A tattoo that felt meaningful five or ten years ago might not reflect who you are today. Whether it’s the placement, the style, or the memory tied to it, laser tattoo removal can help you clear the slate.
At Farrell Laser & Aesthetic Medicine Center in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, Dr. Deborah Farrell uses PicoSure™, a modern alternative to traditional laser systems. But how is PicoSure™ different, and why might it be a better fit?
PicoSure™ vs. Traditional Tattoo Removal
Traditional laser tattoo removal works by heating up the ink in your skin to break it apart. That heat can be uncomfortable, and it usually takes multiple sessions to fade the tattoo, especially if the ink is deep or made up of tough colors like blue or green.
PicoSure™ is a picosecond laser, which uses ultra-fast pulses of energy to break up tattoo ink with a combination of pressure and minimal heat. These bursts happen so fast that they shatter the ink into much smaller pieces than older lasers can manage.
Because the particles are smaller, your body has an easier time clearing them out. That’s why many people see their tattoos fade faster and may need fewer treatments overall.
That said, how many treatments you’ll need depends on things like how big the tattoo is, how old it is, how deep the ink goes, and what colors were used.
Comfort and Recovery Time
PicoSure™ is typically a more comfortable treatment and has a lower chance of damaging surrounding skin than traditional methods because it uses less heat.
Most people describe the sensation as similar to a rubber band snap. While numbing options can help manage sensitivity, pain tolerance varies. Redness, swelling, or light blistering may occur, but these effects are temporary.
Compared to traditional lasers, recovery is usually easier, with shorter periods of scabbing or skin irritation.
What About Tattoo Color and Skin Type?
PicoSure™ is particularly effective on colors that are traditionally harder to treat, such as green, blue, and purple. That makes it a strong option for multicolored tattoos or areas where older lasers didn’t succeed.
Schedule Your Consultation
To learn more about PicoSure™ tattoo removal, schedule a consultation at Farrell Laser & Aesthetic Medicine Center in Mechanicsburg by calling 717-732-9000. We welcome patients from nearby Harrisburg and throughout Central Pennsylvania.