser technology for safe and effective tattoo removal using picosecond technology. That means each second, the laser can send out one trillion pulses! This helps remove tattoos faster with greater efficacy than ever before. This unprecedented advancement in laser technology safely and effectively erases tattoos with fewer treatments and better results.  Even tattoos that have been treated previously but failed to clear can be removed. PicoSure’s ultra-short pulse duration goes beyond photothermal action creating an intense photomechanical impact, resulting in greater disruption of the target for better clearance with fewer treatments.​

How does laser tattoo removal work?

During the PicoSure treatment, laser energy is gently delivered to the tattoo, targeting the ink and shattering it into tiny particles. The particles are eliminated by the body's natural processes resulting in a lightening of the tattoo ink.

How does the PicoSure compare to the older tattoo removal technology?

PicoSure uses the latest technology to remove ink colors and brown spots by delivering ultra-short picosecond pulses of energy into the skin.  The pulses create a photomechanical effect, or PressureWave™, that targets ink and brown spots while avoiding unmarked tissue.  Unlike traditional Q-switched lasers which break pigment into pebble-like granules, PressureWave shatters the ink and brown spots into tiny dust-like particles which are more easily eliminated by the body.  This results in clearer skin in fewer treatments with improved recovery.

What type of tattoos can be removed with PicoSure?

PicoSure can be used to remove a variety of tattoo colors and types. Difficult ink colors, such as blue and green, and previously treated tattoos can effectively be removed with PicoSure.

How many treatments will tattoo removal require?

With PicoSure, you will see greater results in fewer treatments. Because of its advanced technology, Picosure removes tattoos in about half the time it takes for traditional lasers. Typically it takes between 6 to 9 sessions to remove the tattoos, but individual results may vary. During your free consultation at El Centro Dermatology & Laser Center, a laser consultant will evaluate your tattoo and recommend a realistic tattoo removal treatment regime to help you achieve the best results.

How often will I need treatments?

Typically it takes about 6-8 weeks for the body to start breaking down the ink after a laser session. If you have some time constraints, speak to your provider to see what is the ideal time between treatments for you.

How long does the PicoSure laser tattoo removal treatment take?

The actual laser tattoo removal treatment typically lasts between five and ten minutes for small tattoos.  Larger tattoos take a little bit more time.  The procedure is quick and efficient and results in a small, white frosting on the surface where the tattoo pigment is. This white frosting fades to a mild red, swollen appearance on the tattoo, which turns into a crust over 24 to 48 hours. In general, for the first four to five days a thick ointment like Vaseline or Aquaphor is placed on the tattoo and a dressing is placed to prevent rubbing. The tattoo itself can be washed immediately the following day after treatment and then the simple dressing is re-applied. Once the crusting has fallen off, the tattoo continues to fade.

What are the limitations after treatment?

We recommend that patients limit their physical activity for the first 24-48 hours to avoid irritation or harm to the treated area. After that, patients can go about their days normally, however sun exposure should be limited until the treatment area is completely healed.

Will I see results after the first treatment?

Every patient and tattoo responds differently. Some patients see improved clearance after the first treatment, while others may take a few treatments to see results. Following the recommended post treatment protocol will likely improve the results and reduce the chance of adverse events.

Can I have only a portion of my tattoo removed?

Yes, PicoSure delivers energy so precisely that even the smallest areas of a tattoo can be removed without affecting the surrounding tattoo.

I have had 15-20 treatments on my tattoo and it is still there. Can the PicoSure remove the remaining ink?

Unlike traditional lasers, the PicoSure laser is great at removing previously treated tattoos.  PicoSure can even remove recalcitrant tattoos (tattoos previously treated more than 10 times).

I have permanent make-up. Can you remove it?

We do not recommend treating permanent make-up as there are several risks associated with it. Some cosmetic inks have metallic bases and tend to turn black when treated with the laser. Once this darkening occurs, it takes much longer to remove. We can do a test spot on the tattoo to see how it will react.

Will I experience any complications from tattoo removal with PicoSure?

There have been no major adverse events reported from PicoSure treatments but sometimes blistering and or scabbing may occur. It is important to take care of your tattoo and be compliant with aftercare instructions provided by your practitioner to avoid any unexpected issues.
 
How much does it cost to have PicoSure tattoo removal?

The cost of laser tattoo removal depends on several factors, including the size of tattoo and the number of treatments it will require. After your consultation, the practitioner will provide you a price estimate for the treatment series. Call our El Centro Dermatology & Laser Center office and we will schedule you for a free tattoo removal consultation.

Can I lighten the tattoo to have another one put on top?

Tattoos can be lightened in preparation for a cover-up tattoo. We recommend that you wait six weeks between your last treatment and when you have the new tattoo completed.

Does tattoo removal hurt?

This depends on your tolerance to pain. Most people report that the pain is similar to that of getting a tattoo, or that the pain is similar to snapping a rubber band at your skin.  The treatment is very fast, and afterwards, it feels like a mild sunburn. If needed, patients can request numbing cream and ice to apply 30 minutes before the treatment. This will help significantly reduce the pain.

Will I blister and scab afterwards?

Blisters and scabs can and will occur and are a normal response to tattoo removal, and most patients will experience them. In the case that you do, it is important to not pop or pick at them. If the blister pops on its own, keep the skin over it covered with a healing ointment such as Vaseline or Aquaphor and gauze to promote healing and prevent scarring.

Does insurance cover tattoo removal treatments?

Most insurance companies will not cover laser tattoo removal since it is considered an elective cosmetic procedure. For your convenience, we have payment plans such as Care Credit or Cherry that we would be happy to speak with you about during the free laser tattoo removal consultation.
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I got my tattoo one week ago. Can I have it removed right now?
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Tattoo regret can happen at any time, sometimes as early as the day after a tattoo is completed. Because your skin needs time to heal from the tattoo procedure, it is best for patient to wait at least six weeks to start the removal process.