PicoWay

PLEASE NOTE: Advanced Dermatology does not provide tattoo removal treatments any longer. This article is for education and information purposes only.

PicoWay is a state of the art laser treatment that was designed to remove tattoos, as well as pigmentation. PicoWay comes from a highly trusted name in the laser business, Syneron Candela. This unique treatment utilises the dual wavelengths (1064nm and 532nm) in one laser treatment. The 1064 nm will help to remove the black, green, purple, blue, and brown inks, while the 532nm will remove red, orange, and yellows. It was cleared by the FDA in 2014.

It is estimated that 38% of woman and men between the ages of 18 and 29 years old have one tattoo or more. Of these with tattoos, up to half of these people have regretted getting a tattoo. Out of this percentage, only 11% consider having the tattoo removed, with only 6% having tattoo removal done.

What are the advantages to using PicoWay?

There are many advantages to using PicoWay. It is the first and only dual laser system utilising the PicoWay technology. Besides using the dual wavelengths that were described above, this laser treatment will treat a wide range of tattoos. It will even treat recalcitrant tattoos, and tattoos of most colours. The laser has the highest peak power and can treat both dermal and epidermal pigmented lesions. This means the laser can penetrate deep into the skin. The pulses on the PicoWay laser are 40% shorter, meaning there is less risk of side effects. The energy will break up the tattoo ink or pigmentation in the skin so it can easily be eliminated from the body. There is also less discomfort with this laser treatment with fewer treatments needing to be done.

Can all tattoos be treated using this laser treatment?

Yes, all tattoos can be treated using Picoway. This includes those tattoos that were done professionally, on an amateur level, traumatic tattoos and recalcitrant tattoos (these tattoos have been known to not perform very well with a nanosecond laser treatment). This laser treatment can be performed on all skin types without causing unwanted side effects, such as discolouration of the skin. The surrounding skin will also not be effected during this procedure.

How many treatments will one need?

The number of treatments will depend on how large the tattoo is, what inks were used, and how deep the tattoo was inked into the skin. At least 86% of patients had a 50% tattoo clearance after only 3 treatments.

Why is PicoWay better than a traditional laser?

PicoWay lasers deliver energy onto the skin in a much faster manner than a traditional laser, in a trillionth of a second rather than a millionth of a second. This will make the tattoo removal process not only more effective, but there will also be less damage to the skin, such as blistering, scarring, and dyspigmentation. Less heat will also be generated, which results in fewer side effects and less pain.

What does PicoWay feel like? Will it hurt?

The PicoWay laser treatment has some mild to moderate pain associated with the treatment. Many have compared it to feeling similar to getting the tattoo done. The technology that was used to develop this laser treatment was designed to reduce the amount of pain that is felt during a treatment, as well as reduce any swelling that is associated with tattoo removal.

How else can the PicoWay treatment be used?

Besides using the PicoWay treatment for tattoo removal, the procedure can also be used to treat pigmentation in some persons. This will include sun spots and pigmented birthmarks. Do note that this laser treatment should never be used to remove any sort of mole.

6 replies
  1. capuccino_007
    capuccino_007 says:

    My local laser clinic has the Picoway laser. I am excited to have this procedure done for my pigmentation removal process. I am not worried about any pain as I have four tattoos already, so if it feels like getting a tattoo then I will be fine. My pigmentation is on my arms and legs. I have always been self conscious about it, as when I was younger, I was called a freak. I would just like to have the pigmentation removed. Can anyone tell me how long it takes for one treatment to be done on just one body part? The pigmentation on my arms is roughly 3 inches long, and on my legs it is about 4 inches long.

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  2. Bethany
    Bethany says:

    I have some pigmentation issues with my skin. My mother had issues with skin pigmentation and it was passed down to me. I have tried different home remedies for this, such as lemon and cucumbers. But this has not solved the issue for me. I would be interested in finding a laser clinic that offers this sort of laser treatment. I have lived with it for long enough and just want a method that will help to solve this issue for me. I have lost quite a bit of confidence in this matter and am ready to get my skin back to where it should be.

    Reply
  3. Laura
    Laura says:

    Picoway sounds like a good method for tattoo and pigmentation removal. I do not have any issues with pigmentation problems, but my tattoo is just not what I want it to be anymore. I got it on vacation one year as a spur of the moment aha. I did not really put much thought into it, and it really means nothing to me. The tattoo artist did a shady job on it, and over time it has faded. I am ready to just have it be gone. I look forward to contacting my local laser clinic to see if this service is available.

    Reply
  4. shane
    shane says:

    I had a tattoo on my leg that I got when I was 16 years old. It was rather large and went up my entire calf muscle. I just recently had picoway done after my boss was telling me about it. I loved the tattoo when I first got it but over the years it has faded and since I gained a few pounds, it just did not look attractive on me anymore. So I opted to have this laser treatment done on it. I am very happy with the results. The tattoo is no longer there, and my skin looks good in that area as well. The pain did not bother me in the least. If you can get a tattoo then I feel that you can have this treatment done.

    Reply
  5. pepper21
    pepper21 says:

    I am interested in learning more about Picoway. I have some pigmentation removal that I would love to have done. I am not happy with how my hands and lower arms look. A question that I have about Picoway is can it be done on any body part? I have a laser clinic picked out, but I am not sure if they do this treatment or not. I will be in contact with them shortly to find out. Here is hoping for the best with these hands and arms.

    Reply
  6. hannah
    hannah says:

    I would love to have this old tattoo of mine removed. I have my ex husband’s name tattooed on my arm. I am not happy with the tattoo right now, and fear that if I go in to have the tattoo covered up with a different tattoo, I will hate it even more. So I guess my only options are to either live with it or have it removed with Picoway. And trust me, I have lived with it long enough that I am ready for it to be removed!

    Reply

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