Tattoo Removal

Tattoo removal

Choosing the wavelength

1064 nm | Black tattoos

Used for black ink. Suitable for a wide range of skin types (I–VI).

532 nm | Red, yellow, purple, blue, green, orange and more

Used for a variety of coloured inks other than black. The laser is applied while checking the colour of the tattoo and the condition of the skin.

730 nm | Light blue and light green

Used for inks such as light blue and light green. For colours that were difficult to remove in the past, the wavelength is also chosen according to the shade.

How easily each colour fades

Black / navy

Responds best. Absorbs 1064 nm well; the colour most common in traditional Japanese tattoos.

Red / orange

Responds relatively well. Treated with 532 nm. These colours are also more likely to cause allergic reactions.

Blue / purple

Responds relatively well. Treated with 730 nm. These colours were difficult for older devices.

Green

Somewhat difficult. Treated with 730 nm, but some pigments respond poorly.

Yellow / white

Most difficult. These reflect light and absorb little laser energy, so complete removal can be difficult.

Eyeliner and eyebrow tattoos

Needs care. The ink can turn dark through oxidation straight after treatment, so a cautious approach is needed.

About the device

Device

PicoWay, made by Syneron Candela

Type

Picosecond laser (picosecond KTP / Nd:YAG laser)

Pulse duration

The laser fires in picoseconds (trillionths of a second) — shorter than the nanoseconds (billionths of a second) of the conventional Q-switched lasers traditionally used for tattoo treatment. Because each pulse is so short, less heat is produced; the treatment aims to raise peak power while keeping pain and strain on the skin down.

Wavelengths

It has three wavelengths — 532 nm, 730 nm and 1064 nm — which are used according to the colour and depth of the pigment.

Approval

Japanese medical device approval number 23000BZX00270000. The device is approved in Japan and by the U.S. FDA for the treatment of deep and superficial pigmented lesions of the skin and for tattoo removal.

Treatment time and what to expect

• Treatment timeAbout 5–30 minutes (depending on the area)
• AnaesthesiaNumbing cream is included in the fee
• On the dayThe treated area is covered with ointment, gauze and tape
• Showering / bathingDepends on the condition of the treated area. We check your skin after treatment and advise you
• ProgressThe area turns whitish straight after treatment, and redness, swelling or blisters may follow. Scabs form within 1–2 weeks and fall off naturally
• Next sessionAbout 2 months later (to let the skin recover)

Aftercare

• If blisters form, do not burst them — please contact the clinic
• Do not pick off scabs, as this can cause scarring
• Use sunscreen and protect the area from UV thoroughly
• Do not pick off scabs
• Do not rub the treated area hard
• Avoid getting a suntan during the course of treatment
• On the day of treatment, avoid strenuous exercise, saunas and alcohol

Who cannot receive this treatment

We cannot treat you if any of the following apply

• You have a wound or skin tumour in the treatment area
• You are pregnant or breastfeeding
• You have an infection, inflammation, herpes or a skin condition in the treatment area
• You tend to form keloids
• You are sensitive to light, or are taking a medicine that increases sensitivity to light
• You have epilepsy
• You have gold threads in the treatment area
• The treatment area is strongly suntanned or sunburnt

Depending on your health and any medicines you take, we may also ask you to postpone treatment for other reasons. The doctor decides whether the treatment is suitable for you at the consultation.

Side effects and risks

Redness, swelling, pain, blisters and scabs occur. These are a normal part of the treatment process, but loss of pigment (white patches), darkening of the skin, scarring (including keloids), whitening of hair and colour changes in the ink may remain. The ink may not disappear completely even after repeated sessions, and fees cannot be refunded in that case. The cost of treating any side effects is borne by the patient.

* This is private (self-funded) treatment, not covered by insurance. Results vary from person to person and are not guaranteed.
* If you notice any symptoms that concern you, please contact the clinic promptly.