PicoSure™ Tattoo Removal
207 LASER™ & Integrative MED is Maine’s first practice to offer the PicoSure™ tattoo removal system. This pioneering technology has changed the way tattoos are removed. Gone are the days of tough-to-remove colors like green, blue, red, and yellow. PicoSure™ is the world’s first picosecond laser designed to remove unwanted color-heavy tattoos.
With the addition of a picosecond laser, our clinic can now remove unwanted ink more effectively than ever, especially difficult ink colors and previously treated tattoos. Additionally, this new technology promotes faster recovery time and greater results with fewer treatments!
My tattoo was treated with a Q-switch laser in the past, but it didn’t clear up. Why would I try again now?
For many years, Q-switched lasers were considered the gold standard for removing tattoos until the introduction of the PicoSure laser system in 2013. Practitioners were often left with using Q-switched lasers that rely on thermal energy to heat and break apart tattoo ink. Picosecond technology (PicoSure™) utilizes ultra-short laser pulses to target tattoo ink selectively. The power generated by a PicoSure laser is so intense that the ink is broken into minuscule, dust-like particles, reducing treatment times by half.
The ink particles are transformed into small fragments that the body can absorb and eliminate through the lymphatic system. The great thing about the PicoSure laser is that it has been proven to successfully treat dark, resistant blue and green inks, as well as previously treated, recalcitrant tattoos that were not successfully cleared in the past.
I want to cover up my tattoo. Can this be done?
We hear this question a lot. Can the laser be used to lighten my tattoo for a cover-up? One-third of our clients request to lighten their tattoos to get a more desirable tattoo. Emphatically, the answer is YES!!! Tattoos can be lightened in preparation for a cover-up tattoo. Your tattoo artist can produce a much clearer and more detailed version of whatever you decide to have redone.
Does it cost more to have it removed?
The decision to remove a tattoo, using any laser, elicits anxiety for many people, and most often, it’s the cost that freaks people out. We strive to accurately estimate the time required to remove or fade any given tattoo successfully. Please note that the costs associated with the removal process are determined by several factors, including the size and location of the tattoo, as well as the technology used to achieve the desired outcome.
We offer flexible payment options and incentives to make the process as affordable as possible. However, please note that we are removing a permanent reminder of a poor choice, bad art, or a traumatic memory.
Sadly, insurance companies will not cover laser tattoo removal since it is considered an elective cosmetic procedure (check with your provider; some HSAs allow for “flexible” spending). The great thing about our clinic is that we offer free consultations, during which we determine and provide an estimate before you begin the removal process.
How different is picosecond laser tattoo removal?
The difference between the PicoSure™ laser and older Q-Switch lasers is like night and day. A picosecond laser delivers energy in the picosecond range, which is one trillionth, one-millionth of one-millionth of a second, or 0.000 000 000 001 seconds—incredibly fast! A Q-switch laser delivers energy in the nanosecond range, which is quick but not as fast as picoseconds.
Why is this important? Picosecond energy shatters ink particles into much smaller pieces, making them easier for the body to remove. Think of rocks vs grains of sand.
How do picosecond lasers work for tattoo removal?
Picosecond lasers utilize photomechanical properties to break down tattoo ink. The science behind this new technology leverages ultrasonic pressure to break down ink into smaller particles, enabling the body to remove ink more efficiently and effectively.
Furthermore, the effects of picosecond technology minimize the risks of overheating chromophores, which can damage the surrounding tissue in the skin. It’s incredible technology, to say the least.
Does it feel different than a Q-Switch laser?
This is a very good question: Does tattoo removal hurt, and is the picosecond laser more painful? For many patients, the feeling of laser tattoo removal has been compared to what it feels like when getting a tattoo; however, it is light-years faster!
We strive to make you as comfortable as possible. We always use a cooling device to reduce discomfort. Trust me, if it were too painful, I would NEVER do it myself (Christopher May, LSO)!
Will I require fewer treatments with the PiscoSure laser?
Another great question is, how many treatments will I need to remove my tattoo? As we mentioned earlier, several factors determine the number of sessions required to achieve a desired outcome. What type of ink was used? What size is your tattoo? Where is your tattoo located? These questions need to be asked and answered to determine possible outcomes.
Unfortunately, there is no magic number, and no tattoo is perfect. Tattoos are imperfect, but that’s a conversation better suited for your consultation. Consultations are FREE.
How often can I come for treatment?
We know you’d like to have these tattoos removed as quickly as possible, but your body needs time to process the ink once the laser breaks it down. Sadly, it often takes 4-8 weeks for the body to absorb the ink particles; every patient and tattoo responds differently. Food for thought: the body (internal) is a complex assortment of systems and micro-subsystems designed to do various tasks. One is to work optimally, ensuring a harmonious environment for survival. In short order, the body needs time to remove those foreign bodies once they’re separated from the cellular portion of your skin. This task is very complex, so patience and understanding are paramount to your well-being. It is crucial to follow all recommended post-treatment protocols, as they have been developed to help increase the success of removal while minimizing complications.
What will my skin look like after a laser treatment?
If you’ve reached this point, you may have also seen the “frosting” effect often associated with the tattoo removal process. The whitening presented is a good indication of the perfect endpoint most laser practitioners seek.
However, the ideal clinical endpoint for the tattoo treatment is an immediate slight whitening or “frosting” of the skin. This response subsides immediately after the treatment is complete.
Rest assured, this whitening doesn’t last—quite often, it’s gone within 10-15 minutes after a treatment. There are several visible signs associated with the result of a tattoo removal session: reddening, mild swelling, tiny hemoglobin, and pinpoint bleeding. We provide clients with a full set of aftercare instructions that outline how to keep their freshly treated tattoos clean and moist.
We chose the PicoSure because we wanted the most advanced tattoo removal platform in the industry, ensuring our clients received the best-in-class technology and performance.