PicoWay tattoo removal uses picosecond laser pulses to shatter tattoo ink into tiny particles that the body's immune system gradually clears. Its three wavelengths target black and coloured inks, and treatment takes a series of sessions spaced about 6–8 weeks apart. How many sessions a tattoo needs depends on the ink, the tattoo and your skin, which is assessed at consultation.
That tattoo you loved at 20 doesn't feel the same at 30. Maybe it's a name, a trend that faded, or ink that just didn't age well. Whatever your reason, picosecond laser technology is designed to break up ink more efficiently than older nanosecond lasers, and Skin Art MD near Burnaby Metrotown offers PicoWay tattoo removal under medical oversight.
How Does PicoWay Remove Tattoo Ink?
Traditional Q-switched lasers use nanosecond pulses to heat and break apart ink particles. PicoWay takes a different approach: picosecond pulses (one trillionth of a second) that shatter ink through a photoacoustic effect rather than thermal destruction.
What this means for you:
- Less heat = lower risk of scarring and hyperpigmentation
- Smaller ink particles = easier for your body's immune system to clear
- Often fewer sessions compared to older laser technologies
- A wide range of colors can be treated, including stubborn blues, greens, and purples
How Does PicoWay Compare With Q-Switched Lasers?
PicoWay uses ultra-fast picosecond pulses to break tattoo ink into fine particles and can target a full spectrum of ink colours with its three wavelengths.
| Feature | PicoWay (Picosecond) | Q-Switched (Nanosecond) |
|---|---|---|
| Pulse speed | Trillionths of a second | Billionths of a second |
| Ink particle breakdown | Ultra-fine shatter | Larger fragments |
| Sessions needed | Often fewer | Often more |
| Ink color range | Broad (3 wavelengths) | More limited |
| Pigment-change risk on darker skin | Generally lower | Generally higher |
| Discomfort level | Moderate | Moderate-high |
PicoWay's three wavelengths (1064nm, 785nm, 532nm) let it target a wide spectrum of tattoo inks, which single-wavelength systems cannot cover.
Why Does Asian Ink Need Special Consideration?
Tattoos done with Asian ink formulations can differ in pigment composition, placement depth and colour, and many people in Burnaby have medium skin tones, so laser settings need to be adjusted with these factors in mind.
Different Ink Composition
Asian tattoo inks (common in Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Southeast Asian tattoo traditions) often have different pigment densities and base compounds. Some traditional inks contain metallic elements that respond differently to laser wavelengths.
Deeper Ink Placement
Certain traditional tattooing techniques deposit ink deeper into the dermis. PicoWay's adjustable settings help us reach these deeper layers.
Skin Tone Considerations
Many people in Burnaby have Fitzpatrick skin types III-V. PicoWay's photoacoustic mechanism (rather than photothermal) may reduce the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation — a key concern for medium to dark skin tones.
Colored Asian Inks
Red and orange inks used in Asian artistic traditions can be challenging for some lasers. PicoWay's 532nm wavelength specifically targets warm-toned pigments.
At Skin Art MD, each tattoo is assessed individually, because ink, depth and skin tone all shape how removal progresses.
What Happens During a PicoWay Tattoo Removal Session?
A visit starts with an assessment of the tattoo and your skin, followed by a 15–45-minute session of rapid laser pulses with skin cooling; the area turns white for a short time and then heals over several weeks before the next session.
Consultation
The Skin Art MD team evaluates your tattoo's size, color palette, ink density, skin tone, and location. We give you a realistic estimate of the sessions needed and the total cost — no sugarcoating.
The Session (15-45 min depending on size)
- Skin prep: Area is cleaned and protective eyewear provided
- Cooling: We use a skin-cooling system throughout treatment for comfort
- Laser passes: PicoWay handpiece delivers rapid picosecond pulses across the tattoo
- Sensation: Most people describe it as a rapid snapping against the skin — uncomfortable but tolerable. It's actually faster than getting the tattoo was.
Immediately After
- Treated area appears white/frosted for 10-20 minutes (this is normal — it's gas bubbles from ink shattering)
- Mild swelling and redness similar to a sunburn
- We apply soothing ointment and a sterile bandage
Healing Timeline
| Day | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Day 1-3 | Redness, mild swelling, tenderness |
| Day 3-7 | Possible blistering (small, fluid-filled — normal) |
| Week 2-3 | Peeling and itching as skin heals |
| Week 4-6 | Tattoo visibly lighter; skin fully healed |
| Week 8+ | Ready for next session |
Sessions are spaced 6-8 weeks apart to allow full healing and ink clearance between treatments.
How Many Sessions Does Tattoo Removal Take?
The number of sessions depends on ink colour, tattoo age, ink quality, location, skin tone and layering; small single-colour tattoos usually need fewer sessions than large multicolour tattoos or cover-ups.
| Factor | Fewer Sessions | More Sessions |
|---|---|---|
| Ink color | Black, dark blue | Green, yellow, white |
| Tattoo age | Older (faded) | Fresh (< 2 years) |
| Ink quality | Professional grade | Amateur/homemade |
| Location | Torso (good blood flow) | Extremities (hands, feet) |
| Skin tone | Lighter tones | Darker tones (lower energy used) |
| Ink layers | Single layer | Cover-up tattoos (multiple layers) |
Typical ranges (confirmed at your assessment):
- Small single-color tattoo: 3-5 sessions
- Medium professional tattoo: 5-8 sessions
- Large multicolor tattoo: 6-10 sessions
- Cover-up preparation: 2-4 sessions (lightening for new design)
We provide progress photos so you can see the fading at each appointment.
What Affects the Cost of Tattoo Removal?
The cost of tattoo removal depends mainly on the size of the tattoo and the number of sessions it needs, along with its ink colours and layering. Because these vary so much from one tattoo to the next, the cost per session and the likely total are explained at your consultation, after the tattoo has been assessed. There are no hidden costs: the expected sessions and costs are set out before you commit.
Can a Tattoo Be Lightened for a Cover-Up?
Yes — lightening a tattoo for a cover-up usually takes fewer sessions than full removal and gives your tattoo artist a lighter base for the new design.
Not everyone wants their tattoo completely gone. Some people want to lighten an existing tattoo enough to get a high-quality cover-up. PicoWay suits this because:
- You typically need only 2-4 lightening sessions (vs. 6-10 for full removal)
- The faded ink gives your new tattoo artist a clean canvas
- Fewer sessions usually means a lower total cost than full removal
- The cover-up tattoo can be more detailed and vibrant
If you're considering a cover-up, we can coordinate with your tattoo artist to determine the ideal level of fading.
How Should You Care for Your Skin After Tattoo Removal?
Keep the area clean and moisturised, protect it from the sun, avoid soaking it for two weeks and let any blisters heal on their own; good aftercare supports healing between sessions.
- Keep it clean: Gentle soap and water, pat dry
- Moisturize: Apply provided healing ointment 2-3x daily
- Protect from sun: SPF 50+ on treated area for the entire treatment course
- Avoid: Swimming pools, hot tubs, saunas for 2 weeks
- Don't pick: Let blisters heal naturally — picking increases scarring risk
- Stay hydrated: Good general health supports healing
Why Choose Skin Art MD for Tattoo Removal in Burnaby?
Our Burnaby Metrotown clinic offers:
- Genuine PicoWay technology — not all picosecond lasers are equal
- Trained operators who assess ink type and skin tone before every course
- Honest assessments — we tell you if a tattoo is difficult before you commit
- Comfortable environment designed for longer sessions
- Tuesday–Sunday hours, 10:00–18:00 (closed Monday)
Start Your Removal Journey
Every tattoo removal starts with a conversation. Book a consultation at Skin Art MD Burnaby and let's assess your tattoo together.
Skin Art MD — Medical Aesthetics, Elevated. Burnaby Metrotown, BC. Serving Burnaby, Vancouver, New Westminster, Coquitlam, and Metro Vancouver.
