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Your solution to effective laser tattoo removal
Here’s the thing: Removing an unwanted tattoo is safer and easier than ever before. Previously, traditional laser tattoo removal had its limitations such as:- Limited treatment of tattoo colours and types
- Inability to effectively break up ink particles
- Discomfort during treatments
- Certain risks, particularly with darker skin tones
What makes PicoWay technology so good?
Laser light is directed at unwanted pigment in ultrashort picosecond pulses. These pulses shatter the pigment into thousands of tiny particles which are then eliminated by the body’s natural processes. The PicoWay laser emits less heat energy than traditional lasers, which makes it a safer, comfortable treatment with fewer side effects.
The La Beauty Difference
Fewer treatments: PicoWay offers better results in fewer treatments. It can eliminate a wide range of tattoo colours across a broad range of skin types with low downtime. Faster results: PicoWay uses ultrashort laser pulse with concentrated high-peak power that shatters tattoo ink into minuscule particles. This makes it easier for your body to naturally eliminate ink particles. Minimised risk: PicoWay creates acoustic stress that breaks down tattoo ink and doesn’t overheat surrounding tissue, which makes it safer for all skin types, especially for darker skin. Minimal discomfort: Since PicoWay’s pulses are fast, most clients report feeling a tolerable amount of discomfort throughout the procedure.
Your PicoWay Treatment
- During your first visit, we will test your skin’s reaction to the laser to determine appropriate treatment settings.
- Before the procedure, a numbing agent is applied to the target area.
- During the treatment we deliver energy with a highly precise, high-power laser in extremely short pulses to target ink particles with great impact. The PicoWay laser light is targeted at colours matching the specific laser wavelength.
- These pulses shatter the tattoo ink into miniscule particles, making it easier for the body to carry away and clear the tattoo, requiring few treatments. Following the PicoWay treatment, most of the ink particles are removed by the body.
Before and After
Baseline
Post 5 Treatments
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Post 5 Treatments
Baseline
Post 5 Treatments
Baseline
Post 5 Treatments
PicoWay Laser Tattoo Removal Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PicoWay system?
The PicoWay system is one of the most advanced technologies available for treating unwanted tattoos. In fact, many consider it the current gold standard for removing tattoo ink. PicoWay is a picosecond laser, a name that comes from the speed at which it emits light – a picosecond, or one trillionth of a second. Thanks to these ultra-short pulses, PicoWay clients often report lower levels of discomfort during and after the procedure compared to other tattoo removal methods. Multiple wavelengths are included in the PicoWay system: 1064 nm, 785 nm, 730 nm and 532 nm. This allows us to treat a wide range of ink colours, including those that were difficult to treat with older tattoo removal technologies.
How does laser tattoo removal work?
The PicoWay laser emits highly concentrated light energy in short, ultra-fast picosecond pulses. These pulses are absorbed by the tattoo ink particles embedded in your skin, causing them to shatter into tiny fragments. Once the ink particles are broken down into smaller pieces, they are small enough for your body’s immune system to eliminate them. Your lymphatic system gradually flushes out the ink fragments, leading to fading of the tattoo.
What can make a tattoo difficult to remove?
The following factors can influence how challenging it is to remove a tattoo:
- Ink Depth — ink that is deeper in the dermis layer of the skin can be more difficult to remove
- Ink Particle Size — larger ink particles can be tougher to eliminate
- Colour — black inks are generally easier to treat because they absorb more laser energy, while colours like red and yellow can be more stubborn
- Skin Tone — darker skin tones are harder to treat with certain lasers due to a risk of laser energy being absorbed by the skin, rather than just the tattoo ink, which can cause skin damage
Can PicoWay be used on all skin types?
PicoWay’s advanced technology is designed to be versatile and adaptable, making it suitable for use on virtually all skin types. This includes darker skin tones which can be challenging or unsafe to treat with other lasers. During your consultation, your La Beauty provider will thoroughly assess your skin and discuss an appropriate treatment approach for your specific skin type and tone. We believe in taking a cautious and meticulous approach, and we strive to maintain the highest safety standards for our clients.
What are the benefits of PicoWay for tattoo removal?
We’ve chosen the PicoWay system for tattoo removal due to its numerous benefits that align with our commitment to delivering superior care:
- Enhanced Efficiency — PicoWay’s advanced picosecond laser technology often translates into fewer treatment sessions to achieve results
- Effective on Most Ink Colours — PicoWay can remove a wider range of ink colours, including traditionally challenging ones like blues, greens and reds
- Lower Risk of Skin Damage — the ultra-short pulses of the PicoWay laser mean less heat is transferred to surrounding skin tissues, reducing the risk of burns, scarring and pigmentation changes
- Suitable for All Skin Types — PicoWay can be used across various skin types, including darker skin tones that are more susceptible to complications with other lasers
- Reduced Discomfort — many clients find the PicoWay treatment to have a more tolerable sensation than other tattoo removal methods
- No Downtime — most clients can return to their regular activities right after treatment
How should I prepare for my PicoWay treatment?
Our clinic will provide you with instructions to follow between your consultation and your appointment. These may include:
- Minimise sun exposure to the tattoo area for at least two weeks before your treatment. Sun-tanned or sunburned skin can complicate the laser treatment process.
- Stop applying self-tanning products and products with harsh or irritating ingredients, such as retinoid creams, to the tattooed area.
- Ensure the tattooed area is clean and free from lotions, creams and makeup on the day of your appointment.
Does PicoWay treatment hurt?
Pain tolerance differs from person to person. Most clients describe the sensation of the laser as similar to a rubber band snapping against the skin — it can be uncomfortable, but it is not necessarily painful. We use cooling methods to soothe your skin during treatment, as well as a topical anaesthetic applied prior to the session to help numb your skin before we begin.
Will there be downtime after my PicoWay treatment?
After your tattoo removal treatment, you may experience soreness, inflammation or redness. You may start applying cold compresses straight away to soothe the area. Your provider may also suggest applying a topical antibiotic ointment. If your skin scabs or blisters, do not pick at them. In the first few days, you may need to wear a bandage over the treatment area to keep it dry. Avoid scrubbing the area or using abrasive skin cleansers. Stay out of hot showers, swimming pools, jacuzzis and saunas until fully healed. Keep sun exposure to a minimum.
What are the possible side effects?
The risks and side effects of laser tattoo removal may include:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Lightening or darkening of the skin
- Itching
- Scabbing or flaking
- Blistering
- Infection
- Scarring
- Incomplete tattoo removal
How soon can I see results from laser tattoo removal?
Tattoo removal is a gradual process. After your first PicoWay session, you might begin to notice the tattoo fading. However, the full extent of the treatment’s impact may not be immediately apparent. The rate at which your tattoo fades depends on several factors, including the ink’s depth, density and colour, and your body’s response to the treatment. Everyone’s skin and tattoo are unique, so response times can vary. It’s not uncommon to start seeing more noticeable results after a few sessions. Most tattoos require multiple sessions to achieve full results.
How many PicoWay treatments will I require?
Each individual’s response to treatment can vary based on multiple factors. Here’s what typically influences the number of tattoo removal sessions required:
- Tattoo Characteristics — The size, colour, location, depth of ink and age of the tattoo all play a role. For instance, older and darker tattoos may fade faster than newer or brightly coloured tattoos.
- Desired Outcome — If complete removal is the goal, more sessions are usually needed than for clients seeking to fade a tattoo for a cover-up.
- Individual Healing Responses — Everyone’s body reacts differently to laser treatments and clears ink at different rates. You should see more significant fading with each subsequent treatment until we reach your maximum.
Most clients see the most significant results with three to five sessions. Appointments are scheduled six to eight weeks apart. Your provider will inform you of the number of sessions they anticipate your tattoo will require during your consultation.
Will the tattoo be completely removed?
Complete removal is not always possible, nor is it every client’s goal. While some hope for full removal, others wish to fade their tattoo so a cover-up can be done. We understand that the ultimate goal for many undergoing laser tattoo removal is complete eradication of the tattoo. The advanced technology of the PicoWay system offers the best chance of reaching the maximum degree of removal achievable. In some cases, the tattoo may not be entirely removed, but significantly faded and less noticeable. We will assess your tattoo during your consultation and provide a realistic expectation of what can be achieved.