This move strengthens TBL Medical's position as a leader in tattoo removal and gives customers access to the very latest laser technology on the market.
Fotona StarWalker PICO Pro – picosecond technology that removes all colors
The new Fotona PICO Pro represents the latest generation in laser technology for tattoo removal. The laser emits ultra-short light pulses measured in picoseconds (trillionths of a second), which allows it to break down tattoo ink into microscopic particles without damaging the surrounding skin.
The body takes care of the broken pigment particles itself, with the immune system gradually transporting them away. The Pico Pro system has four different wavelengths— 1064 nm, 532 nm, 585 nm, and 650 nm —in a single laser.
This means that it can effectively target virtually all common tattoo colors, from dark blacks and blues to light greens and reds.
The result is that even multicolored and difficult tattoos can be treated more completely than before.
The technology uses extremely high power in short pulses to break up color pigments. Compared to older nanosecond lasers, picosecond pulses produce a more powerful photoacoustic effect (pressure waves) in the ink, which increases the effectiveness per treatment cycle. At the same time, the heat load on the skin is minimized, reducing the risk of scarring or pigment changes.
The Fotona Pico Pro also features an advanced beam pattern with uniform energy distribution, which further enhances safety during treatment by distributing the laser energy evenly across the skin. For the patient, this means gentle yet powerful treatment, where the ink is removed faster and the skin remains as undamaged as possible.
FracTAT technology increases speed and efficiency
One of the most innovative features of Fotona Pico Pro is FracTAT® technology – a patented method that enhances the laser's effect on deep and stubborn tattoos.
The FracTAT treatment involves the laser first creating tiny micro-holes in the tattooed area using a special handpiece. These holes act as pressure valves: the gas and pressure that arise when the ink is broken up can escape through the micro-holes. This prevents pressure from building up under the skin, which could otherwise limit the effect of further laser pulses. Once the "valves" are in place, the Pico Pro laser's main pulse can penetrate deeper and reach ink that is located further down in the skin.
The effect of FracTAT is faster and more complete tattoo removal per treatment session. The technology allows multiple pigment layers to be removed in one round before the skin needs to rest, compared to traditional methods. For customers, this means potentially fewer treatments overall to achieve the desired result. The FracTAT technique is unique to Fotona and is integrated into the Pico Pro system, making advanced fractional treatment easier and safer to perform than when using a separate fractional laser.
The photos FracTat
Complements existing PicoWay laser and strengthens portfolio
TBL Medical has previously focused on picosecond technology through its PicoWay laser from Syneron Candela – a laser that has long been considered the gold standard in the industry. However, no single laser has been able to remove absolutely all colors and types of tattoos on its own, and TBL Medical has therefore used several lasers in combination for optimal results. Among other things, TBL has used a fractional Er:YAG laser (Fotona SP Dynamis) to "loosen" tattoos before treatment with PicoWay, as well as traditional Q-Switched lasers.
With the investment in Fotona Pico Pro, TBL Medical gains a new state-of-the-art tool that complements PicoWay and the other lasers at the clinic. Pico Pro brings with it additional wavelengths (585 nm and 650 nm) that PicoWay does not have, providing even better coverage of difficult colors such as turquoise blue and green. In addition, FracTAT technology is built in, where previously a separate fractional laser had to be used to achieve a similar effect. This new laser significantly strengthens TBL Medical's laser portfolio – we now have two of the world's leading picosecond lasers side by side. "Where other clinics have one weapon, we have an entire arsenal. The combination of PicoWay and Pico Pro provides a unique opportunity to tailor treatment to each individual tattoo. TBL Medical is thus consolidating its position as a leading player, with Bergen's most complete laser park for tattoo removal.
Benefits for customers
The investment in the new laser will directly benefit customers. So what does this investment mean for those who want to remove tattoos? Here are some of the benefits TBL Medical can now offer its patients:
- More effective removal: The combined power of PicoWay and Pico Pro allows more ink particles to be removed per treatment. Thanks to Pico Pro's high power and FracTAT technology, faster results can be achieved, potentially reducing the total number of treatments the customer needs.
- Safer treatment: The modern laser design in Pico Pro provides an even distribution of energy, which minimizes the risk of side effects such as burns, scars, or pigmentation disorders. Picosecond pulses mean less heat build-up in the skin, and the FracTAT micro-holes relieve pressure during treatment. Customers can feel confident that the treatment is gentle yet effective.
- All colors and skin types: With two different picosecond lasers and nanosecond lasers, the clinic can remove virtually all color pigments that a tattoo may contain. Even difficult ink in green/blue shades, which was previously challenging, can now be treated more thoroughly. In addition, the lasers can be adapted to different skin types, so that both light and dark skin can be treated safely without permanent marks.
- Increased patient comfort: A more effective laser process means that each treatment is faster and fewer repetitions are needed, which increases patient comfort. Many people experience laser tattoo removal as an intense but short-lived experience. When the number of rounds required can be reduced, the overall burden is less. TBL Medical also emphasizes good pain management during treatment, and the new technology can contribute to less swelling and shorter healing time after each session.
Focusing on state-of-the-art technology in tattoo removal
Our latest investment underscores TBL's commitment to offering state-of-the-art technology in tattoo removal and other laser treatments. By continuously upgrading its equipment, TBL Medical demonstrates that it takes tattoo removal seriously—both in terms of results and safety. Customers can therefore trust that they are receiving the most advanced and effective treatment available.
With the Fotona StarWalker PICO Pro on board, in addition to the existing PicoWay, TBL Medical is better equipped than ever to help people erase the ink of the past. We want to send a clear signal that TBL Medical will continue to lead the way in developing safe, effective, and modern methods for tattoo removal.