Is the picosecond laser harsh on the skin? What to know
Wondering about the picosecond laser? Find out whether the technology is harsh on the skin and how trained skin therapists keep each session controlled at Ray studios.
The picosecond laser is currently the highest performing technology for tattoo removal. Behind that performance, one question comes up again and again: is this technology harsh on the skin? The good news is the opposite: the picosecond laser is one of the safest and best tolerated treatments, provided it is used in the right conditions.
Understanding how the picosecond laser works
Contrary to what you might think, the laser does not tear the ink out of the skin. It works by photoacoustic effect, sending an ultra-short pulse (in the order of a trillionth of a second) that fractures the pigment particles without burning the tissue.
This technology allows:
- Targeting the ink only, without damaging the surrounding skin
- Avoiding the burns, deep scabbing and scarring associated with older methods
- Supporting natural healing between each session
Picosecond vs older technologies: less stress, more effect
Before the picosecond laser arrived, centres mainly used nanosecond lasers, which were slower, less precise and harsher. Those older lasers could:
- Cause redness that took a long time to fade
- Leave hypopigmented areas
- Require more sessions, and therefore more exposure to treatment
The picosecond laser, by contrast, allows:
- An ultra-localised action
- Better preservation of the tissue
- Fewer sessions, and therefore less overall stress on the skin
The key role of the protocol at Ray studios
Even with the best technology, everything depends on how it is used. At Ray studios, every treatment follows a rigorous treatment protocol (the RsAP® protocol), delivered by trained skin therapists using correct laser settings in a controlled environment, for safety, effectiveness and skin comfort.
Here is what we put in place:
- A personalised skin assessment before any session
- Laser settings adapted to each skin type and each tattoo
- A cooling device during the session to limit inflammation
- An aftercare protocol to support regeneration
The aim: skin that stays intact, healthy and well healed, even after several sessions. Individual results vary.
Side effects: rare, mild and temporary
The picosecond laser can cause mild transient reactions, which are entirely normal:
- Redness or slight swelling (fades within a few hours)
- Small surface scabs (a sign the ink is coming to the surface)
- An immediate sensation of heat, like mild sunburn
These effects are noticeably less pronounced than with older lasers or other tattoo removal techniques.
In short: a powerful but gentle technology
The picosecond laser is an advanced technology that combines strong effectiveness with respect for the skin. Thanks to its extreme precision, it can break down the most stubborn inks without being harsh on the skin.
At Ray studios, we use this technology for tattoo removal that is safe, efficient and comfortable, even on sensitive areas (wrists, face, back of the neck and so on). Book an initial consultation to discuss our Full Remove plan, unlimited sessions at a single fixed price.
