If you have a tattoo that you want to remove, you might find that different clinics use various devices—which one is the best? At Palo Alto Laser and Skin Care, we use the PicoWay laser system and Alex TriVantage because they offer a safe comfortable approach to undoing ink you no longer want. Much more than a medical day spa, we are known for having one of the largest collections of laser and energy devices in the Bay Area.
Gone are the days in which tattoos are forever. There are many reasons a person may want to remove a tattoo. Perhaps it no longer resonates with them or maybe they want to clear up some space for a newer, better tattoo. No matter your reason for seeking out tattoo removal, bear in mind that not all devices are created equally. Older technologies were known for fading tattoos, not removing them. These outdated devices also struggled with tattoos that were deeper in the tissue or had certain colors, such as blue or green. PicoWay and Alex TriVantage deliver unprecedented results so that you can fade your tattoos faster and more completely.
Why PicoWay is Different
PicoWay shatters the tattoo ink into tiny particles that are then absorbed and expelled by the body. This means that you will not see immediate results. It is going to take the body a few weeks to metabolize the ink and remove it, so you will see the ink slowly fade more and more after each session. Every client will need multiple sessions in order to fade the tattoo as best as possible. However, the exact number of sessions can vary greatly person to person depending on the size of the tattoo, age, depth, and colors.
The PicoWay laser system is known for its immense power coupled with very short pulse durations. It can get far below the skin’s surface quickly, breaking it into pieces so small they are invisible to the naked eye (though there will be many pieces, which is why you will continue to see the ink for a few weeks post-treatment). Those ultra-short pulses are critical because that’s part of what makes PicoWay the most comfortable tattoo laser system available.
What to Expect During PicoWay Tattoo Removal
We prioritize your health, safety, and comfort which is why we aim to make tattoo removal as comfortable as possible. First, a numbing agent is applied. The laser process itself features very short pulses that pack a lot of punch. Many clients do start to see results after just one treatment. Although tattoo removal has long been thought of as much more painful than getting a tattoo, a numbing cream combined with PicoWay’s hyper-short pulses have made many clients compare the feeling as similar to getting the tattoo.
PicoWay is also different than other lasers used for tattoo removal because it is photoacoustic, not photothermal. PicoWay is FDA-cleared for additional uses as well including acne scars, dark spots, and wrinkles. It is common to experience redness, tingling, swelling, and sometimes pinpoint bleeding after a PicoWay treatment. However, these side effects are temporary. Clients feel confident getting back to their daily tasks right after their session without the need for down time.
Are You Ready for Tattoo Removal?
Tattoo artists have reported that there has been an increase in requests for large tattoos during the pandemic, and this trend is expected to continue. This is likely due to people having time to more deeply consider body art, or because they want to commemorate an especially critical time in their life. Removing a tattoo is the best way to achieve the results you want rather than attempting a cover up. There’s no need to “settle” on a modified tattoo that requires cover up techniques when you remove the tattoo that no longer represents you.
Of course, if you’d rather achieve a “clean slate” entirely, the new PicoWay can help with that, too. Learn more about tattoo removal or schedule your complimentary consultation by completing our online form or calling Palo Alto Laser and Skin Care at (408) 688-2082.