PicoWay® Laser Tattoo Removal Richmond, BC

It varies. Amateur tattoos often need fewer sessions than professional ones, and dense, dark or multi-coloured tattoos usually need more. Sessions are typically spaced about 6–8 weeks apart, sometimes longer, so the body can clear the ink. We give an estimate after seeing your tattoo, and the final number depends on how your skin and ink respond.

Most people describe a rubber band snapping against the skin. It is uncomfortable but quick, and the level varies by area. We offer topical numbing cream and use cold air cooling to help. Sensation varies by person, so tell your team if it feels like too much.

Scarring is a risk with any laser procedure, and following your aftercare instructions helps reduce it. PicoWay works mainly through pressure rather than heat, but scarring cannot be ruled out. Other possible effects include 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 settings for your tattoo after seeing it.

The cost depends on the size, colours and age of the tattoo and how many sessions it needs. We do not list prices online; after an in-person assessment we give you a quote and treatment plan for your specific tattoo, so you know what to expect before committing to a course.

Before: avoid sun and tanning, shave the area if advised, and tell us about your medications. After: keep the area clean and dry for 24–48 hours, apply the healing ointment, use SPF 30+, wear loose clothing, do not pick scabs, and avoid swimming, saunas and strenuous exercise for a week. Whitening, redness, swelling, blistering and crusting can be part of normal healing. Contact us if you notice signs of infection.

Often, yes. Lightening a tattoo with a few sessions can give your 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. The physician can talk through what suits your tattoo.

Cosmetic tattoos such as microbladed brows can often be treated with laser. A small test spot comes first, because some cosmetic pigments, especially lighter or flesh-toned ones, can darken before they fade. The physician advises at the assessment whether removal suits your skin and pigment.

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. The physician chooses wavelength and energy with this in mind and decides at the assessment 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.

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.

Ink colour, density and depth, the age of the tattoo, whether it was professional or amateur work, its location on the body, your skin tone and general health all play a part. Tattoos further from the heart, such as on the lower legs, may fade more slowly. Smoking can also affect healing. The physician assesses these factors before estimating.