After a PicoWay session for eyebrow tattoo removal, treated skin typically turns pink or shows a frosted white reaction for a short time, followed by mild swelling, scabbing, or dryness over the next days. Full clearing of the shattered pigment continues over the following weeks as the immune system processes it, with healing time between sessions generally spanning 6 to 10 weeks before the next treatment.
Laser tattoo removal uses picosecond lasers such as PicoWay and PicoSure to shatter ink into fragments that the immune system clears over the following weeks. Most professional tattoos need about 6–12 sessions spaced 6–10 weeks apart, cosmetic brow tattoos often fewer, and a physician-led assessment sets the plan.
What Should You Know About Laser Tattoo Removal in Burnaby?
Tattoo regret is more common than you might think. Whether it's a name that no longer belongs in your story, a design that no longer reflects who you are, or cosmetic tattoos like microbladed brows that have shifted in colour over time, laser tattoo removal in Burnaby is one way to address it.
At Skin Art MD in Burnaby, our physician-led team uses picosecond laser technology to break down unwanted ink. Learn more about Tattoo Removal and what our approach looks like before you book.
If you're ready to explore your options, Book a Consultation — available in English and Chinese.
Why Are More People Removing Tattoos?
People increasingly want to remove older work — especially microblading and powder brows that have faded unevenly — as their style and circumstances change, and picosecond technology has made removal more practical.
There is growing interest in removing cosmetic treatments done years ago, not just adding new ones. Eyebrow tattoo removal, in particular, is in demand as older microblading and powder brow techniques fade unevenly or change colour. Meanwhile, body tattoo removal continues as people's lives and tastes evolve.
The technology has evolved too.
How Does Laser Tattoo Removal Work?
Modern laser tattoo removal uses ultra-short pulses of light energy — measured in picoseconds (trillionths of a second) — to shatter tattoo ink particles beneath the skin into microscopic fragments. Your immune system then naturally flushes these particles out of your body over the weeks following each session.
PicoWay and PicoSure
Two systems in common use today are PicoWay and PicoSure — both medical-grade picosecond lasers, which use shorter pulses than older nanosecond Q-switched lasers. Here's how they compare:
| Feature | Picosecond Lasers (PicoWay/PicoSure) | Older Q-Switched Lasers |
|---|---|---|
| Pulse Duration | Picoseconds (trillionths of a second) | Nanoseconds (billionths of a second) |
| Ink Shattering | More complete fragmentation | Less complete fragmentation |
| Sessions Required | Typically fewer | Typically more |
| Skin Trauma | Reduced thermal damage | Higher heat-based damage risk |
| Colour Range | Broader (including blues, greens) | Limited colour response |
| Downtime | Minimal | Moderate |
Picosecond technology fragments ink more completely with less collateral heat to surrounding tissue, which may mean fewer sessions and a more comfortable experience.
What Happens During a Tattoo Removal Session?
A visit involves an assessment of your tattoo and skin, cleansing and optional numbing, 15–45 minutes of laser pulses, then temporary redness or frosting with a dressing and aftercare instructions, and 6–10 weeks of healing before the next session.
Here's what the process looks like at a physician-led clinic like Skin Art MD:
Step 1: Consultation
Your visit begins with a thorough skin assessment. Our medical team evaluates your tattoo's ink colours, depth, age, and your skin tone to design a personalized treatment plan, and discusses realistic timelines.
Step 2: Preparing Your Skin
On the day of your session, we'll cleanse the treatment area. A topical numbing cream may be applied beforehand for comfort.
Step 3: The Laser Session
The laser handpiece is passed over the tattooed area, delivering rapid pulses of energy into the ink. The sensation is often compared to a rubber band snapping against the skin. Sessions typically last between 15 and 45 minutes depending on the size and complexity of the tattoo.
Step 4: Immediate Aftercare
Following your session, you may notice mild redness, swelling, or a frosted appearance on the skin — all expected responses. We'll apply a soothing treatment and protective covering, and provide clear aftercare instructions.
Step 5: Healing Between Sessions
Your body needs time to flush away the shattered ink particles. Sessions are usually scheduled 6 to 10 weeks apart to allow immune processing and skin recovery. Avoiding sun exposure and following your aftercare plan are important during this phase.
How Many Sessions Will You Need?
It depends on ink colours, density and depth, tattoo age, skin tone, body location and your immune response; most professional tattoos need 6–12 sessions and cosmetic brow tattoos often 3–6.
Factors that influence the number of sessions include:
- Ink colours: Black and dark blue inks respond most readily; greens, yellows, and light colours may require additional sessions
- Ink density and depth: Professional tattoos with heavy ink saturation typically take more sessions than amateur tattoos
- Tattoo age: Older tattoos often fade faster since some ink has already broken down
- Your skin tone: Fitzpatrick skin type affects laser settings and treatment approach
- Location on the body: Areas with better circulation (like the chest) tend to respond more quickly than extremities (like fingers)
- Immune system health: Your body does the clearing work between sessions
Most professional tattoos require 6 to 12 sessions for significant fading or full removal. Cosmetic tattoos, including eyebrow tattoos, often respond in fewer sessions — typically 3 to 6 — though results vary individually.
Contact us for current pricing based on your tattoo size and goals.
Is Laser Tattoo Removal Safe?
When performed by a qualified medical team using medical-grade lasers, laser tattoo removal is considered a well-tolerated procedure. At Skin Art MD, treatments are overseen by a physician, and laser parameters are calibrated for your skin type and tattoo characteristics.
Potential side effects — which are generally temporary — can include:
- Redness and swelling (resolves within days)
- Blistering (a normal part of the healing process)
- Temporary lightening or darkening of the skin in the treated area
- Rare risk of scarring, reduced with proper technique and aftercare
Book a Consultation to find out whether you are a suitable candidate and what your treatment plan might look like.
Why Is Eyebrow Tattoo Removal Different?
Many cosmetic tattoo pigments contain iron oxides that can darken under laser energy before they fade, so eyebrow tattoo removal starts with conservative settings and careful monitoring.
Cosmetic tattoos — including microblading, powder brows, and older eyebrow tattoos — present unique challenges because of this paradoxical darkening.
That is why experience with cosmetic pigments matters for eyebrow tattoo removal. Our team at Skin Art MD uses conservative initial settings and monitors your response across sessions.
If you've been looking for eyebrow tattoo removal in Burnaby, or are nervous about trying, we can give you a thorough, honest assessment.
How Does Skin Art MD Approach Tattoo Removal?
At Skin Art MD, every tattoo removal plan is physician-overseen, uses picosecond lasers, is tailored to your tattoo and skin, and is explained in English or Chinese with realistic expectations.
Physician-Led Care
Every treatment plan at Skin Art MD is developed and overseen by a physician, in a medical aesthetics clinic rather than a spa.
Picosecond Technology
We use clinically validated picosecond laser platforms rather than older nanosecond equipment.
Personalized Treatment Plans
No two tattoos or skin types are the same, so your plan is based on your specific tattoo, your skin, and your goals.
Bilingual Staff (English & Chinese)
Our team serves Burnaby's diverse community in English and Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese).
Realistic Expectations
We aim to give realistic expectations from the start rather than overpromise.
How Much Does Tattoo Removal Cost in Burnaby?
Cost depends on tattoo size, colour complexity and the number of sessions, and whether the tattoo is cosmetic or on the body, so it is quoted after an assessment rather than as a flat price.
- Small tattoos (coin-sized or less) are priced differently than half-sleeve or large back pieces
- Cosmetic tattoo removal (e.g., brows) is typically priced separately from body tattoo removal
Contact us for current pricing on your specific tattoo and treatment goals.
What Else Do People Ask About Tattoo Removal?
Common questions cover how the laser works, safety, when results appear, how often sessions can be booked and removing cosmetic tattoos.
How does laser tattoo removal work?
Laser tattoo removal uses ultra-fast pulses of light energy to shatter ink particles beneath the skin into tiny fragments, which your immune system clears over several weeks. Picosecond lasers (like PicoWay and PicoSure) fragment ink with less skin trauma than older nanosecond systems.
Is laser tattoo removal safe?
It is generally well-tolerated when performed by a qualified medical team using medical-grade equipment. Temporary redness, swelling, and blistering are normal, and serious complications are rare when proper technique and aftercare are followed. At Skin Art MD, treatment is physician-overseen.
When will I see results from laser tattoo removal?
Visible fading is often noticeable after 2 to 3 sessions, with continued improvement over the following weeks as your body processes the fragmented ink. The full result is seen after the whole course, which can span several months to over a year depending on the tattoo.
How often can I schedule a session?
Sessions are typically spaced 6 to 10 weeks apart to allow your skin to heal and your immune system to clear the fragmented ink. Spacing sessions too closely can increase the risk of side effects.
Can cosmetic tattoos like brows, lip blush or eyeliner be removed?
Often, yes. Microbladed brows that have changed colour, a lip blush tattoo that has faded unevenly, or an eyeliner tattoo can be assessed, and our team in Burnaby has experience with cosmetic tattoo pigments. Book a Consultation to talk about what's possible for you.
How Do I Book a Tattoo Removal Assessment in Burnaby?
You can book an assessment at Skin Art MD in Burnaby, where the medical team examines your tattoo and skin and sets a realistic, personalized plan — with no obligation.
Book a consultation — available in English and Chinese.
This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional before undergoing any treatment.
