Opening treatment guide...
Educational info only, not medical advice. Ask a qualified provider. Disclaimer · Terms
A picosecond laser family for tattoo ink and selected pigment concerns using ultra-short pulses that fragment pigment with less bulk heat than older laser approaches.
Very short laser pulses that break up tattoo ink and dark spots.
Check first: Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Skin tone
Often used on tones I–VI, with the right settings.
Skin tone ranges differ by device. Ask which device they will use for your skin.
General info, not a check of your own skin.
What people use it for
Tap one to see how it helps.
Skin types
Often a fit for all of these. Tap one for details.
Skin types to ask about first
Sensitive or Redness-proneAsk first
Needs a gentle, barrier-safe plan and careful screening.
Breakout-proneAsk first
Active breakouts in the area may need to calm down first. Ask your provider.
In no special order. Ask which one they use, and why.
4 devices
Ask your provider
The visit
Recovery1–3 days of mild redness
Avoid sun2 days
No makeup24 hours
No sweat or heat24 hours
Other aftercare
Keep the area cleanYour provider may give you different timing.
Before your visit: ask when to start
Tell your provider about your medicines, allergies and health
2–4 weeks before
No tanning or strong sun for 2–4 weeks before
1 week before
Stop aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil and vitamin E for 1 week before, if your doctor agrees
1 week before
Stop retinoids, acids and scrubs for 1 week before
The day before
Shave the area the day before
Right after your visit
Avoid hard exercise, heat and heavy sweating for 24–48 hours
After your visit
Common
Less common
Your own risks may differ. Ask a qualified provider.
Ultra-short laser pulses generate a photoacoustic effect, fragmenting pigment and inducing dermal remodeling through collagen and elastin stimulation.
Full-beam picosecond pulses create a photoacoustic effect that breaks tattoo ink or pigment into smaller particles for gradual clearance.
Picosecond lasers operate by delivering ultra-short pulses (10⁻¹² seconds) of energy, inducing a predominant photoacoustic effect. This generates rapid pressure waves that mechanically fragment target chromophores into minute particles, which are subsequently cleared via phagocytosis. The process also triggers laser-induced optical breakdown (LIOB) and cavitation, leading to dermal remodeling and neocollagenesis with minimal thermal injury to surrounding tissues.
Your questions, cost and timing on one page.
Often explored alongside this treatment
Fractional Pico Laser for Scars
For texture and scar remodeling
Fully Ablative CO2 Resurfacing
Full CO2 resurfacing for severe sun damage and deep wrinkles, with a long recovery
Laser Pigment Correction
Lasers that target sun spots and age spots
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