frequently
ASKED
QUESTIONS

Tattoo Laser Removal: The Past and the Present

For those unfamiliar, tattoo laser removal is a procedure where lasers emit acoustic energy to precisely target and shatter unwanted ink particles. These ink fragments are then absorbed and naturally removed by the body’s immune system.

In the past, older laser technologies could be less effective and sometimes even painful. However, the introduction of the pico laser has revolutionized the process, offering faster results with fewer sessions.

who would be a good candidate for pico laser?

Picolaser treatment candidates are in generally good health, no major health or skin issues and do not have lupus, uncontrolled diabetes, or scleroderma. Ideal candidates:

  • Have light, medium, or darker skin tones.

  • Are unhappy with the appearance of their tattoos/want something new.

  • Have realistic expectations of the outcome and has patience.

Benefits of picoLASER treatment:

Highly Effective
Pico laser tattoo removal offers 85-100 percent removal after just 6-9 treatments. This treatment is much more effective than other, older laser options. The Picolaser machine stands out because it uses ultra-short pulses to target pigments in the skin without causing harm to the surrounding tissue.

Permanent Results
Once the tattoo is removed, it does not come back. People can get a new tattoo or enjoy a tattoo-free life after the procedure without fear of the old tattoo reappearing.

Nonsurgical Procedure With Little to Downtime
Pico laser tattoo removal is a minimally invasive procedure with little downtime. While the removal site needs time to heal, people can resume normal activities almost immediately.

Fewer Treatments
Patients only need 6-9 Pico laser tattoo removal treatments to achieve the desired results. Other laser tattoo removal systems require two or even three times the number of treatments. Non-picosecond pulse duration laser technology may require 16-20 treatment for 50-75% tattoo reduction.

Picolaser tattoo removal generally requires half as many treatments as the other laser options offered.

is IT painful?

Pain is subjective. Most patients experience minimal discomfort when being treated but it also depends on the area being treated. Some clients are okay with zero numbing, but numbing can be provided so you stay comfortable.

Tattoo removal with PICOLASER technology may be considered slightly painful depending on ones’ pain tolerance, and has been equivalent to rubbing bands snapping on skin.

What does my skin look like after lASER?

Most patients can return to their regular routine immediately following their treatment. The treated are may be tender with temporary redness and swelling that typically resolves within one hour, however it may last up to 24 hours in some cases.

You will be provided with post-care instructions following your treatment

ARE THERE ANY TATTOO COLOURS THAT picolaser CAN’T REMOVE?

This procedure works on all colours. It’s more effective at removing dark-coloured tattoos than other lasers.


WHAT IS WHITE FROSTING?

Tattoo removal frosting refers to the white, chalky effect that appears on the skin immediately after the laser targets unwanted ink. Although this reaction may seem alarming in photos or videos, frosting is completely natural and necessary for proper ink retention. The term derives from the appearance of cake frosting and covers what is underneath (your ink) with a white substance similar to that of a cake.

Frosting is an important indication that the body’s natural healing process has begun and that the energy emitted by the laser was successfully absorbed by the ink.

Tattoo removal frosting normally lasts anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes post-treatment. Depending on how many sessions have already taken place. The more treatments the client has had, the less frosting will appear—simply because the majority of ink pigment has been removed. Frosting or cavitation is a good sign your body is functioning well to remove the pulverized ink particles.

HOW LONG IS THE PROCEDURE?

The process will take about anywhere from 30 minutes - 60 minutes depending on the size of the tattoo you are removing.

can picolaser cause hair loss?

No, the pulse duration is too short for the laser to kill hair follicle.

The Picolaser has produces picosecond pulses of light energy.  This pulse may temporarily  remove hair by vaporizing the hair on the surface, but the follicle will not be destroyed and will eventually grown another hair unless there is some other disease process going on that causes hair loss such as alopecia areata, thinning of the hair with age, a thyroid condition, genetics, hormones and other causes. 

HOW OFTEN CAN I GET IT DONE?

Patience is key when it comes to effective laser tattoo removal. Many clinics will tell you to come back every 6-8 weeks so they charge you more sessions, but we suggest every 8-12 weeks. Your tattoo removal progress is determined by your metabolism. Laser can only break up the ink into smaller particle but it is essentially up to your body’s lymphatic systems ability to carry it away. By your 4th treatment, we recommend waiting 4-6 months between treatment.

WHEN CAN I START TO WEAR MAKEUP?

Please refrain from wearing makeup on treated area for at least 24-48 hours.

what areas can THE LASER work on?

The Picolaser will also work on cosmetic tattooing on the eyebrows, lips, and body.

CAN I WORKOUT AFTER laser removal?

Please wait at least 24-48 hours to resume exercising/sweating.

What types of pigment can Pico remove?

Lasers remove a variety of unwanted pigment.

Tattoo inks, Age spots, freckles, and brown patches can all be removed with picolaser. During a free consultation, your practitioner will put together a treatment regime to help you achieve pigment-free skin fast.

Our Picolaser machine comes 4 different wavelegnths:

  • 532nm

  • 1064nm

  • 755nm

  • 1320nm

What Can I Expect During my Laser Tattoo Removal Session?

Pre-Treatment Consultation: Before your laser tattoo removal, you will get a consultation and fill out the consent waiver forms . We’ll discuss your tattoo removal goals, review your medical history, and assess the tattoo to ensure the treatment is tailored specifically to your needs.

Cleansing: Your skin will be thoroughly cleansed to remove any external contaminants. This step is crucial to prevent any reactions and ensure that the laser targets only the tattoo ink.

Laser Application: Once your skin is clean and prepped, the appropriate laser will be used on the tattoo. We will adjust the laser settings based on the color, depth, and age of your tattoo for effective ink removal.

Sensation: During the session, you may feel a sensation similar to a rubber band snapping against your skin. Cooling methods or numbing creams may be used to minimize discomfort.

Duration: The duration of each session depends on the size and complexity of the tattoo. Generally, sessions last between 10-30 minutes. We will monitor the process continuously to ensure your comfort and the effectiveness of the treatment.

Post-Treatment Care: Immediately after the treatment, a cooling gel will be applied to mitigate any discomfort.
A detailed aftercare instruction will be provided, which typically include tips on skin care, avoiding sun exposure, and the importance of keeping the treated area clean.

WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF LASER TATTOO REMOVAL?

When laser tattoo removal is done by a qualified professional, there are few side effects. Immediately after the procedure, you may experience pain, blistering, or crusting. Long-term complications are rare but include skin discoloration, scarring, and allergic reactions.

DO TATTOO REMOVALS CREAM WORK?

The short answer is no, they do not work. They can also cause serious side effects like burning and scarring, and they are not approved by the FDA.