​Picosecond lasers remove tattoos by producing extremely short pulses of high-energy light that target tattoo pigments. The rapid energy delivery creates a photomechanical (photo-acoustic) effect that shatters ink particles into much smaller fragments which the body’s immune system can then clear more efficiently.

 

How picosecond differs from older Q-switched lasers

• Pulse duration: picoseconds vs nanoseconds is much shorter.

• Mechanism: stronger mechanical shockwave in addition to photo-thermal effects, so less heat damage to surrounding tissue.

• Efficacy: often clears difficult colours (e.g., blues, greens) and dense black ink faster and with fewer sessions for many tattoos.

• Safety: lower overall thermal injury risk, potentially reduced risk of scarring and hypopigmentation.

 

Typical wavelengths and applicability

• Common picosecond wavelengths: 532 nm (green) for red/orange pigments; 755 nm (alexandrite) for blue/green and some blacks; 1064 nm (Nd:YAG) for black and darker pigments and deeper ink. Some systems offer combinations or additional wavelengths for broader colour coverage.

• Not all colours respond equally: blacks and dark blues usually respond best; yellows and some pastels can be more resistant.

 

Procedure steps

1. Consultation and assessment: tattoo age, ink colours, depth, skin type, scarring, and medical history. Skin cleaned correctly then dried.

2. Test patch may be done to assess response and risk.

3. Pre-treatment photos. 

4. Laser passes over tattoo with protective eyewear for patient and operator.

5. Immediate endpoint often shows whitening (frosting) as gas forms in tissue; transient pinpoint bleeding or edema may occur in some cases.

6. Skin Air Cooling Machine is used during and after the treatment to provide comfort and help with any discomfort.

7. Icepack for client to leave with.

8. Post-treatment aftercare instructions provided.

 

Expected course, sessions, and results.

• Number of sessions: highly variable — but usually 6-10 sessions depending on a number of factors we can discuss during the consultation. Sessions are spaced 6–12 weeks apart to allow healing and immune clearance.

• Results: progressive lightening over sessions; some tattoos can be cleared substantially, others may only partially fade due to ink composition or prior scarring.

 

Common side effects and risks that can occur.

• Short-term: redness, swelling, blistering, crusting, bruising, temporary darkening or lightening of skin (post-inflammatory hyper- or hypopigmentation), itching, tenderness.

• Less common: scarring (rare when performed properly), persistent pigmentary changes, infection, allergic reactions to mobilised ink.

• Risk factors: darker skin types have higher risk of hypopigmentation/hyperpigmentation; improper settings increase scarring risk so we must work accordingly to your skin tone and type.

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Adverse Reaction - seek medical attention immediately if :

• Persistent pain will not go away with over-the-counter pain medication.

• The treated area looks infected (yellow or honey-coloured exudate and scabs)

• Fever exceeds 39

• If the treated area becomes excessively swollen

• Excessive bleeding or any drainage.

 

Aftercare

• Keep area clean and protected from sun; overuse of petroleum based products can cause the area to heat up after the removal session so please only follow technicians instructions..

• Avoid picking at blisters/scabs.

• Strict sun protection for months to reduce pigment changes.

• Follow clinician guidance on activity, topical agents, and timing of next session.

 

Who is a good candidate 

• Good candidates: healthy individuals with realistic expectations, tattoos with accessible ink colours, no active skin infections, and appropriate skin types for chosen wavelength.

 

Key contraindications and important precautions for laser tattoo removal:

Absolute or strong contraindications

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding — Avoid treatment.

• Active skin infection at the treatment site (bacterial, fungal, viral such as herpes simplex).

• Isotretinoin / Roaccutane use within the recent months (usually avoid if taken in last 6–12 months; follow prescriber guidance).

• Active autoimmune or connective-tissue disease with unstable skin involvement (e.g., lupus with active lesions).

• Uncontrolled diabetes or poor wound healing - Doctors note required.

• Known tendency for keloid scaring.

• Recent use of photosensitising medications (check agent-specific guidance; avoid if on strong photosensitisers).

• Active cancer or current systemic immunosuppression.

 

Relative contraindications / situations requiring caution or modification

• Darker skin tones (higher risk of hypopigmentation/hyperpigmentation) 

• Recent sun exposure or tanning; wait until skin has returned to baseline.

• Anticoagulant therapy or bleeding disorders — assess bleeding risk and get doctors clearance.

• Dermal fillers or recent cosmetic procedures near the tattoo — allow appropriate healing interval.

• History of poor wound healing, radiation therapy to the area, or significant scarring.

• Pacemaker/implantable devices ​

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At The Brow Studio Taupo we are dedicated to offering safe and comfortable laser tattoo removal for both body tattoos and also permanent makeup laser removal.

Please book a consultation HERE to discuss cost per session for body tattoo laser removal.

PMU laser removal booking is available HERE

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