The Pico laser produces picosecond light pulses. The concentrated energy reaches the ink pigments in the skin and breaks them down into tiny particles. These fragments are gradually cleared through the body’s natural processes. The short pulses and targeted energy limit damage to the skin in the treatment area. Several sessions are needed for complete tattoo removal.

Picosecond lasers use much shorter pulses than conventional nanosecond lasers. Heat acts on the surrounding tissue for an exceptionally short time. Benefits include faster recovery, a gentler effect on the skin and greater effectiveness for different pigment types. Medical Pico laser treatment is not comparable to treatment using cosmetic devices.

Tattoo inks, skin characteristics and pigment densities respond differently to laser energy. The energy, wavelength and other parameters must be individually adjusted. The skin’s response to previous sessions is also important. This requires experience and comprehensive qualifications in medical laser procedures.

We generally expect around 3–10 sessions. A small tattoo with little pigment may respond faster. Professional, multicoloured or very dense tattoos can take longer. It is rarely possible to give a definitive number before treatment starts.

After a laser session, the body begins clearing the fragmented ink pigments. This takes several weeks. The skin also needs time to recover and regenerate. Shorter intervals do not speed up or improve the result.

Many coloured tattoo pigments can be treated successfully with appropriately adjusted Pico laser wavelengths. However, the response varies depending on the colour and quality of the ink. Before the first session, we analyse the colours and assess what result can realistically be expected.

Many tattoos can be substantially or completely removed. However, guaranteeing complete removal would be misleading. The outcome depends on the ink composition, amount of pigment, existing scars and other factors.

With multicoloured tattoos, some pigments may be persistent. A more reliable assessment usually becomes possible early in the course of treatment.

For a cover-up, an existing tattoo often only needs to be faded enough for the new design to be applied cleanly. This may require fewer laser sessions than complete removal.

You can feel the laser pulses. Many patients compare them to brief, hot pinpricks or a rubber band snapping against the skin. Sensation also depends on the body area and individual pain sensitivity. We discuss the pain-relief options we recommend.

Redness, swelling, temporary whitening, crusting, pinpoint bleeding or small blisters can occur. Lighter or darker pigmentation is also possible. These reactions are usually temporary and resolve on their own. Scarring is a less common risk of professionally performed laser treatment. We explain the risks thoroughly before your first session at Derma Medical Clinic.

Keep your skin untanned for around four weeks before your appointment. Avoid strong direct sunlight and tanning beds. Tell us about previous laser treatments, unusual scarring or skin conditions in the tattoo area.

Protect the treated area consistently from direct sunlight for several weeks. Minimise irritation while the skin heals. Our skin therapist provides suitable skin-care advice and detailed aftercare instructions after each session.

We also use picosecond technology for various pigmentation changes. The requirements for these treatments differ somewhat from those for tattoo ink removal.