FracPico Laser Tattoo Removal

Tattoo regret can happen for many reasons, with common reasons being a poorly done tattoo, a tattoo that is no longer meaningful, such as an ex’s name or a design that they have outgrown. However, getting a tattoo removed isn’t a walk in the park. Those considering to have their tattoo removed are sometimes put off due to the fear of risks such as scarring, patchiness (incomplete removal) and the commitment required – tattoo removal is not a one-off treatment and requires multiple treatment sessions over, as inks are removed layer by layer and the body takes time to eliminate the shattered pigment.

While there are several tattoo removal methods such as dermabrasion, excision and cryosurgery, laser tattoo removal is often safer and the most common tattoo removal procedure in Singapore. Laser tattoo removal poses less risks of scarring or damaging the outer skin layers due to the laser’s ability to selectively target the pigment in the tattoo. Even so, conventional tattoo removal lasers are not always effective and it is not uncommon for scarring to occur when removing tattoos.

Conventional laser treatments tend to be less effective in clearing tattoos and has a higher risk of scarring due to the ‘frosting’ effect. When laser pulse strikes the tattoo pigment, the heat and energy generates gases and steam within the skin, causing a frosting effect.

(1) As a result, the layer of frost prevents subsequent laser pulses from effectively reaching deeper tattoo pigments, leading to incomplete removal and more sessions required.

(2) Secondly, the gas bubbles can cause damage to the surrounding skin tissue and increase the risks of blisters and scarring.

Fortunately, there are laser innovations that improve the efficiency of ink clearance and safety of removing tattoos.

FracPico uses ultra-short picosecond laser beams that do not cause heating up of the skin, unlike traditional RF, CO2 or Erbium-Yag laser treatments. This combination tattoo removal laser outperforms conventional tattoo removal lasers in efficacy, with a multi-step process which allows for faster recovery and minimal skin damage.

The process begins with the creation of microscopic nano-sized holes with fractional laser pre-treatment to act as exit ports. During the main tattoo removal step, gasses formed escape the skin through these exit ports, rather than build up heat under the skin. This reduces ‘frosting’ and blistering side effects experienced during conventional laser tattoo removal treatments.

This pre-treatment “priming” process enables steam, gasses and ink particles to more easily escape through the skin during the subsequent full-beam Picolaser pass. With reduced frosting forming over the skin, the laser pulses are not obstructed/blocked by the frost and is able to reach deeper tattoo pigments. As the frost dissipates more quickly, a very short waiting time in required between multiple passes, which can reduce the typical number of treatment sessions by more than half.

This also works well on stubborn tattoos (e.g. neon colours) or tattoos with deeply-placed inks. Such tattoos typically require a greater number of laser sessions. With FracPICO combination laser, reduced frosting allows for multiple laser passes to be made within 1 session and reach the deeper pigments. This means tattoos can be removed efficiently with high ink clearance in fewer sessions.

There is minimal skin damage, which means low risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and quick recovery time.

You are not alone if you experience regret over a tattoo. The good news is that unwanted tattoos do not have to be permanent, and can be removed safely and thoroughly. Schedule an appointment with our doctors to get learn more.

As featured on: Tattoo Removal in Singapore