Cosmetic Medicine by Dr Eddie Roos

COSMETIC MEDICINE
‘The PicoSure
laser is set to
become the
new standard in
tattoo removal’
photomechanical reaction for improved clearance over fewer treatments. The
pulse length is a trillionth of a second – called a picosecond. This pulse is 100
times shorter than that used in previous technology and causes a different, more
effective, reaction in the skin.
The ultra-short pulses create an intense photomechanical wave that
‘shatters’ the ink, breaking the ink down into tiny dust-like particles which
are then easily eliminated from the body. This is different from previous tattoo
removal technology, which uses photothermal effects to deliver heat to the
ink and surrounding tissues. This ‘heating’ could damage skin and result in
scarring, whereas with PicoSure the pulse width is so short, there is less risk of
injury and damage to the skin.
Alongside a reduced risk of burning, PicoSure is touted to shift those colours
that have been traditionally difficult to remove, such as blues and greens.
Treatment with PicoSure often requires some form of topical anaesthetic and
typically several treatments, eight weeks apart, are recommended to achieve
optimum results. Most tattoos can be cleared in five to 10 treatments, as
opposed to between 10 and 20 treatments with other lasers.
As with any laser treatment, there is some post-procedure downtime involved.
Redness, swelling and scabbing can occur directly after treatment. Scarring
is still a possibility, however, because PicoSure uses a shorter wavelength
and incurs fewer treatments, the risk of scarring is considerably reduced
compared with prior lasers. Tattoo pigment will typically take several weeks to
fade after treatment.
People seek tattoo removal for a number of reasons, from career changes
to new romantic relationships. PicoSure signifies new hope for those who have
given up on tattoo removal in the past and can be a life-changing procedure.
AT A GLANCE
What is PicoSure?
PicoSure is the first picosecond aesthetic laser specifically designed to treat
tattoos. It delivers ultra-short pulse bursts of energy to the skin in trillionths of a
second, making it 100 times shorter than traditional tattoo removal lasers.
How does it work?
PicoSure creates an intense photo-mechanical impact to shatter the target ink
with fewer treatments and less fluence.
How does it compare?
Traditional Q-switched nanosecond lasers typically rely on photothermal action
to deliver heat to the pigment and surrounding tissue and generally produce a
small fraction of the power generated by a picosecond laser.
PicoSure uses the patented PressureWave technology to shatter the smallest
of ink particles, clearing even stubborn blue and green inks, as well as previously
recalcitrant tattoos that failed to clear.
DR EDDIE ROOS WWW.COSMETICELEGANCE.COM.AU // 33