Fractional CO2 laser is mostly known for skin resurfacing and vaginal tightening treatment. But do you know the combination of CO2 laser and Picosecond laser can achieve better effect for laser tattoo removal?
Using a combination of a CO2 laser and a picosecond laser for tattoo removal is a multi-step approach that can be more effective than using either laser on its own. While the pico laser is the gold standard for tattoo removal, the CO2 laser can play a complementary role in certain situations.
Why Use a CO2 Laser Before Pico Laser Tattoo Removal?
While a pico laser is highly effective at shattering tattoo ink particles, sometimes the skin’s natural response can get in the way. When a pico laser fires, it creates a temporary, opaque “frosting” effect on the skin’s surface. This is caused by gas bubbles forming as the ink breaks apart. This frosting can block subsequent laser passes from reaching the deeper ink particles, slowing down the removal process.
This is where a fractional CO2 laser comes in. By using a light, pre-treatment scan with a CO2 laser, a skilled practitioner can create microscopic channels in the skin. This serves two key purposes:
- Clearing the Path: These micro-channels create an open pathway, allowing the pico laser’s energy to penetrate more deeply and effectively, bypassing the frosting and reaching more of the tattoo ink in a single session.
- Increased Efficiency: By enabling multiple, more effective passes during one treatment session, the combination of lasers can significantly reduce the total number of sessions needed for complete tattoo removal.
This synergistic approach is particularly beneficial for tattoos that are proving resistant to a pico laser alone, as well as for those with very dense or complex color pigments. The CO2 laser’s resurfacing properties can also help improve the skin’s texture, addressing any scarring that may be present.
How a CO2 Laser Scan is Performed before Tattoo Removal?
It’s important to understand that the CO2 laser scan for tattoo removal is not the same as a full skin resurfacing treatment. Full resurfacing uses higher energy and a denser pattern of micro-channels to address wrinkles and scars, leading to a longer recovery time.
For tattoo pretreatment, the practitioner will use a lower power setting and a lower density of microscopic dots. The goal is to create just enough channels to allow for better pico laser penetration without causing excessive trauma to the skin. The CO2 treatment is typically performed right before the pico laser session. The strategic, lighter application minimizes downtime and the risk of complications like scarring or changes in pigmentation, particularly for those with darker skin tones.
Lower Power and Density
For tattoo pretreatment, the practitioner will use a lower power setting and a lower density of microscopic dots. The goal is to create just enough channels to allow for better pico laser penetration without causing excessive trauma to the skin. The CO2 treatment is typically performed right before the pico laser session. The strategic, lighter application minimizes downtime and the risk of complications like scarring or changes in pigmentation, particularly for those with darker skin tones.
Specific Scanning Technique
The scanning technique is crucial. The fractional CO2 laser is used to create a pattern of tiny, evenly spaced micro-channels over the tattoo. This is often done in a single pass to minimize thermal damage. The practitioner will carefully control the:
- Pulse energy (fluence): This will be significantly lower than what would be used for a deep resurfacing treatment.
- Spot size: The size of the laser beam is adjusted to the area being treated.
- Density: The number of microscopic spots per square centimeter will be set to a lower level.
The CO2 treatment is performed just before the pico laser, often in the same session. This ensures that the micro-channels are open and ready to receive the pico laser’s energy.
When Is a CO2 Laser Necessary for Tattoo Removal?
Deciding whether to add a CO2 laser to your tattoo removal plan is a clinical decision best made in consultation with a qualified practitioner. However, certain factors can indicate when this combined approach might be necessary.
You might need a CO2 laser scan before your pico laser treatment if:
- Your tattoo is very dense or heavily saturated with ink. The CO2 laser can help to “open up” the skin to allow the pico laser to work more effectively.
- You have a multi-colored tattoo with a lot of different pigments that are proving difficult to remove.
- Your tattoo is not responding to pico laser treatment alone. If you’ve had several sessions and aren’t seeing the desired results, adding a CO2 laser to the treatment plan might be beneficial.
- You have some scarring or textural changes in the tattooed area that you would like to address at the same time. The CO2 laser is a powerful skin resurfacing tool.
You probably do not need a CO2 laser scan if:
- Your tattoo is small, simple, and not heavily saturated. For many tattoos, a pico laser alone is sufficient and highly effective.
- You want to minimize downtime. CO2 lasers are more invasive than pico lasers and require a longer recovery period. Pico lasers are known for having minimal downtime.
- You have darker skin. CO2 lasers carry a higher risk of side effects, such as hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation (lightening or darkening of the skin), especially on darker skin tones. Pico lasers are generally considered safer for a wider range of skin types.
- You are new to tattoo removal. Typically, a practitioner will start with pico laser treatments and only consider adding a CO2 laser if the results are not progressing as expected.
Choose Right CO2 Laser Machine
An advanced fractional CO2 laser is a versatile tool for both skin resurfacing and tattoo removal assistance. Its precision and customizable settings allow practitioners to tailor the treatment to each individual’s needs, ensuring optimal results and safety.
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