PicoSure® Tattoo Removal

PicoSure® is a leading and advanced tattoo removal technology that utilises picosecond laser energy to break down tattoo ink particles in the skin. A “picosecond” is one trillionth of a second. The laser targets tattoo ink in multiple ultra-short pulses, using a photomechanical, rather than photothermal mechanism, as opposed to older technologies.

The advantage of photomechanical over photothermal delivery is that mechanical energy minimises damage to the surrounding skin, resulting in faster and safer treatments, using significantly less energy. This can reduce discomfort and improve efficiency (fewer treatments required) compared to older thermal laser machines.

We were one of the first clinics in Australia, and the first regional clinic, to operate a picosecond laser. We remain the only clinic within 300 km to offer this technology. Over the last decade, we have accumulated experience and refined our treatment protocols. We have extensive experience in the use of this technology and have developed detailed techniques to ensure safe and consistent practice.

The effectiveness of the picosecond platform, compared to older traditional technologies (Q-switched Nd:YAG), commercialised over thirty years ago, provides the opportunity for quicker and, importantly, safer tattoo removal.

Older thermal laser machines used heat to stimulate the body’s response to replace tissue that contained tattoo ink. However, heat based treatment can result in discomfort, risk of burning, and associated scarring. The use of heat also introduces several limitations:

A. Increased pain which limits the amount of laser light that can be safely applied, reducing treatment effectiveness and speed.

B. There is an increased chance of scar tissue forming. Scarring may reduce aesthetic outcomes and make future treatments more complex and less effective. Heat applied to scar tissue does not prompt the same healing response as heat applied to healthy tissue, and scarring may make tattoos more resistant to treatment.

The mechanical acoustic modality of picosecond technology uses ultra short, lower energy pulses of light to create a photomechanical pressure wave that shatters ink particles into “ink dust.” This dust, being smaller than conventional fragmented particles, can be more easily removed by the body’s lymphatic system. The body recognises the ink dust as a foreign substance and removes it naturally. The lower energy levels (a fraction of that used by thermal machines) delivered by the PicoSure® laser may reduce treatment related risks.

The delivery modality employed by picosecond lasers aims to avoid the undesirable outcomes associated with older laser technologies, while also providing effective ink fragmentation. These devices are not limited by the same level of pain or constrained by the risk of burning. For this reason, picosecond laser treatment may offer a safer and more tolerable experience, potentially reducing the number of sessions required.

Benefits

A key benefit of this platform is the safety profile and treatment speed. Older laser technologies were heat based (photothermal), which involved heating the tattoo ink to initiate repair and ink removal. However, this process could lead to ink becoming “baked,” making it harder to remove. Additionally, heat based treatments can result in scarring, which may not respond effectively to further treatment. By contrast, the photomechanical method used by PicoSure® requires significantly less energy. Less heat means reduced risk of tissue damage.
As the platform does not rely solely on the body’s healing process to collect and remove ink, treatment duration may be shorter. Current clinical studies suggest that shorter treatment timeframes may be achievable, though results can vary between individuals.

Tattoo Removal: The Process

Video of treatment in progress at Seventh Layer

Three different views of a tattoo of a decorative, symmetrical design with swirling elements and a central motif.

Top: Before treatement. Middle: Immediately after treatment. Bottom: Next day after one treatment.

Pricing

Standard Body Tattoo Removal – $150 to $1,750 per treatment (depending on size, ink, and complexity)

Cosmetic Eyebrow Tattoo Removal – $300 to $350 per treatment (depending on eyebrow thickness)

Cosmetic Eyeliner Tattoo Removal – $450 to $550 per treatment (upper, lower, or both; includes intraocular eye shield insertion)

Price is dependent on the size and complexity of the tattoo to be removed / lightened. Complexity being things like, for instance, pre-existing scaring and medical conditions, tattoo location, previous tattoo removal treatments, age of the tattoo, thickness, depth, density and colour etc.
All tattoo removal initial consultations are free. On completion of the a consultation we will provide a firm per treatment sitting price. Unfortunately and regrettably, the determination of the amount and density of ink and the ink composition of a tattoo and therefore the number of sittings that will be required to remove it, is still done by estimations based on observations made by our clinicians. Its neither perfect nor scientific / empirical based. As a consequence while we do our best, we are unable to guarantee the number of treatment sittings that will be required.
- Pay up-front for 3 treatments and receive 1 treatment for free. On the provision the three treatments are paid for in advance. Conditions apply.

FAQs

Pricing depends on the size and complexity of the tattoo to be removed or lightened. Price contributing factors include:
A. Pre-existing scarring
B. Medical conditions
C. Tattoo location
D. Previous removal attempts
E. Age, thickness, depth, consistency, density, and colour of the tattoo.
Tattoo ink is deposited at various depths across the epidermis and dermis. The body can only process and remove a limited amount of ink at a time via the lymphatic system. Picosecond lasers can target single levels of ink at a fraction of a millimetre in thickness, layer by layer. Your clinician selects the appropriate depth to treat and gradually moves from deeper to more superficial layers.
Yes. We have protocols and experience in treating tattoos in the orbital area, including semi-permanent eyebrow and eyeliner tattoos.
Removal can be slower for tattoos located further from the heart. The lymphatic system relies on blood circulation. The further the tattoo is from your heart, the slower the circulation and lymphatic flow and slower ink clearance.
Yes, PicoSure® is capable of treating all ink colours, including traditionally difficult shades such as blue, green, purple, red, orange, and yellow. It is also effective on various ink types including plant based, synthetic, and metallic.
We have protocols to address deep or excessively dense ink, including tattoos embedded in scar tissue from previous unsuccessful laser treatments. We have experience treating tattoos that were previously unresponsive to other methods or technologies.