Cosmetic Surgery and Beauty Magazine #64

tattoo removal
particles which are then easily eliminated from the body,’ Dr
MacDonald explains.
‘Previous technology relied on a photothermal (or
burning) effect which would deliver heat to the ink and
surrounding tissues. This “burn” could damage skin
and result in scarring. With PicoSure, because the pulse
width is so short, less injury and damage is caused to the
surrounding skin.’
Most patients say their tattoos
seemed like a good idea at the
time, but their circumstances
have since changed
Traditionally, colours such as blues and greens have
been difficult to clear during tattoo removal. Again,
PicoSure has changed this reality and Dr Dingley says that
the chance of success has significantly improved with the
new technology.
‘Most colours respond better with PicoSure than with
prior lasers, including blues and greens,’ she says. ‘It is
always hard to say, however, if a tattoo will completely
disappear. Our chances are certainly better now, but some
tattoos are done very heavily and there are some very
unusual inks out there at times which may, perhaps, not
respond completely to any laser.’
Typically, topical anaesthetic is required for treatment
with PicoSure and several treatments are recommended
to achieve the best results.
Victorian dermatologist Dr Philip Bekhor has been using
PicoSure since its arrival in Australia. He has achieved
effective results, with less adverse reaction, using this
picosecond technology.
‘It is still early days but the PicoSure is very gentle, and
we have seen a difference compared with other lasers,’ he
explains. ‘With PicoSure, there is less reaction, less pain
during treatment and a faster result.’
Dr Bekhor commonly performs five to seven treatments,
eight weeks apart, to achieve
adequate clearance – as opposed to
between 10 and 20 treatments with
other lasers.
There is some downtime involved
following treatment, and redness,
swelling and scabbing can occur
directly after the procedure. A
dressing is often applied to assist
in recovery and, because PicoSure
calls for fewer treatments, the risk
of scarring is considerably reduced
compared to other systems.
‘After treatment, side effects are
BEFORE
generally the same, but to a lesser
degree, than with prior lasers’, Dr Dingley says. ‘Scarring
is a possibility with any such skin treatment, however,
because the effect on normal skin is less and there are
fewer treatments, this risk is proportionately lower than with
prior lasers.’
In revolutionising tattoo removal, PicoSure grants fresh
hope to those who have given up trying to erase a past
decision. Tattoo removal can be a life-changing venture,
for both personal and professional reasons, and Dr Dingley
explains treatment with PicoSure can boost confidence in
certain patients.
‘Most patients say that their tattoos seemed like a good
idea at the time but then their circumstances changed or
they just didn’t feel like the same person that the tattoo
suited,’ Dr Dingley says.
‘Parents often want tattoos removed because of the
effect they might have on their children. I remember one
father, who had amateur tattoos of some swear words on
his hands and wanted to have them removed before his
children could read them,’ she recalls.
‘As amateur tattoos tend to be very easily removed, after
just one treatment the words were already illegible, with
just a few spots left which disappeared with the following
treatment. I remember he stood straighter already when
he came for the second treatment and no longer felt
ashamed.’ csbm
BEFORE (ink bled during tattoo treatment)
AFTER seven treatments with traditional
Q-switched nanosecond laser
AFTER one PicoSure treatment to clear
ink bleed (photos courtesy of Carmen
VanderHeiden)
AFTER one treatment with PicoSure laser
(photos courtesy of Dr Raminder Saluja)
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