PicoSure and CO₂ lasers are two very different technologies when it comes to tattoo removal. Below is a detailed comparison of their effectiveness, how they work, and which one is better for different tattoo removal needs.
1. Technology & How They Work
Factor
PicoSure Laser
CO₂ Laser
Type of Laser
Picosecond Alexandrite Laser (755nm)
Ablative Fractional CO₂ Laser
Mechanism
Delivers ultra-short pulses to break down ink particles
Burns & vaporizes skin layers, causing ink to shed
Effect on Ink
Shatters ink into tiny particles for the body to remove
Removes the top skin layers, forcing ink to scab off
Skin Damage
Minimal
High (removes entire layers of skin)
Scarring Risk
Low
High
2. Effectiveness on Different Tattoo Types
Tattoo Type
PicoSure
CO₂ Laser
Black Ink
✅ Highly effective
❌ Not ideal
Colored Tattoos
✅ Excellent for blue, green, purple
❌ Not effective
Old Tattoos
✅ Works well
⚠️ May help but causes skin damage
New Tattoos
⚠️ Works, but best after tattoo has healed for 3 months
❌ Not recommended
Dark Skin Tones
✅ Safer, lower risk of hyperpigmentation
⚠️ High risk of hypopigmentation or scarring
Tattoo Cover-ups
✅ Good for lightening old tattoos before new ink
❌ High risk of texture changes
PicoSure is the gold standard for tattoo removal because it targets ink without damaging skin.
CO₂ lasers are not designed for tattoo removal but can resurface skin to remove minor residual ink or scars.
3. Number of Sessions & Time to See Results
Factor
PicoSure Laser
CO₂ Laser
Sessions Needed
5–10 (varies by tattoo size, ink type, depth)
1–3 (but high risk of scarring)
Time Between Sessions
4–8 weeks
6–12 weeks (for healing)
Time to Full Removal
6 months to 1 year
Risky, may take months to heal per session
PicoSure can remove tattoos completely over time without skin damage.
CO₂ lasers take fewer sessions but can leave scars, making tattoo removal look worse.
4. Pain, Side Effects & Downtime
Factor
PicoSure
CO₂ Laser
Pain Level
Moderate (feels like rubber band snaps)
High (intense burning sensation)
Swelling & Redness
Mild, lasts 1–3 days
Severe, lasts 1–2 weeks
Healing Time
3–7 days
2–4 weeks per session
Scarring Risk
Low
High (may cause keloid or hypertrophic scars)
Hypopigmentation
Low risk
High risk (especially in darker skin tones)
PicoSure has faster healing & fewer risks because it doesn’t remove skin layers.
CO₂ lasers can leave permanent scars, especially on sensitive or dark skin.
5. Cost Comparison
Factor
PicoSure
CO₂ Laser
Cost Per Session
$250–$500
$300–$1,000
Total Cost
$1,500–$5,000 (depending on tattoo size)
$1,000–$3,000 (but risk of complications)
PicoSure is more expensive upfront but gives better long-term results.
CO₂ lasers are costly due to post-treatment care & potential scar treatments.
6. When to Use Each Treatment
Scenario
Best Option
You want to completely remove a tattoo safely
✅ PicoSure
Your tattoo has colored ink (green, blue, purple)
✅ PicoSure
You want minimal skin damage & no scarring
✅ PicoSure
You have a small amount of residual ink or scars from an old tattoo removal
⚠️ CO₂ Laser (for resurfacing only)
You have dark skin & want safe removal
✅ PicoSure
You want faster tattoo removal without worrying about scars
✅ PicoSure
You are willing to risk scarring & texture changes for faster results
⚠️ CO₂ Laser (not recommended)
Final Verdict: Which One is Better?
✅ PicoSure is the best choice for tattoo removal. ❌ CO₂ lasers are too aggressive & should not be used for full tattoo removal.
