TL;DR:
- Picosecond laser uses ultra-short pulses for tattoo, permanent makeup, scar, and hyperpigmentation removal with precision and minimal recovery time.
- Works via photoacoustic effect, breaking pigment into fine particles for faster elimination with 3-10 treatments typically needed.
- Advantages: Highly effective, minimal discomfort, safer than traditional lasers, reduces infection and scarring risks, improves skin firmness and elasticity.
- Indications: Tattoo (including colored), permanent makeup removal, hyperpigmentation, acne scars, stretch marks, skin revitalization, melasma, and nail fungus.
- Contraindications: Skin cancer, active infections, fresh tan, photosensitizing medications or herbs, and sun exposure within 14 days before the procedure.
- Post-treatment care: Avoid UV radiation, moisturize, cool skin, and hydrate.
- Effects seen after 1-3 treatments for mild cases; faster results than traditional lasers.
Failed permanent makeup or a tattoo that doesn't look the way it was intended – these are problems that, unfortunately, more and more patients are facing. With help comes modern technology of aesthetic medicine, which allows removing the pigment introduced into the skin during micropigmentation, namely picosecond laser. Among competing solutions, it is unrivaled, and its innovation means that the Patient does not have to worry about a long, arduous recovery. What does the picosecond laser treatment consist of? What are its advantages, indications, and results? We explain in the article below.
Picosecond laser – what is it?
Picosecond laser is a solution that has no equal on the market. It is a device that allows you to perform laser therapy treatments. The laser has found its application, for example, in removal of failed permanent makeup and tattooing. During the procedure, the machine uses the shortest laser beam counted in picoseconds (which is much shorter than a nanosecond). For the patient, this means short contact between the light and the skin, as well as shorter treatment time, greater safety, and effectiveness. The picosecond laser has a dual-wavelength light source. The light beam reaches even the deep layers of the skin in a controlled and precise manner, stimulating its natural repair processes. This makes the picosecond laser also ideal for reducing hyperpigmentation or stretch marks. The picosecond laser treatment is practically painless. Pain is admittedly an individual sensation for each person, so some patients may feel a little more discomfort than others, but this device is second to none in this regard. In addition, the recovery process itself does not require as much time as with a traditional device. The laser beam has much shorter contact with the skin, so it also reduces the risk of overheating or burning. Comparing the action of the picosecond laser, none of the previously available solutions broke the pigment of the pigment into such fine dust. As a result, the pigment is eliminated from the body even faster, and tattoo or permanent makeup removal occurs with a reduced number of treatments. The laser pulses achieve a photoacoustic effect aimed straight at the pigment and leave the surrounding tissues untouched.
What does the picosecond laser work on?
The picosecond laser is associated with a very short pulse duration. This, in turn, is combined with high energy when the device is used. The laser works by breaking up the pigment inserted into the skin. To do this, it uses the so-called photoacoustic effect. The wavelength that is absorbed depends on the color of the pigment in the skin. After that, it is torn apart, and the resulting small fragments are expelled from the body. To completely remove permanent makeup or tattoos with a picosecond laser, 3 to 10 series are necessary.
Picosecond laser – what are its advantages?
The picosecond laser is currently the most powerful device of its kind among the available medical equipment. It works well not only for removing permanent makeup or tattooing, but also for various blemishes, freckles, spots, nevi, or treating acne scars. The laser's universal applicability, however, is one of the few advantages it offers. This state-of-the-art device uses light, which dissolves pigment without interference. As a result, the laser guarantees much better results than other traditional permanent makeup removal techniques. In addition, it minimizes the risk of infection or scarring while reducing discomfort during the procedure.
Indications for the procedure
Indications for picosecond laser treatment include:
- Removal of tattoos (including colored tattoos),
- Removal of hyperpigmentation (freckles, sun, hormonal, post-inflammatory, which are the result of photoaging of the skin),
- Literal keratoses,
- Skin rejuvenation,
- Post-inflammatory redness,
- Inflammatory acne, rosacea, and erythema,
- Removal of permanent makeup,
- Treatment of acne and accident scars,
- Stretch mark removal,
- Melasma (chloasma),
- Non-ablative skin revitalization,
- Treatment of nail fungus,
- Removal of scalp micropigmentation.
What are the contraindications?
Although the results provided by the picosecond laser in the reduction of failed permanent makeup or tattoos are impressive, it is not always possible to take advantage of them. Contraindications to the procedure include skin cancer or fresh tan. It is recommended to refrain from exposing the body to the sun for a minimum of 14 days before the procedure. The doctor will also advise against the therapy for patients prone to scarring and active skin infections. Contraindications also include taking medications and herbs with photosensitizing properties – reducing the skin's natural protective abilities against harmful UV rays. These include St. John's wort, rue, common amine, chamomile, arnica, or calendula. Before the procedure, the doctor will conduct a thorough interview with the patient to rule out the risk of possible contraindications.
What are the effects of the procedure?
The results of the picosecond laser are mainly the reduction of tattoos, scars, or hyperpigmentation. The skin gains a noticeable smoothing, firmness, and elasticity, and all imperfections in the form of wrinkles or stretch marks become shallower. In the case of tattoo removal, its elimination depends on the type of pigment. Usually, a series of treatments of 3 to 10 is recommended, but the results can be seen after just one visit. For mild pigmented lesions, one treatment is usually enough to achieve a lasting effect. Removal of hormonal hyperpigmentation, on the other hand, is possible after just 3 treatments.
Post-treatment recommendations
After picosecond laser treatment, it is recommended to completely refrain from exposing the skin to UV radiation. Also, sunscreen should not be used. The patient, on the other hand, should remember to moisturize and cool the skin topically, as well as drink plenty of water. The resulting scabs should not be damaged.
Picosecond laser – what possibilities does it offer?
Using a picosecond laser beam, you can expect faster tattoo removal results and fewer treatments needed. This is of great importance, especially when removing unwanted tattoos whose pigment is inserted too deeply. The classic laser requires more treatments for this purpose, as it has a longer pulse and lower energy. However, the number of treatments needed to completely remove a tattoo depends on many factors, such as:
- The depth at which the dye is located,
- The type and color of the dye,
- The age of the tattoo,
- The surface area of the tattoo.
Picosecond laser tattoo removal is usually performed with the use of surface anesthesia with a cream. This, in turn, helps to ensure that the patient is completely comfortable. The procedure is also ideal for the removal of permanent makeup. By precisely selecting the parameters of the device, it is possible both to reduce it completely and to get rid of part of it in order to correct the line. For the reduction of pigmented lesions, the procedure looks the same as for the removal of tattoos. However, the effects are achieved a little faster because there is less pigment in the pigmented lesions. Some lesions, such as age spots often require only one treatment. Treatment on small areas does not require anesthesia. Picosecond laser can also be used to treat atrophic scars. The action of the device induces the LIOB phenomenon, during which cavitation occurs. The consequence of this is the stimulation of the skin to repair and remodeling processes. The skin produces new collagen and elastic fibers. Visible improvement occurs already after one treatment, but the final effect is obtained after several treatments at an interval of 2 – 4 weeks.
Conclusion
The picosecond laser stands out as the top solution for removing tattoos, permanent makeup, scars, and pigmentation issues. With advanced technology, it delivers faster, safer, and more effective results compared to traditional methods. From minimal discomfort to quicker recovery and fewer required treatments, its benefits are clear. Whether addressing unwanted designs or skin concerns, this innovative device offers precision and reliability. If you're considering removal procedures, the picosecond laser sets the gold standard for effective, modern treatment. Make an informed choice for lasting, noticeable results.
