Laser tattoo removal requires more than operating a device—it demands strong clinical judgment, precise technique, and mastery of safety standards. For practitioners, the PicoWay® laser provides a powerful platform for high-efficacy tattoo clearance with minimal downtime. This guide is designed specifically for professional laser operators, offering a structured training reference based on the official PicoWay® treatment protocol.
1. What Is the PicoWay® Laser and How It Works
PicoWay® uses ultra-short picosecond pulses to create a strong effet photoacoustique, breaking tattoo ink into microscopic particles for natural lymphatic clearance. Unlike older nanosecond (Q-switch) technologies, PicoWay® produces:
- Higher peak power with minimal thermal diffusion
- Better fragmentation of dense or resistant pigments
- Enhanced clearance of multi-color tattoos, including red, blue, and previously treated areas
This mechanism is outlined in the treatment instructions, where the system is described as intentionally designed to “work from the inside out” and break ink into small particles for removal
Key Mechanism of Action
- Photoacoustic effect: The energy targets ink without significant thermal injury to surrounding tissue.
- Multi-wavelength capability: Effectively treats a broad range of tattoo colors, including stubborn shades and previously treated tattoos.
- Smaller pigment particles: Faster clearance and fewer total sessions when compared to older nanosecond Q-switch lasers.
2. Patient Assessment and Treatment Planning
How many treatments will be required?
The number of laser treatments is dependent on a number of variables such as ink type, size of the tattoo, location on the body, type of laser used, lifestyle habits, etc. During your consultation, your tattoo will be evaluated, and a realistic treatment regime will be provided. Treatments may vary between 3 and 10 sessions. Results may vary.
How often will it need treatments?
Typically, it will take 4-8 weeks for the body to absorb the ink particles; however, every patient and tattoo responds differently.
What does laser tattoo removal feel like?
For many patients, the feeling of laser tattoo removal has been compared to what it feels like when getting a tattoo; however, it is very fast. To ease any discomfort, a topical lidocaine must be purchased in our office and applied 60 minutes prior to treatment. After treatment, once the numbing cream wears off, the treated area can feel like a severe sunburn. Applying Aloe Vera gel after treatment can help alleviate some of this discomfort.
3. Pre-Treatment Protocol (Training Standard)
A trained operator must ensure the patient is prepared properly to avoid complications and optimize treatment response.
2.1 Patient Screening & Contre-indications
Before treatment, check for all contraindications listed in the document, including:
- Recent isotretinoin use
- Photosensitizing medications
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Active infection, open wounds, red ink allergy
- History of keloids or poor wound healing
- Autoimmune or immunosuppressed state
- Seizure disorders triggered by light
- Recent fillers (1 month) or botulinum toxin (1 week)
(Sourced from Additional Information Regarding Your PicoWay® Treatment, p.3)
2.2 Skin & Tattoo Assessment
Evaluate:
- Fitzpatrick skin type
- Ink color(s) and depth
- Tattoo age and location
- Presence of scar tissue
- Patient lifestyle (smoking, immune health)
- Prior tattoo removal attempts
Use this information to estimate treatment count (typically 3–10 sessions) and set realistic expectations.
2.3 Mandatory Pre-Care Steps
According to page 2:
- No tanning or sun exposure for 4 semaines before treatment
- SPF 30+ daily
- Apply topical anesthetic 60 minutes before treatment under occlusion
- Area must be shaved if needed
- Skin must be clean and free of cosmetics or lotions
4. Treatment Protocol: Operator Technique & Endpoints
Practitioners should evaluate the immediate response to determine effective energy delivery.
4.1 Clinical Endpoint Recognition
PicoWay’s correct endpoint is:
✔ Immediate whitening (“frosting”)
✔ Mild erythema
✔ Mild edema
This confirms effective photoacoustic impact on pigment and appears immediately after each laser pass. Over-whitening, however, may indicate overtreatment or excessive fluence.
3.2 Typical Operator Workflow
Cool if needed post-treatment (ice packs; no direct ice contact)
Verify patient preparation (numbing, shaving, sun avoidance)
Select the correct wavelength based on ink color and depth
Choose spot size — smaller spot sizes allow precise work on partial tattoo removal
Adjust fluence based on skin type and tattoo characteristics
Perform test spots when appropriate
Treat in uniform passes, observing frosting
Stop immediately if epidermal disruption or unexpected blistering occurs
5. Post-Treatment Management (Critical for Operators)
The operator is responsible for reinforcing strict aftercare to minimize risk and ensure the best clinical outcomes.
5.1 Immediate Care in Clinic
(Sourced from Post-Treatment Instructions, p.2) PicoWay-Tattoo-Removal-Instruct…
- Cleanse the area
- Apply a non-stick dressing before the patient leaves
- Instruct patient to keep dressing dry for 24 hours
5.2 Patient Instructions After 24 Hours
- Cleanse gently once daily
- Apply Aloe Vera
- Use non-stick pad for 48 hours if desired
- Avoid rubbing, scratching, shaving
- If scabbing occurs:
- Apply triple-antibiotic ointment 2–3× daily
- Keep area moist
- Allow natural detachment (no picking)
- Use cold gel packs or acetaminophen for comfort
- Avoid swimming, soaking, and strenuous exercise for 48 hours
- Avoid contact sports until healed
- Absolutely no sun exposure for 4 weeks
- Apply SPF 30+ every 2 hours when outdoors
4.3 Managing Blisters and Adverse Events
Blisters are possible and usually self-heal within 5 à 7 jours.
Operators should instruct patients:
- Never pop blisters
- Apply triple antibiotic ointment 3× daily for protection
- Contact clinic if signs of infection appear: redness, pus, severe tenderness
4.4 If Scabbing or Blistering Occurs
- Faire pas pick or scratch.
- Apply triple antibiotic ointment 2–3× daily.
- Use cold gel packs for comfort.
- Avoid exercise, hot tubs, swimming, or activities that cause friction for 48 hours.
4.4 Protection solaire
- Avoid sun exposure for 4 weeks post-treatment.
- Apply SPF 30+ every 2 hours when outdoors.
(All aftercare details sourced from Post-Treatment Instructions, p.2) PicoWay-Tattoo-Removal-Instruct…
4.5 Understanding and Preventing Side Effects
Possible side effects listed in the PicoWay instructions include:
- Rougeur, gonflement, saignement parfait
- Blistering, crusting, scabbing
- Hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation
- Infection
- Scarring (rare)
Most are temporary and resolve without intervention, particularly when proper aftercare is followed.
(Source: Effets secondaires possibles, p.3) PicoWay-Tattoo-Removal-Instruct…
For darker Fitzpatrick skin types, operators must use more conservative fluence settings to avoid hypopigmentation.
6. Contraindications and Patient Safety
PicoWay® treatment is not suitable for patients with certain conditions. This is essential for practitioner training.
Key Contraindications Include PicoWay-Tattoo-Removal-Instruct…:
- Use of photosensitizing medications (e.g., certain antibiotics)
- Recent isotretinoin (Accutane) use
- Light-triggered seizure disorders
- Active infections or open wounds
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Immunosuppression
- History of keloids
- Bleeding disorders or anticoagulant use
- Gold therapy history (for rheumatoid arthritis)
- Red ink allergy
- Suspicious lesions or skin cancer in treatment area
Practitioners must perform a full medical history review during consultation.
7. Professional Considerations: Treatment Strategy & Decision-Making
7.1 Treatment Intervals
Operators should ensure a minimum of 4–8 weeks between sessions—this waiting period allows pigment to be cleared by the lymphatic system and prevents over-treating the skin.
7.2 Cover-Up Tattoo Preparation
PicoWay can lighten tattoos in preparation for cover-ups. Patients must wait six semaines after the last laser session before getting a new tattoo.
7.3 Partial Tattoo Removal
Small spot-sizes enable selective removal of only specific tattoo sections without affecting surrounding pigment—ideal for reshaping, cleaning edges, or preparing for redesign.
8. Possible Side Effects & How to Manage Them
Most side effects are mild and transient.
8.1 Common Effects
- Rougeur, gonflement
- Pinpoint bleeding
- Cloques ou croûtes
- Temporary hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation
- Ecchymoses légères
- Localized discomfort
Severe complications are rare when proper protocols are followed.
Blisters typically heal within 5 à 7 jours without intervention PicoWay-Tattoo-Removal-Instruct….
9. Operator Best-Practice Tips
✔ Maintain strict photographic documentation
- Before each session
- Same lighting, angle, and distance
✔ Adjust fluence gradually
Start with conservative fluence on first pass; increase only if endpoint is inadequate.
✔ Avoid stacking pulses on the same spot
This increases risk of thermal injury.
✔ Understand ink behavior
- Black ink responds fastest
- Blues/greens require more sessions
- Red pigment may have allergy risks
✔ Promote lymphatic health
Encourage patients to stay hydrated and maintain a healthy immune system.
10. Special Cases: Partial Tattoo Removal & Cover-Up Lightening
PicoWay® allows precise removal of small tattoo sections without damaging surrounding ink, thanks to small spot-size options.
For cover-ups, practitioners should advise patients to wait six semaines after the final laser session before getting a new tattoo.
Conclusion
PicoWay® offers one of the safest and most effective methods for professional tattoo removal when protocols are followed correctly. For practitioners, success relies on:
- Technical laser knowledge
- Accurate patient assessment
- Understanding laser–tissue interaction
- Skilled endpoint recognition
- Strict safety protocols
- Strict adherence to pre- and post-treatment guidelines
- Confident management of aftercare and complications
When properly executed, PicoWay offers some of the most effective, high-precision tattoo removal outcomes in modern aesthetics.
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