A growing problem

In recent years, more and more clinics have appeared advertising cheap tattoo removal using what they call "Pico lasers." Unfortunately, many of these lasers are not genuine picosecond lasers, but cheap copies from China with poor calibration, low power, and high risk. At TBL Medical, we are seeing the consequences of this more and more often. Patients come to us after they have been burned, scarred, or simply have not seen any results.

First things first: What is a Pico laser?

A true pico laser, such as PicoWay, PicoSure, or Fotona Pico Pro, emits laser pulses in the picosecond range (1 picosecond = 0.000000000001 seconds). These extremely short pulses break up the ink into small particles that the body can more easily eliminate, while causing minimal damage to the skin.

What distinguishes a true picosecond laser from weaker alternatives is its extremely short pulse length, combined with extremely high peak power —that is, how much energy is delivered in an extremely short time. This makes it possible to form a photomechanical shock wave and even a microscopic plasma in the ink, without heating the skin to the same extent as older technologies. All these factors must be present for a laser to remove tattoos. Without sufficiently high peak power or a sufficiently low pulse wave, the effect will not be achieved.

When all the factors are in place, it is possible to break down the ink particles more effectively, while dramatically reducing the risk of heat-induced damage. This is why picosecond lasers provide both better results and safer treatments – but they require highly advanced engineering and expensive equipment. Genuine picosecond systems often cost over NOK 2.5 million.

So what is the definition of a picosecond laser?

A picosecond laser is a medical or industrial laser that emits extremely short pulses with a duration in the range of 1–999 picoseconds (ps), where 1 picosecond = 0.000000000001 seconds. This makes it an ultrashort pulse laser.

Characteristics of a genuine picosecond laser:

• Pulslengde: < 1000 ps (ofte mellom 300–800 ps i moderne enheter)
• Peak Power: Extremely high peak power. Up to 2.7 GW. (because a lot of energy is delivered in a very short time)
• Photomechanical effect: The laser energy creates a shock wave that pulverizes ink particles without heating the surrounding tissue – unlike older lasers that rely on heat.
• Plasma effect: At sufficiently high intensity, microscopic plasma is formed in the skin/ink – this enhances the breaking down of the pigment.

Picosecond lasers are primarily used for:

• Tattoo removal (especially difficult colors)
• Pigment treatments
• Skin renewal and acne scars
• Melasma and sun damage

The most renowned Pico lasers on the market

There are only a few manufacturers that supply genuine, certified picosecond lasers. Here are the most reputable ones:

• PicoWay – Syneron Candela
  • Multi-wavelength (532, 730, 785, and 1064 nm)
  • FDA and CE approved
  • Very well documented
• Fotona Pico Pro – The photos
  • Extremely high peak power
  • Modern technology for tattoo removal and pigment
• PicoSure Pro – Cynosure
  • First on the market with picosecond technology
  • Effective on blue/green ink and melasma
• Discovery PICO – Quanta System (Italy)
  • Combines pico- and nanoseconds
  • Highly accurate, used by leading European clinics
• Cutera Enlighten III
  • Wavelengths: 532, 670, and 1064 nm
  • Used in advanced dermatological settings in the USA

⚠️ Be very skeptical of lasers from China and other unknown brands that cost a few hundred thousand kroner. A picosecond laser for tattoo removal costs from 2.5 million kroner.

The word "Pico" in the name does not mean that it is genuine.

Many of the new (unprofessional or uninformed?) players in the market use cheap Chinese lasers that often only operate in the nanosecond range and with far too little power. The treatments are nevertheless marketed as "Pico" even though they do not have pico technology. This is often because the machine itself has "Pico" in its name, but still does not have picosecond technology. This is misleading and, in the worst case, downright dangerous. These machines lack medical certifications (CE, FDA), have poor precision, and often have unpredictable energy discharge. The result? Burns, scars, and frustrated patients.

The risk: Your skin is not an experiment

Going to a clinic with a fake Pico laser can result in:

• Burns and scarring
• No effect on the tattoo
• Long-term damage to skin pigments

Many of our patients come to us after having been mistreated elsewhere. We then spend time and resources on repairing the damage, but in some cases the damage may be permanent.

True pico technology is more expensive and better

At TBL Medical, we only use documented, medically approved lasers. We invest millions in equipment because it is a matter of patient safety, results, and professional quality. A genuine Pico laser has:

• Proven efficacy and safety
• Correct pulse durations (picoseconds)
• Continuous calibration and service

How can you tell if the clinic uses real lasers?

Before booking an appointment, you should do thorough research:

• Ask about the brand and model of the laser (e.g., PicoSure, PicoWay, Fotona Pico Pro).
• Check whether the laser is CE and FDA approved
• Search for experiences from other patients with the laser and clinic in question.
• Ask for technical documentation on the machine to be sent to you. Reputable manufacturers always have specifications available.
• Ask for the name of the doctor who is medically responsible at the clinic.
• Ask which company performs service and calibration on the machines.

A reputable clinic will always be open and transparent with such information.

TBL Medical: Safe treatment with genuine technology

We only use the best equipment on the market:

• PicoWay (Syneron Candela)
• Fotona Pico Pro
• The Photon PQX
• The photos FracTat

We have more than 14 years of experience in tattoo removal and are proud to always have the latest lasers on the market.