The evolution of laser tattoo removal

How the new PicoMax laser from Cosmeditech is revolutionising tattoo removal

The market for tattoo removal has grown rapidly in recent years. With 35% of people aged 25-39 in the UK having at least one tattoo,it’s likely that, with age, some will have tattoo regret, while others may want to make a change.

Laser technology has established itself as the gold standard for removing tattoos. In the past, its limitations were certain colours or the associated pain of treatment and potential side effects, particularly on darker skin types. Now, with the advent of picosecond lasers, the market has the potential to expand beyond these limitations.

Pico lasers deliver each pulse in one trillionth of a second, 1,000 times faster than traditional Q-switched lasers, which work in nanoseconds. The result now is a treatment that is much more comfortable and effective. With such short pulse durations, the mechanism is much more photoacoustic mechanical fracturing of the pigment rather than thermal damage. This makes the procedure safer for dark skin types, not just for tattoos, but for benign pigmented lesions and skin rejuvenation also.

Cosmeditech has introduced the PicoMax laser to the UK market. Pico Max is the world’s shortest pulse duration Pico laser with 350 picoseconds, which it claims makes it twice as fast as most other Pico lasers on the market.

This high-peak power enhances the efficacy with superior photoacoustic breakdown of pigment, with less discomfort for patients. This superior performance can also achieve the end result in less treatments. The Pico Max offers a choice of four wavelengths, the standard 1064nm and 532nm, as well as 595nm and 660nm. It also offers an optional fractional handpiece for skin rejuvenation.

The 1064nm is used for the removal of black, blue and purple ink, while the 532 nm is used for red, orange and yellow. The 650nm allows treatment of more stubborn green and sky blue pigments, while the 595nm allows treatment of vascular lesions.

The innovative fractional handpiece offers a non-ablative skin rejuvenation treatment for wrinkles and acne scars. Densely arranged micro-lenses split the picosecond pulses into columns of high fluence, which irradiate only 10% of the target area. The high fluence of fractionated laser pulses induces collagen and elastin synthesis via photothermal and photomechanical effects without surface ablation. Recent clinical studies with fractional picosecond lasers reported that after three to four laser treatment sessions for skin rejuvenation (particularly for wrinkles or acne scars), clinical improvement can be achieved. The treatment is suitable for all skin types with minimal temporary side effects of erythema and mild swelling.

PicoMax laser can offer a high return on investment for clinics. With short treatment time, the revenue per hour is superior to many other procedures. Small to medium tattoos can be treated in minutes with less discomfort and faster recovery times and it offers the versatility of treating both pigmented lesions and collagen stimulation for all skin types.

Pico lasers are transforming the tattoo removal market with a safer, faster and more comfortable option for clients. While Pico lasers come at a premium price, Pico Max not only offers the highest specification, but with a much more affordable price tag.

For more information, visit: www.cosmeditech.com Call 0800 038 55 80 or email info@cosmeditech.com