Advances in Tattoo Removal Technology
PicoSure is the new gold standard for tattoo removal, removing tattoos in fewer sessions, with less pain and at a lower cost
Research indicates that approximately 21% of all adults in the United States have one or more tattoos. Nearly half of these adults will want at least one of their tattoos removed at some point in their life.
Tattoo removal technology has certainly advanced over the past two decades. Unfortunately, results still can be less than desirable. As I’m sure many of you are aware, the process requires numerous treatments, can be painful, and results do not always meet expectations.
Q-switched lasers have been in widespread use for the past 20 years. These lasers release high powered pulses of energy in the span of nanoseconds. These pulses cause a photo-thermal effect which is utilized to break down particles of ink within a tattoo. These smaller particles are ultimately removed by the body’s lymphatic system. The main problem with this nanotechnology is that not all ink molecules can be broken down into particles small enough to be eliminated by the body. The secondary problem is a relative potential for scarring due to the thermal or heat effect.
The new PicoSure laser from Cynosure Incorporated will prove to be transformative in the field of tattoo removal. The PicoSure is the first picosecond device, producing pulses which are 100 times shorter than a Q-switched laser. This shorter pulse duration produces a photomechanical action, rather than a photothermal action. The effect of this photomechanical pulse is analogous to a pressure wave which causes greater pigment disruption with far less thermal damage.
PicoSure studies have shown far better clearance on a wider range of pigments with fewer treatments needed. One particular study showed that 11 out of 12 tattoos had a greater than 75% clearance of blue and/or green pigment after just one treatment, with more than two-thirds approaching 100% clearance.
The introduction of the PicoSure laser will certainly revolutionize the tattoo removal industry. Individuals will enjoy better outcomes in a shorter period of time with fewer adverse events. Cynosure is scheduled to release the PicoSure laser in limited numbers in April of 2013.
Call or email Phoenix Skin Dermatology for more information or to schedule a complimentary consultation
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