Patients often ask me, “Dr. Van Reken, what is the best laser for tattoo removal?” While there are many lasers on the market today, in my opinion, the best one is the Cynosure PicoSure Tattoo Removal Laser.
About the Picosure Tattoo Removal Laser:
The Cynosure PicoSure is a tattoo removal platform that includes 532 and 755 nm lasers and has the capability to add a 1064 nm laser as well. This picosecond laser has nonfractional and fractional capabilities and has many uses other than tattoo removal, including skin tightening, dark spot removal and scar reduction. The PicoSure treats all tattoo colors and types, according to Cynosure, the manufacturer. Picosecond technology is the best there is for tattoo removal reno and this technology is much faster the overwhelming majority of lasers on the market at this time. Most tattoo removal facilities in Northern Nevada are still using older technology. In fact, we have old technology as well, including the Cynosure Medlite C6 which we still find useful for some tattoo colors, melasma, scar and other skin treatments. However, rapid tattoo clearance is only possible with picosecond technology. The newer technology often removes tattoos with less than half the number of treatments of older, slower machines. Tattoo clearance is also much more complete with this new technology. Cynosure was the first to produce this technology (so called Picosecond Technology) when they developed the PicoSure.
How Does Picosecond Technology Work?
Most lasers literally cook cells with ink in them with heat and the cells die, releasing the pigment. Predictably, this hurts and results in a mild burn. While the treatment site heals, there is a low risk of infection and some pain.
Picosecond uses “PressureWave” technology with a photomechanical or photoacoustic impact, shattering cells and releasing their tattoo pigment. Think of having a house with lots of poisonous gas trapped inside it with the windows all closed. No one is inside. You want the gas out. Would you rather have a jet fly just above the house, shattering its windows, or burn the house down? The PressureWave is shattering the cell walls, and also heating them. The result, less pain for the result, less risk of burns and faster tattoo clearance. What’s the down side? The PicoSure laser is more expensive than the older machines so the per treatment cost is higher. However, the total treatment cost to clear a tattoo is about the same.
Laser Tattoo Removal Prices and Financing:
Tattoo removal treatments can be priced per treatment or price for a treatment package. An example might be a baseball-sized tattoo that can removed typically in about 6 treatments it might be priced at 250 for each treatment or 1150 for a 6 pack. In this example one would save $350 with the upfront package of 6 as opposed to a per treatment fee of $250 x 6, or $1500. Financing treatments through credit cards or Care Credit is an option. At our office, we accept checks, cash, credit cards and Care Credit.
To schedule a Laser Tattoo Removal Consultation, with Dr. Van Reken at Reno Sparks MedSpa, give us a call or visit the contact us page.
Common Reasons Why People Get Laser Tattoo Removal:
• Joe broke up with the “Sue” on the tattoo
• The ink has faded
• Fred wants a new tattoo in the same area
• “My arm is like my kitchen—I like to remodel it every few years”
• This was a gang tattoo from my teen years and now I’m a family man. When I go back to Guatemala to visit my family I find that strangers are afraid of me.
• It is hard to get hired at an executive type job with a Dracula tattoo on my neck
• I’ve got kids now
• The colors don’t always match my blouse and slacks
• I’ve had skin cancer in other areas and if I get skin cancer in my tattoo it may be hard to detect the cancer early
• I have a beer and wine tattoos and I’ve been sober and in AA for over five years
• I do contract work in Saudi Arabia. I’m not supposed to take my shirt off as it has the image of a woman on it. This is against the laws of Islam.
• Certain gang tattoos can get you in trouble. It’s safer to not have a tattoo.
• I’ve had major surgery and scarring in the areas of the tattoo, now the tattoo looks weird
If you are planning on more ink after a tattoo is removed it is a good idea to wait a few months and let the treated ink fade as much as it will before you add more ink to the area. To visit our office for a Laser Tattoo Removal Consultation with Dr. Van Reken, give us a call or go to the contact us page.
“Is there a Picosure Tattoo Removal Laser Near Me?” Yes, right here at our office in Reno. Call 775-473-0011 to Schedule a Laser Tattoo Removal Consultation:
One way to see if the PicoSure Tattoo Removal Laser is right for you is to start with a test spot so you know what to expect, especially with larger tattoos. This is available in our office for a minimal charge. To schedule a Laser Tattoo Removal Consultation with Dr. Van Reken at Reno Sparks MedSpa, give us a call or visit the contact us page.
