My first PicoSure laser tattoo removal experience was the biggest struggle in my life. My second was tolerable, thanks to the genius who discovered anesthesia. The tattoo removal cost is high yet worth it. Here are my before and after photos, they are unfiltered to clearly view my laser tattoo removal results.
Hand Tattoo
First Week
Redness of the treated area is common. Pain level is 7/10
Second Week
Slowly healing; first time to experience itchiness
After a month
(Please ignore the white spots because I had it tattooed using white ink.)
First Session VS Second Session
The second session is obviously a big improvement – the green ink is almost invisible. And yes, no scars.
Overall Comparison of Laser Tattoo Removal Results
Foot Tattoo
First Week
Blisters are expected, as what I mentioned in my previous blog post
Second Week
I probably had an infection because I stayed in a hot and humid place for a week so the treated area became really dry. It was too itchy so I was tempted to continuously scratch it until it became red. I was supposed to use the aftercare cream for two weeks more or until the areas are completely healed but I only applied the cream for a week.
Aftercare cream
Tip: Never look for cheaper alternatives, always use the cream given by your doctor
After a month
The result in my first session was better than the second one perhaps because of the infection.
Overall Comparison of Laser Tattoo Removal Results
Finger Tattoo
First Week
Healed the fastest; the blisters only lasted for a day
After a month
Another session might completely make the blue ink visible. As what I’ve noticed blue and green inks are easy to treat.
Overall Comparison of Laser Tattoo Removal Results
Basic Things To Know About PicoSure Laser Tattoo Removal
Cream vs Injection
To start with, if you’re planning to get your tattoo removed, always choose the anesthesia via injection. It works like magic. My comment on using numb creams: It’s like having that part of your tattoo session when the artist starts deeply shading your tattoo. But it’s more painful and less tolerable.
The Color of Your Tattoo Ink Matters
Yes, if your tattoo was done by a professional. The most difficult colors to treat are red and yellow. Based on my experience, the green and black ones are the best colors for PicoSure treatment.
As you can see below the picture, the red lips of the woman are still visible. Even her orange hair and yellow colored eyes. Please ignore the white spots because I had it tattooed using white ink. What a desperate move to remove tattoos laserless.
Not 100% Pain-Free
Another brilliant idea that my doctor shared with me is that you can request for an anesthesia via injection without being scared of needles by applying numb cream first before the injection.
Shaving is Everything
One of my regrets during my first PicoBlast session was I didn’t shave. I had anesthesia alright but it was a bit painful each time the light hits the hair on my skin. So if you’re going to have the laser tattoo removal on some hairy parts of your body then start shaving.
Treasure Your First 15-20 Minutes Feeling Invincible
Your first fifteen to twenty minutes during your laser tattoo removal session could be one of the best times of your life. After those triumphant moments, suffer the stinging pain that will last for a day or two.
Q and A About Picosure Laser Tattoo Removal
Here are some of the questions (I’m not really good at Q & As but will try to give relevant answers) some curious readers asked me about PicoSure:
Why should I choose PicoSure over RevLite?
I’ve never tried RevLite treatment and never seen its before and after photos. However, based on my doctor’s experience he admitted that one PicoSure session is equivalent to almost ten to fifteen sessions of RevLite. RevLite costs almost 8500php per session. If you’re smart enough, you can figure it out.
“PicoSure both heats and fractures the ink so that’s why it’s more efficient.”
How painful is PicoSure?
If you’re using the PicoSure machine only to treat acne scars then it’s not painful. Tattoo removal procedures are painful. But you can have anesthesia via injection so it’s pain-free. You can only feel the stinging pain after the anesthesia wears off.
What will my skin look like right after the treatment? Should I expect scars?
Expect your skin to be a bit swollen. Also, expect blisters. I didn’t experience any scars in my first session so I think you’ll be alright.
How long does it take for my skin to completely heal?
It depends on how you care for your treated skin. Mine started healing after two to three weeks. Don’t forget to use the cream prescribed by your doctor.
Does the age of my tattoo matters?
I think it does. The older the tattoo, the better. It’s not just the age but also the quality of the ink, how deep the ink is placed and if it’s done professionally.
I didn’t include some other questions because they’re too scientific and I’m afraid I don’t have the knowledge to answer them. My advice is to go to the doctor who can perform your PicoSure treatment so he or she can do the assessment himself/ herself.
If you’re too worried about the pain, you should start worrying about the needle injection and not the whole session itself. You have anesthesia so why worry?
If you’re interested and want to know more about PicoSure and tattoo removal cost, you better check some clinics that offer tattoo removal near you or if you’re living in Davao City you may contact:
Update:
I already had my third tattoo removal session. You can check the laser removal results here.