Picosure Tattoo Removal - Patients ask, Dr. Ringpfeil answers
Please feel free to use the blog below to share information about Picosure Tattoo Removal or to ask Dr. Franziska Ringpfeil a question that might be of interest to others.
Philadelphia and Mainline Center of Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery
Tattoo Removal W. Picosure® & Enlighten® Lasers
"PicoSure® is the most advanced technology in tattoo removal in 20 years.
With our PicoSure® your benefits are:
Franziska Ringpfeil, MD, Board Certified Dermatologist
1 x Picosure = 2 x Other lasers
Laser Tattoo Removal Pricing
First Inch: $150
Next 19 Inches: $30 each
Over 20 inches: $10 each
Next 19 Inches: $30 each
Over 20 inches: $10 each
20% OFF for a package of 4 treatments
| Inches | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $150 | $180 | $210 | $240 | $270 | $300 | $330 | $360 | $390 | $420 |
| Inches | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $450 | $480 | $510 | $540 | $570 | $600 | $630 | $660 | $690 | $720 |
| Inches | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $730 | $740 | $750 | $760 | $770 | $780 | $790 | $800 | $810 | $820 |
| Ringpfeil | Others | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Price |
$$ | $$ | |
 Providers |
dermatologists + licensed aestheticians |
Vendor trained technicians | |
 Experience |
Since 1999 1st Pico in PA |
Varies | |
 Tattoo Colors |
All colors | Depends on lasers used | The only to offer two Picosecond lasers: 1. Picosure 2. Enlighten |
 Stubborn Tattoos |
Multiple options | Using single laser | The only one to use 5 different lasers (vs. a single Q-Switch) to break the pigment of stubborn tattoos |
 Tattoo Scaring |
Offer scar treatment | Not treating scars |
Lower treatment price
x
Fewer treatments
=
Lower cost
Click Below For Free Phone Consultation
Tattoo Removal Consultation
PicoSure®'s patented PressureWave™ results in better and faster skin clearance with fewer treatments, less laser energy, and less trauma to the skin. Even dark, stubborn blue and green inks, as well as previously treated, recalcitrant tattoos can be removed.
Best technology
+
Most experience
=
Best value
An email from a patient:
Oh my goodness!!! That is amazing! I cannot believe the difference with one treatment.
You were right. The second treatment healed much faster and didn't even blister. The band-aid adhesive was more of an issue for me than the tattoo.
Thank you for helping me get rid of my 19-year-old impulse.
Got tattoo removal elsewhere and you experience side effects?
We specialize in the treatment of pigmentat correction.
PicoSure® is the only laser using picosecond pulse duration to remove tattoos. Unlike older technologies that create heat while breaking the tattoo pigment, PicoSure® creates an intense photomechanical impact that shatters the tattoo pigment into smaller pieces. It is now easier for your cells to remove the smaller pieces and for your skin to get back to its normal color faster.
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To learn about pricing and number of treatments
Upload a picture & book a free phone consultation
Dr. Ringpfeil started performing laser tattoo removal in 1997!
Superior Tattoo Clearance
Picosure removes all tattoo colors, including green, blue, and yellow. Picosure is the go-to laser for people who are frustrated by not being able to clear their tattoos with the traditional Q-Switched technologies (Q-Switched ND:YAG and Q-Switched Alexandrite).
After 20 QSwitch treatments followed by 6 Picosure treatments
September 2013 - Ringpfeil Introduces PicoSure® on ABC
PicoSure® vs. Traditional Technology
Enlighten - The Newest & Most Effective Pico Tattoo Removal Laser is Now Available in Our Philadelphia Office
Tattoo Removal - Frequently Asked Questions
- How can I remove my tattoo?
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Tattoos can be removed by tattoo removal lasers, excision, or by tattooing over the existing tattoo. Recently, makeup was developed that completely camouflages tattoos as well.
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- What is the cost of laser tattoo removal?
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The total cost depends on the cost per treatment and the number of treatments needed to achieve desired results.
The cost per treatment is determined by the size of the tattoo.
The number of treatments is a factor of color variation and ink density.Using the Picosure laser enables us to deliver results in fewer treatments and for an overall lower cost to our customers compared to the traditional Q-switched tattoo removal lasers.
To obtain a cost estimate for treatment sessions and the total number of treatments required for the removal of your tattoo, simply load a picture of your tattoo here, and book a free consultation with one of our expert consultants.
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- How many treatments do I need for removing a tattoo?
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It takes 3-7 treatments with the Picosure laser and between 6-20 treatments with the traditional Q-switched tattoo removal lasers (Revlite/Medlite, Trivantage, and others).
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- Can a tattoo be completely removed?
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Black and dark blue tattoos can be completely removed. Other colors can be more difficult to remove and more treatments are needed to achieve the desired results. The Picosure achieves far better skin clearance than any other tattoo removal laser. Many of our customers who were not successful in getting sufficient clearance with other lasers come to our office to complete their treatment.
Occasionally, the skin pigment in the area of the previous tattoo may appear lighter in color than the untreated skin, creating the illusion of a ghost tattoo. Some of the pigment might come back over time and in most cases, the lighter skin color is barely noticeable.
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- How do I select a provider for tattoo removal?
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Historically, laser tattoo removal has been performed by dermatologists. Recently, other physicians and MedSpas have started offering this service in a spa setting. In addition, many tattoo parlors have added laser-assisted tattoo removal to their repertoire.
Tattoo removal lasers are very powerful. A dermatologist will be able to prevent adverse events and minimize foreseeable side effects (such as ghost tattoos). We often see patients who suffered hypertrophic scaring, keloid formation, or complete depigmentation. Some of these adverse events are preventable with proper skin assessments.
Choose an experienced and reputable provider. Make sure they use the most advanced lasers as they are safer and more effective.
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- Can the laser create a scar or any other undesirable side effects?
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Scar formation is common with traditional tattoo removal lasers. It can be as minimal as the destruction of natural pigment in the treated area but hypertrophic scarring is also possible.
The incidence of scar formation with Picosure is minimal or nil compared to the traditional Q-switched lasers because it does not produce heat.
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- How long should one wait between treatments?
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You need to wait at least 6 weeks between treatments when undergoing Picosure treatments. If you are treated with a traditional Q- switched tattoo removal laser, the interval between treatments should be 10 weeks or longer.
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- Does the procedure hurt?
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The feeling during the laser procedure is similar to that of the tattoo placement.
Most of our customers tolerate the procedure well with an ice pack applied to the treated area just before the procedure. In rare cases, we use forced cold air (Zimmer cooler device) to numb the skin during the procedure. Although applied or injectable numbing medicine is an alternative, the swelling that goes along with the medicine reduces the effectiveness of the treatment.
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- Tattoo Removal Aftercare
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The tattoo removal laser treatment may create a superficial burn wound. Immediate whitening of the treated area lasts for several minutes. You may experience bruising or swelling. Blisters, crusts, or scabs develop within 8-72 hours and may last for 1-2 weeks. The treated areas may be pink or pale after the scab separates. Hypertrophic scars or even keloids can occur but are very rare. Loss of skin pigment in the treated area can occur and is temporary except in very rare instances. Healing is usually complete within 4 weeks, although this may vary.
- Keep the treated area clean and moist with Aquaphor or Vaseline while it is healing.
- Clean the area gently with soap and water and then pat dry. Apply a thin coating of Aquaphor or Vaseline up to three times a day for 2 weeks while the area is healing and keep the area covered with a dressing for those 2 weeks.
- You may apply cool compresses as necessary for 24 hours after the laser treatment to help reduce discomfort and inflammation.
- You may take Tylenol, but avoid aspirin (it can increase the risk of bruising and/or bleeding.)
- In the event that scabs form do not pick at them or allow the skin to become scraped, as this may result in infection and scarring.
- Shaving should be avoided in the treated area until it is completely healed.
- Feel free to shower 8 hours after the treatment, but take care to avoid high-pressure water hitting the treated area. Baths, hot tubs, swimming pools, or any form of soaking in water are not recommended until the area is completely healed, as they may increase the risk of infection.
- Exercise is generally safe after treatment, taking into account the other aftercare instructions provided here.
- Wear a sunblock with an SPF 25 or higher over the area for 6 months following the treatment. Do not wear makeup or any cream or medication on or near the treated area unless recommended by our office for 72 hours.
- Itching is very common due to the dehydrating effect of the laser treatment. Use Aquaphor or Vaseline to treat the area and do not scratch. It may help to lightly slap the area, or apply a cold compress.
- If the area looks infected (honey-colored crusting and oozing or spreading redness), if you experience an unusual discomfort or bleeding, if any other complications develop, or if you have any questions or concerns, contact the office immediately.
- NB! If there are signs of an extreme reaction, it is considered a life-threatening emergency. Please call 911 and/or go to the emergency department immediately.
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Hi, I am currently a patient at your Philadelphia office. I have had 2 treatments for tattoo laser removal. I was under the impression that I was getting the picosure laser treatment. Since getting 2 treatments, I have not seen a difference. I have read the other comments and it appears that picosure is not offered at your Philadelphia location. Is this accurate?
Tattoo removal is a slow process and the speed of removal depends on the density of the ink, the unique color blend (signature) the tattoo artist used to create a single color (for example black color is often a mix of black and green or blue), and the age your tattoo. As long as you stay in appropriate sequence of treatments, which is no sooner than 8-12 weeks apart, your tattoo will fade. Our body simply takes time to move the shattered pigment away. Most tattoos will clear in 6-20 picosecond sessions. The advantage of using picosecond lasers compared to older nano or millisecond lasers for tattoo removal is the reduction of numbers of treatments to clearance, the greater efficacy, and the lesser chance of scarring. If it took 16 session with a nanosecond laser to clear a tattoo, the picosecond lasers will do it in 8.
We use picosecond lasers in both our offices. Our Haverford office has the Picosure, which was the first picosecond laser on the market. We were also the first in Pennsylvania to offer it. The Enlighten is a newer picosecond laser that generally represents an upgrade to the original picosecond technology. It treats a broader range of colors and has higher energy levels, which makes this laser more effective when treating challenging black tattoos.
I recommend that you return to the office for photos after 2 sessions so that we can analyze what your unique challenge might be.
I would like to know if it is possible to remove only a portion of a tattoo, it is a coverup and they added some to accommodate the cover up that I do not like, also in any circumstances does insurance ever cover the cost of tattoo removal?
It is possible to remove only a portion of a tattoo. Health insurance does not cover decorative tattoo removal. Removal of Medical radiation tattoos is covered by health insurance in at least one state, Massachusetts.
hello I am interested in getting a tattoo removal but I have seen a video from a girl getting the rise of the dead tattoo with a turtle in it. I was wondering if there was before and after photos that I can see.
We have before and after photos on our website. I assume that you may mean that the skin raised where the turtle tattoo was removed. This is called hypertrophic scarring. It occurs occasionally with densely pigmented tattoos that are removed by Q-switched lasers. It is even less likely with picosecond lasers, the newest generation of tattoo removal lasers. It can typically be treated with lasers that reduce scarring.
Question: Do you only use the Picosure Tattoo Removal process in your Haverford location, or are you still offering the Q-switched treatment? I’ve had two sessions & not seeing the results like your picture & I wonder if I’m getting the wrong treatment. I was also told I needed to wait 12 weeks in between treatments, but the site says with Picosure, I only need to wait 6 weeks.
We offer Q-switched and picosend laser (Enlighten) treatment in our Philadelphia office but only picosecond (PicoSure)treatment for tattoo removal in Haverford. I agree to go the Q-switched route if you have not seen much improvement and had sufficient time for pigment to clear between treatments. While it is safe to perform picosecond laser treatments every 4-6 weeks, the body is not capable to clear pigment this fast.
I’m interested in removing a black tattoo with small flecks of white ink scattered throughout. Is there a risk of the Picosure laser treatment turning the white ink dark and then being irremovable?
Yes, the white color is expected to turn dark and there is a chance that the dark color cannot be removed.
Hello, I was wondering if you have any photos of clients with dark skin. I have two tattoos on the back of my hands that I would like removed but I’m a little skeptical of removal for clients with melaninated skin.
Our picosecond laser in the Center City office operates with a 1064 nm wavelength, which is safe for all pigment, included the highest amount of melanin.
Can you go tanning prior to your tattoo removal appt? I thought I read somewhere that you need to have untanned skin in order to have the procedure done? How many weeks should you avoid sun exposure prior to your appt?
Tanning is a contraindication before any laser procedures for tattoo removal as well as for many other laser procedures. If you have had sun exposure in the treatment area within 4 weeks of the procedure, we will reschedule your appointment. A spray tan that was placed more than 3 weeks before treatment is fine.
Hi, I have a tattoo that is not shaded, basically just an outline of an anchor with the word ”Hope”. I will be travelling to Philadelphia around the 20th – 21st of December. I’ve had my tattoo for about 7 – 8 months now. Is it possible for me to send a picture so that you can tell me the price? Or do I have to come in for the price?
We provide complimentary laser tattoo removal consultations via telephone or in the office. You may expect an approximate quote during the phone consultation and an exact quote after measuring when you are in the office. Please schedule your telephone tattoo removal consultation appointment on our website.
Are there health risks associated with this type of tattoo removal (ex: increased chance of skin cancer to the treated area)?
Is there long term / short term maintenance of the treated area either at home or in office?
Is this procedure painful?
How long does each session last (3″ x 2″ turquoise color)?
How long has Picosure been in use?
Are there any side effects with Picosure?
What is the success rate of this procedure in removining the above mentioned tattoo?
There are no known health risk with tattoo removal. Laser tattoo removal has been practiced since the beginning of the 1990’s and skin cancers have not been reported. The picosure laser has been used since 2011. It has the same wave length as many well established lasers on the market but is simply much faster than they are. The speed revolutionized the laser system, allowing heat not to be generated. Therefore there the picosure is even safer than all other lasers on the market.
Laser tattoo removal is uncomfortable. We we use ice as well as chilled air to reduce the discomfort during the procedure. Wound care includes a gentle cleanser and application of Vaseline or Aquaphor about three times daily for 10 days. If large blisters occur, they may need to be drained in the office. Small blisters will subside with good wound care.
The tattoo color you have will likely require 6-8 treatments every 6-8 weeks. Turquoise tends to clear completely with the pico. A 6 inch square tattoo will take about 5 minutes to treat (I mentioned that this laser is extremely fast.) It will take longer to prep the procedure and bandage afterwards.
I have been involved with tattoo removal since the mid 1990s and can only say the following: Finally there is a system that works. Objectively, it will take less than half the amount of treatments needed with the older lasers to remove a tattoo, and the risk for scarring is much reduced. We often clear even stubborn colors that had not gone with the Q switched lasers.
How long after a brand new tattoo is performed can removal procedures begin?
We recommend to wait 6 weeks from tattoo placement.