Laser Tattoo Removal in Burnaby Picosecond Lasers at Metrotown

It depends on ink colour, density, depth, size, the age of the tattoo, whether it was professional or amateur work, its location and your skin. Sessions are typically spaced about 6–8 weeks apart, sometimes longer, so the body can clear the ink, and many tattoos need several. The physician gives an estimate at your assessment.

Most people feel snapping, like a rubber band, and the sensation varies by area and person. A topical numbing cream and cold-air cooling help. Tell the team if it feels like too much, so they can adjust how the session is done.

Scarring is a risk with any laser procedure, and it cannot be ruled out. Settings are chosen to limit it, and following aftercare matters. Other possible effects are temporary redness, swelling, blistering, crusting, and lighter or darker skin patches. The physician explains the risks at your assessment.

Black and dark inks usually respond most predictably. Red, orange and purple often need a wavelength matched to the colour, and green, light blue and turquoise tend to fade the slowest. White, flesh-tone and some cosmetic pigments can darken before they fade. Colour response varies, so the physician chooses the device and wavelength after seeing your tattoo.

Yes, fading can give a tattoo artist more room to design a cover-up, and how much fading is needed depends on the new design. Other options include keeping the tattoo, a cover-up without fading, or surgical excision for small tattoos. Discuss your plan with the tattoo artist and the physician.

Old cosmetic brow tattoos, including microbladed brows, can often be treated. A small test spot comes first because some colours, especially lighter or flesh-toned pigments, can darken during removal. The physician advises at your assessment whether removal suits your skin and pigment.

Skin Art MD uses picosecond lasers: PicoSure and PicoWay. Both deliver very short pulses that act mainly through pressure rather than heat, and the physician chooses between them based on ink colour and depth. You can read more on our PicoSure and PicoWay pages.

Whitening of the skin, redness, swelling, pinpoint bleeding, blisters and crusting can occur in the first days and are usually part of healing. Keep the area clean and covered as advised, do not pick scabs, and avoid sun and tanning. A recent tan can delay treatment, so many people schedule sessions in cooler months. Contact us if you notice signs of infection.

Many skin tones can be treated, but darker skin carries more natural pigment that can react to laser energy, so temporary or lasting lightening or darkening is more likely. Wavelength and energy are chosen with this in mind, and a physician assessment decides whether treatment suits you.

Treatment is usually deferred during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The physician asks about this at your assessment and can discuss timing once you are able to start. You can still book an assessment beforehand to look at your tattoo and plan ahead.

Skin Art MD is at #101 – 4378 Beresford St, Burnaby, near Metrotown Station on the Expo Line, open Tuesday to Sunday 10:00 to 18:00. You can book a consultation online or call +1 (604) 639-2581.

Many tattoos fade substantially, but complete removal cannot be promised; some leave a faint shadow or texture change. Fading can slow with dense, deep or stubborn-coloured ink, or after earlier laser treatment that did not suit the ink. Bring any details of previous treatment to your assessment. Results vary.