GLASS LAB · Medical Aesthetics Evidence Index 303 cells · 19,226 papers · 5,969 top-tier evidence

Tattoo · Tattoo professional multicolor

Picosecond laser pigment evidence for Tattoo professional multicolor

B 58.5 / 100 Supported 4 RCT/meta · 8 clinical/observational · 20 case · 59 total
Good evidence · positive conclusion

There is a relatively good level of clinical evidence, and a majority of papers support its effectiveness.

Grade combines the quantity and quality of the research, while direction is a separate signal showing how the papers assess effectiveness.

Includes meta-analysis/SR Median year 2020 Last 5 years 44% Positive results 59% Negative results 3 Korea/Asia 11

Known in Korea as

피코슈어피코웨이피코토닝피코플러스피코슈어 프로피코 색소레이저

Procedure and brand names vary, but the evidence above applies to the same procedure mechanism.

Key papers

tier1 A Systematic Review of Picosecond Laser in Dermatology: Evidence and Recommendations. Lasers in surgery and medicine · 2020 · PMID 32282094

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The use of picosecond laser in dermatology was originally focused on optimizing the removal of unwanted tattoos. Subsequent advances in this technology have broadened its clinical indications to include treatment of benign pigmented lesions, photodamage, melasma, and scar revision. In this systematic review, evidence-based recommendations are developed for the use of picosecond laser in...

Journal Article, Systematic Review

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tier1 Evolution of the Picosecond Laser: A Review of Literature. Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.] · 2019 · PMID 30702447

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Picosecond pulse duration lasers (PS) have altered the field of dermatology. PS were initially used in tattoo removal, to optimize efficacy and reduce side effects with nanosecond domain lasers. More recently, they have been demonstrated to be effective in the treatment of pigmentary disorders, acne scarring, and photoaging.

Journal Article, Systematic Review

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tier1 Comparison of two picosecond lasers to a nanosecond laser for treating tattoos: a prospective randomized study on 49 patients. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV · 2017 · PMID 28758261

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Q-switched nanosecond lasers demonstrated their efficacy in treating most types of tattoos, but complete disappearance is not always achieved even after performing numerous laser sessions. Picosecond lasers are supposed to be more efficient in clearing tattoos than nanosecond lasers, but prospective comparative data remain limited. OBJECTIVE: To compare on different types of tattoos the efficacy of a...

Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial

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tier1 Neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Nd:YAG) 1064-nm picosecond laser vs. Nd:YAG 1064-nm nanosecond laser in tattoo removal: a randomized controlled single-blind clinical trial. The British journal of dermatology · 2017 · PMID 27518129

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: For decades, nanosecond lasers (NSLs) have been used to remove tattoos. Since 2012, pulses of picosecond lasers (PSLs) have been available for tattoo removal. Based on a few observational studies, the claim has been made that PSLs are considerably more effective while showing fewer side-effects in comparison with NSLs.

Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial

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tier2 Acoustic Shock Waves Associated with Lasers to Accelerate Tattoo Removal Procedures: A Real-World Study. Photobiomodulation, photomedicine, and laser surgery · 2026 · PMID 41248933

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: The combination of lasers and acoustic shock waves has shown promising results in accelerating tattoo removal. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of treatments combining lasers and shock waves regarding the number of sessions required for successful tattoo removal. METHODS: A prospective, observational, real-world, single-center study including adults (>18 years) with ≥one professional tattoo of any...

Journal Article, Observational Study

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tier2 Intravital Visualization of Tattoo Particles After Picosecond Laser Treatment. Skin research and technology : official journal of International Society for Bioengineering and the Skin (ISBS) [and] International Society for Digital Imaging of Skin (ISDIS) [and] International Society for Skin Imaging (ISSI) · 2025 · PMID 41137607

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Picosecond (ps) laser treatments have been widely used for several years to remove unwanted tattoos. It is hypothesized that following the laser-induced fragmentation of tattoo particles, transepidermal clearance occurs as one of the elimination processes alongside with the renewal of the skin. Nevertheless, the precise microscopic details of the tattoo clearance process following laser treatment remain...

Journal Article, Observational Study

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tier2 Evaluation of the safety and efficacy of the dual wavelength picosecond laser for the treatment of benign pigmented lesions in Asians. Lasers in surgery and medicine · 2018 · PMID 30357871

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Cutaneous pigmentary disorders are both more common and more difficult to treat in patients with skin color given the higher melanin content in the epidermis. Although Q-switched lasers are widely considered to be the standard treatment for both epidermal and dermal pigmentary conditions, a very high risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) of up to 25% is seen in patients with...

Clinical Study, Journal Article

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tier2 Laser Treatment of Professional Tattoos With a 1064/532-nm Dual-Wavelength Picosecond Laser. Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.] · 2017 · PMID 28930792

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Picosecond-domain laser pulses improve the photomechanical disruption of tattoos. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of a novel, dual-wavelength, 1,064/532-nm, picosecond-domain laser for tattoo clearance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective, self-controlled, clinical study of 34 subjects with 39 tattoos treated at 2 sites with an interval of 4.8 ± 1.6 weeks and up to 10...

Clinical Study, Journal Article

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tier2 Treatment of pigmentary disorders in patients with skin of color with a novel 755 nm picosecond, Q-switched ruby, and Q-switched Nd:YAG nanosecond lasers: A retrospective photographic review. Lasers in surgery and medicine · 2016 · PMID 26922302

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Laser procedures in skin of color (SOC) patients are challenging due to the increased risk of dyspigmentation and scarring. A novel 755 nm alexandrite picosecond laser has demonstrated effectiveness for tattoo removal and treatment of acne scars. No studies to date have evaluated its applications in pigmentary disorders.

Comparative Study, Journal Article

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tier2 Safety and effectiveness of black tattoo clearance in a pig model after a single treatment with a novel 758 nm 500 picosecond laser: a pilot study. Lasers in surgery and medicine · 2010 · PMID 20740618

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Optimal selective photothermolysis of a pigment particle requires pulse durations equal to or less than the particle's thermal relaxation time (t(1/2)). Since tattoo particles in skin range in diameter from 40 to 300 nm, picosecond pulses would approximate t(1/2) more closely and, therefore, might be more effective at tattoo particle fragmentation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: India Ink (carbon) or iron oxide...

Evaluation Study, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

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Suggested interpretation

Strong evidence base

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