When it comes to laser tattoo removal, one of the most common questions we get at Zapp Laser Studio is: what is the best laser for tattoo removal?
With all the information out there on which laser treatment works best for your skin type and tattoo colours, it’s normal to feel confused about which one is right for you.
The answer lies in understanding how laser technology has evolved, and which lasers are considered the gold standard in the tattoo industry.
Luckily, we have two of the best laser tattoo removal treatments here at Zapp Laser Studio – PicoSure and PicoWay.
Read on to learn more about how these tattoo removal lasers not only stack up, but surpass traditional Q-switch laser options. Or, if you want to speak to one of our laser experts in-person, get in touch below.
The basics: how does laser tattoo removal work?
Laser tattoo removal is the most safe and effective method to completely remove or fade different types of tattoos.
The laser treatment works by sending high intensity light energy into the skin where the tattoo is. These bursts of light energy help to break down tattoo ink into tiny particles that are small enough to pass through the body’s immune system.
You will need a series of laser treatments to fade or fully remove a tattoo. We will discuss this with you at your consultation and build a bespoke treatment plan based on your skin type and the results you want to achieve. For more in-depth information on how laser tattoo removal works, see our dedicated blog
Traditional tattoo removal lasers – where we were
A few years ago, Q-switch lasers (Q-switched Nd:YAG laser) were the most popular way to remove tattoos. They use nanosecond pulses, which are bursts of light energy lasting a billionth of a second.
While this was once the go-to laser treatment for tattoo removal, it also has many limitations:
- Less effective at removing certain ink colours including; green ink, yellow ink, white ink and red ink.
- The carry a higher risk of damaging the surrounding tissue
- They require more sessions to fully treat dark pigments and multi-coloured tattoos
- Do not work on all skin types, specifically darker skin colours
Thanks to advancements in laser technology, we can now safely remove all tattoo ink colours on the spectrum and treat all skin types. And all this without causing harm to the surrounding skin or skin pigment.
This is where PicoSure laser and PicoWay laser tattoo removal comes into play.
Picosecond Lasers: where laser tattoo removal is now
At Zapp Laser Studio, we use both PicoSure laser treatment and PicoWay laser tattoo removal. These are two of the most advanced laser systems available today.
Unlike older lasers such as the Q-switch lasers, these picosecond lasers work by firing ultra-shirt pulses of light energy at trillionths of a second (picosecond pulses).
Sounds impressive, right? But what does it mean? PicoSure laser and PicoWay deliver targeted energy at a higher rate, which makes them more precise and leads to better results.
PicoSure Laser Tattoo Removal
The PicoSure laser is the first picosecond laser that was designed for effective tattoo removal. It works by delivering ultra-short bursts of laser energy at a fast rate, which causes the ink pigments in the tattoo to shatter into smaller tattoo ink particles.
PicoSure laser also supports skin rejuvenation, helping to tackle acne scars, fine lines and an even skin tone. It does this by using a specialised lens to turn the laser energy into a gentle pressure. This encourages the skin to heal itself and produce new collagen and elastin.
The main benefits of this pico laser include:
- Treats all tattoo ink colours on the spectrum including black ink, green ink and blue ink (uses two wavelengths)
- Safe for most skin types, but most effective on skin types 1-4
- Promotes skin rejuvenation for clearer and brighter-looking skin
- Targeted picosecond laser that does not harm healthy surrounding skin
- Can fully remove most tattoos in 6-10 treatment sessions
PicoWay Laser Tattoo Removal
PicoWay is another advanced pico laser that uses different wavelengths to target and break down different tattoo colours. It is also one of the only laser tattoo removal treatments that works on all skin types, including darker skin types.
PicoWay laser stands out from other laser treatments because it delivers high power ultra-short bursts of light energy onto the tattoo ink. This precision and power means that you often need fewer treatment sessions than older laser devices.
We currently offer PicoWay tattoo removal treatment at our London Studio only.
The main benefits of this pico laser include:
- Uses 1064nm, 764nm and 532nm wavelengths to target and shatter ink pigments in multi-coloured tattoos
- Laser energy goes deeper into the skin to treat different depths without harming the surrounding tissue.
- PicoWay uses the 1064 wavelength, which makes it safe to treat dark skin tones as it bypasses the melanin in the skin and only focuses on the tattoo ink.
Why are Picosecond lasers better than Q-switch lasers?
Pulse type – compared to nanosecond lasers, picosecond lasers target tattoo ink particles harder and faster.
Number of treatments – old laser devices are slower and require more treatments to remove a tattoo. PicoSure and PicoWay are quicker and require fewer treatment sessions overall.
Breaking down ink pigments – Picosecond lasers break down tattoo ink into much smaller particles than Q-switch lasers, which makes it easier for your body to absorb and flush out through the immune system.
Tattoo ink colours – Q-switch lasers tend to work mostly on dark tattoo ink colours such as black ink. PicoSure and PicoWay can treat all colours on the spectrum.
Protection of surrounding skin – Q-switch laser treatment uses thermal energy to heat and break down the ink particles, which can increase the risk of damage to healthy skin tissue. Picosecond lasers, on the other hand, use light energy to break down tattoo ink, which makes them safer on the skin.
Skin types – Q-switch laser treatment only works on certain skin types. PicoSure laser is effective on most skin types and PicoWay can treat all skin types, including black skin.
Talk to the laser tattoo removal experts at Zapp Laser Studio
If you still have questions about which laser device is best for tattoo removal and your skin type, our experts at Zapp Laser Studio can help.
We work with every client one-on-one to understand their goals, so that we can tailor our tattoo removal treatments to your individual needs.
We are fully trained in both PicoSure laser tattoo removal and PicoWay tattoo removal, so we can guide you in finding the right laser treatment for your tattoo and skin type.