FAQ’S
Is PicoSure Safe?
PicoSure’s ultra-fast pulses and specialized wavelengths work together to minimize the amount of heat that is transferred. Less heat means less damage to surrounding skin and less risk of injury.
What does the procedure feel like?
Most people experience very little discomfort and describe skin revitalization treatments as feeling like the snapping of a rubber band. Because tattoo removal treatments use more energy, patients may experience more discomfort, but we do use a specialised treatment for each treatment called “air-cooling” for comfort.
It’s the use of a chiller to cool the skin to diminish the pain associated with PicoSure laser tattoo removal. Normally, the laser energy passes painlessly through most skin types and concentrates its energy on the pigment. However, the reaction with the pigment can be strong and occasionally produce minor pinpoint bleeding, frosting and bruising of the treatment area. When this occurs, the nerve endings send a signal to the brain that something is happening. The pain has been likened to a rubber band snapping against the skin. This is an accurate statement due to the fact that the patented PicoSure picosecond PressureWave does cause a strong photomechanical impact. The tattoo pigments are shattered in to fine particles as a result of the impact stress which allows them to be removed by the body.
How long Does the treatment take?
Procedure time depends on the size of the area to be treated, and 10 minutes is common for average sized tattoo and skin revitalization treatments.
How many treatments will I need?
The number of PicoSure treatments for unwanted pigmentation will vary depending on the condition being treated and how each individual responds.
For tattoo removal, the size, location and density of ink play important roles in how quickly clearance can be achieved, but 4-10 treatments* is common for modern tattoos. Your treatment provider will be able to evaluate and provide you with a personalized plan.
The number of treatments for skin revitalization is largely dependent on the clinical condition being addressed but 2-5 treatments are common. You will be provided with your own personalized treatment plan.
Why do I have to avoid the sun before and after treatments?
The sun exposes the skin to harmful radiation. To protect itself, the body produces extra melanin, causing the skin to tan. Since PicoSure targets melanin to remove excess pigment, a heavy tan may interfere with treatment. After laser treatments for removal of tattoos and unwanted pigment, the skin is more vulnerable to sunlight so minimizing sun exposure and use of sunscreen of SPF30+ is recommended.
How long will the treatment results last?
Tattoo removal and acne scar results are permanent. Skin revitalization treatment results are long lasting, but some pigment conditions can be recurrent. Some patients find that a PicoSure Focus treatment every six months can help prevent accumulation of pigment and slow the appearance of wrinkles.
How long is the treatment recovery time?
Recovery times are dependent on the condition being treated and each patient’s ability to heal. Typical treatment intervals are 2-6 weeks for pigmented lesions and 6-8 weeks for tattoo removal. Treatments for acne scars and wrinkles using the Focus lens array can be performed every 3-4 weeks. We will create a personalized treatment plan that is specific to you.