PicoWay Body Treatment: Picosecond Laser for Tattoo Removal, Pigmented Lesions & Skin Rejuvenation
Unwanted tattoos, stubborn pigmented lesions, and uneven skin tone on the body can be challenging to treat with conventional methods. Traditional Q-switched lasers often require numerous sessions, cause significant discomfort, and carry a higher risk of scarring — especially on body areas where skin heals differently than the face.
PicoWay represents a breakthrough in laser technology. As a true picosecond laser (delivering energy in trillionths of a second), PicoWay shatters tattoo ink and pigment particles into ultra-fine fragments that your body can naturally eliminate. At RAAC Richmond, we use PicoWay's advanced platform to treat body tattoos, pigmented lesions, and skin texture concerns with superior efficacy and safety.
What Makes PicoWay Different?
Picosecond vs. Nanosecond Technology
Traditional Q-switched lasers operate in nanoseconds (billionths of a second). PicoWay operates in picoseconds — 1,000 times faster. This ultra-short pulse duration creates a primarily photoacoustic (pressure wave) effect rather than a photothermal (heat) effect:
- Photoacoustic effect: Shatters pigment into tiny particles without excessive heat buildup
- Less thermal damage: Reduced risk of burns, scarring, and hyperpigmentation
- More complete fragmentation: Smaller particles are more easily cleared by the immune system
- Fewer sessions needed: Greater fragmentation per session means faster overall results
Triple Wavelength Versatility
PicoWay offers three wavelengths to target the full spectrum of ink colors and pigment types:
- 1064nm: Targets black, dark blue, and dark green inks; deep melanin pigment
- 785nm: Targets blue and green inks — notoriously difficult colors for older lasers
- 532nm: Targets red, orange, yellow, and warm-toned inks; superficial pigmentation
This multi-wavelength capability means PicoWay can treat virtually any tattoo color — something that single-wavelength lasers simply cannot achieve.
Body Conditions PicoWay Can Treat
Tattoo Removal
Whether it's a youthful decision you've outgrown, a name you'd rather forget, or faded ink you want cleared for a cover-up, PicoWay provides the most advanced non-surgical tattoo removal available in Richmond BC.
Common body tattoo locations we treat:
- Arms (full sleeves, half sleeves, forearm, wrist)
- Back (upper back, lower back, full back)
- Chest and ribs
- Legs (thigh, calf, ankle)
- Hands and fingers
- Neck and shoulders
- Feet and toes
What to expect:
- Black tattoos: Typically require 4-8 sessions for significant fading or complete removal
- Multi-color tattoos: May require 6-12 sessions depending on ink types and depth
- Amateur/homemade tattoos: Often respond faster (3-6 sessions) due to shallower ink placement
- Professional tattoos: More sessions needed due to denser, deeper ink deposits
Session spacing: 6-8 weeks between sessions to allow the immune system to clear fragmented ink particles.
Pigmented Lesions on the Body
PicoWay effectively treats various pigmented conditions on body areas:
Solar Lentigines (Sun Spots/Age Spots) Years of UV exposure on the arms, hands, shoulders, chest, and legs can produce dark spots that resist topical treatments. PicoWay fragments the excess melanin deposits, allowing the body to clear them naturally. Most spots require 1-3 sessions.
Café-au-Lait Macules These flat, light brown birthmarks can appear anywhere on the body. PicoWay's precision targeting can significantly lighten or remove them with minimal risk to surrounding skin.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) Dark marks left behind by acne, injuries, burns, or previous laser treatments can be stubborn on body skin. PicoWay's photoacoustic mechanism treats PIH with lower risk of worsening the pigmentation — a common concern with heat-based lasers.
Seborrheic Keratoses (when appropriate) After medical evaluation confirms these are benign, PicoWay can address the pigmented component of certain seborrheic keratoses.
Body Skin Rejuvenation (PicoWay Resolve)
PicoWay's Resolve fractional handpiece can be used on body areas for overall skin texture improvement:
- Reducing fine lines on the chest and décolletage
- Improving skin texture on the hands and arms
- Addressing sun-damaged skin on the shoulders and upper back
- Smoothing rough or uneven skin tone
The Resolve handpiece creates microscopic treatment zones beneath the skin surface, stimulating collagen and elastin production without breaking the outer skin layer — meaning virtually no downtime.
The Treatment Process at RAAC Richmond
Initial Consultation
Your physician performs a thorough evaluation:
- Tattoo assessment: Size, color spectrum, ink depth, skin type, and location
- Pigment assessment: Type of lesion, depth, distribution, and medical history
- Skin type analysis (Fitzpatrick scale) to determine optimal laser parameters
- Realistic outcome expectations and treatment timeline discussion
- Clinical photography for progress documentation
Pre-Treatment Guidelines
- Avoid sun exposure and tanning on the treatment area for 4 weeks
- Discontinue retinoids on the treatment area for 1 week
- Shave the treatment area if needed (avoid waxing)
- Arrive with clean skin, free of lotions or creams
Day of Treatment
- Area preparation: Treatment zone is cleaned and marked
- Eye protection: Laser safety goggles are provided
- Cooling: A cryo-cooling device may be used to enhance comfort
- Laser treatment: The PicoWay handpiece is passed over the target area. Each pulse feels like a snap of a rubber band. Treatment duration varies:
- Small tattoo (2x2 inches): 5-10 minutes
- Medium tattoo (4x4 inches): 15-25 minutes
- Large area (half sleeve): 30-45 minutes
- Pigmented lesions: 5-20 minutes depending on extent
- Post-treatment care: Soothing ointment and bandage applied
Recovery
- Immediately after: Treated area appears white/frosted (tattoo removal) or slightly red (pigmentation)
- Hours 1-24: Mild swelling, redness, possible blistering (tattoo removal)
- Days 2-7: Crusting or scabbing may form — do not pick or scratch
- Days 7-14: Scabs naturally separate; new skin forms underneath
- Weeks 4-8: Tattoo ink continues to fade as the immune system clears fragmented particles
Body areas may take slightly longer to heal than facial treatments. Strict sun protection is essential during the healing period.
How Much Does PicoWay Body Treatment Cost in Richmond?
At RAAC Richmond, PicoWay body treatments are priced competitively with details at consultation. pigmentation vs. rejuvenation |
Package pricing is available for multi-session tattoo removal plans, providing significant savings compared to per-session pricing.
Cost comparison:
- PicoWay tattoo removal series: competitive pricing (discussed at consultation) (depending on size and complexity)
- Surgical tattoo excision: competitive pricing (discussed at consultation)+ (plus scarring risk)
- Cover-up tattoo: competitive pricing (discussed at consultation)+ (doesn't remove the original)
Why Choose RAAC for PicoWay Body Treatments?
Authentic PicoWay Technology
We use the genuine Candela PicoWay system — not generic picosecond lasers or outdated Q-switched devices. The PicoWay platform is FDA-cleared with the widest range of wavelengths for comprehensive ink and pigment targeting.
Physician Expertise
Body laser treatments require precise parameter selection based on skin type, ink depth, and anatomical location. Different body areas have different skin thickness, vascularity, and healing characteristics. Our medical team adjusts every setting for safety and efficacy.
All Skin Types Welcome
PicoWay's photoacoustic mechanism makes it one of the safest laser options for darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick IV-VI). Our experience treating Richmond's diverse multicultural community means we understand the unique considerations for Asian, South Asian, and darker skin types.
Comprehensive Treatment Planning
We often combine PicoWay with complementary treatments for optimal results:
- PRP therapy: Accelerates healing between laser sessions
- Sylfirm-X: For combined textural improvement alongside pigment clearance
- Medical-grade skincare: Post-treatment skin optimization protocols
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many sessions do I need for complete tattoo removal? A: Most professional tattoos require 6-10 sessions for near-complete removal. Black ink responds fastest; colors like green and light blue may need additional sessions. We provide a realistic estimate during your consultation.
Q: Does PicoWay tattoo removal hurt? A: Most patients describe the sensation as similar to a rubber band snapping against the skin. We use cryo-cooling and, if needed, topical numbing to manage discomfort. Body areas with more fat and muscle (thighs, arms) are generally more comfortable than bony areas (ankles, wrists).
Q: Can PicoWay remove permanent makeup or cosmetic tattoos? A: Yes, PicoWay can treat permanent makeup (eyebrow tattoos, lip liner, etc.) and cosmetic tattoos. These require careful parameter selection as cosmetic inks sometimes contain unexpected pigments.
Q: Is there scarring risk? A: PicoWay's picosecond technology significantly reduces scarring risk compared to older lasers. The photoacoustic mechanism minimizes thermal damage. However, some individuals are prone to keloid or hypertrophic scarring — we assess this risk during consultation.
Q: Can I get a new tattoo after PicoWay removal? A: Yes. Many patients use PicoWay to lighten or partially remove old tattoos to prepare for a cover-up design. We can work with your tattoo artist to determine the ideal level of fading needed.
Q: Will the treated area look completely normal after tattoo removal? A: In most cases, the skin returns to near-normal appearance. Some patients may have slight texture or color differences in the treated area, but these are typically subtle and far less noticeable than the original tattoo.
Book Your PicoWay Body Consultation
Ready to remove an unwanted tattoo, clear pigmented lesions, or rejuvenate body skin? Book your consultation at RAAC Richmond and take the first step toward clearer, more confident skin.
RAAC Richmond Anti-Aging Clinic: 5811 Cooney Road, Suite 305, Richmond BC V6X 3M1. Serving Richmond, Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, and Metro Vancouver. Advanced PicoWay picosecond laser for tattoo removal and pigment treatment.
