Laser Tattoo Removal (PiQo4)

Laser tattoo removal using the PiQo4 — an FDA-cleared device that combines nanosecond and picosecond pulse technology across four wavelengths (1064 nm, 532 nm, 650 nm, 585 nm) to effectively target a broad spectrum of tattoo ink colours. Among the largest spot sizes available for tattoo removal, the PiQo4 covers more area per pulse, reducing session time. Sessions of 5–30 minutes depending on tattoo size. Typically 8–10 or more sessions for complete removal.

The PiQo4 laser at Sculpt DTLA is an FDA-cleared tattoo removal device manufactured by Lumenis that combines two pulse duration technologies — nanosecond (nano) and picosecond (pico) — in a single platform, along with four selectable wavelengths (1064 nm, 532 nm, 650 nm, and 585 nm). This multi-wavelength capability is the key differentiator of the PiQo4 for tattoo removal: different tattoo ink colours absorb different wavelengths of laser energy, meaning a platform limited to one or two wavelengths cannot effectively target the full spectrum of ink colours found in modern decorative tattoos. The 1064 nm wavelength targets dark inks — black, dark blue, and dark green — while the 532 nm wavelength targets lighter colours such as red, orange, and yellow. The 650 nm and 585 nm wavelengths address the green and teal ink colours that have historically been the most resistant to tattoo laser removal with older two-wavelength devices. In nanosecond mode, the PiQo4 delivers high-peak-power pulses that generate intense photomechanical (acoustic) and photothermal effects within ink particles, shattering them into smaller fragments. In picosecond mode, the pulse duration is shortened by a factor of 1,000, creating a primarily photoacoustic effect with less collateral heat, which can be advantageous for removing residual ink after initial nano sessions and for treating lighter colours with lower thermal burden to surrounding skin. The PiQo4 also has among the largest spot sizes available for tattoo removal — up to 26 mm — allowing each pulse to cover more ink area, which reduces total treatment time per session. Sessions at Sculpt DTLA run 5–30 minutes depending on tattoo size and complexity. A typical complete removal course requires 8–10 or more sessions spaced 6–8 weeks apart to allow the immune system to clear shattered ink particles between treatments.