To understand how picosecond lasers remove tattoos, it helps to know why PicoSure became one of the most requested treatments in Toronto. It was one of the first aesthetic lasers to deliver energy in picoseconds, trillionths of a second, instead of nanoseconds.
Why pulse length matters
Older Q-switched lasers rely mostly on heat to break up pigment. Picosecond lasers deliver energy so quickly that the ink is shattered largely by pressure (a photomechanical effect). The result is smaller ink fragments that are easier for the body to clear. According to Cynosure’s PicoSure overview, this is the core advantage of the platform. When the U.S. FDA cleared PicoSure for tattoo removal, it was covered widely, see Dermatology Times.
What clients notice
- Visible lightening after the first sessions on many tattoos.
- Short treatment times, usually 10 to 30 minutes.
- Less heat delivered to the surrounding skin.
For a deeper comparison, read PicoSure vs Q-switched lasers.
PicoSure at TatFade™
Our studio in Richmond Hill operates a Cynosure PicoSure® system. Many of our clients travel from Toronto and North York because they want the technology and an artist’s eye on cover-up planning. See treatment details on our laser tattoo removal page or book a free laser consultation.
