HOW CAN PICOSURE WORK?

The PicoSure laser offers three different wavelengths of light, so it can be used to remove both dark spots and ink that’s deeply entrenched in the dermis. 

• The 532 nm wavelength is most effective for red, violet, orange, yellow, and brown ink or pigment.
• The 755 nm wavelength treats green, blue, and black inks. 

The laser also creates microscopic “controlled wounds” that jump-start skin’s natural repair process, boosting collagen and elastin production to help heal the area as your tattoo fades.

BENEFITS OF PICOSURE? 

PicoSure lasers can also tackle benign pigmented lesions like sun-induced brown spots and acne scars, and it’s FDA-cleared for the treatment of fine lines and wrinkles.

With the PicoSure Focus Lens Array handpiece, the wavelength of 755 nm safely smooths wrinkles and scars by boosting collagen production.

“In fact, the Focus Lens has been the primary use for the PicoSure in many parts of the world,” says Dr. Tanghetti. “PicoSure is the most popular laser to treat excess pigment in Asian skin. The other devices using 532 and 1064nm light, such as the PicoWay, can cause hemorrhage and are not as effective in targeting melanin.” Several monthly treatments are usually recommended for optimal results. 

“The Focus Lens Optic produces a localized area of epidermal injury commonly referred to as an LIOB (laser induced optical breakdown),” Dr. Tanghetti explains. “This injury appears to produce cytokines and chemokines, simulators that induce the dermis to produce new collagen and elastic tissue. The LIOB will remove pigment in the epidermis over a series of treatments. The dermal stimulation will also remodel scars, including acne scars, and improve sun damaged skin.”

CANDIDATE FOR PICOSURE?

The best candidate is a person in good general health who wants to remove  pigmentation spots or a tattoo that has already healed (about six months from the tattoo date). Your tattoo can be any color and size.

PicoSure laser treatment isn’t recommended for some people. Discuss other options with your dermatologist if you:

• Have an autoimmune disorder, including lupus or type 1 diabetes (type 2 may be acceptable, if it’s well controlled)
• Have melanoma, an active infection (such as herpes), psoriasis, or eczema in the area being treated 
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding; there’s no research to suggest laser tattoo removal may affect your or your baby’s health, but it’s wise to not risk it 
• Have a tan; most practitioners recommend avoiding the sun or tanning (even using self-tanning creams) on the area for about four weeks prior to treatment
• Have a history of keloid scarring