How Does Removing a Tattoo Work?

During PicoSure tattoo removal, the laser’s PressureWave technology is used to deliver ultra-short pulses of specialized energy – not laser heat –  that targets ink particles.  The pulses are so rapid that they cause a change in pressure that breaks ink apart into tiny dust-like particles which are then absorbed by the lymphatic system, a critical part of your body’s immune system, and eliminated naturally.

The PicoSure Laser Tattoo Removal Difference

Many of the standard lasers on the market are either not powerful enough to break up the ink into tiny enough particles to achieve desired results, and other lasers, such as the Nd:YAG using RevLite, use too much heat, which ends up damaging the skin.  The PicoSure laser uses a shockwave effect so that not only is the skin broken down into tiny particles much smaller than other lasers are capable of, the skin also endures less trauma because of the technology’s picosecond (very short) pulse.  Using less heat and only targeting the ink means less skin damage.

The newer Pico devices offer better clearance on tattoos of all colors and sizes and tones, and require fewer sessions with faster, more comfortable treatments. Because very little to   no heat is generated, treatments are more comfortable than with the older lasers.  The number of prescribed treatments will be dependent on variables such as ink colors, size of the tattoo, and location on the body.  Treatments typically occur 6-8 weeks apart.