Why Melanin Changes the Approach
Lasers work by delivering energy into the skin, where tattoo ink absorbs it. The pigment breaks into tiny fragments, which your immune system gradually removes over the following weeks.
Melanin, the pigment that determines your skin tone, also absorbs laser light. Darker skin has more melanin at the surface, so it competes with the ink for the energy. Using an inappropriate wavelength or setting can overheat the surrounding tissue, increasing the risk of pigment changes or scarring.
This is why experience is so important. Safe treatment requires choosing a wavelength that passes through melanin, adjusting the power levels accordingly, and spacing out sessions to allow the skin time to heal.
Lasers Suited to Melanin-Rich Skin
Our Industry-leading Equipment
| Wavelength: | 755 nm / 532 nm |
| Maximum energy | 200 mJ / 165 mJ |
| Pulse Duration: | 750 ps / 550 ps |
| Peak Power: | 0.36 GW |
PicoSure
- Manufactured by Cynosure.
- A cutting-edge medical device used for various aesthetic and dermatological procedures.
- Utilises a unique picosecond laser technology, delivering ultra-short pulses of energy to the targeted area.
- Particularly effective in removing tattoos, pigmented lesions, and treating skin rejuvenation concerns.
- It can break down tattoo ink and pigment particles into smaller fragments more efficiently than traditional lasers, resulting in faster and more thorough tattoo removal.
- It removes tattoos up to 75% faster than traditional Nd:Yag lasers.
- The ultra-short pulses generated also stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, promoting skin rejuvenation and reducing the appearance of wrinkles, acne scars, and other textural irregularities.
PicoStar
- Manufactured by Asclepion.
- Like the PicoSure, the PicoStar utilises advanced picosecond laser technology.
- A pulse duration of 300 picoseconds, making it the most powerful unit on the market.
- Used for various cosmetic treatments, including tattoo removal, pigmentation removal, scar reduction, and skin rejuvenation.
- The laser’s state-of-the-art technology and high power outputs make it highly effective for scar removal and breakdown treatments.
- PicoStar is particularly effective in treating a wide range of pigment colors, from darker colors to blue and red.
- It offers automatic spot detection and adjustable spot size for precise and adaptable treatments.
- Provides the best results for those with darker skin tones.
| Wavelength: | 1064 nm / 532 nm |
| Maximum energy | 800 mJ |
| Pulse Duration: | 300 ps |
| Peak Power: | 2.7 GW |
| Wavelength: | 1064 nm / 532 nm / 595 nm / 660 nm |
| Maximum energy | 800 mJ (depending on wavelength/handpiece) |
| Pulse Duration: | 450 ps (also supports 2ns) |
| Peak Power: | Up to 1.8 GW |
PicoPlus
- Manufactured by Lutronic (now under Cynosure Lutronic).
- Like the PicoStar, the Picoplus utilises advanced picosecond laser technology, with dual picosecond and nanosecond modes.
- A pulse duration of 450 picoseconds (in pico mode), delivering high peak power.
- Used for various cosmetic treatments, including tattoo removal, pigmentation (including melasma), scar reduction (such as acne scars), and skin rejuvenation.
- The laser’s state-of-the-art technology, high power outputs, and multiple wavelengths make it highly effective for pigment breakdown, scar treatments, and versatile aesthetic procedures.
- Picoplus is particularly effective in treating a wide range of pigment colours and tattoo inks thanks to its four wavelengths. It offers good performance across skin types, with options for precise control suitable for various tones.
- It features multiple handpieces (including fractional and focused dot options), adjustable parameters, and the ability to switch wavelengths and pulse durations seamlessly for precise and adaptable treatments.
- Provides strong results for pigmentation, tattoos, and rejuvenation, with innovations like low-energy settings for safer use on darker skin tones.
Picosecond vs Traditional Lasers
Traditional Lasers
Traditional lasers rely on heat to destroy tattoo ink. This technology is known as a photothermal reaction, delivering heat to the tattoo ink and also to the surrounding tissue. The heat breaks up the tattoo ink into small particles. Traditional nanosecond lasers can often require between 10-20 treatments to achieve good clearance.
PicoSure & PicoStar
PicoSure and PicoStar laser systems delivers a photomechanical impact called pressure-wave which shatters the ink particles without harming the surrounding skin. In turn, the tattoo ink is shattered into tiny dust-like particles. These particles are much more rapidly disposed of by the body. This means better clearance of the tattoo with fewer treatments.
Laser Tattoo Removal FAQ
Our Reviews
Read more reviews at Treatwell
Jamie took time to explain the process and answer my questions. He was professional and I felt at ease. Treatment itself was more than the tattoo itself, but was done in stages and was very quick. I look forward to the progress in the coming weeks.
Always a great service with the guys at Skin Renew London. Currently remove upper arm tattoo – 5 sessions down and going well.
Great service, polite, friendly, knowledgeable and welcoming staff. State of the art equipment and exceptionally clean studio
After having a terrible experience elsewhere I couldn’t compliment the experience here more highly. From start to finish it was worlds apart and I’d recommend the clinic and the staff to anyone needing this service. 100% make the effort to travel, the 2 hour journey was well worth it. Experienced staff with the highest end equipment.
I’m very happy with the treatment and my experience was very nice, very professional Recommend !!!
Really friendly and knowledgeable team! No blisters and part of the chest piece is completely gone after our firs session. See you soon!
Just had my 3rd session with Jamie, always a pleasure. Will definitely recommend.
