Laser Tattoo Removal
Can the PicoSure laser treat dark or melanated skin?
Not all laser removal treatments are the same and a lot will depend on the patient or tattoo in question. Owing to the fact that melanin pigment absorbs ultraviolet radiation, this can be a problem when it comes to choosing the right wavelength for tattoo removal. What’s more, tattoos with variations in colour might be resistant to certain wavelengths of light just like bacteria sometimes repel antibiotics.
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PicoSure has been heralded as the fastest tattoo removal treatment in the world and can achieve better clearance in 75 per cent less time. This laser delivers ultra short pulse bursts of energy to the tattoo in trillionths of a second. However, there is a higher risk of hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation with PicoSure on darker skin tones. As such, it is not recommended for those that want healthy and natural looking skin after treatment has taken place.
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Alternatively, RevLite Laser tattoo removal is more appropriate for those with darker skin. This laser is capable of delivering a 1064 nm wavelength, which is near-infrared light (invisible to humans) and poorly absorbed by melanin, making this the only laser suitable for darker skin. It is the safest wavelength to use on darker skin tissue due to the low melanin absorption and low haemoglobin absorption. RevLite is particularly effective with dark blue, black and red tattoos, but other colours also respond well too.