LMC – Laser Medical Clinic is proud to offer the Cutera Enlighten III laser, an Nd:YAG laser with dual wavelengths (532 and 1064 nm) and dual pulse widths (2 ns and 750 ps). Cutera launched their Enlighten laser following the world’s first and only 755nm PicoSure laser, which is now emerging as one of the premier solutions for tattoo removal. Cutera’s Enlighten laser is the first on the market to feature both the nanosecond and picosecond technology with three unique laser wavelengths (532, 1064, 670 nm). Ink particles of different sizes and densities can be more efficiently and effectively removed thanks to this unique versatility. Enlighten III has the power and versatility to clear all ink colors in fewer treatments than most other picosecond lasers on the market today. When it comes to tattoo removal lasers and comparing Enlighten III vs. PicoWay and Enlighten III vs. PicoSure, enlighten™ is the first picosecond + nanosecond laser system to feature multiple wavelengths and industry leading specifications for the removal of tattoos. Unlike conventional laser toning that requires up to 15 treatment sessions and often leads to unpredictable results, PICO Genesis harnesses the power and flexibility of enlighten SR combined with its technical benefits in a dual delivery procedure to selectively shatter pigment and induce dermal disruption and remodelling for true skin revitalization in fewer than 3 sessions. The Cutera Enlighten III laser is used in the treatment of epidermal, dermal, and mixed (epidermal/dermal) pigmentation including:
Tattoos comprise thousands of ink particles suspended in the skin. Normal human bioprocesses remove foreign particles from the skin, but tattoo particles are too big to be removed. With laser treatments, tattoo pigment particles are broken into smaller pieces that can be removed by human processes. Although clinical researchers first experimented with lasers on tattoos in the late 1960s, it wasn’t until the 1980s that lasers became a viable, safe method for tattoo removal.
Successful laser tattoo removal depends on four factors:
1.Penetration: The laser light must go deep into the skin to reach the tattoo pigment.
2.Absorption: The color of the laser light must be more highly absorbed by the tattoo pigment than the surrounding skin. Different tattoo pigments therefore require different laser colors.
3.Duration: The laser pulse must be very quick (nanoseconds to picoseconds) so that the tattoo pigment is heated to fragmentation temperature before its heat can dissipate to the surrounding skin and cause burns or scarring.
4.Intensity: Each laser pulse must deliver enough energy to fragment the pigment. If not, no removal will take place.
The Cutera Enlighten can remove all ink colors on any skin type so in fewer treatments than traditional tattoo removal technologies. It is the market’s first triple wavelength and dual pulse duration laser platform. In addition, enlighten’s variable pulse durations (2 ns and 750 ps) enable a faster, more efficient clearance of pigmented lesions and tattoo ink, regardless of density. These factors mean that you will experience faster treatments, with less discomfort and very little downtime.
This laser is loved by those with multi-coloured tattoos, or those with dark skin tones, as the laser’s settings can be modified to deliver multiple types of light that different colours will respond best to. The end result is a safer, and easier way to get rid of unwanted tattoos on the body, and across skin tones. In one treatment, with one machine, we are able to pass over a coloured tattoo, reducing the time a patient is in session.
Other than tattoo removal, this laser can be used for:
In terms of tattoo removal, the number of treatments for with the enlighten® laser can vary quite a lot, as the number of treatments will depend on:
In terms of skin rejuvenation, you will require 2 – 4 treatments on average, though again, this depends on what is being treated, the intensity of the condition and your skin type.
Before we start your laser treatment, we apply a numbing cream on the treatment area. The laser process involves passing a handpiece over the tattoo or affected skin area. We stop and pulse the laser in small increments, until the entire treatment area has had an opportunity to absorb the laser light.
Pain can occur in some individuals, but it is relatively minimal, and the tolerance depends and varies between individuals. The sensation of the laser energy can be likened to snapping a rubber band on your skin with each pulse. The numbing cream helps to reduce this sensation.After treatment we cover the area with Polysporin®, to help the treatment area heal.
After a enlighten® laser session, there can be a healing time. The skin that had the laser pulses penetrated into it may turn red, and may also blister. For this reason, we ask that you use Polysporin® to aid the healing. After your treatment, you may cover the area with gauze if need be, though we do ask you to leave the treatment area open during healing if possible. However, when engaging in any activity that can cause infection (such as working in a dusty place, or spending time outdoors), we do ask that the area be covered. Of course, as with any cut or scrape, it is advisable to avoid swimming and sun exposure, or activities that can irritate the skin. You should be able to return to work, or go out in public, if you are comfortable. Generally speaking, it can take a few days for the skin irritation to subside.