PicoSure Tattoo Removal

How PicoSure Technology Works

PicoSure by Cynosure delivers ultra-short picosecond laser pulses that shatter tattoo ink into dust-like particles, which the body then naturally eliminates. Unlike traditional lasers that rely primarily on heat, PicoSure's photoacoustic PressureWave effect breaks ink apart through intense mechanical pressure — minimizing thermal damage to surrounding skin.

Wavelengths & Ink Colors

PicoSure uses two primary wavelengths to target the full spectrum of tattoo ink colors:

• 755nm Alexandrite — targets black, blue, and green inks
• 532nm — targets red, orange, and yellow inks

This dual-wavelength capability makes PicoSure highly effective on both stubborn single-color tattoos and complex multi-colored designs.

Treatment Protocol

Sessions are spaced 4–8 weeks apart to allow the immune system to clear fragmented ink particles between treatments. Most tattoos require 4–8 sessions — significantly fewer than the 10 or more sessions typically needed with traditional Q-switched lasers. A minimum of 3 sessions is required.

What to Expect After Treatment

Immediately following a session, it is normal to experience:

• Frosting — a temporary white discoloration of the treated area
• Mild redness and swelling, which typically resolve within a few days

These are normal responses and indicate the laser has effectively targeted the ink. Gradual fading continues over the weeks following each session as the body clears the fragmented particles.

Factors That Affect Results

Several factors influence how quickly and completely a tattoo can be removed:

• Ink color — darker inks (black, blue) respond fastest; lighter colors (yellow, white) may require more sessions
• Ink depth — deeper ink deposits take longer to clear
• Tattoo age — older tattoos often fade more readily than fresh ones
• Immune health — a healthy immune system accelerates ink clearance between sessions

Cover-Up Timing

If you plan to cover the treated area with a new tattoo, you must wait a minimum of 6 weeks after your last removal session. This allows the skin to fully heal and ensures the best possible canvas for new ink.

PicoSure vs. Traditional Q-Switched Lasers

Traditional Q-switched lasers use nanosecond pulses that rely heavily on heat to break down ink, often requiring 10 or more sessions and carrying a higher risk of scarring or skin discoloration. PicoSure's picosecond pulses are 100x shorter, generating a powerful photoacoustic PressureWave that shatters ink more efficiently with less thermal damage — resulting in fewer sessions, faster clearance, and a lower risk of side effects.

Pricing

• $75 per square inch
• Lidocaine (Lido) shot: $35
• Minimum 3 sessions: starting at $199 per session
• Miscellaneous / larger pieces: $350+