The PicoWay laser emits highly concentrated light energy in short, ultra-fast picosecond pulses. These pulses are absorbed by the tattoo ink particles embedded in your skin, causing them to shatter into tiny fragments. Once the ink particles are broken down into smaller pieces, they are small enough for your body’s immune system to eliminate them. Your lymphatic system gradually flushes out the ink fragments, leading to fading of the tattoo.

The following factors can influence how challenging it is to remove a tattoo:

• Ink Depth — ink that is deeper in the dermis layer of the skin can be more difficult to remove
• Ink Particle Size — larger ink particles can be tougher to eliminate
• Colour — black inks are generally easier to treat because they absorb more laser energy, while colours like red and yellow can be more stubborn
• Skin Tone — darker skin tones are harder to treat with certain lasers due to a risk of laser energy being absorbed by the skin, rather than just the tattoo ink, which can cause skin damage

Avoid sun exposure, tanning beds and self-tanning products for at least two weeks prior to treatment. This helps improve the effectiveness of the laser and decrease the chance of post-treatment complications. Use broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher daily.

Avoid any irritants to your skin, such as products containing acids, astringents or vitamin A derivatives for one week before your treatment. If you have a history of perioral herpes simplex virus infection (cold sores), an antiviral medication will be prescribed as part of your pre-treatment plan.

We’ve chosen the PicoWay system for tattoo removal due to its numerous benefits that align with our commitment to delivering superior care:

• Enhanced Efficiency — PicoWay’s advanced picosecond laser technology often translates into fewer treatment sessions to achieve results
• Effective on Most Ink Colours — PicoWay can remove a wider range of ink colours, including traditionally challenging ones like blues, greens and reds
• Lower Risk of Skin Damage — the ultra-short pulses of the PicoWay laser mean less heat is transferred to surrounding skin tissues, reducing the risk of burns, scarring and pigmentation changes
• Suitable for All Skin Types — PicoWay can be used across various skin types, including darker skin tones that are more susceptible to complications with other lasers
• Reduced Discomfort — many clients find the PicoWay treatment to have a more tolerable sensation than other tattoo removal methods
• No Downtime — most clients can return to their regular activities right after treatment

The experience of PicoWay treatment can vary from person to person, but most clients describe it as a series of quick snaps, similar to the feeling of a rubber band flicking the skin. PicoWay’s ultra-short pulses mean the skin is not subjected to prolonged heat, contributing to a more comfortable experience.

To enhance your comfort with PicoWay, we incorporate cooling methods into the procedure and offer topical anaesthesia before the treatment.

We believe in transparency and ensuring our clients are well-informed about our treatments. While PicoWay is considered safe in qualified hands, like any medical aesthetic treatment, it can have side effects, including:

• Redness and swelling
• Warmth or tingling sensation
• Temporary skin discolouration
• Bruising

The La Beauty team deliver PicoWay treatments with the utmost care and adherence to safety protocols. We provide aftercare instructions to help manage and minimise any side effects, and we are always available to assist if you have concerns.

After your tattoo removal treatment, you may experience soreness, inflammation or redness. You may start applying cold compresses straight away to soothe the area. Your provider may also suggest applying a topical antibiotic ointment. If your skin scabs or blisters, do not pick at them.

In the first few days, you may need to wear a bandage over the treatment area to keep it dry. Avoid scrubbing the area or using abrasive skin cleansers. Stay out of hot showers, swimming pools, jacuzzis and saunas until fully healed. Keep sun exposure to a minimum.

Tattoo removal is a gradual process. After your first PicoWay session, you might begin to notice the tattoo fading. However, the full extent of the treatment’s impact may not be immediately apparent.

The rate at which your tattoo fades depends on several factors, including the ink’s depth, density and colour, and your body’s response to the treatment. Everyone’s skin and tattoo are unique, so response times can vary.

It’s not uncommon to start seeing more noticeable results after a few sessions. Most tattoos require multiple sessions to achieve full results.

Each individual’s response to treatment can vary based on multiple factors. Here’s what typically influences the number of tattoo removal sessions required:

• Tattoo Characteristics — The size, colour, location, depth of ink and age of the tattoo all play a role. For instance, older and darker tattoos may fade faster than newer or brightly coloured tattoos.
• Desired Outcome — If complete removal is the goal, more sessions are usually needed than for clients seeking to fade a tattoo for a cover-up.
• Individual Healing Responses — Everyone’s body reacts differently to laser treatments and clears ink at different rates. You should see more significant fading with each subsequent treatment until we reach your maximum.

Most clients see the most significant results with three to five sessions. Appointments are scheduled six to eight weeks apart. Your provider will inform you of the number of sessions they anticipate your tattoo will require during your consultation.

Complete removal is not always possible, nor is it every client’s goal. While some hope for full removal, others wish to fade their tattoo so a cover-up can be done.

We understand that the ultimate goal for many undergoing laser tattoo removal is complete eradication of the tattoo. The advanced technology of the PicoWay system offers the best chance of reaching the maximum degree of removal achievable. In some cases, the tattoo may not be entirely removed, but significantly faded and less noticeable. We will assess your tattoo during your consultation and provide a realistic expectation of what can be achieved.