PicoWay Tattoo Removal in Burnaby: The Complete Guide
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, PicoWay laser technology makes tattoo removal faster, more effective, and more comfortable than ever — and SkinArtMD near Burnaby Metrotown has the expertise to prove it.
Why PicoWay? The Science of Picosecond Lasers
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 = less risk of scarring and hyperpigmentation
- Smaller ink particles = easier for your body's immune system to clear
- Fewer sessions needed compared to older laser technologies
- All colors can be treated, including stubborn blues, greens, and purples
PicoWay vs. Other Tattoo Removal Lasers
| 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 | 4-8 typically | 8-15+ typically |
| All ink colors | Yes (3 wavelengths) | Limited color range |
| Risk on darker skin | Lower | Higher |
| Discomfort level | Moderate | Moderate-high |
PicoWay's three wavelengths (1064nm, 785nm, 532nm) mean it can target the full spectrum of tattoo inks — something single-wavelength systems simply can't do.
Treating Asian Ink: Special Considerations
A significant portion of our Burnaby clientele has tattoos done with Asian ink formulations. These require specific expertise because:
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 depth settings allow us to reach these deeper layers effectively.
Skin Tone Considerations
Many of our clients have Fitzpatrick skin types III-V. PicoWay's photoacoustic mechanism (rather than photothermal) dramatically reduces 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 SkinArtMD, we've treated hundreds of Asian-ink tattoos and understand the nuances that make each removal unique.
What to Expect During Treatment
Consultation (Free)
The SkinArtMD team evaluates your tattoo's size, color palette, ink density, skin tone, and location. We give you an honest estimate of sessions needed and 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 clients 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 maximum ink clearance between treatments.
How Many Sessions to Remove a Tattoo?
Every tattoo is different. Factors that affect session count:
| 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 at SkinArtMD:
- 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.
Tattoo Removal Pricing at SkinArtMD Burnaby
| Tattoo Size | Per Session |
|---|---|
| Extra small (< 2 sq in) | competitive pricing (discussed at consultation) |
| Small (2-4 sq in) | competitive pricing (discussed at consultation) |
| Medium (4-8 sq in) | competitive pricing (discussed at consultation) |
| Large (8+ sq in) | competitive pricing (discussed at consultation)+ |
| Package (6 sessions) | 15-20% savings |
We offer complimentary consultations with honest session estimates. No hidden costs — the price we quote is the price you pay.
Partial Removal & Lightening for Cover-Ups
Not everyone wants their tattoo completely gone. Many of our Burnaby clients want to lighten an existing tattoo enough to get a high-quality cover-up. PicoWay is ideal for 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
- Total cost is significantly lower 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.
Aftercare Essentials
Proper aftercare speeds healing and improves results:
- 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: Your immune system needs water to clear ink particles
Why SkinArtMD for Tattoo Removal
Our Burnaby Metrotown clinic offers:
- Genuine PicoWay technology — not all picosecond lasers are equal
- Experienced operators who understand all ink types and skin tones
- Honest assessments — we tell you if a tattoo is difficult before you commit
- Comfortable environment designed for longer sessions
- Flexible scheduling including evenings and weekends
Start Your Removal Journey
Every tattoo removal starts with a conversation. Book your free consultation at SkinArtMD Burnaby and let's assess your tattoo together.
SkinArtMD — Medical Aesthetics, Elevated. Burnaby Metrotown, BC. Serving Burnaby, Vancouver, New Westminster, Coquitlam, and Metro Vancouver.
