Tattoo Removal

Cynosure PicoSure Logo

What is PicoSure and how does it work?

PicoSure is the world’s first picosecond laser for the effective removal of tattoos on all skin types. Instead of building up heat, a PicoSure treatment delivers energy so rapidly (in trillionths of a second) that the tiny particles which make up pigment in tattoo ink vibrate and break apart without affecting surrounding tissue.

The tiny particles are then eliminated through the body’s natural processes. Less heat means less tissue damage, with a greater clearance rate and less sessions needed compared to Q-Switch tattoo removal devices. The PicoSure can treat multi-coloured inks like blue and green, hard to remove black inks, microblading/eyebrow tattoos and previously treated resistant tattoos.

What does laser tattoo removal feel like?

For many patients, the feeling of laser tattoo removal has been compared to what it feels like when getting a tattoo, however it is very fast. Your clinician will work with you on the best comfort option based on your individual situation.

How many treatments will tattoo removal require?

A series of treatments are typically recommended. The number of treatments needed is dependent on variables such as ink type, size of the tattoo, location on the body, lifestyle habits, etc.

Your LEVEL technician will work with you to determine the treatment plan that works best, whether you’re fading the tattoo for a coverup or looking for maximum removal. 

How often will I need treatments?

While it typically takes 4-8 weeks for the body to absorb the ink particles, every patient and tattoo responds differently. Following the recommended post treatment protocol will likely improve the results and reduce the chance of small adverse events. 

How will my skin look after the laser treatment?

The ideal clinical endpoint for the tattoo treatment is an immediate slight whitening or “frosting” of the skin, however that will subside immediately after the treatment is complete. Other observable effects include mild swelling and redness. Your practitioner will direct you on how best to keep the area moist. 

PROVEN RESULTS

Each person is unique and may react differently to the proposed treatment. Actual results may vary.

Before tattoo removal. Tattoo of Prince's "Love Symbol" on the client's stomach.
Before
After tattoo removal. The tattoo of Prince's "Love Symbol has been removed.
After
Before tattoo removal. Tattoo of a shark behind the client’s right ear.
Before
After tattoo removal. The shark tattoo has been removed from the client's head.
After
Before tattoo removal. Tattoo of a metal cross, wrapped in a ribbon with the words “Before Dishonor”.
Before
After tattoo removal. The cross tattoo has been removed from the client's shoulder.
After

My tattoo was treated with a laser in the past and didn’t clear, why would I try again now?

Until the launch of PicoSure, Q-Switched lasers had been considered the gold standard for removing tattoos. Q-Switched laser treatments use thermal energy to heat up and break apart the ink particles. Now with PicoSure, ultra-short pulses hit the ink particle with a pressure so great, the ink shatters into tiny dust-like particles. Because the particles are so small, they are more readily absorbed and eliminated by the body.

PicoSure has been proven success in treating even dark, stubborn blue and green inks, as well as previously-treated, stubborn tattoos that were not successfully cleared in the past.  

Can I lighten the tattoo to have another one put on top?

Tattoos can be lightened in preparation for a cover-up tattoo. Your practitioner may have you wait six weeks between your last treatment and when you have the new tattoo completed. 

How much does tattoo removal cost?

The cost of laser tattoo removal depends on several factors, including the size of tattoo and the number of treatments it will require. Most insurance companies will not cover laser tattoo removal since it is considered an elective cosmetic procedure. After your consultation, your practitioner will provide you a price estimate for the treatment.

Book an appointment with us today

When you book your personalized appointment, our nurse and medical director will be able to effectively assess your areas of concern and recommend an appropriate treatment program. Your individual program may consist of one or multiple treatment options to achieve best results. If you choose to, you may have your first treatment done within the same visit.