Introduction
In 2025, picosecond laser treatment has gained significant popularity in New York City. Whether it's for tattoo removal, treating pigmented lesions, or skin rejuvenation, picosecond lasers offer a non - invasive and effective solution. This article will introduce you to five carefully selected hospitals in New York City that excel in picosecond laser treatment.
Understanding Picosecond Laser Treatment
Picosecond laser treatment is a revolutionary cosmetic and medical procedure. It emits ultra - short pulses of energy in picoseconds. A picosecond is one trillionth of a second. This ultra - short pulse duration creates a powerful photo - mechanical impact that can break down pigments in the skin with high precision and less damage to the surrounding tissue compared to traditional lasers.
How Picosecond Laser Works for Tattoo Removal
The main principle of picosecond laser for tattoo removal is to break down the tattoo ink particles. As mentioned in the research from PFRANKMD, a high - intensity light beam is targeted at the pigmentation. The picosecond laser shatters the ink into tiny dust - like particles. These particles are then absorbed into the body and excreted through the body's natural immune system. The laser treatment causes the pigment to fade substantially over time. Dark ink colors, particularly black, are most easily reduced as they absorb a wide range of laser wavelengths. The effectiveness of the removal also depends on factors such as the age of the tattoo, its location on the body, and the patient's skin type.
Other Applications of Picosecond Laser
Picosecond lasers are not only used for tattoo removal but also for treating various skin conditions. According to Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York, the PicoSure laser can treat acne scarring, age and brown spots, birthmarks, café - au - lait macules, melasma, nevus of ota, and stretch marks. The laser targets the pigment or damaged skin cells, stimulating the body's natural healing process to improve the appearance of the skin.
Five Selected Hospitals for Picosecond Laser Treatment in New York City
1. PFRANKMD
PFRANKMD, led by Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank, is a well - known institution for picosecond laser tattoo removal in New York City. Dr. Frank has extensive experience in laser tattoo removal and can plan and guide patients through the process based on their individual needs.
Treatment Process
Before starting the treatment, Dr. Frank assesses the patient's tattoo, considering factors like the color, age, and location of the tattoo, as well as the patient's skin pigment. The picosecond laser treatment focuses on disintegrating the ink particles of the tattoo. As stated earlier, it may take anywhere from 4 - 12 treatments to see a significant difference in the appearance of the tattoo.
Patient Experience
Although minor swelling, redness, and blistering are normal after each session, the level of discomfort reported by patients is consistently low. Recovery time is minimal, and patients don't need to take off from work or their daily routine. Results are apparent after as few as two or three sessions, but an average of 10 sessions is needed for an apparent reduction in appearance.
2. Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York
This center offers multiple picosecond laser options, including the PicoSure and PicoPlus lasers. It is known for its advanced technology and experienced board - certified physicians.
PicoSure Laser
The PicoSure laser is a top choice for treating unwanted tattoos and pigmented lesions. It was the first picosecond laser approved by the FDA for tattoo and pigmented lesion removal. In a clinical study of 22 subjects with multi - colored and recalcitrant tattoos, the PicoSure laser achieved more than 80% overall tattoo clearance over a two - week period, with an average of 94% clearance for blue and green ink. It also has a minimal downtime, and side effects like mild redness and swelling usually subside within 1 - 2 days.
PicoPlus Laser
The PicoPlus laser from Lutronic complements the PicoSure laser. It combines nanosecond and picosecond wavelengths to address body ink and pigmentation irregularities in fewer treatments. It can treat unwanted tattoos, freckles, age spots, birthmarks, hyperpigmentation, and melasma. Patients usually return to their daily routine immediately following treatment or the next day.
3. William Lao, MD
Dr. William Lao offers the PicoSure Pro laser, which is a state - of - the - art laser device for skin revitalization in New York City.
Features of PicoSure Pro
The PicoSure Pro delivers 755 nm energy in picoseconds, targeting unwanted pigment, wrinkles, acne scars, and enlarged pores with remarkable precision and minimal downtime. It can also be used for tattoo removal. The 755 nm wavelength can target black, blue, and green tattoo inks, and the optional 532 nm wavelength effectively treats “sunset colors” such as red, yellow, and orange. It offers benefits like effective pigment removal, reduced wrinkles and fine lines, acne scar treatment, and is safe for all skin types.
Treatment and Recovery
On the day of treatment, a topical numbing cream may be applied to the treatment area. Patients may experience a slight warming sensation during the procedure. After treatment, mild redness or swelling may occur, but these side effects typically subside within a few hours to a day. There is minimal downtime associated with PicoSure Pro, allowing patients to resume their daily activities immediately.
4. Dermatology and Laser Group
This group uses the Picoway laser for tattoo removal, which is considered the gold standard for this procedure.
Picoway Laser for Tattoo Removal
The Picoway laser utilizes photomechanical pressure wave technology to break down even the most minute - targeted ink particles. It shatters the tattoo ink into dust - like particles that can be readily eliminated by the body. This cutting - edge technology offers faster results with fewer treatments compared to traditional lasers. The center also supplements laser treatment with medical microneedling during tattoo removal sessions to remove tattoo ink more effectively and restore skin texture and tone more quickly.
Patient Care
Dr. Arash Akhavan, a board - certified dermatologist, provides personalized treatment plans. He is highly experienced, with over 15 years of treating tattoos. The center emphasizes patient comfort during the procedure, using prescription - strength numbing creams, numbing injections, and chilled air from a Zimmer cooler device.
5. Art of Dermatology
Art of Dermatology uses the PicoSure laser for tattoo removal, offering safe and effective treatments under the guidance of board - certified dermatologist Dr. Jessica Krant.
PicoSure Technology
The PicoSure laser delivers ultra - short picosecond pulses of energy into the skin, creating a pressure wave that targets the pigment of tattoo ink while avoiding unmarked skin. It breaks down the ink into tiny dust - like particles, which are easily eliminated by the body. The result is a clear skin after just a few laser treatment sessions. It has reduced side effects, including less injury to surrounding skin, and requires fewer treatments than traditional lasers for excellent results.
Advantages over Traditional Lasers
Traditional tattoo removal laser technology uses nanosecond pulses of energy, which can generate heat in the tissue and cause scarring. The PicoSure's picosecond pulse width is 100 times shorter than nanosecond technology, enabling an unmatched photo - mechanical impact for better clearance with fewer treatments and less risk of scarring.
Comparative Table of the Five Hospitals
| Hospital | Main Laser Used | Main Treatments | Recovery Time | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFRANKMD | Picosecond laser for tattoo removal | Tattoo removal | Minimal, no need to take off from daily routine; minor swelling, redness, and blistering may occur but subside | Experienced doctor, personalized treatment plan |
| Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York | PicoSure, PicoPlus lasers | Tattoo removal, pigmented lesion removal, acne scarring treatment, etc. | Minimal, side effects like redness and swelling subside within 1 - 2 days (PicoSure); return to daily routine immediately or next day (PicoPlus) | Advanced technology, multiple laser options, experienced board - certified physicians |
| William Lao, MD | PicoSure Pro | Skin revitalization (targeting pigment, wrinkles, acne scars, pores), tattoo removal | Minimal, mild redness or swelling subside within a few hours to a day | State - of - the - art technology, effective for multiple skin concerns, safe for all skin types |
| Dermatology and Laser Group | Picoway laser | Tattoo removal | 1 week; proper aftercare required | Gold - standard laser, combination with medical microneedling, experienced doctor |
| Art of Dermatology | PicoSure laser | Tattoo removal | Minimal, fewer side effects and less risk of scarring compared to traditional lasers | Advanced picosecond technology, better clearance with fewer treatments |
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital for Picosecond Laser Treatment
When choosing a hospital for picosecond laser treatment in New York City, several factors should be taken into account:
- Doctor's Expertise: Ensure that the doctor is board - certified and has extensive experience in picosecond laser treatment. For example, Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank at PFRANKMD and Dr. Arash Akhavan at the Dermatology and Laser Group have significant experience in treating tattoos.
- Laser Technology: Different hospitals may use different picosecond lasers. Research the features and effectiveness of the lasers used. For instance, the PicoSure laser has a proven track record in tattoo and pigmented lesion removal.
- Patient Reviews and Testimonials: Read reviews from previous patients to get an idea of their experiences, including the quality of treatment, patient care, and results.
- Cost: The cost of picosecond laser treatment can vary. Consider the cost - effectiveness based on the treatment plan and expected results. For example, the cost of PicoSure Pro treatments in New York City typically ranges from $400 to $1300 per session at William Lao, MD.
- After - care Services: Good after - care is crucial for optimal results and to minimize side effects. Make sure the hospital provides detailed after - care instructions and follow - up appointments.
Pre - treatment and Post - treatment Precautions
Pre - treatment Precautions
Before undergoing picosecond laser treatment, patients should:
- Choose a board - certified doctor and a reputable hospital for the treatment.
- Disclose any pre - existing health conditions, allergies, or medications they are taking during the consultation.
- For tattoo removal, avoid direct sun exposure to the tattoo area for a few weeks before the treatment to reduce the risk of skin pigmentation changes.
- Clean the treatment area thoroughly before the procedure and remove any makeup, lotion, or sunscreen.
Post - treatment Precautions
After picosecond laser treatment, patients should:
- Follow the doctor's after - care instructions carefully. This may include keeping the treated area clean, applying ointments, and avoiding sun exposure.
- Use sunscreen with a high SPF to protect the treated area from the sun. For example, apply sunscreen with an SPF 50 to the treatment sites in between sessions and reapply it every 90 minutes if exposed to the sun for an extended period.
- Avoid using harsh soaps, cleansers, or perfumed products on the treated area.
- Monitor the treated area for any signs of infection or complications. If any unusual symptoms occur, contact the doctor immediately.
Conclusion
In 2025, these five carefully selected hospitals in New York City - PFRANKMD, Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York, William Lao, MD, Dermatology and Laser Group, and Art of Dermatology - offer high - quality picosecond laser treatment options. Each hospital has its own advantages, whether it's the doctor's expertise, advanced laser technology, or comprehensive patient care. Picosecond laser treatment can effectively address various skin concerns, including tattoo removal and skin rejuvenation. However, patients should carefully consider the factors mentioned above when choosing a hospital and follow the pre - treatment and post - treatment precautions for the best results.
We encourage you to take the next step in your picosecond laser treatment journey. Contact one of these hospitals for a consultation, learn more about the treatment process, and see how it can transform your skin. Share this article with friends or family who may also be interested in picosecond laser treatment in New York City.
