*Offered in Plano ONLY
PicoWay
Tattoo Removal
PicoWay® is an advanced laser treatment for tattoo removal, pigmentation, skin irregularities and signs of aging.
PicoWay treats multi-colored tattoos on different skin types. PicoWay utilizes unique picosecond laser technology to deliver fast, comfortable treatments - more than any other traditional laser tattoo removal solution available*. Unlike traditional lasers, PicoWay delivers energy to the targeted ink in ultra-short pulses that are so fast, they’re measured in picoseconds — that’s one trillionth of a second.
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What PicoWay tattoo removal does?
The PicoWay laser light is targeted at colors matching the specific laser wavelength in ultra-short picosecond pulses. These pulses shatter the tatto ino into very tiny particles, which are then easily eliminated by the body’s natural processes. The PicoWay laser emits less heat energy than traditional lasers providing a safer, more comfortable treatment for ALL skin types, with fewer side effects.
How Many PicoWay tattoo removal treatments do I need?
The effectiveness of the treatment depends on many factors such as the age, location, depth, size and type of tattoo. All tattoos will require several treatments for optimal results.
Is the treatment safe for all skin types?
Yes, PicoWay treatment is indicated for all skin types. Ideally, the wavelength selected for eradication of the tattoo should be highly absorbed by the tattoo pigment and only minimally absorbed by other chromophores in the skin. Absorption of radiation by most pigments in amateur and professional tattoos is strong in the near-infrared region of the spectrum. By contrast, the surrounding melanin has a very broad absorption band throughout the ultra-violet, visible, and near-infrared regions of the spectrum, with absorption of light greatest in the ultraviolet, and least in the near-infrared. Other chromophores in the skin, such as hemoglobin and oxyhemoglobin, should have little to no absorption of light within the selected wavelength. The 532 nm and 1064 nm wavelengths produced by the PicoWay laser have been carefully selected to utilize the difference in absorption for the treatment of tattoo pigments. Treatment of tattoos can therefore be performed with minimal adverse effects on normal skin structures.
What types of tattoos can be treated?
Many kinds of tattoos can be treated including professional, amateur, traumatic and even recalcitrant tattoos. Recalcitrant tattoos are tattoos that have been proven to be resistant to nanosecond laser treatment.
Why is PicoWay better than traditional Q-switched lasers?
Q-Switch technology requires numerous treatment sessions, causes significant discomfort during treatment and, in many cases, incompletely removes tattoos and pigmented lesions. Picosecond technology, has ultra-short pulse durations, 100 times shorter than Q-switch lasers, and in the trillionths of a second. These bursts of energy create a photoacoustic impact which breaks up the tattoo ink or pigmentation into smaller, more easily absorbed particles. PicoWay’s unique, proprietary mode of action has the highest peak power and the shortest pulse duration of any picosecond device on the market for superior efficacy, safety and comfort. PicoWay is the answer physicians are looking for to combat the reluctance patients may have to treat tattoos or more complex pigmented lesions.
Why is PicoWay the best picosecond laser on the market?
PicoWay’s unique, proprietary mode of action has the highest peak power and shortest pulse duration of any picosecond device on the market for superior efficacy, safety and comfort. PicoWay's ultrashort pulses enable the strong photoacoustic impact needed to fracture pigment particles using lower fluences, for better clearance in fewer treatments. PicoWay's novel design architecture enables PicoWay to be robust, reliable and scalable for future application developments.
What are the advantages of PicoWay?
PicoWay is the world’s first and only dual laser device with proprietary PicoWay technology: Dual wavelengths – 1064 nm & 532 nm wavelengths in one laser system. Treat the widest range of tattoos – 2 wavelengths to treat most tattoo colors & types, including recalcitrant tattoos. Treat dermal and epidermal pigmented lesions – Large spot sizes enable deep penetration when needed. Highest peak power – For effective energy over the broadest range of spot sizes. Shortest picosecond pulses – 40% shorter picosecond pulses mean effective, yet lower energy for less risk of side effects.
Limitations of Traditional Laser Tattoo Removal
• Limited treatment of tattoo colors and types
• Inability to effectively break up ink particles
• Discomfort during treatments
• Certain risks, particularly with darker skin tones
How many PicoWay® treatments will be needed?
The effectiveness of the treatment depends on many factors such as the age, location, depth, size and type of tattoo. All tattoos will require several treatments for optimal results.
What to expect?
During the first visit, the skin’s reaction to the laser will be tested to determine the most effective treatment. Immediately following treatment, cold compresses may be applied to soothe the treated area. A topical antibiotic ointment may be recommended. In the first few days, take are to avoid scrubbing the area or using abrasive skin cleansers.
Does PicoWay® treatment hurt?
The degree of discomfort varies with each person depending on the nature and location of the tattoo on the body.
Are PicoWay® treatments safe and are there any side effects?
PicoWay® treatments selectively treat the tattoo while leaving surrounding skin undamaged. After treatments, patients may experience temporary discoloration or reddening of the skin
around the treatment site. Some patients may also experience a temporary lightening of the skin following treatment. The skin will typically resolve to a normal skin tone.
The PicoWay ® Difference
Few Treatments: FDA cleared for a wide range of tattoos, PicoWay offers better results in few treatments for different skin types.
Fast Results: With it’s ultra-fast delivery of concentrated, high-power energy, PicoWay will shatter even tiny ink particles making it easier for the body to clear the tattoo ink.
Minimized Risk: PicoWay’s ultra-short pulses also optimize the delivery of energy to the targeted ink particles ensuring the ink is effectively treated, while the least amount of heat gets transferred into the skin.
Minimal Discomfort: Since PicoWay’s pulses are fast, you’ll feel minimal discomfort throughout the procedure.
What makes tattoos so difficult to remove?
• Depth: Ink is injected into the dermis, below the skin, where it’s harder to remove.
• Ink Particle Size: The bigger the ink particle size, the harder it is to remove a tattoo. Traditional laser tattoo removal can be used to break up ink particles making them easier for the body to carry away, but sometimes the remaining ink particles are still too large, even after multiple laser treatments.
• Color: While blues and blacks are easy to treat, other colors such as reds and yellows can be difficult to remove.
• Skin Tone: With most lasers, darker skin tones are harder to treat because too much energy can be absorbed into the skin rather than the targeted ink particles.
Not only does this weaken the results, it also increases the risk of injury.
PRETREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS
1. Avoid the sun 4-6 weeks before and after treatment.
2. Your technician may ask you to stop any oral or topical medications or other skin care products 3-5 days prior to treatment.
3. Tanned skin types should not be treated. If treated within 2 weeks of active (natural sunlight or tanning booth) tan, you may develop hypo-pigmentation (white spots) and this may not clear for 2-3 months, or even longer.
4. The use of self-tanning skin care products must be discontinued 1-2 weeks prior to treatment. Any residual self-tanner must be removed prior to treatment.
5. Your provider may apply a topical anesthetic for treatment discomfort. This should be removed just prior to treatment.
INTRAOPERATIVE CARE
1. The skin is thoroughly cleaned prior to treatment.
2. If treating the upper lip, the teeth may be protected with a moist, wet gauze. The gauze also serves to support the lip during treatment, allowing a surface to push against.
3. Safety considerations are important during the laser procedure. The patient and all personnel in the treatment room MUST wear protective eyewear during the procedure to reduce the risk of eye injury. Your technician will take all necessary precautions to ensure your safety and comfort.
4. Multiple treatments will be necessary.
POSTOPERATIVE TREATMENT CARE
1. Immediately after treatment, there should be a “slight frosting” on the area that is treated. Erythema (redness) and edema (swelling) at the treatment site can occur and may last up to 2 hours or longer. Pinpoint bleeding may also occur.
2. An ointment (Aquaphor, bacitracin, or even Vaseline) should be applied to the treated area and covered with a non-stick bandage.
3. After the treatment, the skin will scab over. It is very important not to pick, scratch or aggressively wash the area to prevent possible scarring. This crust should flake off in 7-10 days.
4. Avoid sun exposure to reduce the chance of hyper-pigmentation (darker pigmentation)
5. Use sun block (SPF 30+) at all times throughout the course of your treatments.
6. There are no restrictions on bathing except to treat the area gently, as with any other wound.
7. Call your Ultimate Image office at 972-800-2127 with any questions or concerns.