Hello!
I am Director Bo-hwang Jeong of Cleor Clinic Gangnam Branch.
"Are there different types of lasers for tattoo removal?"
"I looked up tattoo removal in Gangnam, and there are so many device names that I don't know what to look for."
"I've heard of using PicoSure to remove blemishes, but I've never heard of PicoLO PREMIUM."
Many people know about PicoSure but
say they are hearing about PicoLO PREMIUM for the first time.
In fact, since both devices are used for blemishes, spots, tattoo removal, and skin rejuvenation,
the more you look them up, the more confusing it often becomes.
Today, I will clear up that confusion for you.
Let's first understand the principle of how tattoos are removed
To understand tattoo removal in Gangnam,
you must first know why tattoos are so difficult to remove.
Tattoo ink is embedded deep within the dermal layer of the skin.
Our body's immune cells try to remove this foreign substance,
but the ink particles are too large to process,
so they are simply held in place.
That is why they do not fade even after decades.
Pico lasers solve this problem in the following way.
By delivering ultra-short pulse energy in units of one-trillionth of a second (picoseconds),
it instantaneously irradiates and shatters the ink particles into very fine pieces.
Once the particles become small enough, the immune cells
can finally process them,
and as they are naturally discharged from the body, the tattoo gradually fades.
To use an analogy:
A large rock has rolled into a house,
but it cannot be removed because the door is too narrow.
When the laser breaks that rock into small pieces,
the fragmented stones can then be taken outone by one.
Because Pico lasers perform this shattering process 1,000 times faster
than conventional nano lasers,
faster clearance can be expected compared to the same number of sessions.
Up to this point, both PicoSure and PicoLO PREMIUM are identical.
The differences begin from here.
PicoSure — The world's first 755nm Pico laser, excellent for tattoo removal
PicoSure is the world's first 755nm Alexandrite picosecond laser
developed by Cynosure in the USA.
Since receiving US FDA clearance in 2012,
it has become the benchmark for Pico lasers worldwide.
The core of PicoSure lies in its 755nm wavelength.
This wavelength has a melanin absorption rate three times higher than that of blood (hemoglobin).
This means it can precisely target only the melanin pigment
with precisionwithout causing unnecessary irritation to blood vessels.
This is why it demonstrates high selectivity not only in Gangnam tattoo removal
but also in pigmented lesionssuch as blemishes and spots.
PicoSure is currently a picosecond laser officially FDA-cleared for the treatment of
melasma, Nevus of Ota, and ABNOM.
It is one of the devices with the most extensive clinical evidencefor intractable pigmented lesions.
In terms of tattoo removal, the role of each wavelength is also clear.
The primary 755nm wavelength has high selectivity for black, blue, and green inks,
the optional 532nm targets red, yellow, and orange,
and 1064nm responds to deep, dark inks.
PicoSure also allows for fractional treatments
using the Platinum Focus™ lens.
This mode is a separate indication intended for skin rejuvenation, pore reduction, and fine line improvement,
rather than tattoo removal.
It is an option for those who want to approach
skin texture improvement while receiving pigment treatment.
PicoLO PREMIUM — Based on Korean technology, offering a different range of collagen regeneration
PicoLO PREMIUM is an Nd:YAG-based
picosecond laser developed by Laseroptek, a specialized Korean laser company.
It has obtained clearances from major advanced countries worldwide, including the Korean MFDS, US FDA, European CE, Taiwan TFDA,
and Japanese PMDA.
It was awarded the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Award at the 2019 Korea Technology Awards
and was selected as a Next-Generation World-Class Product in 2021.
The differentiation of PicoLO PREMIUM comes from two technologies.
First is the DOE (Diffractive Optical Element)
fractional handpiece, which is a patented technology of Laseroptek.
Equipped with 81 uniform microbeams,
it irradiates energy in an evenly distributed manner.
The more uniform the beam distribution, the higher the consistency of the treatment results,
preventing excessive energy concentration in specific areas.
Second is the ability to generate LIOB in the dermal layer even at the 532nm wavelength.
LIOB refers to the phenomenon where new collagen is produced
as microscopic changes occur in the dermal layer due to laser irradiation.
PicoLO PREMIUM has proven through clinical papers that dermal LIOB,
which was previously only possible at 1064nm, can also be achieved at 532nm.
This means the range in which collagen regeneration can be expected
alongside pigment treatment is significantly expanded.
Additionally, with the 3-step adjustable fractional handpiece,
it can target the lower dermis, upper dermis, and epidermis in stages,
allowing for a precise approach based on the objective.
Where do the two devices overlap and where do they differ?
When searching for tattoo removal in Gangnam, the indications for both devices appear almost identical.
In fact, they share many commonalities.
Both are officially cleared Pico lasers operating in picosecond units,
andare used for blemishes, spots, tattoo removal, and skin rejuvenation.
They both shatter pigment particles 1,000 times faster than nano lasers,
and share the advantage of minimal thermal damage to surrounding tissues.
The differences emerge in the areas where each device excels.
Due to the characteristics of the 755nm wavelength, PicoSure
possesses an outstanding ability to selectively target
melanin pigment.In cases where the pigment itself is the primary issue, such as melasma, hyperpigmentation, or Nevus of Ota,
it is the option with the most abundant clinical evidence.
In particular, the fact that it has official FDA clearance for intractable melasma
is a unique indicator of PicoSure's reliability.
Thanks to the uniform energy distribution of the DOE 81 microbeams
and the 532nm dermal LIOB technology,
PicoLO PREMIUM has specialized strengths in skin elasticity, collagen regeneration, and anti-aging.
It is advantageous for those who wish to combine skin rejuvenation with pigment treatment.
The difference in wavelengths for tattoo removal is also practical.
PicoSure primarily uses 755nm, offering high selectivity for black, blue, and green colors.
PicoLO PREMIUM uses a combination of 1064nm and 532nm
to respond to black as well as red and yellow inks,
while simultaneously inducing dermal collagen regeneration.
The most suitable device may vary depending on the color composition of the tattoo
and the specific skin concerns you wish to address.
How is the Gangnam tattoo removal procedure performed?
Both devices follow the procedure outlined below.
Consultation and skin analysis are the most important steps.
We identify the color, size, depth, and time elapsed since the tattoo was done,
and check for any accompanying skin concerns.
At this stage, it is determined whether PicoSure, PicoLO PREMIUM,
or a combination of both is most suitable.
Afterward, numbing cream is applied and allowed to absorb for about 20–30 minutes.
Since tattoo removal involves high energy levels, it is standard to proceed after anesthesia.
The actual laser irradiation time varies depending on the size of the tattoo,
but most procedures are completed quickly within a few minutes.
A 'frosting' reaction, where the area turns white, occurs immediately after the procedure;
this is a normal reaction, so there is no need to worry.
The treatment interval is typically 4 to 8 weeks.
This is because the next session should only proceed after the scabs have completely fallen off
and the skin has sufficiently recovered.
Please follow these post-treatment instructions
Half of the results for Gangnam tattoo removal are determined by aftercare.
Never pick at the scabs. They will fall off naturally within 1–2 weeks.
Forcing them off can cause hyperpigmentation and scarring.
Sun protection is essential. Please apply SPF 50+ sunscreen
thoroughly to the treated area.
Avoid saunas, hot baths, strenuous exercise, and alcohol for one week.
These can worsen redness and swelling due to vasodilation.
Ensure sufficient moisturizing,
and discontinue functional products containing retinol or peeling ingredients for one week.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. Can PicoSure and PicoLO PREMIUM be used together?
A. They can be used concurrently or sequentially depending on the case.
For example, intensive pigment treatment can be approached with PicoSure,
while skin rejuvenation and elasticity care are handled with PicoLO PREMIUM.
We will create a plan based on your skin condition and goals during the consultation.
Q. Will the tattoo in Gangnam be completely removed?
A. Results vary depending on the color, depth, and ink density of the tattoo.
High levels of clearance can be expected for monochromatic black tattoos.
Color tattoos or high-density ink applied by professional tattooists
may require more sessions.
We provide honest guidance without exaggeration.
Q. Can semi-permanent eyebrows and eyeliner also be removed?
A. Yes, this is one of the primary indications for Gangnam tattoo removal.
However, for semi-permanent tattoos that have turned red or brown,
the clearance response may differ, so we proceed after a preliminary check.
Q. Which device is used to remove color tattoos?
A. Different wavelengths respond to different ink colors.
755nm (PicoSure) has high selectivity for black, blue, and green,
while 532nm is more effective for red and yellow.
We determine the device settings after directly checking the tattoo colors during the consultation.
Q. Is it possible to return to daily life after the procedure?
A. Washing your face and applying makeup are possible on the same day.
Please avoid strong friction or the use of scrub products on the treated area.
PicoSure and PicoLO PREMIUM are not competitors;
they are devices with different strengths
.If you are considering tattoo removal in Gangnam, rather than focusing on the device,
it is more important to first understand the color and depth of your tattoo, your skin condition,
and the specific skin concerns you wish to improve.
At Cleor Clinic Gangnam Branch, we are equipped with both PicoSure
and PicoLO PREMIUM,
and our medical staff provides personalized treatments for each individual.
Please feel free to contact us anytime with questions regarding Gangnam tattoo removal. ^^
강남 문신제거 관련하여 궁금하신 점은 언제든지 편하게 문의해 주세요 ^^