Are There Products to Help Fade a Tattoo Being Removed by Picosure Laser?

When considering tattoo removal using Picosure laser, it is crucial to understand the challenges and limitations faced. This article explores the factors that make laser removal less than ideal and offers insights into potential alternatives and strategies for fading tattoos that are resistant to traditional laser treatments.

Challenges of Picosure Laser for Tattoo Removal

The Picosure laser is a popular choice for tattoo removal due to its high-intensity picosecond pulses. However, there are certain scenarios where this approach may not be as effective as initially thought. Here are two key reasons why Picosure laser might be suboptimal for tattoo removal:

1. Pigment Dispersion Directionality

When dealing with an old tattoo, the ink can blur and disperse in all directions. This dispersion can move sideways as well as deeper into the tissue. The upper layers of pigment dispersion may block the laser from reaching the deeper layers, making it harder to achieve the desired results in a single session or a few sessions.

2. Pigment Color Dye

Some pigments are classified as 'escape artists' when it comes to laser treatment. Commonly, pink and yellow pigments often escape the activation by the laser due to poor absorption. In contrast, green and blue pigments can sometimes escape when hit by green lasers.

Technical and Practical Considerations

The Picosure laser itself is a modified Genesis Continuum Green laser, designed by T. Locksman EE and Vladimir Noventyu PhD in Dublin, CA. While the technical specifications of Picosure sound impressive, the actual performance and effectiveness may vary based on the color of the tattoo ink and the patient's skin type. Here are a few key points to consider:

1. Wavelength Considerations

The Picosure operates at a wavelength of 535 nm (green) and 755 nm (infrared). While the 535 nm wavelength is good for many pigments, it may miss some dark green and blue pigments. Furthermore, the 755 nm wavelength is described as 'burns everything,' meaning it may be too powerful for delicate skin treatments.

2. Polymer Plastic Sources

Israel sources polymer plastics that can modify the 532 nm output by the Picosure to 755 nm, which is a downside. Additionally, the use of a 'shotgun' of lenses to increase focused fluence may be marketing hype rather than a genuine technological advancement.

3. Immune Response and Treatment Frequency

While the Picosure laser stimulates an immune response that breaks down the tattoo ink, this process often requires multiple sessions. Each session is designed to break down the pigment and stimulate the immune system to remove it. However, if a patient waits too long between treatments (longer than 4 weeks), an immune reaction may be more severe. This could be particularly problematic for large, old tattoos with dark green or blue pigments.

Potential Alternatives and Strategies

Given the limitations of Picosure laser, it might be worth considering alternative tattoo removal methods. Here are a few options to explore:

1. Q-switched Ruby Laser

The Q-switched Ruby laser operates at a wavelength of 694 nm and is effective in removing blue and black pigments. If your tattoo contains blue or black ink, this might be a suitable alternative. However, it is unclear if the remaining pigments in your tattoo are primarily blue or black.

2. Patient Education and Management

For patients where the pigments are primarily pink or yellow, a less aggressive approach, such as tattoo retouching with small, unobtrusive designs (e.g., stars or hearts), can be a viable option. This can be especially helpful if you are sensitive to the multiple sessions required for Picosure laser treatment.

Conclusion

While Picosure laser offers a promising solution for tattoo removal, the effectiveness of treatment can vary based on the type of pigment and the patient's skin. If you are seeking the best results, it may be wise to consult with multiple dermatologists and consider different laser technologies. By understanding the challenges and limitations associated with Picosure, you can make an informed decision about the most effective treatment for your tattoo.

Keywords: Picosure laser, tattoo removal, pigment dispersion