Some tattoos tell a story we want to remember forever, others, not so much. Maybe your tattoo no longer reflects who you are. Whatever the reason, tattoo removal is more advanced than ever, offering a clean slate without the risks of scarring or incomplete fading.
Earlier, tattoo removals were a gamble. Older laser technology couldn’t remove your tattoo completely, and they even left permanent scars. Picosure works with your body, not against it, for a damage free transformation making it the best tattoo removal laser in the market.
Whether you’re closing an old chapter or preparing for a fresh start, Spa26 has a solution that works for everyone. Using Picosure technology we help our patients move on with clear skin without the damage of traditional methods. Remove your tattoo with Picosure and book a consultation with us today!
In this blog post, we will review different tattoo removal lasers to help you make an informed choice on which one is the best. From traditional Q-switched lasers to advanced PicoSecond technology, we’ll break down their effectiveness, comfort, and overall results.
How Laser Tattoo Removal Works
Tattoo ink sits deep in your skin, the ink particles are so dense your body can’t break it up, which is why they last as long as they do. Traditional lasers relied on heat to break down the ink, but this usually led to scarring, skin damage, and incomplete removal.
Picosure is a game-changing laser that mechanically breaks down ink particles into microscopic fragments. Think punching a brick wall and watching it crumble. Once the laser has broken down the ink particles, your body takes over. Your lymphatic system naturally flushes away the tiny ink particles, fading the tattoo over time.
Factors That Affect Tattoo Removal
Tattoo removal isn’t a one-size-fits all process, there are several factors that determine how quickly and effectively a tattoo fades.
Skin Type: Lighter skin tones tend to respond faster to laser treatments because they have less melanin competing for laser absorption.
Tattoo Color: Black ink is the easiest to remove, but brighter colors like yellow, blue, and green can be more resistant.
Ink Depth and Density: Professional tattoos penetrate deeper into the skin and use highly concentrated ink, making removal more challenging.
Tattoo Age: Older tattoos generally fade more easily because the body has already broken down some of the ink over time.
Tattoo Size: Larger tattoos require more sessions since the treatment is covering a broad area.
Immune System Response: Your lymphatic system plays a crucial role in clearing out broken-down ink particles. A strong immune system, along with good hydration and overall health, can help speed up the process.
3 Types of Laser Tattoo Removal Devices
Each type of laser targets ink differently making one better suited for specific tattoos than the others. We’ve discussed the main types of lasers used for tattoo removal stating their advantages and challenges to help you understand how they work and pick the ideal laser for your needs.
Q-Switched Lasers (Traditional Standard)
These lasers have been the standard for years. They work by delivering short bursts of high-intensity light to break down tattoo ink, which the body then flushes away. While Q-Switched lasers can be effective, they come with several limitations.
For instance, they work best with older tattoos or already faded tattoos but struggle with stubborn colors like green and blue. Because they rely on heat, they require more sessions to achieve a full removal. And even then, some ink particles are left in your skin. The process of tattoo removal with a Q-Switched laser also has a higher risk of blistering and scarring. If you’re looking for a smooth and clean finish, this may not be the best option.
Another problem with Q-Switched lasers is that if you don’t get the results you want and switch to a Picosure laser, you’d essentially be starting from scratch. What this means is you’d undergo the same number of sessions using Picosure for the pigment that didn’t come out using other traditional lasers.
PicoLasers (Advanced Technology)
Picosure is a PicoSecond laser, which means it works three times faster than other standard lasers. Unlike it’s counterparts that use heat, it uses pressure waves to break ink particles into microscopic fragments. This makes it easier for your body to clear them out.
Because of this technology, PicoLasers deliver noticeable results in just one session, reducing the number of treatments required for complete removal. A study on the effectiveness of PicoLasers found that 12 in 16 tattoos responded significantly better compared to nanosecond lasers. It’s suitable for all skin types because it has a minimal risk of pigmentation issues that come with tattoo removal. It also does a better job handling stubborn colors that older lasers usually struggle with including green, blue, and red.
Another major benefit of Picosure is that it’s less painful than traditional tattoo removal lasers. Since it doesn’t use heat, the discomfort you feel is minimal. Plus, there’s a lower risk of blistering and scarring. The fewer sessions required also mean less time spent healing, making it the most efficient option for tattoo removal.
Fractional Lasers (For Skin Rejuvenation Post-Treatment)
Some people may experience changes in their skin’s texture after removing their tattoo. Fractional lasers can speed up your healing process by stimulating collagen production in your skin. The collagen boost will help improve your overall skin’s texture. They are also useful for targeting any residual ink left behind after removal, ensuring the skin looks as clear and smooth as possible.
PicoSure vs Q-Switched: Which Laser is Best for You?
| Feature | PicoSure | Q-Switched Lasers |
|---|---|---|
| Pulse Duration | Picosecond (1 trillionth of a second) | Nanosecond (1 billionth of a second) |
| Effectiveness | Works on all ink colors, including tough ones | Best for black ink, less effective on other colors |
| Sessions Needed | Fewer sessions | More sessions may be needed |
| Pain Level | Less painful | Slightly more painful |
| Skin Compatibility | Suitable for most skin types | Best for lighter skin, risks on darker skin |
| Scarring Risk | Lower risk of scarring and blistering | Higher risk of scarring and blistering |
| Healing Time | Faster healing | Longer healing |
| Cost | More expensive | More affordable |
| Best For | Multi-colored tattoos | Black ink tattoos |
What to Look for When Choosing the Best Tattoo Removal Laser
The effectiveness of your laser treatment depends on factors like the type of ink used, where your tattoo is located, and even your skin type. Understanding what role these factors play in removing your tattoo can help you choose the right laser technology for a safe and successful removal procedure.
Tattoo Ink Colors
Because of the way pigments absorb light, some lasers are not compactible with specific ink colors. Black ink is the easiest to remove because it absorbs all kinds of wavelength, making it easy for most lasers to break it down. But lighter colors like yellow, green, blue, and red are more resistant and need more advanced technology to be faded.
Tattoo Location
Some lasers are better suited for delicate or bony areas, where skin is thinner and more sensitive. Areas with good blood circulation, such as the arms, chest, and back, tend to fade more quickly because the body can efficiently clear out broken-down ink particles. But, tattoos on areas with lower circulation like your fingers, ankles, and feet, may require more sessions.
Tattoo Size and Depth
The size and depth of your tattoo will hint at how powerful a laser needs to be to remove it. Large areas need more time and sessions to be removed. Professional tattoos are often deeper and require a strong laser that can pass through multiple layers of skin to break it down.
Skin Type and Sensitivity
People with lighter skin tones typically have an easier time with laser removal because the laser can focus more directly on the ink without interference from melanin. Darker skin folks often face pigmentation issues when trying to remove a tattoo. Another thing to take into consideration is skin sensitivity. It’s possible that a laser may favor someone with highly reactive skin.
Pain Tolerance and Comfort
Laser tattoo removals aren’t a painless procedure, however, some lasers hurt more than others. Older tattoo removal lasers depended on heat which causes more pain and had a higher risk of blistering. Newer lasers like Picosure don’t rely on heat making the procedure a more tolerable one. Before starting the procedure, a numbing cream is applied on the treatment area to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure.
What to Expect During the Tattoo Removal Process
Pre-Treatment Consultation
During your consultation, your specialist will assess the tattoo’s size, color, depth, and location, as well as your skin type and medical history. This will help them estimate how many sessions you’d need to full remove your tattoo and determine what laser would work best.
Your specialist may also perform a patch test to see how your skin reacts to the laser. It’s very important for you to ask questions at this stage regarding the number of sessions you need, what kind of aftercare would be necessary, and what results you can realistically expect.
To prepare for your treatment, we recommend avoiding tanning and prolonged sun exposure for at least four weeks before your session. Discontinue any creams or lotions that contain retinol at least 48 hours before your treatment. Don’t wear any makeup, oil, cream, or lotion on the day of your appointment so we can get the best results.
During Treatment
First we clean up the treatment area and apply a numbing agent (lidocaine) to minimize discomfort. Next we provide you with protective eyewear to keep your eyes safe from the laser’s light. The laser uses rapid pulses of energy to break down ink particles into smaller particles that your body can flush out which takes approximately 20 minutes.
The sensation of the laser is like a warm ballpoint pen gliding across your skin. The duration of the session depends on the tattoo’s size, with smaller ones taking just a few minutes and larger ones requiring more time. To help cool the skin, a clear aloe gel is applied immediately after treatment.
Post-Treatment Care
Laser tattoo removal is a gradual process, with the body continuously working to clear away ink particles between sessions. At the end of your session, we send you home with a post-care kit and walk you through exactly how to use it, so that you get the best possible results.
To promote faster recovery, the treated area should be kept clean and moisturized, and direct sun exposure should be avoided. Use an SPF 50+ sunscreen on the area once it heals helps prevent pigmentation changes.
Want to Remove Your Tattoo and See Amazing Results?
Removing a tattoo is a big decision and to get the best results you have to select the best laser and work with an experienced professional. We would advise you not to skip consulting a professional. Attempting to remove your tattoo at an unqualified clinic or through outdated methods can lead to incomplete removal, excessive pain, or even permanent skin damage.
Although traditional Q-switched lasers have been the golden standard for years, Picoslasers technology brings a faster, more effective solution. When you turn to PicoSure after starting with a Q-switched laser, you’re essentially redoing the same number of sessions—like all that time and effort never happened. Save time, money and get the results you want from the start by choosing a practice that uses Picosure like Spa26. Book a consultation today to get your tattoo removed the right way!