Find out how laser tattoo removal works and whether it’s right for you.

You thought you’d never part with your tattoo, but perhaps it no longer fits your aesthetic, or you want to have it removed for a new job. Whatever the case, our McKinney, TX, cosmetic dermatologist Dr. James Ralston and the Dermatology Center of McKinney team can help. Dr. Ralston offers the PiQo4 laser machine for tattoo removal.

How does PiQo4 laser tattoo removal work?

This sophisticated system is one of the most powerful picosecond lasers available. Contrary to what people might think, laser treatment does not burn away the tattoo. Instead, when directed over the skin, the picosecond pulses break up larger pigments, and those found deeper in the skin. Once those are broken up, our team will go back through with the laser again to remove both surface and smaller pigments that the first pulses did not break up. This ensures better results.

What are the benefits of the PiQo4 laser system?

This system can target larger and deeper areas of the body, which means faster results with fewer treatment sessions. Most individuals achieve the results they want in just three to five sessions. After each session, your body will flush out the ink, which means you’ll begin to see the ink fading after just a single session.

This system also offers four wavelengths, allowing our McKinney, TX, team to target a wide range of tattoo colors for optimal removal. It is also safe to use for all skin types, as it only targets the ink and never causes damage to the skin around it.

How long does each laser treatment take?

The length of the session will depend on the size of the tattoo. Small and medium tattoos can take anywhere from five to 15 minutes, while larger tattoos can take 20 minutes to an hour.

Does it hurt?

Laser technology has certainly come a long way these days, which means that laser tattoo removal is now more comfortable than before. During your session, you will hear the pop of the laser as it’s breaking up the pigments, and you will feel a warming sensation over the area, but it should never be painful. After treatment, your skin may feel sunburned.

If you’ve been wrestling with the idea of getting laser tattoo removal, our McKinney, TX, dermatologist Dr. Ralston can help you determine if our PiQo4 system is right for you. Call the Dermatology Center of McKinney at (972) 548-0333 to schedule a no-risk evaluation.