When choosing a place that does PicoWay tattoo removal well, be wary of low price
Published -
Updated -
Author
Wi Young-jin · Chief director
Seoul National University College of Medicine · Seoul National University Hospital Specialist
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Please check this first before reading
Q. When I went in for a consultation,
they immediately recommended a "10-session package."
Is that normal?
A. Honestly, that leans closer to standardized, average sales tactics.
If a clinic locks in the number of sessions without a proper prior assessment,
it means they are completely overlooking variables
such as ink color or necessary touch-ups.
Q. If it is the same Picoway laser,
why are the results so different from clinic to clinic?
A. The results differ entirely based on the skill of operating the handpieces (Toning vs. Zoom)
and the accuracy of designing the treatment plan sessions.
Even with the exact same equipment,
the outcome varies dramatically depending on the expertise of the practitioner.
Does Picoway seem all pretty much the same to you?
Actually, here is the truth.
Picoway is a device that shoots laser beams
at a speed of one-trillionth of a second
to shatter tattoo ink into microscopic particles.
Using three wavelengths—1064nm, 785nm, and 532nm—
it can target various colors
ranging from black
all the way to yellow.
Unlike other pico lasers,
the distinct feature of Picoway is
that it utilizes different handpieces
specifically designed for Toning and Zoom.
Why does tattoo removal take only 5 sessions for some,
while others need 12 sessions?
Dr. Wi Young-jin's
Key Insight
Before asking "How many sessions will it take?"
please check whether they assess your tattoo
using the Kirby-Desai scale first.
Any clinic that estimates the number of sessions without an assessment
is highly likely running a sales pitch that ignores individual variables.
Removing a tattoo is like carefully filtering
individual grains of sand out of muddy water.
Once we shatter the ink particles finely, our body's immune cells
naturally clear them out of the system.
Elements like color, depth, ink density, and skin tone
are completely unique to every individual.
That is why in the medical community,
we use a evaluation tool called
the 'Kirby-Desai scale.'
A 45-year-old client who visited us last year
received 5 sessions at another clinic after being told "10 sessions is all it takes," but not even half of it was removed.
Upon re-evaluation, we found that due to ink density and the depth,
this was a case that required at least 12 sessions or more.
Picoway needs to target the deep ink layers
using the Zoom handpiece,
but if a clinic only repeats Toning, the session count only increases
and you end up wasting your money.
Dr. Wi Young-jin's Key Takeaway
If you get an immediate number in response
to the question "How many sessions will it take?"—
that is marketing, not a medical evaluation.
You should look for a clinic that scores your tattoo properly
and meticulously designs a plan combining both Toning and Zoom treatments.
How to find a great tattoo removal clinic:
Check these 5 things
Checklist Items | Great Clinic (Trustworthy) | Clinics to Avoid (Sales-oriented) |
Prior Assessment | Uses the Kirby-Desai system | Recommends packages immediately without assessment |
Handpieces | Uses both Toning and Zoom handpieces interchangeably | Performs treatment with the exact same settings every time |
Who Performs It | The head doctor evaluates and treats you directly | Consultation is with the head doctor, but the treating doctor changes every time |
Color Capability | Utilizes all 3 wavelengths in the right places | Claims "all colors can be removed, no matter what" |
Aftercare | Has a clear, post-treatment touch-up policy | Says treatment is finished once the package sessions are used up |
Particularly, please make sure to check if the doctor closely observes the fading pattern
at every single session and adjusts the laser energy settings accordingly.
Top 3 Questions
Most Frequently Asked in the Consultation Room
Q1. Is it okay if I ask, "Please evaluate me
using the Kirby-Desai scale"?
A. Absolutely. From a physician's standpoint,
we are more than happy to meet a client who has done their research.
If a clinic seems flustered by that question,
it is proof that they are simply planning sessions based on an average estimate.
Q2. Pay-per-session vs. Package, which is better?
A. If it is a mono-colored,
small-sized tattoo, a package option can be beneficial.
However, if it is a multi-colored or large tattoo,
paying per session is much safer
as it allows us to adjust treatments flexibly while monitoring your progress.
Q3. I got blisters or hyperpigmentation
after my session. Is this normal?
A. Small blisters can be within the normal range of recovery.
However, if oozing persists or
if pigmentation spreads to surrounding areas,
it could be a sign that the laser energy was too strong or post-care was lacking.
You should visit the clinic for a checkup immediately.
If you take away just one piece of advice today—
please do not ask about the number of sessions first.
Check if they use a verified prior evaluation tool first.
In our next post,
we will guide you on 'How to personally apply
the 6 criteria of the Kirby-Desai scale to your own tattoo.'
Warm regards, Dr. Wi Young-jin.
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