After eight years in the PicoSure aesthetic business, I’m moving on to a new opportunity to focus on Global Clinical Education with Cynosure in the plastic surgery space! I have enjoyed all of my readers and followers of this blog tremendously but I’m going to be handing it over to the Team at Austin Medspa,…
Did you know that tattoos inside the mouth are common? It’s been considered a good place to hide a discreet tattoo. But removal is just as common and there’s no better instrument for intraoral tattoo removal than the first and only PicoSure laser by Cynosure. The tissue inside our mouths is extremely durable and handles tattoo removal with ease. There’s…
Occasionally I’ll get a question regarding a “ghost” image being left behind following PicoSure laser tattoo removal. The ghost image phenomenon is usually just transient hypopigmentation, which resolves on its own in most cases. So what causes hypopigmentation? During the course of treatments, the natural melanin pigment is removed via the same mechanism as the…
PicoSure laser eyebrow tattoo removal is something I perform regularly. Many tattooed eyebrows are less than perfect and a client has little recourse for removal other than a skilled laser operator. Sometimes it’s just a stray microbladed “hair” that needs removing, or perhaps the eyebrows are too close together. Sometimes the tail end is too…
The recording of my PicoSure presentation and demo is now available. Thanks for your patience! Please email any questions you might have to: brendan.leigh@austinpicosure.com Here’s the link to the recording: https://www.cynosure.com/webcasts/cynosure-university-clinical-summit-picosure/
Great news: I will be giving an updated PicoSure laser presentation online via GoToWebinar on October 23rd as part of the Cynosure University guest lecturer series. The information will include all new slides and client pics plus I’ll perform a PicoSure Focus facial rejuvenation procedure broadcast live from Austin Medspa. Over the years, I’ve developed…
The only mention of tattoos in the Bible comes from the old testament in Leviticus 19:28 (NIV): “Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the Lord.” Okay, but according to the New Testament what did Jesus himself think of tattoos? It doesn’t say, but he definitely…
If you need help with your PicoSure settings for tattoo removal I’m willing to assist. Many practitioners have difficulty with tattoo removal treatment plans and once a client’s results start to plateau they’re left not knowing what to do. That’s understandable because Cynosure trainers have traditionally used extremely conservative settings for tattoo removal in order…
PicoSure laser tattoo removal can actually be fun and exciting. No, really, it can. Listen to the beautiful DeAndra from Saxon MD Facial Plastic Surgery below who just finished her first session. It’s great to finally get out the last of your ink or get started on a new removal of something you don’t like…
If you’re reading this right now there’s a good chance you have a partially removed tattoo, which I call tattoo remnants. Unfortunately the market for tattoo removal has spawned a plethora of cheap lasers and untrained “laser techs”. The result: millions of partially removed tattoos, which are unsightly and a constant source of pain and…
Texas state and the city of Austin have moved forward with the prudent reopening of responsible medical establishments like Austin Medspa this Friday. All of our practitioners are degreed healthcare professionals and you can be sure that we will take all necessary precautions to protect you our clients. We’ve MISSED seeing you and look forward…
As of today Austin Medspa is temporarily closed due to the Mayor’s order that only essential medical procedures can be performed right now until further notice. The coronavirus has disrupted our city, country and the world but we will pull through this stronger than ever before. Until I see you again, take good care of…
Can black individuals safely remove tattoos? The short answer is that it’s unlikely the cosmetic result would be acceptable. The risk for permanent hypopigmentation is directly proportional to the client’s skin tone – the darker your skin, the greater your risk. Skin types I and II (very light skin with blue or green eyes) have…
I recently wrote a blog post stating that I think it’s time to amend the definition of ‘recalcitrant’ when it comes to laser tattoo removal. The basis for this belief is that modern inks are much different than their older cousins; the India inks that Q-switched lasers were developed to remove. (Modern tattoo inks require…
For those of us in the rejuvenation business, whether it be eyebrow tattoo removal, or unwanted facial pigment (hyperpigmentation), the PicoSure laser settings are critical. Many practitioners focus solely on the energy level (Joules), expressed as J/cm2. We can think of the Joules as being similar to the milligrams of a given medication, e.g. 325mg…
The world’s first and ONLY PicoSure laser workstation has revolutionized the areas of tattoo removal and skin rejuvenation. Tattoos, once thought impossible to remove, can now be removed quite easily. Facial rejuvenation that once required CO2 ablation (burning off the affected tissue) can now be accomplished with a fractionated “Focus Lens” with zero downtime. Thank…
You’ve probably heard that the revolutionary PicoSure Laser is the finest tattoo-removal system on the planet. That’s definitely true, when used correctly. There are a number of variables that affect the laser energy and how well it’s applied. The settings on the laser are adjusted based upon the following tattoo factors: Age of tattoo, age of patient, tattoo size,…
As women go through pre-menopause they begin to experience hot flashes caused by hormone imbalances. Incidentally, researchers have shown that heat, among other factors, can exacerbate melasma, which leads to the unwanted production and deposit of the pigment melanin into the affected dermal and/or epidermal tissues of the face. I treat many melasma patients with…
I’m one of the few practitioners who perform PicoSure laser tattooed eyebrow removal. The PicoSure is extremely safe and very effective for removing or modifying both traditional and microbladed eyebrow tattoos. The picosecond pulse prevents heating, which preserves the hair follicles. POS q-switched lasers rely on heat (photothermal) ink removal, which can damage or destroy…
The aftercare following PicoSure laser tattoo removal is very specific and it’s important for patients to follow the directions carefully. Although the PicoSure laser is very gentle on the skin, the superficial blisters and overall treatment area must be supported with proper care to ensure that the maximum amount of ink is removed and that…
It’s all the rage in Hollywood and now Austin Medspa has brought it to beautiful ATX! Why is the carbon peel desperately needed here? Because lighter skin (Types I-IV) lacks the necessary chromophore saturation needed for laser rejuvenation – basically, the laser has little to no color to focus on. But with the advent of…
Have you ever wondered what you would look like without your tattoos? If you’ve only got one or two, it’s probably not too hard to imagine. But if they cover most of your body, you may have forgotten what you looked like without them. Well, a talented author decided to show heavily tatted former gang…
Let’s face it, some tattooists are definitely not artists, but there are some crazy-talented artists who make a living tattooing. Please check out this link to a wonderful story about how tattoo artists are ingeniously covering up and/or disguising disfiguring scars, birthmarks and more. The pictures are amazing! https://www.boredpanda.com/scar-birthmark-tattoo-cover-ups/ Some of the most common aesthetic…
The color of your skin helps determine the settings required for tattoo removal. Skin color can be categorized using the Fitzpatrick skin type standard, which was developed in the 1970’s. It measures the amount of pigment in your skin and your skin’s reaction to sun exposure. The biggest risk in tattoo removal is PERMANENT hypopigmentation…
I get emails from all over the world about PicoSure Laser Tattoo Removal. Sometimes they’re from providers and sometimes from patients. I’ve had three in the last month where patients were experiencing an adverse reaction because they were treating their tattoo removal site with H2O2 (aka: hydrogen peroxide). If you’re using H2O2 on your treatment site,…
Chrysiasis is the phenomenon of bluish to slate-gray discoloration of the skin induced by prolonged treatment with “gold salt” medications. Chrysiasis, caused by gold-therapy, is similar to argyria, caused by colloidal or topical silver-therapy. The most common cause of chrysiasis is the administration of gold salts to patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Gold therapy is given either orally…
Cynosure, maker of the first and only revolutionary PicoSure laser, knew that a pulse width in the picosecond range would produce a Powerful pressure wave. Millions of R&D dollars and years later, Cynosure achieved the impossible: a picosecond aesthetic laser they dubbed PicoSure. The resulting patented PressureWave can be felt by the operator on the…
I was the first practitioner in Texas and all of the great Southwest to receive the 532nm handpiece for the PicoSure laser, which is used specifically to remove red, yellow and orange tattoos. I acquired this somewhat costly new attachment in order to provide patients’ with the best technology available as part of my commitment…
As a professional laser trainer, I travel all over the United States and Canada training the world’s finest clinicians on the proper operation of the world’s best aesthetic laser: the revolutionary PicoSure workstation. Proper training ensures that practitioners are given the finest clinical advice available. There are a number of techniques, clinical pearls, strategies, tactics…
Fading an unwanted tattoo with the powerful PicoSure laser to facilitate a new cover-up design has become increasingly popular. A professionally-faded tattoo increases the choice of cover-up art work options significantly. For example, the light bright colors and fine lines associated with today’s tattoo designs will not effectively cover an older existing dark outline and…
I read an article this morning about when consumers are less likely to buy a cheap product. Getting a tattoo was right there at the top. I guess people figure if an artist is cheap, they’re not very good. I see that all the time – clients come in with a drawing that looks like…
Be ready for the pool next summer by getting PicoSure laser tattoo removal over the winter! I have heard several patients’ state that they want to be able to wear a bathing suit in the summer without feeling self-conscious about their unsightly or unwanted tattoos. Now’s the time to start or continue treatments! In the…
The revolutionary PicoSure Laser has a Focus Lens Array which is used for skin revitalization. The appropriate indications include, but are not limited to: Sun damage, acne scars, sun spots, benign pigment, like melasma and freckles, and a whole host of other skin conditions. Why is the PicoSure, clearly the world’s best tattoo removal laser,…
What’s an Nd:YAG laser and what does the acronym stand for? Well here’s your answer: neodymium-yttrium-aluminum-garnet. Wow, no wonder someone came up with an acronym, right? Yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) is a synthetic crystalline material of the garnet group (see photo below). YAG is commonly used as a host material in various solid-state lasers. Rare…
As a Registered Nurse, I was formally taught to be dedicated to the well-being of my patients. In addition, passion for helping people achieve their healthcare goals has been critical to my success. I truly care about each and every patient I meet. To be the best requires education and experience. I began in healthcare…
Tattoo regret is a real phenomenon. I can’t tell you how many people call me the day after they receive their tattoo. Immediate remorse. What’s interesting though is not that they regret getting a tattoo, rather they regret getting a bad tattoo. I had one such patient call me today expressing horrible regret over the…
Did YOU know? The PicoSure laser for tattoo removal & skin rejuvenation has a “rep rate” or repeat rate that ranges from 1-10 pulses per second depending upon the area being treated? The rate is measured in Hertz. Treating a large back piece tattoo would require 10 Hertz but a traumatic tattoo near the eye…
The PicoSure laser for tattoo removal & skin rejuvenation (Melasma, sun damage, acne scars, wrinkles) was the world’s first picosecond medical laser, which is no small feat. There are a couple of cheap “pico” knockoffs out there that try to emulate what the PicoSure does but they can’t quite figure out how. That’s because the first…
Why does the PicoSure laser require multiple treatments? Take a look at the image below; see all those tattoo ink particles mixed into the matrix of the skin cells? The ratio of ink to cells is much greater than 1:1. In fact, if there were only one particle of pigment to every skin cell, we wouldn’t even…
The aftercare following PicoSure laser tattoo removal is very specific and it’s important for patients to follow the directions carefully. Although the PicoSure laser is very gentle on the skin, the superficial blisters and overall treatment area must be supported with proper care to ensure that the maximum amount of ink is removed and that…
We often hear the word “recalcitrant” when speaking of a hard-to-remove tattoo. Technically, a recalcitrant tattoo is one that has visible pigment after 10 laser treatments. If you consider the fact that most laser treatments are roughly 6 weeks apart, this means a patient has undergone at least 10 treatments which have taken over a…
Patients ask, “How many treatments will I need?” The short answer is: “A lot less now that you’re using PicoSure and a skilled operator.” You see cheap knock-off wannabe-pico lasers can’t deliver the energy correctly and POS Q-switched lasers are just as bad. Cynosure’s PicoSure lasers cost more, but they’re worth it. Now let’s say you’ve…
Permanent makeup tattoos are quite popular; especially for the eyebrows. Permanent makeup consists of tattoos that are usually applied by a skilled esthetician who has received special training. The most common procedures include eyebrows, eyeliner and lips with eyebrows being numero uno. The latest technique for application is called microblading which looks more natural because it mimics the look…
Have you ever heard the old expression, “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.” So what does it mean? Simply put, when you’re doing something big and difficult, do it methodically and have a strategy. The same can be said for large-scale laser tattoo removal with PicoSure. I have a number…
I often see patients who have undergone numerous POS Q-switched laser tattoo treatments only to be left with a lot of colorful ink remaining in the form of an ugly blue, green or purple remnant. The remnants are often scarred, hypopigmented or both. This phenomenon is due to the fact that prior to the advent…
We often hear the word “recalcitrant” when speaking of a hard-to-remove tattoo. Technically, a recalcitrant tattoo is one that has visible pigment after 10 laser treatments. If you consider the fact that most laser treatments are roughly 6 weeks apart, this means a patient has undergone at least 10 treatments over the course of a…
Post laser treatment hypopigmentation can happen when a patient’s skin’s inflammatory response impedes production of melanin. The result is lighter skin in the affected area. One example of severe hypopigmentation is vitiligo, an autoimmune disorder that leaves the skin notably bleached. Hypopigmentation can be frustrating to treat even for a skilled dermatologist. I’ve recently read studies on…
I just read that Japanese hotels do not allow people with visible tattoos in their swimming pools, spas and fitness centers. The Japanese culture frowns on inked skin and has even attempted to outlaw getting a tattoo! You might want to remember that before you book your next trip to Asia. All kinds of people…
Many patients have been told that their tattoos are impossible to remove. The following case study is an example of just that kind of misinformation. After numerous attempts at removal the patient was told the ink could not come out. The truth is that with the right equipment (state of the art PicoSure laser workstation)…
If you’re considering tattoo removal, you may wonder what the process looks like. The photos below show the midpoint of a removal and the endpoint. Throughout the series of treatments, the ink clears and becomes lighter as the PicoSure PressureWave shatters it and allows the body to absorb the fragments. The skin itself is left…
If you’ve ever seen someone with a horrendous scar and residual ink following a POS q-switched laser tattoo removal attempt, then you know just how tough black inks can be to clear. These two examples of PicoSure removal (pics below) highlight just how thoroughly the patented PressureWave can shatter even the toughest of modern black…
Case Study: 15 year old multi-colored tattoo Location: Right deltoid Ink: Tough black outlines and shading, red, yellow, blue, purple, white Previous treatments: 20 treatments with 2 different POS q-switched lasers Result: Hideous tattoo remnant – photo on the left Removal strategy: PicoSure 755nm & 532nm wavelengths Adjunct therapy: Cupping to affected area in between…
Great news: Treating Melasma just got easier thanks to the folks at Cynosure, makers of the revolutionary PicoSure laser workstation. Although there is no cure for Melasma, patients can achieve total clearance through a combination of therapies including PicoSure Focus Lens Array, medications like hydroquinone, and regular use of physical sunscreens, like zinc oxide. Melasma,…
PicoSure laser tattoo removal is the safest most-effective method to successfully remove a tattoo. The goal is to make the area look as though it had never even been inked and believe me it’s possible – I do it all the time. One secret to beautiful results is keeping the skin as light as possible…
Freckles, Melasma, Sun Damage, Lines & Wrinkles? Inside your cells is newer skin just waiting to get out. Focus Lens treatments with the PicoSure laser activate your body’s natural skin cell processes for healthy, more youthful looking skin. Only Focus treatments lighten unwanted pigment AND uniquely stimulate the production of new collagen and elastin—keys to younger-looking…
After 4 fantastic years in my current location on Austin’s West-side, I’m moving my PicoSure practice to Downtown Austin, TX on JUNE 19th (Juneteenth for you history buffs) in order to serve you better. I will now be located inside Austin’s finest laser treatment facility: Austin Medspa. Super excited! If you currently have an appointment scheduled with me before the…
Have you ever wondered who manufactures the World’s finest, most advanced picosecond tattoo removal laser? Answer: Cynosure, a Hologic company. I spent the entire week at Cynosure’s corporate headquarters in Westford, MA learning from other industry professionals and sharing best practices and I’m more convinced than ever that if you have unwanted ink the PicoSure laser…
T-cup (tattoo cupping) method, developed by Brendan Leigh, RN, MS in Austin, TX, improves clearance when used in conjunction with PicoSure laser tattoo removal. The T-cup method consists of using standard cupping therapy between PicoSure laser treatments to dislodge deep tattoo pigments to allow for better removal by the body via the lymph system and mechanical action.…
Permanent makeup tattoos are quite popular; especially for the eyebrows. Permanent makeup consists of tattoos that are usually applied by a skilled esthetician who has received special training. The most common procedures include eyebrows, eyeliner and lips with eyebrows being numero uno. The latest technique for application is called microblading which looks more natural because it…
Post laser treatment hypopigmentation can happen when a patient’s skin’s inflammatory response impedes production of melanin. The result is lighter skin in the affected area. I recommend a board certified dermatologist who can effectively treat hypopigmentation with topical steroids, lasers and other medications. However, hypopigmentation can be frustrating even for a skilled dermatologist. One example…
Here’s yet another example of a patient who went to some cheapo “clinic” for laser tattoo removal with the “latest & greatest” POS Q-switched nano-slow laser and got burned – literally & figuratively. First they burned her on some “package deal” rip-off, then they burned her skin. If you look closely there’s a half inch scar…
The 755nm Alexandrite PicoSure laser beam used to perform tattoo removal is invisible to the naked eye. Because of that, the PicoSure laser has a built in red laser ‘gun sight’ that I use to target tattoo ink. When I point that red dot at a given spot on a tattoo and hit the switch the PicoSure…
Here’s yet another example of the amazing power of a state-of-the-art PicoSure laser in recalcitrant tattoo remnant removal. This unsightly tattoo had been previously treated numerous times (>10) with a POS q-switched laser, which left a hideous tattoo remnant on the patient’s back. After just one treatment the remnant was virtually gone. One blue dot of ink that…
Who’s performing your laser tattoo removal? Only a qualified doctor, preferably board-certified in plastic surgery, can prescribe cosmetic laser treatments. Your doctor may delegate the application to an experienced professional, such as a Registered Nurse, who’s been specially trained in the use of a state-of-the-art laser workstation. The FDA requires a physician’s order for PicoSure…
Occasionally patients refer to post-treatment hypopigmentation following laser tattoo removal and call it a “scar”. This is a common misconception so I’d like to discuss it. Regardless of whether a patient receives treatment with some POS nano (SLOW) Q-switched laser, or is lucky enough to find a good PicoSure laser provider for tattoo removal, mild hypopigmentation is usually…
PicoSure laser tattoo removal is by far the easiest, safest and most effective way to rid the skin of unwanted ink but there’s also another option: Excision (surgical removal) of your tattoo. An experienced plastic surgeon can easily cut out minor tattoos, depending upon location, and leave a small, discrete scar. This is an excellent option for…
Occasionally I’ll get a patient who is up against a deadline for their PicoSure laser tattoo removal. Maybe they’ve got an upcoming wedding and their wedding dress would reveal some unwanted artwork. Or perhaps, they would like to permanently remove that “old flame’s” name before the planned nuptials. Perhaps they have a job interview with…
What are the main differences between the revolutionary PicoSure laser tattoo removal workstation and POS q-switched (nano-slow) tattoo removal lasers? Well for starters, the PicoSure achieves better clearance in fewer treatments. Fewer treatments equates to: Faster clearance! Less cost! Better clinical outcomes! Less risk of dermal injury and scarring! Fewer appointments! Take a look at…
We’re never too old to change. The oldest patient I have treated with the revolutionary PicoSure laser for tattoo removal was also the youngest when she got her tattoo. She was only 12 years old when she first got inked and 82 years old when I removed the tattoo. It was homemade, done in India…
An Old Irish Blessing for 2017: May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind always be at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, and rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand. I spent several…
Fading an unwanted tattoo with the powerful PicoSure laser to facilitate a new cover-up design has become increasingly popular. A professionally faded tattoo increases the choice of cover-up art work options significantly. For example, the light bright colors and fine lines associated with today’s tattoo designs will not effectively cover an older existing dark outline…
The PicoSure laser for tattoo removal now has a Boost upgrade software package that increases the speed of the picosecond pulse to create an even more powerful PressureWave for the toughest inks. The result is an increase in the photomechanical energy by 70%. This improves the rapid destruction and elimination of tattoo inks, regardless of…
Today I want to share a PicoSure laser case study of a “shaded” tattoo removal. Generally speaking, these tattoos are some of the easiest to remove. There are many reasons for this but much of it has to do with the lighter amount of ink that’s used, combined with the fact that shading isn’t always…
Have you ever heard the expression: “Keep coming back, it works!” I tell my patients that, especially in the beginning because even the state-of-the-art PicoSure Laser takes time to completely remove a tattoo. Several treatments may be required because each tattoo is different and no two people are alike. Some inks are very tough &…
There are a lot of claims out there when you search for PicoSure Laser Tattoo removal in Google. Like: “most trusted proven laser” or “best laser technology”. But then when you actually click on the link you see that someone is trying to sell you on antiquated q-switched laser technology that is decades old even…
Just how black is black? Sometimes a very deep dark black tattoo will almost appear glossy due to the modern additives that manufacturers use to produce toughness and luminosity. A tattoo made with that kind of black ink can initially seem as though it’s resistant to PicoSure laser tattoo removal. However, we know what’s taking…
Did YOU Know? Millions of patients have tried UNSUCCESSFULLY to remove unwanted tattoos with POS q-switched lasers. Now you understand why q-switched lasers are called POS q-switched lasers. The “q” stands for “Quit!” (while there’s still time). PicoSure will remove your residual tattoo remnant ink!
How black is black? Sometimes a very deep dark black tattoo initially appears as though it’s resistant to PicoSure laser tattoo removal. However, we know what’s taking place on a microscopic level; ink particles are being shattered by the photomechanical PressureWave and removed by the body. So why does it sometimes initially look as though nothing…
If you’ve ever wondered what “air-cooling” for comfort means, it’s the use of a chiller to cool the skin and diminish the pain associated with PicoSure laser tattoo removal. Normally, the laser energy passes painlessly through most skin types and concentrates its energy on the pigment. However, the reaction with the pigment can be strong and…
Happy early Dia De Los Muertos! AKA: My Birthday! Yes that’s right, I was born on the Day of the Dead, which is a special holiday celebrated by our neighbors to the South, the wonderful people of Mexico. It’s a day to remember family who have passed on and support their spiritual journey. Collectively, October 31st,…
Did YOU Know? Millions of patients have tried UNSUCCESSFULLY to remove tattoos with POS q-switched lasers, salt-fading injections, micro-needling Eclipse TR & Wrecking Balm? Unfortunately, these, and many other, attempts at tattoo removal have left hundreds of thousands of patients scarred with residual ink in the form of unsightly “tattoo remnants”. Wow, talk about tattoo regret!
“I was invited on a company golf trip that would’ve given me exposure to a couple of important senior executives but I made up an excuse not to go because I would’ve had to wear a short sleeved shirt that showed my tattoos.” -SK Austin, TX.
PicoSure laser tattoo removal isn’t a requirement for getting your dream job but that may depend upon just what it is you dream of doing. Many of my patients have told me they’re discriminated against because of their skin art. Most companies base their policy decisions regarding visible tattoos on customer perceptions. For example, if…
Crazy good removal – like it never even happened. If you want a result like this I can be reached by phone @ 512-479-9997 or just stop by my NEW location in Austin, TX: Austin Medspa on W. 6th St. brendan.leigh@austinpicosure.com
All I can say is wow! This pic speaks for itself. If you want a result like this I can be reached by phone @ 512-479-9997 or just stop by my NEW location in Austin, TX: Austin Medspa on W. 6th St. brendan.leigh@austinpicosure.com
Buying a PicoSure laser workstation does not make you an expert at tattoo removal – successful removals require experience, education, technique, skill, strategy & dedication to the patient and their goals.
Are you frustrated with the lack of progress on your POS q-switched laser tattoo removal? Have you had four or more treatments and your tattoo has hardly budged? Well you’re not alone. Millions of patients out there have “tattoo remnants” that are scarred from improper treatment and the remaining ink is practically burnt into their…
PicoSure laser tattoo removal is excellent for those poor unfortunate patients who’ve been treated multiple times with some POS q-switched laser only to find themselves left scarred and with tons of residual ink that I call a “tattoo remnant”. In desperation, they turn to me and fortunately, being one of the most skilled and experienced…
PicoSure laser tattoo removal works on all of your intimate areas to safely and beautifully restore your skin.
Many women get tattooed in intimate places in order to hide their tattoos when they want to. However, regardless of the quality of the artwork, there’s just no way to improve on the naked beauty of a gorgeous woman. Consequently, many of you wind up regretting getting inked in that special spot. I remove tattoos…
I often have patients come to me for PicoSure Laser Tattoo Removal who have been left with permanent hypopigmentation due to over-treatment with a POS q-switched laser. In addition to their skin becoming permanently lighter, they are also often scarred and left with tons of unsightly residual ink called a “tattoo remnant”. Once the ink…
Hypopigmentation caused by a POS q-switched laser may be reversed if treated promptly.
One of my readers in Great Britain is using a DIY trick at home for cupping therapy in between his laser tattoo removal treatments. I’ve stated before that during the weeks that follow PicoSure laser tattoo removal, the ink is unbound and can be physically drawn out into the space between cells where it can be more…
What if you went to sleep with a tattoo on your arm and when you woke up you found it had moved to your leg?! The following is a strange but true story from one of my PicoSure tattoo removal patients. Here’s what happened: A patient, I’ll call Callen Holfield to protect his identity, woke up one…
D.L. – “I’ve hid my tattoos from my family for almost ten years. I can’t wear a swimsuit or short-sleeved shirt at family gatherings. Every day I feel ashamed for the choice I made to get this tattoo.”
I’m often asked what patients’ can do in conjunction with PicoSure laser tattoo treatments to effectively speed up the removal process. Researchers have tried everything without success – even chemotherapy! But now I’m testing the ancient art of cupping therapy on recalcitrant tattoos. Cupping is safe and inexpensive and involves the use of glass or plastic cups placed on…
Cupping therapy between PicoSure Laser Tattoo Removal sessions may be the only adjunct treatment that can actually help facilitate and improve the speed of removal.”
I’m probably the most successful PicoSure Laser Tattoo Removal nurse out there but that doesn’t mean I’m anti-tattoo. To celebrate the beautiful artwork I come across I often post a Tattoo-of-the-Week and today’s example comes from a beautiful Austinite with a Ship-in-a-Bottle tat on her left forearm. The work is new so it hasn’t had time…
PicoSure laser tattoo removal is truly giving some patients a new lease on life!
Can PicoSure laser tattoo removal change your life? In some cases yes it can. Although I’m proud of all of my successful tattoo removals, this one has a special place in my heart for its transformative quality. Please take a look at the before & after images below. With all the employment policies around no visible…
Thanks to the revolutionary PicoSure laser, botched permanent eyebrow makeup can easily be softened, faded or removed.
If you’re one of the hundreds of thousands of patients out there who have botched permanent makeup you know what a frustrating embarrassment it can be. Most tattoo removal providers will not touch permanent makeup because it can be risky. Number one: it’s on the face and two: it can change colors in response to…
Children as young as 12 years old are getting tattoos from their friends and relatives, or doing it themselves, often leaving them permanently damaged both physically and psychologically.
What’s the standard age for getting one’s very first tattoo? The answer may surprise you. Although I often hear patients say “I got it on my 18th birthday” the truth is more and more young children are getting tattooed by their friends or doing it themselves. I’ve treated many patients who got their 1st tattoo…
Don’t get the blues with your stubborn blue tattoo ink – get PicoSure laser tattoo removal instead, the fastest, safest, most effective way to completely remove a tattoo.
Got the blues? That’s understandable because for all of those POS Q-switched lasers out there blue ink is the hardest to remove. Every day I see more and more blue colored tattoo remnants. These are poor patients who were “GUARANTEED!” that their ink would come out and it never did. Unfortunately there are many unscrupulous…
Did you know? The standard definition of a recalcitrant, or hard to remove tattoo, is visible ink persists after TEN laser treatments. Today modern tattoo inks are engineered to be extremely resilient and lightfast – meaning they won’t fade when exposed to the sun’s harmful rays or any other UV radiation such as the kind…
Tattoo ink manufacturers create different shades of pigment by mixing the primary colors of red, yellow & blue, which means your green tattoo might actually be a combination of blue & yellow with black or white pigments added in for depth.
Q: Do you remember the primary colors and what makes them so special? A: You can combine them to make all the other colors. There are a couple different primary color models, like the RGB one used in television to create pixels and the CMYK model used in printers. Those are different than mixing oil…
Marketers are tattooing mannequins in hopes that people with tattoos will better relate to them and buy more stuff.
Art imitating real life? I guess that’s what you’d call it when tattooing mannequins (no really) to attract your attention becomes a real thing. Seriously? When we look at a mannequin in a department store or fashion boutique, we imagine how what they’re wearing would look on us. Most women in the U.S. (~60%) have…
Don’t put it off any longer – Celebrate PicoSure laser tattoo removal’s 3rd birthday by scheduling a free consultation with the nation’s most experienced PicoSure tattoo removal nurse!
Did you know that the amazing PicoSure laser for tattoo removal was launched three years ago? The advent of the world’s first picosecond medical laser gave hope to millions of people just like you who wanted their tattoos removed once and for all. Many of my patients, in fact the majority, have been unsuccessfully treated…
Here’s our cool Austin PicoSure tat-of-the-week. I chose this one because it reminds me of urban Austin, which is to say it’s cool. The Capitol of Texas is different and our motto is “Keep Austin Weird”. Love that! I can be reached by phone @ 512-479-9997 or just stop by my NEW location in Austin, TX:…
Tough tattoo ink may initially appear resistant to PicoSure Laser Tattoo Removal but this is nothing more than an optical illusion.
How black is black? Sometimes a very deep, dark black tattoo outline may appear as though it’s going to be resistant to PicoSure laser tattoo removal. However, we know what’s taking place on a microscopic level; ink particles are being shattered by the photomechanical PressureWave and carried off by the body via lymphatic drainage and…
The word laser is actually an acronym which stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation.
The PicoSure laser for tattoo removal was the world’s first picosecond medical laser, which is no small feat. So how’d they do it? Well no one’s saying. Let’s just agree that it’s definitely some whizzbang technology. It starts with a synthetic alexandrite crystal which is the heart of the laser itself. Flash-lamps pump photons into…
The PicoSure laser’s ultra-short pulses create a powerful PressureWave that literally crushes tattoo pigments via photomechanical impact whereas the photothermal action of a POS q-switched laser simply attempts to burn the ink out often resulting in horrible scars and hypopigmented tattoo remnants.
The technology behind medical lasers is incredible and the PicoSure laser for tattoo removal is no exception. It was the first compact medical picosecond laser to be developed. Researchers had known for quite some time that Q-switched nanosecond lasers fired too slowly to produce an effective PressureWave that could break up tattoo ink. What’s more, standard Q-switched…
PicoSure Laser Tattoo Removal utilizes picosecond energy pulses to shatter unwanted ink in to the smallest of particles, which can then be easily removed by the body via the lymph system or through the actions of specialized white blood cells called macrophages.
PicoSure laser tattoo removal is a physical process. The PicoSure laser energy literally shatters the tattoo ink pigments – they are not dissolved or magically made to be invisible. Once the particles are broken in to smaller pieces, they are able to float away through the lymph system. Many are also digested and carried away…
I can’t tell a doctor or nurse which PicoSure laser tattoo removal settings I use to achieve the fantastic results I get because they wouldn’t understand – sure the settings are critical but each patient is different and only experience and technique can achieve complete removal.
I’m often asked by patients and doctors alike what PicoSure laser tattoo removal settings I use to ensure a safe, effective and quick removal of unwanted ink. I can understand their confusion; the PicoSure laser is a complex state-of-the-art piece of equipment that requires education, experience and dedication to master. After all, my clinical results…
The speed of PicoSure laser tattoo removal is directly tied to the overall laser pulse-count, which is the number of times the laser fires during a treatment session.
You might not know what a PicoSure laser tattoo removal “pulse count” is but let me tell you, it’s critical to the removal process. The pulse count is the total number of times the PicoSure laser fires or pulses during a treatment. The factors affecting the pulse count are (1) the rep-rate or Hertz, which…
Visible tattoos are banned by many employers but the U.S. Marines has decided to change its uniform policy to help cover them discretely.
Early last year I blogged about the military’s decision to allow visible tattoos as long as they were not on the face or neck and were not deemed to be objectionable. Ring finger tattoos were also okay. The military made this change because the new rules which had prohibited visible tattoos were hurting recruitment efforts…
Holidays inspire some of the worst tattoo regret ever; there are a million unwanted four leaf clovers out there!
Uh-oh. Did you just get a four leaf clover tattoo yesterday to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day? Well, you’re not alone. Many people use holidays as an inspiration for some new ink that later winds up being yet another tattoo regret. I’ve often removed holiday-inspired artwork that is generally acquired after a day or more of…
Many people have been intrigued by the “mystique” of tattoos which often times leads to tattoo regret.
It’s been a while since I read Ray Bradbury’s 1951 novel “The Illustrated Man” but now I wonder about its impact on the tattoo industry as a whole. The book was nominated for an International Fantasy Award in 1952. It was made in to a movie by the same name which stared Rod Steiger and…
Did YOU know? Many businesses TRIED a “No visible tattoos” policy in 2015 and failed?! Starbucks and the U.S. Army are two notable examples. Although both of these American institutions believed that tatted-up workers hurt their brand & image, they soon found that these valuable workers were welcomed elsewhere with open arms! Starbucks lost many of its…
Some tattoos are downright useful and helpful, such as radiation target tattoos, permanent cosmetics, and this week’s ingenious Tattoo-of-the-Week winner from a partially deaf German lady who wanted to let others know about her handicap.
Okay, so I think this tattoo behind Berliner, Elisa Menzel’s left ear is just ingenious so she wins AustinPicoSure.com’s coveted Tattoo-of-the-Week e-trophy! Seems that she was tired of telling people she was deaf in her left ear so she got the cool tattoo to remind them and she says it really paid off!!! Just another example of a…
Tattoo pigments have evolved over the last decade and become nearly impossible for POS Q-switched lasers to remove but fortunately for the tattoo removal patient, the PicoSure laser with Boost & the 532nm handpiece evolved as well!
I recently wrote a blog post stating that I think it’s time to amend the definition of ‘recalcitrant’ when it comes to laser tattoo removal. The basis for this belief is that modern inks are much different than their older cousins; the India inks that Q-switched lasers were developed to remove. (Modern tattoo inks require…
Tough modern inks have made POS Q-switched lasers obsolete because they are no longer effective and virtually all tattoos they treat are now deemed recalcitrant by definition! #PicoSure!
One of the questions I get most often is “How many treatments do you think I’ll need?” If you combine that question with the fact that as many as 50% of the new consults I get have been previously treated with some POS Q-switched laser it speaks to the matter of effective clearance. Proper clearance…
In head to head clinical trials, PicoSure lasers outperformed even the best POS Q-switched lasers.
What are the main differences between the revolutionary PicoSure tattoo removal laser and the antiquated technology in a POS Q-switched nanosecond laser? Well to begin with, the PicoSure laser achieves better clearance in fewer treatments and fewer treatments equates to: Faster clearance Less cost Better clinical outcomes Less risk of dermal injury and scarring Take…
Tattoo ink manufacturers are making black inks virtually impossible for a POS Q-switched laser to remove by combining certain additives to the pigments – luckily there’s PicoSure!
Have you ever heard someone say that “Black’s the easiest tattoo color to remove with a Q-switched laser”? That tired phrase was coined due to the fact that Q-switched lasers could not remove colors such as blue and green among others. In my practice, I see many patients with scarred black tattoo remnants that were…
Over treatment using Q-switched lasers is common due to their chronic ineffectiveness and leads to scarred residual ink blots called tattoo remnants, but fortunately a PicoSure laser in the hands of an educated and experienced practitioner can correct the damage.
I often see patients who have undergone numerous Q-switched laser tattoo removal treatments only to be left with a lot of colorful ink remaining in the form of a blue, green, purple or even a tough black tattoo remnant. The remnants are often scarred, hypopigmented or both. This phenomenon is due to the fact that…
The revolutionary PicoSure laser can fade unwanted ink for a cover-up tattoo faster, better and safer than any other tattoo removal laser on the planet, period!
As the number of Q-switched laser treatments required to remove a tattoo goes up, so does the risk of scarring; fortunately there’s PicoSure: the safest, fastest and most effective tattoo removal laser available.
Sometimes I hear “laser technicians” brag about how many treatments they’ve done with their P.O.S. Q-switched laser. I saw one the other day that said “over 250,000 treatments” performed. You notice they don’t equate that to actual complete tattoo removals. I see numerous patients that have had ten or more treatments and they’re left with…
There are many reasons for wanting PicoSure laser tattoo removal and looking good in a wedding dress is one of them.
Have you ever wondered why someone would want a tattoo removed with the revolutionary PicoSure laser? I hear many different reasons: Removing an ex’s name or initials Getting rid of poorly done artwork Growing out of a former way of life Unwanted “prison tattoos” No “visible tattoos” employment policies And the list goes on and on……
Tattoos can be located virtually anywhere on the body but lucky for you, PicoSure laser tattoo removal can be performed safely on all of your body’s parts!
I always enjoy meeting new patients for the first time, hearing their stories and examining their unwanted tattoos. As you can imagine, I’ve seen and heard quite a lot since the introduction of the revolutionary PicoSure laser for tattoo removal. Some of the stories are pretty moving and many of the tattoos have an interesting…
As we celebrate the holidays throughout the year, keep the memories but lose the ink.
PicoSure laser tattoo removal is a complex process that requires skill, experience, technique and medical professionalism.
www.austinpicosure.com FAQ Q: Why does it take so many treatments to remove a tattoo? A: It doesn’t, if you use a PicoSure™ with Boost. If you’re using a POS Q-switched laser that literally was invented to remove India ink from old-style sailor tattoos, then you might need 20 or more treatments to remove a modern tattoo. …
Not only are Fall & Winter optimal treatment times for PicoSure Laser Tattoo Removal, but scheduling now will also have you ready for the pool by next Summer!
Be ready for the pool next summer by getting PicoSure laser tattoo removal over the winter! I have heard several patients’ state that they want to be able to wear a bathing suit in the summer without feeling self-conscious about their unsightly or unwanted tattoos. Now’s the time to start or continue treatments! In the…
The PicoSure laser is medicine’s most effective tool at removing the residual ink, and softening the scarring, in recalcitrant tattoos and tattoo remnants that have been poorly, and ineffectively, treated with aging Q-switched laser technology.
Often times, I utilize the PicoSure laser to finally remove recalcitrant tattoos. Some of you might be wondering exactly what that means. We often hear the word “recalcitrant” when speaking of a tattoo that’s been shown to be hard to remove. Technically speaking, a recalcitrant tattoo is one that has visible pigment after at least…
Many of the tattoos I remove with the revolutionary PicoSure Laser were impulse decisions that turned out to be either mistakes in hindsight or just bad artwork.
Happy Dia De Los Muertos! AKA: My Birthday! Yes that’s right, I was born on the Day of the Dead, which is a special holiday celebrated by our neighbors to the South; the wonderful people of Mexico. It’s a day to remember family who have passed on and support their spiritual journey. Collectively, October 31st,…
As we continue to celebrate our successes in completely removing unwanted ink with the PicoSure laser tattoo removal system, we are also reminded that not all tattoos require removal. Each week I look for great ink and post it for your enjoyment. This week’s winner belongs to an Austin model and part time sales rep.…
Micro-needling cannot safely or effectively remove a tattoo nor is there any substance that can topically dissolve tattoo ink.
Eclipse TR™ Tattoo Removal Pen and Eclipse MicroPen can create some horrendous results. I recently had a patient show me the results of a single treatment she had performed by a physician using the Eclipse TR™ Micro-needling device and I was saddened to see that it left her horribly scarred. You can see in the…
I am Texas’ most experienced PicoSure laser tattoo removal specialist and several of my patients have been featured in international PicoSure ads. -Brendan Leigh, RN,MS
Hello Friend, My name is Brendan Leigh, MS, RN and I’m a Registered Nurse in Austin, Texas specializing in PicoSure laser tattoo removal. I’ve seen every kind of attempt to remove and fade tattoo ink: excision, semi-permanent pigment covers, tattoo cover-ups, fade creams, injections and salt treatments, and of course plain old POS Q-switched lasers, which…
There is no known chemical, or solution, that can be effectively injected into a tattoo to fade or remove the ink or achieve a favorable outcome.
Maybe you’ve been wondering about some of the new tattoo removal treatment options other than PicoSure laser tattoo removal? There’s a new one out that uses a tattoo gun to inject a chemical solution that supposedly will create a wound at the treatment area and force a portion of the ink out. In my practice,…
Green Inks Were Impossible To Clear Before PicoSure Laser Tattoo Removal! If you’ve ever tried to remove a green tattoo before the PicoSure laser was invented, you probably found out the hard way that most of the time it just wasn’t possible. Back in the old days, when Q-switched lasers were the only thing available,…
As we continue to celebrate our successes with PicoSure laser tattoo removal, we are also reminded that not all tattoos require removal. Some tattoos are life-savers, as in the case of radiation target tattoos, and some are just intriguing or beautiful. Each week I look for great ink and post it for your enjoyment. Not trying to…
Some tats might be really, really sexy but unfortunately, they can hold you back at work. Good thing there’s PicoSure laser tattoo removal! -brendan.leigh@austinpicosure.com
I was recently taking a tribal tattoo off of a female patient with the revolutionary PicoSure laser and she told me her husband was sorta bummed about her decision to remove it. Why? He thought it was sooo freakin’ sexy! Truth is, a lot of guys love tattoos on their favorite gal. And let’s face…
PicoSure laser tattoo removal requires an average of about 5 treatments plus 1 or 2 minor touch-ups to clear away any stray ink dots or lines left behind. -brendan.leigh@austinpicosure.com
One of the most frequently asked questions I get is “How many treatments will PicoSure laser tattoo removal require?” The answer varies by size, placement, color, type and depth of the tattoo. There’s also the variable of patient health; some people heal faster than others. Additionally, if a tattoo has been scarred by a Q-switched…
Providing a simple treatment is not the same as actually removing a tattoo; what does YOUR provider specialize in? Treatments or Removals?
Did YOU know? There’s a difference between a laser tattoo “TREATMENT “and an actual PicoSure laser tattoo “REMOVAL”? I recently saw someone advertise that they had performed 250,000 laser tattoo removal treatments with their old Q-switched laser! Wow, that sure sounds impressive right? Not really. Why? Well, because the number of treatments doesn’t equate to the…
As we continue to celebrate our successes with PicoSure laser tattoo removal, we are also reminded that not all tattoos require removal. Some tattoos are life-savers, as in the case of radiation target tattoos, and some are just intriguing or beautiful. This week’s winner belongs to a brilliant and beautiful University of Texas student. As I understand…
Some inks may darken in response to PicoSure laser tattoo removal so when in doubt, a test spot must be performed.
Occasionally tattoo ink will turn dark in response to PicoSure laser tattoo removal. For this reason, cosmetic tattoos, often referred to as permanent makeup around the mouth and eyes, are usually avoided. The one exception to this rule is black permanent makeup applied to the eyebrows. If the look is too stark, it can be…
So often in this business we focus on the bad tattoos you want to safely and effectively remove with the PicoSure laser. But I thought it’d be a good idea to celebrate the ones you love, so once a week I’ll post our “Tattoo-of-the-Week” winner. This first entry comes from Bee Caves, TX and belongs to a…
With sexy, beautiful designs, created by artists like Beyoncé, temporary tattoos are no longer just kid stuff and just might help prevent the need for PicoSure laser tattoo removal.
Hello Austin, I’m back from a well-deserved vacation and ready to talk PicoSure laser tattoo removal once again. So, some exciting news regarding Bey and her new ultra cool temp tattoo line. Yes, Beyoncé, wife of rap star JAY Z, has teamed up with the folks at Flash Tattoos to help create sexy new temporary…
The 532nm PicoSure Laser handpiece is performing well in removing resistant red, yellow, pink & orange inks.
As the first PicoSure laser in the entire Southwestern U.S. to have the 532nm optional upgrade handpiece for red, yellow, pink and orange inks, I would like to give my impression as to its performance. Originally, these light colors on the front end of the ROY G BIV rainbow spectrum, were tough to remove due…
Cover-up tattoos are no match for the power and reliability of the PicoSure laser tattoo removal system.
I see many homemade tattoos that patients received as students in high school. These tattoos generally use poor quality ink and are often put in with dull needles and lousy techniques that frequently cause scarring. Scarred skin tends to reveal itself after the ink is removed. It can also hold onto ink harder than healthy…
As Austin’s most experienced PicoSure laser tattoo removal expert, I take great pride in my clinical results and patient satisfaction.
Hello Friend, My name is Brendan Leigh, RN, MS and I’m a Registered Nurse in Austin, Texas specializing in tattoo removal and exclusively using the PicoSure laser with Boost upgrade and the 532nm handpiece for red and yellow ink plus their variants like pink & orange. I’m the most experienced PicoSure laser operator in Austin, Texas…
The term “Tramp Stamp” is derogatory and sexist; thankfully PicoSure laser tattoo removal eraces lower middle back art quite easily.
Women have been subjected to many derogatory terms over the years and the phrase “Tramp Stamp” is no exception. The lower middle back is a great place to hide a tattoo but unfortunately, any woman who got inked in that location is now labeled a tramp?! That’s not cool. Some folks have tried to correlate…
If your tattoo is just plain ugly, have it erased via PicoSure laser tattoo removal.
Sometimes we don’t get what we want, or even what we asked for, and in the case of permanent tattoos this necessitates the use of the PicoSure laser for tattoo removal. We’ve all been there; you order chicken fajitas and they bring you beef, you ask for a “medium” steak and it comes back burnt. …
Did YOU know? The PicoSure laser for tattoo removal has a “rep rate” or repeat rate that ranges from 1-10 pulses per second depending upon the area being treated? The rate is measured in Hertz. Treating a large back piece would require 10 Hertz but a traumatic tattoo near the eye might necessitate a rate…
Pregnancy is the most common contraindication for PicoSure laser tattoo removal.
Is PicoSure laser tattoo removal for everyone? The short answer is: no. Unfortunately not all tattoos can be treated just as not all people can be treated. Below is a list of contraindications for PicoSure treatment but the one that mostly affects my practice is pregnancy. I have a policy that I do not perform…
With the advent of its new 532nm handpiece, Red & Yellow inks are no match for the PicoSure laser tattoo removal system.
Success! Today I was the first nurse in the entire Southwest to use the new PicoSure 532nm handpiece for red, yellow & orange tattoo inks! I was very impressed with the reaction created by the treatment. Both yellow and red ink “frosted” in response to the 532nm green laser beam. You will recall that red…
Each square inch of tattooed skin contains about 10 million skin cells and tens of millions of ink particles which, once destroyed via the PicoSure laser tattoo removal process, can subsequently be engulfed and removed by lymphocytes.
I often get asked the questions “Why can’t the PicoSure laser remove a tattoo in a single treatment?” or “Why does it have to take so long?” To answer this important query, we must first contemplate what exactly would it take to remove the number of ink particles, or spheres, found in a single tattoo? …