How Pico Lasers Work to Remove Tattoos

Licensed plastic surgeon Dr. Yale Popowich earned his MD from the Medical College of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. He practiced for many years in the area of Portland, Oregon. In a recent article, Dr. Yale Popowich explained how Pico-laser technology works to remove unwanted tattoos.

In contrast to many outdated tattoo-removal techniques, the Pico laser delivers ultra-short bursts in mere trillionths of a second. The pulse width is 100-times shorter than traditional nanosecond lasers. The powerful picosecond lasers shatter tattoo ink into micro-particles, which are then naturally dispelled by the body. This leads to better clearance in fewer treatments.

Older, less-efficient lasers depend on heat to melt the pigment. This heat burns the skin and requires many repeated treatments to remove the tattoo. The side effects of this heat treatment can also be problematic for patients. Pico-laser technology is becoming the go-to option for people who can afford the extra cost of this advanced treatment.