What is Picosecond Laser Tattoo Removal?

Picosecond laser tattoo removal is a procedure that delivers very short laser energy in picosecond units to tattoo pigments, breaking down the pigment particles into tiny fragments.

Tattoo pigments are located in the dermis layer of the skin, making them difficult to remove by simply peeling off the skin's surface.

The picosecond laser instantaneously delivers short, powerful energy to pigment particles, breaking down tattoo pigments into smaller particles. Subsequently, the finely fragmented pigments are gradually cleared by the body's immune response.

At Ggeutan Clinic Konkuk University Branch, we use Lutronic PICO PLUS to perform tattoo removal, selecting 1064nm and 532nm wavelengths according to the tattoo's color, depth, amount of pigment, and skin condition.

Because tattoos vary in color, ink used, treatment depth, and density, it is crucial to adjust the laser wavelength and energy according to the tattoo's specific condition, rather than treating all tattoos with the same settings.

How does the picosecond laser remove tattoo pigments?

A tattoo is a condition where very small pigment particles are embedded within the skin.

When the picosecond laser delivers short, powerful energy to tattoo pigments, an instantaneous photoacoustic reaction occurs in the pigment particles, breaking down larger pigment particles into smaller ones.

The broken-down pigments do not disappear immediately after one treatment, but are gradually cleared by the body's immune cells over time.

Therefore, tattoo removal is carried out as a method of repeated treatments, observing how much the pigment fades over several weeks rather than focusing on the immediate appearance after the procedure.

Features of Lutronic PICO PLUS Tattoo Removal

1. Uses a 450ps picosecond laser

PICO PLUS delivers instantaneously high energy to tattoo pigments using very short laser pulses in picosecond units.

This method involves delivering short, powerful energy to pigment particles to break them down finely, rather than heating the surrounding skin for a long time.

This allows for precise targeting of tattoo pigments while reducing unnecessary thermal energy delivered to the surrounding skin.

2. Different wavelengths are chosen based on tattoo color

Tattoos of different colors, such as black, red, orange, yellow, blue, and green, have varying light absorption characteristics.

Therefore, it is difficult to remove all tattoo colors equally with a single wavelength.

1064nm is primarily used for treating black and dark pigments, while 532nm can be utilized for treating relatively brighter pigments such as red and orange shades.

In the case of colored tattoos, as multiple colors are mixed, the wavelength and settings can be adjusted during the treatment based on the remaining pigments.

3. Energy is adjusted based on tattoo depth and density

Even for the same black tattoo, professional tattoos, amateur tattoos, and eyebrow tattoos can differ in pigment depth and density.

Deep and dense tattoos may be difficult to remove sufficiently in a single session, and as the pigment fades, the settings for subsequent treatments may also change.

At Ggeutan Clinic Konkuk University Branch, after checking the tattoo's color, area, density, and skin condition, we adjust the laser wavelength, spot size, and energy.

4. Repeated treatments are performed while monitoring skin condition

Tattoo removal is not a procedure where it's important to eliminate it all at once with high energy.

Using excessive energy can increase the risk of blisters, hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, or scarring. Therefore, it is important to monitor skin reactions and pigment changes during each session.

Subsequent treatments are performed after allowing sufficient time for the tattoo pigments to break down and the skin to recover.

What is the difference between Pico Plus 1064nm and 532nm?

1064nm

1064nm penetrates relatively deeply and has low absorption by skin melanin.

It is primarily used to remove dark tattoo pigments such as black and dark blue. Since black is one of the most common tattoo colors, 1064nm is an important wavelength used in tattoo removal.

532nm

532nm is a wavelength with higher absorption by superficial pigments and melanin compared to 1064nm.

It can be primarily used to remove warm-toned tattoo pigments such as red and orange. Since colored tattoos often consist of more than one color, 1064nm and 532nm can be used selectively depending on the remaining pigments.

Are the removal methods for black-and-white and colored tattoos different?

Black tattoos relatively absorb various wavelengths of light well, and especially respond well to the 1064nm Nd:YAG laser. On the other hand, colored tattoos can be more complex to treat than black tattoos because each pigment absorbs different wavelengths.

While red or orange shades may respond relatively well to 532nm, certain colors like green or blue may have limited response with only 1064nm and 532nm.

Therefore, for colored tattoos, it is important to consult about the feasibility of removal and the estimated number of treatments after checking the color composition and type of ink.

Do eyebrow tattoos and regular tattoos have different removal methods?

Unlike regular tattoos, eyebrow tattoos and semi-permanent makeup have a diverse pigment composition, and the depth and color of pigments in the skin can vary. Even if they initially appear brown or black, hidden pigments such as red, orange, or yellow may be revealed after laser treatment.

Some semi-permanent pigments contain iron or bright pigments, which can temporarily darken the color after laser irradiation, leading to paradoxical darkening.

Therefore, eyebrow tattoo removal considers not only the currently visible color but also the number of previous treatments, the pigments used, and the laser's reaction.

Why does tattoo removal require multiple sessions?

Tattoo pigments in the skin are not all removed with a single laser treatment.

This is because after the laser breaks down the pigments, our body needs time to clear them, and there is a limit to the energy that can be delivered to the skin in one session.

Furthermore, because tattoo pigments are distributed at various depths within the skin, deeper pigments may become visible as the superficial ones fade.

Therefore, treatments should be repeated with a regular recovery period to monitor how much the tattoo fades.

Factors Determining the Number of Tattoo Removal Sessions

The number of tattoo removal sessions required can vary significantly depending on the following factors:

*Tattoo color

*Density of tattoo pigment

*Depth of the tattoo

*Whether it's a professional or amateur tattoo

*Tattoo size

*Previous tattoo removal treatments (if any)

*Ink used and tattooing technique

*Skin tone

*Skin recovery speed after treatment

Therefore, it is difficult to determine the exact number of removal sessions simply by looking at photos or size.

Rather than focusing on the number of sessions received, it is crucial to decide on the next treatment by observing how much the pigment fades and how stably the skin recovers after each session.

Treatment Process Steps

STEP 01. Check the tattoo's color, depth, density, and skin condition to establish a removal plan.

STEP 02. Determine the appropriate wavelength to use, such as 1064nm or 532nm, based on tattoo pigments like black, red, or other colors.

STEP 03. If necessary, apply sufficient anesthetic cream to reduce discomfort.

STEP 04. Precisely irradiate the tattoo pigments with the PICO PLUS Pico Laser while observing skin reactions.

STEP 05. Immediately after the treatment, check the tattoo pigments and skin reactions, and provide necessary soothing care.

STEP 06. Considering skin recovery and pigment changes, guide you on the timing of the next tattoo removal session.

Basic Treatment Information

Treatment Time

Approximately 15 to 60 minutes may be required.

This may vary depending on the tattoo's size, color, and treatment area.

Anesthesia

During tattoo removal, a stinging or hot sensation may occur when the laser is applied, so anesthetic cream may be used depending on the treated area and size.

The degree of pain varies depending on the tattoo's location, pigment density, and individual pain sensitivity.

Recovery Period

Immediately after the procedure, redness, swelling, warmth, and a temporary whitening reaction may occur.

In some cases, minor bleeding, blisters, or scabs may form, and it may take several days to 1-2 weeks for the skin to stabilize.

Maintenance Period

Tattoo pigments that have been sufficiently removed by laser treatment do not reappear.

However, since not all pigments are removed in a single session, additional treatments for any remaining tattoo pigment may be necessary after your skin has recovered.

Recommended for

*Those who want to lighten or remove existing tattoos.

*Those who want to tidy up visible tattoos due to employment, interviews, or daily life.

*Those who want to lighten an existing tattoo first for a new one.

*Those who want to remove black or monochrome tattoos.

*Those who want to consult about removing multi-colored tattoos.

*Those who want to fix smudged or discolored eyebrow tattoos.

*Those concerned about old semi-permanent eyebrow or eyeliner tattoos.

*Those with some pigment remaining after previous tattoo removal.

*Those who want Pico laser treatment that differentiates wavelengths according to tattoo size and color.

*Those who want tattoo removal using Lutronic PICO PLUS.

※ The difficulty and number of sessions required for tattoo removal can vary significantly depending on the tattoo's color, depth, amount of pigment, and skin condition.

Q&A

How does Pico laser tattoo removal work to erase tattoos?

Pico laser treatment delivers very short laser energy in picosecond pulses to the tattoo pigment, breaking down the pigment particles into smaller fragments.

The finely fragmented pigments do not disappear immediately after the treatment; instead, they are gradually cleared by the body's immune response over several weeks.

Therefore, tattoo removal is a procedure that combines the process of the laser breaking down pigments into small fragments and the body's subsequent process of clearing these pigments.

How many tattoo removal sessions are usually needed?

The number of sessions required for tattoo removal varies significantly from person to person.

The number of necessary treatment sessions can vary not only based on the tattoo's color and size but also on the pigment's density, depth, ink type, whether it's a professional tattoo, and your skin condition.

Generally, multiple repeated sessions are often required, and dark, deep professional tattoos may need more sessions.

Therefore, instead of determining an exact number of sessions from the start, it is best to decide the treatment frequency by observing how much the pigment fades after each session.

What is the recommended interval between tattoo removal sessions?

For tattoo removal, it's important to allow time for the finely fragmented pigments to be cleared and for the skin to fully recover.

Generally, repeated treatments are often performed with intervals of approximately 6 to 8 weeks.

However, a longer recovery period may be needed depending on the tattoo's size, pigment amount, energy used, and your skin's reaction after the treatment.

Shortening the intervals excessively does not make the tattoo disappear faster, so it is important to proceed with the next session after your skin has fully recovered.

Which laser is used to remove black tattoos?

For black tattoos, a Pico laser with a 1064nm wavelength is primarily used.

Black pigment effectively absorbs 1064nm laser energy, making it one of the most commonly used combinations for tattoo removal.

At Kkeuthan Clinic Konkuk University Branch, we use the 1064nm wavelength of Lutronic PICO PLUS for black tattoo removal, adjusting the treatment based on the amount of pigment and your skin's reaction.

Can red or colored tattoos also be removed?

Colored tattoos can also be considered for laser removal, but different wavelengths react to different tattoo colors.

For red or orange pigments, a 532nm wavelength can be used.

On the other hand, some colors like blue or green may have limited reactions to only 1064nm and 532nm, making them more difficult to remove than black tattoos or requiring lasers with different wavelengths.

Therefore, for colored tattoos, it is important to first identify the colors used and then consult about the feasibility of treatment and the expected process.

Can eyebrow tattoos also be removed with a Pico laser?

Eyebrow tattoos and semi-permanent makeup can also be removed using a Pico laser.

For black or dark brown pigments, 1064nm can be used, and if red or orange pigments are revealed during the removal process, 532nm can be used depending on the skin condition.

However, semi-permanent pigments may differ in composition from regular tattoos, and some pigments may temporarily darken after laser irradiation.

Therefore, it is important to proceed with eyebrow tattoo removal after confirming the current color and previous semi-permanent treatment history.

Does the tattoo disappear immediately after removal?

Not all pigments disappear immediately after tattoo removal.

Since the laser breaks down the pigment into small particles and our body needs time to clear these pigments, the tattoo gradually fades over several weeks after the treatment.

Immediately after the procedure, the tattooed area may appear white, red, or swollen, and pigment changes are observed after these initial reactions subside.

Can tattoos be completely erased?

While significant pigment reduction can be expected for many tattoos, it cannot be guaranteed that all tattoos will be completely removed without a trace.

Depending on the type and depth of pigment, the ink used, and the skin condition, some pigment may remain, and hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation of the skin may occur during the treatment process.

Especially for multi-colored tattoos or tattoos that have been layered multiple times, treatment may take longer.

Therefore, it is more realistic to consult about how much pigment reduction is possible for the current tattoo, rather than focusing on complete removal.

Is tattoo removal very painful?

Tattoo removal lasers deliver high energy instantaneously, which can cause a stinging sensation like a rubber band snapping or a hot feeling.

The degree of pain can vary depending on the tattoo's location and size, pigment density, the laser energy used, and individual sensitivity.

If necessary, sufficient anesthetic cream can be applied before the procedure to reduce pain.

Can blisters or scabs form after tattoo removal?

After tattoo removal, in addition to redness, swelling, or warmth, skin reactions such as blisters, pinpoint bleeding, or scabs may occur.

The extent of these reactions can vary depending on the amount of tattoo pigment, laser energy, and individual skin response.

If blisters or scabs form, it is important not to pop them or forcibly remove them. The area should be kept clean and managed according to the instructions provided.

Can tattoo removal cause scars?

Even with appropriate laser settings and consideration for skin recovery, all laser procedures carry the possibility of skin reactions.

After tattoo removal, temporary redness, hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, etc., may appear, and rarely, changes in skin texture or scars may remain.

Specifically, using excessive laser energy, repeated irritation, or forcibly removing scabs and blisters formed after the procedure can increase the risk of skin damage.

Therefore, it is crucial to perform tattoo removal at appropriate intervals, monitoring skin reactions, and ensuring good aftercare.

What is the difference between Pico Laser and regular tattoo removal lasers?

Tattoo removal utilizes Q-switched lasers, which operate in nanoseconds, and Pico Lasers, which operate in picoseconds.

Pico Laser is characterized by its ability to deliver laser energy to pigments in a shorter time than nanoseconds, utilizing a photoacoustic effect that breaks down tattoo pigment particles more finely.

The advantage of using short pulses is that they can target pigments while reducing the time heat spreads to surrounding tissues.

However, tattoo removal results are not solely determined by the use of Pico Laser; the appropriate wavelength for the tattoo color, energy settings, and treatment intervals are also important.

Can I get another tattoo after tattoo removal?

There are cases where people plan a new tattoo design after sufficiently fading an existing one.

However, immediately after laser tattoo removal, the skin is in a healing process, so getting a new tattoo right away is not recommended.

It is best to decide on the timing for a new tattoo after confirming that the skin's redness, pigment changes, and texture have sufficiently stabilized.

What should I check when considering tattoo removal?

When comparing tattoo removal options, it's better to consider not just the price per session, but also to check the laser equipment and wavelength used, the treatment method based on tattoo color, the expected number of repeat sessions, and aftercare.

At Kkeuthan Clinic Konkuk Branch, we use Lutronic PICO PLUS and select 1064nm and 532nm wavelengths, among others, for treatment depending on the tattoo color and skin condition.

Especially for color tattoos or eyebrow tattoos, the treatment method may differ from that for single-color black tattoos, so it is important to first assess the current tattoo condition before planning the procedure.

Precautions

*After laser tattoo removal, redness, warmth, swelling, and stinging may temporarily occur.

*Immediately after the procedure, the tattooed area may appear white due to frosting or pinpoint bleeding, and scabs or blisters may develop later.

*If blisters or scabs form, it is important to avoid popping or forcibly removing them and allow them to heal naturally. Forcibly removing them can increase the risk of scarring or hyperpigmentation.

*Do not rub or scratch the treated area until it has healed, and avoid tight clothing or repetitive friction.

*Until your skin has fully recovered, it is best to avoid activities that involve a lot of heat and irritation, such as saunas, jjimjilbangs (Korean bathhouses), swimming pools, and strenuous exercise.

*Immediately after the procedure, avoid using irritating skincare products such as scrubs, peels, and strong-scented products.

*After tattoo removal, sun protection is extremely important. It is recommended to cover exposed areas with clothing or use sunscreen to reduce the risk of hyperpigmentation.

*If your skin feels dry or tight after the procedure, please use a moisturizer as instructed by your medical team.

*Depending on the tattoo pigment and skin condition, temporary hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation may occur, and recovery may take time.

*If you develop severe blistering, discharge, persistent pain, severe swelling, or continuous redness or warmth suggestive of infection, please contact the medical facility.

*Tattoo removal is not a procedure that eliminates all pigment in a single session, so it is important to proceed with the next session after your skin has fully recovered.