The Pico Laser

At Advanced Image Med Spa & Elite Wellness Center, we take Tattoo Removal seriously. That is why we picked Pico Technology for our lasers. It is fast, safe and non-invasive. Pico technology is regarded as one of the most advanced laser treatments currently on the market because of the speed of the laser light used for Tattoo Removal. Pico lasers are the gold standard and pulse at 1,000 times the speed of Q-switched lasers (another type of laser tattoo removal). This means that Pico lasers can treat and clear tattoos faster and more completely than Q-Switch. Pico lasers can treat challenging tattoos with multiple colors and do not heat the skin and surrounding tissue; it basically shatters the tattoo particles. The particles are eliminated through the body’s natural processes, resulting in a lightening of the tattoo ink. Although Pico laser pulses of energy are highly concentrated, the laser’s effect is gentle to the outer layer of the skin. Pico treatments do not burn the skin, making it much safer – patients are treated with topical numbing agents to decrease the discomfort of the treatment.

How Many Treatments Does It Take?

Depending on the depth, intensity, and colors of your tattoo, it can take about six treatments 4 to 8 weeks apart. More treatment sessions may be necessary for challenging tattoos. Our talented team members will be able to give you a good idea of how many sessions you will need and how far apart the treatments should be.

Pico Laser Machine | Advanced Image Med Spa

What does laser tattoo removal feel like? Is it painful?

For most people, the feeling of laser tattoo removal has been compared to what it feels like when getting a tattoo or a snap against the skin. We use a cooling device during the entire treatment and offer patients a numbing cream to help minimize any discomfort. The combination of the cooling device and numbing cream works great and the treatment is very fast!

How Much Downtime Will I Have?

Everyone heals at different speeds, but the downtime is minimal. You can go about your daily routine immediately, but you will want to keep your treated tattoo out of the sun, bathtub, swimming pool, or lakes until the skin heals. Avoid contact sports or other activities that could injure the area. Following the aftercare instructions closely will help make sure your healing time is minimal.

Tattoo Removal Aftercare Instructions:

Clean the treated area daily, allowing water or shower to run over the treated area, and then pat the area dry.

  • Apply a nice layer of unpetroleum ointment (included in your treatment) to the treatment area 2 to 3 times per day. Keep the area moist and let the scab fall off on its own.
  • Apply a clean pad over the treated area until it's healed.
  • If crusting occurs, do not shave or pick a treated area; simply apply more unpetroleum ointment.
  • No rubbing or scratching of the treated area.
  • Discomfort may be relieved by ice packs or Acetaminophen.
  • No swimming or using hot tubs or whirlpools until the treated area heals.
  • Small blistering is normal.
  • Avoid sun exposure. When the treatment area might be exposed to the sun after sloughing has occurred, use a 30+ SPF sunblock with zinc oxide or titanium and reapply every 2 hours. Do not use chemical-based sunblock.

How will my skin look after the laser treatment?

Following your treatment, there will be an immediate slight whitening or “frosting” of the skin, however, that will subside immediately after the treatment is complete. You may also experience mild swelling, redness and small blistering, all of which are normal.

How often will I need treatments?

While it typically takes 4-8 weeks for the body to absorb the ink particles, every patient and tattoo responds differently. Following the recommended post-treatment protocol will likely improve the results and reduce the chance of small adverse events.

Will My Entire Tattoo Be Completely Removed?

While Pico lasers are effective, no laser tattoo removal can strip the skin of all colored ink pigments. Black and grey ink is the easiest to remove, closely followed by dark green. Yellow, purple, and fluorescent hues are the most difficult to remove. Occasionally depending on how the tattoo was applied small areas of hyperpigmentation may also occur.

Can My Port Wine Stain Be Removed like a Tattoo?

The Pico laser is one of the best treatment options for removing these birthmarks and can be very successful. It does take several sessions and depending on the intensity of the stain may not completely remove the stain.

Call for Your Tattoo Removal Consultation Today

(623) 432-8357