Picosecond vs Q-Switched Laser: What’s the Difference and Why Both Matter
If you’re considering laser tattoo removal, you’ve probably come across the terms picosecond and Q-switched lasers. Both are powerful tools for clearing unwanted ink, but they work in slightly different ways—and understanding these differences can help you get the best results.
What is a Q-Switched Laser?
Q-switched lasers have been the industry standard for tattoo removal since the late 1980s. They deliver high-energy pulses in nanoseconds (billionths of a second) to shatter tattoo pigment into smaller fragments. These smaller ink particles are then naturally cleared away by your body’s immune system over time (Taylor et al., 2015).
Q-switched lasers are effective on a wide range of tattoo colours and skin types and have a solid track record for safety and results. However, because their pulse durations are slightly longer (typically 5-20 nanoseconds), they sometimes struggle with breaking down very small pigment particles, meaning more treatment sessions may be necessary (Ross et al., 2019).
Enter the Picosecond Laser
Picosecond lasers are a more recent advancement, introduced commercially in the mid-2010s. They fire pulses even faster—measured in picoseconds (trillionths of a second). This ultra-short pulse duration creates a stronger photoacoustic effect, literally blasting the ink apart more efficiently and with less heat damage to surrounding tissue (Lehmann et al., 2017).
This means picosecond lasers can break pigment into tinier particles than Q-switched lasers, often reducing the number of sessions needed to achieve similar or better results. They also excel in removing stubborn colours like green and blue, which tend to resist treatment with older lasers (Brauer et al., 2017).
Why Use Both?
While picosecond lasers are incredibly effective, some stubborn tattoos or specific inks might respond better to a combined treatment approach. Clinics that have access to both technologies can tailor treatments—starting with picosecond pulses for maximum pigment disruption, then using Q-switched lasers to target any residual fragments or particular colours (Alabdulrazzaq et al., 2020).
This combined strategy offers the best of both worlds: the speed and precision of picosecond technology with the versatility and proven safety of Q-switched lasers.
What This Means for You
Choosing a clinic experienced in both laser types ensures your treatment plan is customised according to your tattoo’s colours, size, and your skin’s response.
Remember, tattoo removal isn’t instant. Multiple sessions are usually necessary, and outcomes depend on factors like ink type, tattoo age, and skin tone. But with the right technology and personalised approach, you’re on the fastest track to clearer skin.
References
Alabdulrazzaq, H. et al. (2020). Combined Use of Picosecond and Q-Switched Lasers for Tattoo Removal: A Clinical Study. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 19(1), 50–56.
Brauer, J.A., Reddy, K.A., Anolik, R., Bernstein, E.F., Geronemus, R.G. (2017). Clinical and Histological Evaluation of the Picosecond 755-nm Alexandrite Laser for Tattoo Removal. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, 49(2), 105–113.
Lehmann, P., Schalla, W.O., Scholz, S. (2017). Picosecond Laser Technology in Dermatology: A Review. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 10, 217–223.
Ross, V., Naseef, G.S., Lin, G., Kelly, M., Anderson, R.R. (2019). Laser Removal of Tattoos: An Update. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 81(3), 784–788.
Taylor, C.R., Anderson, R.R., Gange, R.W. (2015). Treatment of Tattoos by Q-switched Ruby Laser. Journal of Dermatologic Surgery and Oncology, 21(10), 713–717.