If you’re researching tattoo removal, you’re not alone. About one in four adults with a tattoo regrets it. The good news is that laser tattoo removal has come a long way in recent years. The Institute of Aesthetic Surgery is proud to offer the latest in tattoo removal Orlando technology, the PiQo4 by Lumenis.
Using four wavelengths, both pico and nanosecond pulses, and the largest spot size available – the PiQo4 treats all skin colors and all tattoo colors with fewer, shorter, more comfortable treatments. Schedule a complimentary consultation to learn if the PiQo4 is right for you.
How Does PiQo4 Laser Tattoo Removal Work?
The latest in laser tattoo removal, the PiQo4 removes all common color tattoos, both professional and amateur, on all skin types. Featuring the latest cutting-edge technology, the PiQo4 does what other tattoo removal systems cannot.
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Similar to other laser tattoo removal systems, the PiQo4 uses pulses of laser energy to break down the ink into tiny particles that the body will naturally absorb. The laser is designed to target only the ink to avoid harming the surrounding skin. Previous tattoo removal technologies would break down either small or large particles, but not the two together. They often left patients with partially removed tattoos particularly if certain ink colors were used. Even those with successful tattoo removal were often left with ghosting, a hypopigmentation side effect that removed the natural pigment from the skin in the shape of their previous tattoo.
The PiQo4 improves upon the failure of previous technologies. Using four wavelengths, instead of one or two, it removes a rainbow of ink colors including those stubborn to previous removal. With a combination of both nanosecond (a billionth of a second) and picosecond (one trillionth of a second) energies for variable pulse duration and increased peak power, the PiQo4 can penetrate deeper into the skin while still breaking up shallow ink particles. And with the largest spot size (four times larger than the competition), treatments are quicker with fewer side effects.
As the same principles apply to removing naturally occurring pigmentation, the PiQo4 can also be used for laser resurfacing and to treat sun damage, freckles, acne scarring, vascular lesions, melasma and some birthmarks.
What Makes PiQo4 Better Than the Competition?
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The PiQo4 features:
• Four Wavelengths: Previous technologies used one or two wavelengths leaving behind difficult to treat colors like blue. The PiQo4 uses four wavelengths allowing it to treat the nine most common colors including those previously resistant to treatment.
• Picosecond & Nanosecond Pulses: While previous lasers relied on either picosecond or nanosecond pulses, the PiQo4 uses a combination of both for improved tattoo removal. Nanosecond pulses deliver quick bursts of energy to break up larger ink particles deep in the skin while picosecond pulses attack smaller shallow particles. With peak power ten times that of other systems, the PiQo4 can penetrate deeper to break up ink particles.
• Largest Spot Size: Offering the largest spot size in the industry, up to 15.5 mm, patients can expect faster treatment sessions (up to four times faster than PicoSure) with fewer side effects and quicker recovery.
For you, this means:
- Shorter Treatments: Four times faster than PicoSure!
- Fewer Treatments: Up to 40% fewer than conventional lasers!
- Improved Comfort: Patients report greater comfort than other technologies.
- Full Color Clearance: Including the stubborn turquoise and yellow hues.
- Reduced Downtime & Side Effects: Increased spot size equals fewer side effects.
- Less Ghosting: Nobody needs a shadow of their tattoo as a reminder.
- Safe for Most Skin Types: Uses non-thermal energy suitable for all skin tones.
How Effective is PiQo4 In Removing Different Colors of Tattoo Ink?
Unlike other lasers which are limited to just one or two wavelengths, the PiQo4 uses all four of the optimal wavelengths alongside picosecond and nanosecond pulses to treat nine of the most popular colors and all skin types.
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Using four different wavelengths (1064nm, 553nm, 650nm, 585nm) allows the PiQo4 to shatter nine of the most popular tattoo ink colors ranging from light orange and red to green, blue, purple, black and other colors. With peak power, 10 times that of other laser systems, it is the most effective multicolor tattoo removal laser available.
Am I A Candidate for PiQo4 Tattoo Removal?
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The PiQo4 is gentle on the skin and safe for most healthy adults. However, patients with cancerous lesions or those known to form skin keloids are not considered good candidates for the treatment. While safe for most skin types, persons with dark skin may be at increased risk of hypopigmentation. Only you and a qualified plastic surgeon can decide if the PiQo4 is right for you. Schedule a complimentary consultation to learn if PiQo4 is right for you.
What About Tattoos Resistant to Prior Treatment?
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Previous laser tattoo removal systems often failed to remove the tattoo completely. With a large spot size, four wavelengths, and both nanosecond and picosecond pulses, the PiQo4 can successful treat many tattoos that other systems have failed to remove.
Due to a limited number of wavelengths and pulse speed, other systems may leave patients with ink particles that are only partially broken down and become too small for the device to be used, but are still visible to the eye. The PiQo4’s picosecond pulses are effective at breaking down these smaller ink particles and successfully treat where others have failed.
Why Does Spot Size Matter?
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Recover faster and decrease the number and amount of treatment sessions needed with the PiQo4. Featuring the largest coverage area available, the PiQo4 is the best device for speed and effectiveness. The PiQo4’s large spot size combined with impressive peak power levels and four wavelengths allows it to penetrate deeper to reach embedded pigments and disperse ink particles better than any other device.
Research shows that larger spot sizes decrease skin discoloration, the rate of blisters and scarring because the energy is spread over a wider surface area. Covering an area up to 15 mm, the PiQo4 offers a spot size four times larger than any other laser in the industry.
Is Laser Tattoo Removal Painful?
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While there is some discomfort associated with tattoo removal, most patients find treatments quite tolerable. Patients having experienced other types of laser tattoo removal, report that the PiQo4’s short duration and larger spot size make them more comfortable than other treatments. For those who are sensitive to pain, a numbing gel or ProNox (laughing gas) can be used.
What Can I Expect After Treatment?
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Compared to other laser tattoo removal methods, patients report quicker recovery and fewer side effects with the PiQo4. Following treatment, you will see a white-ish “frosting” over the surface of the tattoo. The skin may swell in that area and be accompanied by a mild redness. Patients often report that it feels like a sunburn. This will go away within a matter of hours. As long as they are feeling well, patients can resume normal daily activities immediately following treatment.
After treatment, the tattoo may temporarily crust and blister as the body repairs itself. Your practitioner will provide guidelines for aftercare. Over the weeks following treatment, the tattoo will continue to fade as your body clears away the ink.
How Many Treatments Does Laser Tattoo Removal Take?
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While most patients will notice improvement after just one treatment, many tattoos require several treatments for full removal. However, the number of treatments needed with the PiQo4 is generally fewer than with other lasers.
The number of treatments needed depend on the tattoo itself. Variables including the area of the body, the background skin color, depth of the ink, age of the tattoo, and color of the tattoo all impact removal. For instance, amateur tattoos are typically easier to remove as they are not as deep as professional ones. Tattoos that are closer to the heart generally have better circulation and may be removed quicker.
On average, patients require 4-6 sessions. However, depending on the tattoo, it can range from 2-10 sessions. Sessions are conducted 6-8 weeks apart. To receive a more accurate estimate of the number of sessions needed, we invite you to schedule a complimentary consultation.
What Other Uses Does the PiQo4 Laser Have?
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The PiQo4 laser can also be used for PicoFractional photoacoustic skin rejuvenation. The special PicoFractional handpiece converts light into sound waves to create Pico pulses that target multiple types of skin pigmentation issues including vascular lesions and brown spots.