Can PicoWay Remove Color Tattoos? Here’s What You Need to Know

Tattoo removal continues to grow in popularity, thanks in part to major advances in technology and shifting popular aesthetics.

In fact, 2023 published research shows that around one in every four people regrets getting their ink. It’s a common belief that color tattoos are more challenging to erase than their black ink counterparts, but this is largely reflective of the lack of technology in the past. Today, color tattoo removal is 100% possible with PicoWay laser treatment that effectively treats multi-colored tattoos.

Here’s what you need to know about how PicoWay lasers work and what color tattoo removal entails from the patient’s perspective.

What Is PicoWay Laser Technology?

PicoWay is a cutting-edge laser system that has transformed the landscape of tattoo removal with innovative technology, making it effective for removing multicolored ink. PicoWay is classified as a picosecond laser system because it sends laser energy in extremely short pulses, measured in picoseconds (trillionths of a second).

Traditional Q-switched lasers, which were previously the standard for tattoo removal, only deliver energy in nanoseconds (billionths of a second).

PicoWay’s picosecond technology delivers energy much faster, making a significant difference in how the laser interacts with tattoo ink and the surrounding skin.

PicoWay’s ultra-short pulses create a powerful photoacoustic effect that shatters tattoo ink into minuscule particles, which are significantly smaller than those produced by older lasers. These tiny particles are then more easily eliminated by the body’s natural processes.

Also Read: Reasons to Consider PicoWay Laser Tattoo Removal Over Traditional Methods

Benefits of PicoWay versus Traditional Q-switched Lasers for Tattoo Removal

Less heat

PicoWay delivers less heat to the skin compared to traditional lasers. This reduces the risk of thermal damage, resulting in a more comfortable treatment experience and a lower incidence of side effects.

Faster recovery

With less heat, the skin heals more quickly. Patients typically experience shorter recovery times and can resume their daily activities sooner.

More precise pigment targeting

PicoWay’s ultra-short pulses precisely target the tattoo ink, minimizing damage to the surrounding skin. This precision is crucial for effectively removing tattoos while preserving the skin’s integrity.

Why Color Tattoos Are Traditionally Harder to Remove

Before the advent of picosecond lasers, such as PicoWay, color tattoos posed a significant challenge for removal.

For one, tattoo inks are made up of various pigments, and each color absorbs laser light differently. This means that a laser effective on one color might be ineffective on another.

Lighter ink colors, such as yellow, green, and turquoise, have been particularly challenging to remove as they are more resistant. These pigments reflect more laser energy, making them more resistant to breakdown.

Finally, challenges abounded with older laser technology. Traditional Q-switched lasers often didn’t deliver enough energy to break down the molecules of resistant ink colors.

People with color tattoos often faced incomplete removal, many necessary treatment sessions, and a higher risk of complications.

How PicoWay Targets Color Tattoo Ink

Multiple wavelengths – PicoWay uses multiple wavelengths (532 nm, 785 nm, and 1064 nm). Each wavelength targets specific ink colors.
Ability to treat a wide range of colors – PicoWay’s numerous wavelengths can effectively treat a spectrum of tattoo ink colors, including red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple.
Advantages of picosecond technology – Picosecond technology’s ability to shatter ink into tiny particles treats complex, multicolored tattoos. The smaller particle size makes it easier for the body to remove a wider range of pigments.
Less risk of scarring – PicoWay’s reduced heat and precise targeting minimize the risk of scarring and other skin texture changes, even when treating challenging ink colors.

Also Read: The Dos and Don’ts of Laser Tattoo Removal

What to Expect During the Tattoo Removal Process

Initial consultation:

The process begins with a consultation with a qualified PicoWay provider, who will:

Evaluate your skin type and tone.
Assess the size, location, and color of your tattoo.
Discuss your treatment goals and expectations.
Determine if you are a good candidate for PicoWay laser tattoo removal.

Number of sessions required:

The number of treatment sessions needed varies depending on several factors:

Ink type and colors – Different ink colors respond differently to the laser, with some requiring more sessions than others.
Tattoo size and depth- Larger and deeper tattoos generally require more treatments.
Age of the tattoo – Older tattoos may be easier to remove than newer ones, as the ink has already begun to break down.
Individual factors – Your immune system’s response and overall health can also affect the number of sessions.

What each session feels like:

Patients typically describe the sensation during a PicoWay session as similar to a rubber band snapping against the skin. While it can be uncomfortable, the treatment is generally well-tolerated. The duration of each session depends on the size of the tattoo.

Post-treatment care:

After each session, it’s essential to follow your provider’s post-treatment care instructions. These may include:

Keeping the treated area clean and dry.
Applying a topical ointment.
Avoiding sun exposure.
Not picking or scratching the treated area.

Factors That Influence PicoWay Tattoo Removal Results

Skin type and tone: The Fitzpatrick skin type scale is often used to classify skin types based on their reaction to sunlight. Patients with lighter skin types generally experience fewer complications. However, PicoWay is safe and effective for a wide range of skin tones.
Ink density and layering: Tattoos with high ink density or multiple layers of ink may require more treatment sessions.
Professional vs. amateur tattoos: Professional tattoos, which are applied with more ink and precision, often require more sessions than amateur tattoos.
Location of the tattoo: Tattoos located closer to the center of the body, where there is better blood flow, may respond more quickly to treatment.
Immune system response: A healthy immune system plays a crucial role in removing the shattered ink particles.

Also Read: Top 10 Laser Tattoo Removal Questions and Answers

Realistic Expectations and Limitations

While PicoWay is highly effective, it’s important to have realistic expectations. First, not all colors may be removed 100%.

In some cases, complete removal of all ink colors may not be possible. Very light colors, such as white or neon inks, can be particularly challenging and may leave a faint shadow.

Patients must keep in mind that tattoo removal is a gradual process. The tattoo will fade over time with each treatment, and complete erasure is the goal, but not always a guarantee.

Patients must be patient and committed to completing the recommended series of treatments to achieve the best possible results.

Does PicoWay Work on Colored Tattoos?

Yes, PicoWay marks a big advancement in laser tattoo removal science, particularly for its ability to address the challenges of removing color tattoos. Its picosecond technology, multiple wavelengths, and precise targeting offer patients a safe and effective solution for eliminating unwanted ink. PicoWay also requires fewer sessions and less downtime than previous methods.

Tattoo Removal in Westlake Village & Malibu

Request an appointment with us at Remedy Skin + Body at one of our conveniently located offices in Westlake Village and Malibu to get started on your tattoo removal journey.