PicoSure Specialist

Ballantyne Medical Associates

Family Medicine & Laser Aesthetics located in Charlotte, NC

When you’re ready to remove a tattoo, there are two vital reasons to contact the doctors at Ballantyne Medical Associates in Charlotte, North Carolina. First, they remove tattoos using the innovative PicoSure® laser, which treats difficult-to-remove tattoos in fewer treatments. More importantly, they’re doctors who take the time to review your health. Tattoo removal isn’t safe if you have certain underlying health conditions, but you won’t have to worry about safety when you schedule tattoo removal with one of the doctors at Ballantyne Medical Associates.

PicoSure Q & A

What is PicoSure?

PicoSure is a picosecond laser that’s FDA-cleared to remove tattoos. It’s set apart from other lasers by its speed -- it sends out pulses that last one picosecond (one-trillionth of a second). That makes it an ultrafast, short-pulse laser, which has advantages for removing tattoos.

How does PicoSure remove tattoos?

Short-pulse lasers like the PicoSure operate at a wavelength that’s only absorbed by colorful ink particles, so it treats tattoos without harming surrounding tissues. As ink absorbs the laser light, it’s heated to a temperature that makes it shatter into tiny pieces that can be carried away by the body.

What can you expect during treatment with PicoSure?

The length of each session and the number of treatments you’ll need depend on the size of your tattoo, the colors in the tattoo, how old it is, and whether it was inked by a professional or an amateur. All of these factors affect the removal process.   

The way you experience the treatment -- how it feels -- depends on your skin’s sensitivity and the length of the session. Your doctor at Ballantyne Medical Associates will talk with you about the process, what to expect, and how to ensure your comfort.

After treatment, your skin may be red for a few days, but it shouldn’t require downtime. You’ll need to wait for the first treatment to heal before coming in for another session.

What are the advantages of using PicoSure?

The super-fast pulse of the PicoSure pulverizes ink particles into smaller pieces than other lasers. As a result, they’re easier for the body to eliminate, so most tattoos can be removed with fewer treatments.

PicoSure also works well for tattoos that are difficult to remove, including multicolored tattoos, and green and blue ink. If you’ve tried to remove a tattoo before but remnants still remain, PicoSure can eliminate the rest.

Why schedule laser removal at Ballantyne Medical Associates?

The doctors at Ballantyne Medical Associates are certified in the use of PicoSure and have used it successfully for many patients. Beyond their expertise in pico-laser technology, it’s essential to consult a physician to be sure tattoo removal is safe for your health. Tattoo treatment may not be safe if you have certain medical conditions, such as autoimmune disorders and unstable diabetes.