Most laser tattoo removal fears are outdated. Modern PicoWay treatment is far less painful than dermabrasion, rarely scars in trained hands, and works on tattoos of any size. It does require patience: full removal typically takes 8 to 12 sessions spaced several weeks apart.
Myth 1: It is unbearably painful
Most patients describe the sensation as a rubber band snapping against the skin, not the agony they braced for. Each pulse lasts a fraction of a second, and our appointments are often over in about 10 minutes.
Compared with the older options, dermabrasion or surgical excision, laser removal is dramatically gentler. We also use cooling and topical numbing to keep you comfortable, and many patients tell us it hurt less than the tattoo itself.
Myth 2: One session and it is gone
No honest provider can remove a tattoo in a single visit. Ink sits deep in the dermis, and the laser breaks it into tiny particles that your immune system clears over the following weeks.
Complete removal typically takes 8 to 12 sessions, spaced several weeks apart to let your skin recover and your body flush the ink. Size, color, ink density, age of the tattoo, and your skin type all shift that number, which is why we map out a realistic plan at your free consultation rather than promising a shortcut.
Myth 3: Laser removal always leaves a scar
This one is rooted in outdated technology. Our PicoWay picosecond laser targets ink pigment specifically and leaves the surrounding skin largely undisturbed, so scarring risk is low when treatment is done correctly.
The variable that matters most is who is holding the device. Poor technique, wrong settings, or ignored aftercare are what cause problems. A physician-led approach and following your aftercare instructions keep that risk minimal.
Myth 4: Every tattoo comes off perfectly
I would rather set an honest expectation than oversell. Most tattoos fade impressively, and many disappear completely, but a small number never clear 100 percent.
Dark black and blue inks respond best. Stubborn colors like green and yellow, heavily layered cover-ups, and older amateur work can be more challenging. Even then, PicoWay usually achieves dramatic fading, and we will tell you what is realistic before you commit.
- Responds well: black, dark blue, older faded ink
- More challenging: green, yellow, dense multi-color work
- Case by case: cover-ups, professional saturated pieces, deep-set ink
Myth 5: It is too expensive to consider
Removal costs less than people assume, especially against surgical alternatives. Instead of pay-per-session pricing that creeps upward, we offer flat-rate complete-removal packages: one fixed price covers every session your tattoo needs.
That structure saves roughly 38 percent versus paying visit by visit with no hidden fees. Your exact package is quoted at your free consultation based on size and complexity.
| Package | Size | From |
|---|---|---|
| Extra Small | up to 1 sq in | a custom quote |
| Small | up to 4 sq in | a custom quote |
| Medium | up to 9 sq in | a custom quote |
| Large | up to 16 sq in | a custom quote |
| Extra Large | up to 25 sq in | a custom quote |
Myth 6: It only works on small tattoos
Size is not a barrier. We routinely treat full arm sleeves, leg sleeves, and back pieces. Larger tattoos simply need more surface area covered and, often, more sessions to reach the finish line.
Every plan is customized to the piece in front of us. Whether it is a fingertip-sized mark or a full back, PicoWay is built to handle it.
Frequently asked questions
Most tattoos take 8 to 12 sessions for complete removal, spaced several weeks apart. Size, ink color and density, tattoo age, and your skin type all affect the total. We give you a realistic estimate at your free consultation.