The PicoWay laser is a highly effective way to eliminate unwanted tattoos. Tattoos can be an expression of identity or symbolize important moments in a person’s life. However, as time progresses, that tattoo may no longer reflect the person’s personal beliefs or status, or carry the same meaning. But, with today’s laser technology, a tattoo doesn’t have to be a life sentence. The PicoWay laser is an excellent solution for patients looking to get rid of tattoos that have become burdensome, or no longer generate the same positive feelings that they used to. This laser delivers picosecond-long bursts of concentrated light energy – that’s a trillionth-of-a-second! Because of the extremely short burst, the laser is able to break down the tattoo’s pigmentation but leaves the skin intact. [1] It’s an exciting improvement on past tattoo removal treatments because it opens the door for patients with a broad range of tattoo ink colors and skin types.

Patients looking forward to a future without unwanted tattoos are encouraged to seek the expertise of Dr. Joshua Korman. PicoWay laser treatment can provide you with real results and a solution to body art that may be causing you to regret. Call any one of our offices throughout Silicon Valley to schedule a consultation. 

About

Tattoos

Tattoos have captivated humans’ interest throughout the ages. Today, millions of people worldwide adorn themselves with body art as celebratory expressions. A recent survey found that 21% of U.S. young and middle-aged adults have at least one tattoo, a number that is doubtlessly on the rise. [2] Unfortunately, more tattoos translate into more regrets, and the demand for safe and efficient tattoo removal is higher than ever. 

Tattoo Removal with PicoWay Laser

In the past, tattoo removal entailed harsh processes such as abrading away the tattooed skin with salt or excising the tattooed area entirely. [2] Today, the process has vastly improved thanks to advanced laser technology and a better understanding of the dermis. Modern lasers use short bursts of targeted wavelengths to create a thermal effect that destroys tattoo pigments in the skin. This process is called selective thermolysis, and works similarly to laser hair or vein removal! The laser energy heats only the pigmented areas, referred to as chromophores. For unwanted veins, it’s the hemoglobin in the blood that is targeted, while with hair removal, it’s the darker-colored root of the hair in the follicle. When it comes to tattoos, it’s the ink that is suspended in the dermis. These darker-colored components absorb the heat created by the laser energy and are selectively damaged, while the lighter-colored skin in the surrounding areas is unharmed. The secret is the incredibly fast burst of laser energy that the PicoWay laser is able to administer. How fast? The PicoWay delivers bursts that only last a picosecond – that’s one trillionth of a second! These short bursts allow the skin to cool between flashes, and allow high amounts of energy to be applied without causing unnecessary damage to the tissue. [1] 

Reasons for Getting a Tattoo Removed

Your reasons for getting a tattoo removed are just as personal as the ones that led you to get one in the first place. PicoWay can effectively and safely eliminate your tattoos.

Common Motivations for Tattoo Removal

  • Desire to advance professionally
  • Looking to revise a tattoo with poor quality
  • Change in tastes
  • Ended relationships
  • Looking for a fresh start without tattoos

Benefits

A PicoWay provides patients with a safe and effective way to remove tattoos. Previous laser treatments were once uncomfortable, time-consuming, and produced inconsistent results. PicoWay offers many advantages for those looking to remove tattoos, and can:

  • Treat patients with all skin types and tones
  • Treat patients in fewer sessions
  • Offer an experience far less painful and quicker than other treatments
  • Reduce the appearance of a tattoo regardless of size or intricacy
  • Diminish the appearance of multicolor tattoos

Candidates

Healthy candidates who are no longer happy with their tattoos can push the reset button! PicoWay is a straightforward treatment that lets patients start the next chapter in life with peace of mind. To achieve the best results, Dr. Korman recommends patients:

  • Have tattoos that are already healed
  • Not have underlying health concerns such as lupus or type 1 diabetes
  • Not have skin disorders such as rashes, melanoma, eczema, or active outbreaks in the treatment area

Personal Consultation with Dr. Korman

For over 20 years, Dr. Joshua Korman has built a far-reaching reputation as one of the top-ranked plastic surgeons in the country. He and his team are dedicated to giving patients concierge, five-star service at world-class facilities throughout Silicon Valley, and the rave reviews have poured in over the years. Tattoo removal is just one of the many services that offer patients meaningful results and a positive impact on their lives.

Your personal consultation will take place at our offices in San Jose, Mountain View, or Carmel-By-The-Sea. This appointment will be a compassionate, frank discussion about your health and reasons for tattoo removal. It will also give us the opportunity to examine the tattoo that you’d like removed.  We will take time to note the pigmentation of the tattoo, its location, and your skin tone to determine whether PicoWay is the right option for you. If we feel confident the treatment can produce the results you want, we will walk you through every step in the process, and design a personalized treatment plan.

Take the first step in moving on with your life by scheduling a consultation with us by calling (650) 254-1200 (Mountain View); (831) 656-9331 Carmel-By-The-Sea; or (408) 831-6229 (San Jose).

Preparation

Our office will provide you with a few instructions to complete between now and your appointment to ensure everything goes smoothly. They include:

  • Avoid extended periods of UV exposure from the sun or tanning beds.
  • Stop applying retinol creams or self-tanning lotions to the target areas.
We encourage prospective patients to learn more about PicoWay and the other aesthetic services we offer by reading our blog. 

Procedure

Your session should last no more than an hour, depending on the size of your tattoos. Pre-treatment formalities of administering a topical anesthetic, providing you with protective eyewear, cleaning the skin, and outlining the tattoo to guide the laser application. We will then place the applicator on the treatment site, where it will deliver quick bursts of laser energy. Patients feel minimal discomfort throughout the process, and the sensation is often compared to a rubber band being lightly snapped on the skin. [1] At the end of your session, the treated area is cleansed, an antibacterial cream is applied, and the area is dressed in a protective bandage. 

Recovery

After treatment, you may experience minor soreness, blistering, and redness that should go away in a few days. This is completely normal. In the days that follow, we recommend following these instructions to ensure excellent results:

  • Apply the antibacterial ointment as directed by the office to reduce the risk of infection.
  • Regularly apply a cold compress for the next 2-3 days to reduce discomfort and inflammation.
  • Showering is permitted but make sure not to soak the treated area. Avoid hot showers, jacuzzis, swimming pools, and saunas until fully healed.
  • Keep sun exposure to a minimum.
  • Refrain from picking at scabs or blisters

Results

Depending on the level of complexity of the tattoos being removed, most patients will see dramatic results after 7-10 sessions scheduled every 6-8 weeks. The integrity of the tattoo’s pigment will become further compromised after each session, eventually revealing a swath of ink-free skin. 

Cost of PicoWay Tattoo Removal in Northern California

Pricing for your PicoWay tattoo removal will depend on the size, colors, and intricacy of your tattoo. These concerns will be addressed at your private consultation. Our practice is more than happy to point you to helpful financing resources to help fund your treatment. We encourage you to be on the lookout for our regular specials for further savings. 

FAQ

What is a PicoWay Laser?

PicoWay is an innovative laser that delivers picosecond-long bursts of laser energy. These short bursts allow high amounts of energy to be applied to the skin while also letting the area cool between bursts, thus avoiding damage to the skin. The PicoWay laser creates a thermal effect that destroys the pigment in tattoo ink in a wide range of colors and can be used on a wide range of skin types.

How many PicoWay laser tattoo removal sessions will I need?

Everyone is different. The number of sessions needed for your treatment will depend on the number of tattoos to be removed, the size of the tattoos, and the pigments used in the tattoo ink. A consultation with Dr. Korman will determine how many sessions are required to effectively remove the tattoo. 

References

  1. Choi, M. S., Seo, H. S., Kim, J. G., Choe, S. J., Park, B. C., Kim, M. H., & Hong, S. P. (2018). Effects of picosecond laser on the multi-colored tattoo removal using Hartley guinea pig: A preliminary study. PLoS ONE, 13(9), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0203370
  2. Goh, C., & Ho, S. (2015). Laser tattoo removal: A clinical update. Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery, 8(1), 9. https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-2077.155066