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Featured Treatment

PicoSure Laser Tattoo Removal

Unwanted tattoo? Need fading for a cover-up? Regretting that impulse ink? PicoSure laser technology removes tattoos in 3-10+ sessions with less pain, faster recovery, and better results than traditional Q-switched lasers.

What is PicoSure Tattoo Removal?

PicoSure represents the pinnacle of laser tattoo removal technology, delivering ultra-short picosecond pulses (trillionths of a second) at a 755nm alexandrite wavelength. Unlike older Q-switched lasers that rely on photothermal (heat-based) mechanisms to burn away ink, PicoSure creates a powerful photomechanical effect—a pressure wave that shatters tattoo ink particles into minuscule fragments your body's lymphatic system can naturally eliminate.

This revolutionary approach means fewer treatments, less discomfort, and minimal risk of scarring or hyperpigmentation. PicoSure is FDA-cleared and Health Canada approved for safe and effective tattoo removal on all Fitzpatrick skin types (I-VI), including darker complexions that were previously difficult to treat with traditional lasers.

Picosecond vs Nanosecond Technology

The difference between PicoSure and older Q-switched lasers comes down to speed. Q-switched lasers deliver energy in nanoseconds (billionths of a second), which generates significant heat. This thermal energy breaks down ink but also damages surrounding tissue, leading to longer healing times and increased risk of side effects.

PicoSure's picosecond pulses are 100 times faster, delivering energy so quickly that heat doesn't have time to build up. Instead, the rapid energy transfer creates an acoustic shockwave that mechanically fractures ink particles without burning surrounding dermis. This photomechanical approach is gentler on skin, more effective on stubborn colors, and significantly reduces treatment sessions.

FDA Clearance & Health Canada Approval

PicoSure by Cynosure received FDA clearance in 2012 for tattoo removal and benign pigmented lesions. It was the world's first picosecond aesthetic laser, pioneering a new generation of energy-based treatments. Health Canada approval followed, establishing PicoSure as the gold standard for safe, effective tattoo removal in North America.

The laser is clinically proven to remove black, blue, green, brown, purple, and turquoise inks in professional and amateur tattoos. It's also cleared for skin revitalization using the Focus Lens Array, making it a versatile platform for both removal and rejuvenation treatments.

Why PicoSure is Different

Beyond speed, PicoSure's 755nm alexandrite wavelength offers superior absorption by black and blue-green pigments compared to the 1064nm Nd:YAG wavelength used by most Q-switched lasers. This means better targeting of stubborn colors like turquoise, teal, and purple that historically resisted removal.

The laser also features adjustable spot sizes (2-6mm), customizable fluence levels up to 1.6 J/cm², and repetition rates up to 10Hz for efficient treatment of large tattoos. Whether your tattoo is professional or amateur, black ink or multicolored, fresh or decades old, PicoSure's advanced parameters can be tailored to your unique removal needs.

PicoSure laser tattoo removal treatment

PicoSure Equipment & Technology

Our Markham clinic uses the Cynosure PicoSure Pro, the most advanced picosecond laser platform available. Here's what makes this technology revolutionary.

755nm Alexandrite Wavelength

Optimal absorption for black, blue, and green pigments. Targets melanin and tattoo ink with precision while minimizing collateral thermal damage to surrounding tissue.

550-750 Picosecond Pulses

Ultra-short pulse duration delivers energy faster than thermal relaxation time of ink particles, creating photomechanical disruption instead of heat-based destruction.

Focus Lens Array (Boost)

Proprietary diffractive lens concentrates energy into high-density microbeams for skin revitalization, acne scar treatment, and wrinkle reduction—beyond tattoo removal.

Adjustable Spot Sizes (2-6mm)

Smaller spots for detailed work and higher fluence; larger spots for efficient coverage of bigger tattoos. Customizable to your tattoo's size and complexity.

Up to 1.6 J/cm² Fluence

High energy density ensures effective fragmentation of dense, layered ink while maintaining safety thresholds for all skin types.

10Hz Repetition Rate

Rapid firing rate allows for faster treatment times, especially beneficial for large-scale tattoos requiring multiple passes per session.

Laser Comparison: PicoSure vs Competitors

Feature PicoSure (Cynosure) Q-Switched Nd:YAG PicoWay (Candela)
Pulse Duration 550-750 picoseconds 5-10 nanoseconds 294-450 picoseconds
Wavelength 755nm alexandrite 1064nm / 532nm 1064nm / 532nm / 785nm
Mechanism Photomechanical Photothermal Photomechanical
Best for Black Ink Excellent Good Excellent
Best for Blue/Green Excellent (755nm ideal) Poor Good
Sessions Required 3-10+ average 10-20+ average 4-12 average
Downtime Minimal (1-3 days) Moderate (3-7 days) Minimal (1-3 days)
Scarring Risk Very low Moderate Low

The Science of Ink Removal

How Tattoo Ink Sits in Your Skin

When you get a tattoo, needles deposit ink particles into the dermis—the second layer of skin beneath the epidermis. These particles are too large for your immune system to remove on its own. Instead, macrophages (immune cells) attempt to consume the foreign ink but fail to fully digest it. The ink becomes trapped inside these cells, creating the permanent visual we recognize as a tattoo.

Over years, some ink particles do migrate deeper or get processed slowly, which is why tattoos fade slightly with age. However, the vast majority remains locked in the dermis indefinitely. Laser tattoo removal works by breaking these ink particles into fragments small enough for macrophages and lymphatic vessels to finally clear away.

Cross-section: ink particles trapped in dermal macrophages

PicoSure's picosecond pulses create a photoacoustic effect that shatters ink into nano-sized particles—10-100 times smaller than what Q-switched lasers achieve. This exponentially increases the surface area available for your immune system to attack, accelerating clearance and reducing total treatment time.

Why Cheap or Street Ink is Harder to Remove

Professional tattoo inks use standardized, pure pigments with consistent particle sizes. Cheap or homemade inks—common in street tattoos or prison ink—contain unpredictable mixtures of dyes, heavy metals, and fillers. These inconsistent particles respond differently to laser energy, often requiring more sessions or different wavelengths to fully clear.

Additionally, amateur tattoos are frequently applied at irregular depths. A professional tattoo artist maintains consistent needle depth for even ink distribution. DIY or untrained application results in patches of shallow ink (easier to remove) mixed with deep pockets (harder to reach), complicating the removal process.

Professional vs amateur ink particle distribution under microscopy

Ink Color Breakdown by Wavelength

Different ink colors absorb different laser wavelengths. PicoSure's 755nm alexandrite wavelength is particularly effective for:

  • Black ink: Absorbs all wavelengths; 755nm delivers excellent results with minimal sessions.
  • Blue & green ink: 755nm is the ideal wavelength for these stubborn colors, historically resistant to 1064nm Nd:YAG lasers.
  • Purple & turquoise: Respond exceptionally well to 755nm picosecond energy.
  • Brown ink: Responds well to 755nm wavelength with consistent clearance across sessions.

Note: Red and orange inks require a separate 532nm KTP handpiece for optimal absorption. This handpiece is not currently available at our clinic. We focus on the ink colors listed above, which respond effectively to our 755nm PicoSure system.

Wavelength absorption chart: ink colors vs laser wavelengths

Professional vs Amateur Tattoo Difficulty

Professional tattoos use high-quality inks applied at consistent dermal depth. They're paradoxically both easier and harder to remove—easier because the ink is uniform and predictable, but harder because there's often more ink density per square inch. Expect 6-10 sessions for vibrant professional work.

Amateur tattoos (stick-and-poke, homemade) use less ink and irregular application. They often fade in 3-6 sessions but may leave patchy clearance due to inconsistent ink placement. Some areas clear completely while others remain stubbornly visible.

Session comparison: professional vs amateur tattoo removal timelines

Cover-Up Fading: The 60-80% Solution

Not everyone wants complete tattoo removal. If you're planning a cover-up tattoo, you only need to fade the existing ink by 60-80% to give your artist a workable canvas. This typically requires just 2-4 PicoSure sessions, significantly reducing time and cost compared to full removal.

We work closely with local Markham tattoo artists to coordinate fading treatments that prepare your skin for new ink. Strategic partial removal can lighten dark areas, reduce color saturation, or clear specific sections while leaving others intact—giving your cover-up artist maximum creative flexibility.

Before & after: cover-up fading progression over 3 sessions

Why Older Tattoos Fade Faster

Tattoos more than 10-15 years old generally respond better to laser removal. Natural fading has already begun breaking down larger ink particles, UV exposure has degraded some pigments, and macrophages have cleared a portion of the ink. This head start means older tattoos often require 20-30% fewer sessions than fresh ink. Conversely, tattoos less than 6 months old should not be treated until fully healed.

Your Treatment Journey

From consultation to recovery — here's exactly what to expect at every stage.

1

Consultation & Assessment

Your journey begins with a free consultation at our Markham clinic. We photograph your tattoo, assess ink colors and density, and use the Kirby-Desai scale to predict sessions required.

  • Kirby-Desai assessment: skin type, location, ink colors, ink density, scarring/layering, tattoo age
  • Patch test on a small area to observe your skin's response
  • Pre-treatment: avoid sun 2 weeks prior, stop blood thinners 48 hours before
  • Personalized plan with realistic timelines and cost estimates
2

The Laser Treatment

On treatment day, we clean the area and apply EMLA numbing cream 20-30 minutes before. You'll wear protective eyewear while our technician calibrates PicoSure settings.

  • Sensation: rapid pulses feel like rubber band flicks with a snapping sound
  • Duration: 5 min (small tattoos) to 30-45 min (large pieces)
  • Frosting effect: white discoloration appears immediately — normal, fades in 10-20 min
  • Comfort: Zimmer cryo-cooling between passes minimizes discomfort
3

Recovery & Healing

Frosting fades within 10-20 minutes. We apply Aquaphor or CeraVe Healing Ointment and cover with a sterile Telfa pad. Most clients return to work immediately.

  • Days 1-3: redness, swelling, mild sunburn-like discomfort
  • Blistering: normal immune response — do not pop, let resolve naturally
  • 48 hours: avoid exercise, swimming, hot tubs, saunas
  • Weeks 2-8: area gradually lightens as lymphatic system clears ink

Is Tattoo Removal Right for You?

Fitzpatrick Skin Type & Laser Safety

PicoSure is FDA-cleared for all Fitzpatrick skin types, but treatment parameters are adjusted based on your melanin levels to minimize hyperpigmentation risk.

Skin Type Description Laser Safety
Type I Pale white, always burns, never tans Excellent candidate; minimal hyperpigmentation risk
Type II White, usually burns, tans minimally Excellent candidate; low risk
Type III White to olive, sometimes burns, tans gradually Great candidate; moderate settings required
Type IV Moderate brown, rarely burns, tans easily Good candidate; conservative fluence settings
Type V Dark brown, very rarely burns, tans darkly Suitable with caution; requires experienced operator
Type VI Deeply pigmented dark brown to black Suitable with careful parameter selection and patch testing

Ideal Candidates

  • In good overall health
  • Realistic expectations about results
  • Willing to commit to 6-8 week intervals between sessions
  • Tattoo fully healed (at least 6 months old)
  • No active skin infections or conditions in treatment area
  • Not pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Able to avoid sun exposure during treatment course

Contraindications

  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding
  • Active skin infection (herpes, impetigo, etc.)
  • History of keloid scarring
  • Photosensitive medications (Accutane, certain antibiotics)
  • Recent sunburn or spray tan in treatment area
  • Immunosuppressive conditions or medications
  • Unrealistic expectations or unwillingness to follow aftercare

Healing & Recovery Timeline

Proper aftercare is critical for optimal results and preventing complications. Here's what to expect during the healing process.

Day 1-3: Acute Healing

  • Redness, swelling, and tenderness similar to sunburn
  • Possible pinpoint bleeding or blistering (normal response)
  • Keep area clean; wash gently with mild soap and pat dry
  • Apply thin layer of Aquaphor or CeraVe Healing Ointment 3-4x daily
  • Cover with sterile Telfa pad if clothing will rub the area
  • Avoid strenuous exercise, swimming, hot tubs, saunas
  • Do NOT pick at blisters or scabs

Day 3-7: Scabbing & Peeling

  • Light scabbing begins as skin regenerates
  • Blisters (if any) begin to reabsorb or flatten
  • Continue gentle cleansing and moisturizing
  • Switch to fragrance-free lotion once scabs soften
  • Itching is common—do NOT scratch; apply cold compress if needed
  • Avoid makeup, perfumes, or irritants on treated area
  • Still no sun exposure; wear SPF 50+ if area will be exposed

Week 2-4: Fading Begins

  • Scabs fully shed; new pink skin visible underneath
  • Tattoo begins to appear lighter as lymphatic system clears ink
  • Resume normal activities and exercise
  • Continue daily moisturizing with gentle lotion
  • Apply broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen whenever exposed to sun
  • Hyperpigmentation (darkening) or hypopigmentation (lightening) may occur temporarily

Week 4-8: Maximum Clearance

  • Peak ink clearance occurs as immune system processes fragmented particles
  • Skin tone normalizes; pigmentation changes typically resolve
  • Ready for next treatment session if additional clearance desired
  • Continue sun protection to prevent hyperpigmentation
  • Stay hydrated and maintain healthy lifestyle for optimal lymphatic function

Recommended Aftercare Products

Aquaphor Healing Ointment

Petrolatum-based barrier cream for initial 48-72 hours. Prevents infection and locks in moisture during acute healing phase.

CeraVe Healing Ointment

Ceramide-rich alternative to Aquaphor. Supports skin barrier repair with hyaluronic acid for added hydration.

La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5

Restorative balm with panthenol and madecassoside. Excellent for days 3-14 as skin regenerates and scabs form.

EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46

Broad-spectrum sunscreen safe for post-laser skin. Non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, and effective against hyperpigmentation.

Related Resources

Tattoo Removal Aftercare: Complete Healing Guide

Step-by-step instructions for optimal healing, preventing infection, and maximizing clearance results.

PicoSure vs Q-Switched: Which Laser Removes Tattoos Better?

In-depth comparison of picosecond and nanosecond laser technologies for tattoo removal.

Why Choose PicoSure

Treats 6 Ink Colors

Effectively removes black, blue, green, brown, purple, and turquoise — the stubborn colors that older lasers can't clear.

Fewer Sessions Required

3-10+ treatments on average compared to 10-20+ sessions with traditional Q-switched lasers.

Minimal Downtime

Resume daily activities immediately with simple aftercare. Redness and swelling resolve within days.

All Skin Types Safe

FDA-cleared for all skin tones with minimal risk of scarring or pigmentation changes.

Pricing & Packages

Invest in clear skin with Markham's most advanced tattoo removal technology.

Single Session

$149

per session

1 session

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Best Value

Complete Package

$125

per session

6 sessions — $749 total

Save $145 Book Free Consultation

Starter Package

$133

per session

3 sessions — $399 total

Save $48 Book Now

Packages valid for 18 months from purchase. Non-transferable. Free consultation included with all packages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most tattoos require 3-10+ PicoSure sessions depending on size, ink colors, depth, and your skin type. Black and darker inks typically clear faster, while bright colors like green and blue may need additional treatments. Sessions are spaced 6-8 weeks apart to allow your body to flush out the shattered ink particles naturally.

PicoSure is significantly more comfortable than older Q-switched lasers due to its ultra-short picosecond pulses that minimize heat damage. Most clients describe it as a rubber band snap sensation. We offer numbing cream and cooling methods to maximize comfort during treatment. Discomfort is brief and tolerable for most patients.

Yes, PicoSure excels at removing stubborn colors including blues, greens, and purples that traditional lasers struggle with. The advanced picosecond technology delivers energy so quickly that it shatters even resistant ink particles without overheating surrounding tissue. Black, blue, green, brown, purple, and turquoise inks all respond well to PicoSure treatment.

Our PicoSure tattoo removal starts at $149 per session. Final cost depends on tattoo size, complexity, and number of sessions required. We offer package pricing for multiple sessions and provide a detailed treatment plan during your free consultation. Contact us at (416) 500-1510 to schedule your assessment and get a personalized quote.

Yes, PicoSure can selectively target specific areas of a tattoo for partial removal or fading. This is particularly popular for cover-up preparation, where we fade only the sections that will be covered by new ink. Partial removal typically requires 2-4 sessions depending on the ink density and colors involved.

Yes, PicoSure is FDA-cleared and safe for all Fitzpatrick skin types (I-VI), including dark skin tones. The photomechanical approach generates minimal heat, significantly reducing the risk of hyperpigmentation or scarring that was common with older photothermal lasers. We customize treatment parameters based on your specific skin type for optimal safety and results.

Cheap or street tattoo inks often contain inconsistent particle sizes, heavy metals, and unpredictable pigment compositions that respond differently to laser energy. Professional tattoo inks use standardized, pure pigments that break down more predictably. Amateur tattoos may also have irregular depth placement, requiring additional sessions to target ink at varying dermal layers.

PicoSure tattoo removal sessions are typically spaced 6-8 weeks apart. This interval allows your lymphatic system time to process and eliminate the fragmented ink particles. Rushing treatments closer together does not speed up results and may increase side effects. Patience between sessions is crucial for optimal clearance.

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