Picosure is the first safe and effective aesthetic laser that uses picosecond technology. Ultra-short pulse bursts of energy are delivered to the skin in just trillionths of a second. The picosecond pulse width is 100 times shorter than the nanosecond technology used with traditional tattoo removal systems.

Clinical studies show that Picosure is able to treat darker, multi-colored and complex tattoos more efficiently, with more significant removal in much less time. Even dark, stubborn blue and green inks, as well as previously-treated recalcitrant (difficult to remove) tattoos can be removed.

In laser tattoo removal, laser light is used to break down the ink particles into small enough fragments that can be flushed out naturally by your body.
Laser tattoo removal has long been considered the most effective method, compared to chemical and abrasion based treatments.
Traditional (Q-switched) lasers used for tattoo removal rely predominately on photothermal (heat) action delivered to the pigment of the tattoo and the surrounding tissue. The ultra-short pulse of energy of Picosure goes beyond the photothermal action of a traditional laser by creating an intense photomechanical effect that shatters the target ink into tiny particles that are easily eliminated by the body, while leaving the surrounding tissue unheated.

Every tattoo responds differently due to a number of variables. There are variations in ink colours and their chemical compositions, depth and density of ink placement, skin type and individual immune system factors. Predicting how many treatments any particular tattoo will require is an educated guess.
During your consultation, your aesthetician will make an estimate of the number of tattoo removal sessions needed to remove your tattoo. Based on thousands of treatments with our Picosure lasers, on average Picosure will remove a tattoo in 4 sessions . In some cases, a black ink tattoo can be removed in as few as 2-3 sessions (and some amateur ones even in a single session). Recalcitrant tattoos can take up to 6-8x sessions – but in our experience those tattoos would take up to 20x sessions (or could not be removed at all) with older Q-switched lasers.
We believe that in any like-for-like comparison of black, blue and dark blue tattoos, Picosure laser tattoo removal at ProSkin Clinics will be the best tattoo removal option for you.

Tattoo fading is a slow process and depends on participation by your body’s immune system to work. We recommend that you wait at least 6-8 weeks to get the greatest value from each laser treatment.

Picosure can be used on all Skin Types. Picosure is not able to treat cosmetic tattoos (eyeliner and eyebrows).
Most common contraindicators that prevent Picosure treatment from taking place include:
Active sun tan or sunbed exposure (active tanning to be avoided for a minimum of 4-6 weeks prior to treatment depending on depth of tan)
Artificial tan/use of tanning products (at least 3 weeks discontinuation)
Pregnancy
Full list of contraindicators and your recent medical history will be reviewed during the consultation to ensure you are suitable for the treatment.

Treatment duration depends on size of tattoo to be treated. Treatment can be as short as a few minutes to over an hour for a very large tattoo. The treatment itself is a series of laser pulses that are fired rapidly next to each other in a pattern along the tattoo. The spot size is 2-10mm, depending on the size and location of the tattoo. During laser treatment, your tattoo may turn white briefly. It then swells somewhat and may turn red, but this usually lasts only a few hours. It is important to keep that tattoo covered with ointment and a bandage for the first day. Usually, it feels like a mild sunburn and does not hurt unless rubbed against.

The discomfort of laser tattoo removal is often described as a “rubber band snapping the skin” but can vary from client to client. We do our utmost to minimize any pain or discomfort possible. We offer cold air cooling and topical numbing cream to clients to numb the treatment area and reduce any sensation of pain. Please discuss these options with your aesthetician. If you require numbing cream, you must arrive at least 20 minutes before you treatment appointment time so that the topical numbing cream can be applied. Arrival less than 20 minutes before appointment will result in only air cooling being available

During the laser tattoo removal treatment, your tattoo may turn white briefly. It then swells somewhat and may turn red, but this usually lasts only a few hours. It is important to keep that tattoo covered with ointment and a bandage for the first day. Usually, it feels like a mild sunburn and does not hurt unless rubbed against. Between your treatments, it is important to keep the tattoo covered from the sun to prevent hyperpigmentation (darkening). You will receive detailed instructions during your appointment.

Typical aftercare instructions include:

Do not lather treatment area with soap – use water only when cleaning area treatment area must be covered 5-7 days post treatment
Do not shave the treated area if crusting is evident
Sun and sunbed exposure should be avoided for at least 6 weeks post treatment, as this increases the risk of burning and possibly pigmentary changes. A sun block (SPF 30 or greater), or high protection factor is advised thereafter during treatment intervals
Clients are instructed to avoid putting perfumed or alcohol based products on the treated area until the area is fully healed
Clients are also instructed to avoid injury to the treated area, particularly through sporting activity, swimming or hot baths / showers, for a minimum of 48 hours after the treatment session
Clients are instructed to contact the clinic team immediately should any adverse skin reactions occur, or if they have any concerns relating to treatment
Avoid heat treatments such as saunas/steam rooms etc for 7 days post treatment

Your aesthetician will explain the aftercare instructions during your consultation and after every treatment.

Picosure is the safest laser tattoo removal option.

With normal Q-switched lasers (which break down the ink particles using heat from the laser pulse), there is an increased chance of thermal damage and scarring to the skin.

However, the Picosure laser used at ProSkin Clinics for tattoo removal uses photomechanical effect (instead of heat) to shatter the ink particles. Therefore the risk of any scarring is significantly reduced and Picosure does not typically leave scars, although there is a small chance of this.

Potential side effects of the treatment include:

Temporary blistering – this is a common side effect of tattoo removal
Erythema, bleeding, crusting and scabbing – a clean dressing and suitable healing ointments are recommended if this occurs
Wheal/flare with erythema may last 2-4 hours
Mild to moderate itching
Pigment changes – both hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation are possible, however this should be temporary (2 – 6 months)
May vesiculate including haemorrhagic blisters in 24-48 hours – if significant blisters or crusts occur, consider oral antibiotics. Wound healing is usually complete in 10-14 days

In most instances, there are no side effects and the above potential side effects are limited to a small fraction of all treatments that are carried out.

We currently offer Picosure Laser Tattoo Removal in Harley Street, Liverpool Street (London, City), Bond Street (London, Marylebone), Shepherds Bush (London, near Westfield Shopping Centre), Esher (Surrey), Bluewater (Kent) and Newcastle (Intu Shopping Centre, Newcastle City Centre). All clinics only employe highly qualified and experienced NVQ 3 qualified laser therapists for all Picosure treatments.