Laser Tattoo Removal · PicoSure Pro Technology
Laser Tattoo Removal That Actually Clears Ink: See the Difference PicoSure Pro Makes
80-90% clearance in just 4-6 sessions, compared to up to 20 sessions with older lasers. FDA-cleared for every ink color, on every skin tone. Here's how it works and what real results look like.
Reviewed by Dr. Sam Abaza. Diplomate, American Board of Physician Specialties
5 min read · 6 scientific references
80-90%
tattoo clearance achieved in a full PicoSure treatment course. Clinical literature.
4-6
sessions typically needed with PicoSure Pro, versus up to 20 with older Q-switched lasers.
94%
clearance rate for blue and green ink specifically, published in the Archives of Dermatology.
2022
the year PicoSure Pro received FDA 510(k) clearance for its current generation.
How does PicoSure Pro actually remove a tattoo?
Tattoo ink sits deep in the skin as particles too large for the body to clear on its own. PicoSure Pro uses picosecond laser technology, delivering energy in pulses lasting just one trillionth of a second, far faster than older Q-switched lasers. That ultra-short pulse shatters ink particles into much smaller fragments using a pressure effect rather than heat, which is why picosecond technology causes less damage to surrounding skin while breaking down ink more thoroughly.
Once ink is fragmented into smaller particles, the body's own immune system gradually clears it away between sessions, the same way it would clear any other foreign particle. This is why tattoo removal is always a multi-session process rather than a one-time procedure, the skin needs time between treatments to actually flush the broken-down ink. PicoSure Pro's smaller particle fragmentation is the specific reason it typically requires meaningfully fewer sessions than older technology to reach the same clearance level.
What to expect during a session:
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Consultation and tattoo assessment. Dr. Abaza evaluates ink colors, density, depth, and location to build a realistic session estimate for your specific tattoo.
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Test spot (first visit only). A small test area is often treated first to gauge how your skin responds before treating the full tattoo.
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Treatment. The PicoSure Pro handpiece passes over the tattoo, sessions typically run 10 to 30 minutes depending on tattoo size.
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Immediate aftercare. The treated area is cooled and covered, with specific wound care instructions for the following days.
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Healing between sessions. Sessions are spaced several weeks apart, giving your body time to clear fragmented ink before the next treatment.
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Progress photos. Results are tracked visually session to session, so you can see clearance progress building over the course of treatment.
Why PicoSure Pro clears tattoos that other lasers can't
Older Q-switched lasers struggle with certain ink colors, especially blues and greens, and often stall out well before a tattoo is fully cleared. PicoSure Pro is FDA-cleared to treat all ink colors, including the stubborn colors that hold up worst under older technology, and works across all skin tones (Fitzpatrick I-VI). This is also why PicoSure Pro is often the right choice for tattoos that were previously treated elsewhere and plateaued, patients who "gave up" on removal with an older laser frequently see renewed progress once switched to picosecond technology.
Real Results
Am I a candidate for laser tattoo removal?
Most people are candidates for PicoSure Pro tattoo removal, regardless of skin tone or ink color, which isn't true of older laser technology. Tattoos of any age can be treated, though older, more faded tattoos sometimes clear in fewer sessions than fresh, dense ink. Tattoos that were previously treated elsewhere and stalled are also excellent candidates, since PicoSure Pro's mechanism often succeeds where older lasers plateaued.
A consultation is the best way to get a realistic session estimate, since the size, ink density, colors used, and location on the body all affect how many treatments a specific tattoo will need. Dr. Abaza can also advise whether full removal or partial fading, for example, to prepare for a cover-up, is the better fit for your goals.
Dr. Abaza's Recommendation
Skin between tattoo removal sessions is healing and more sensitive to UV exposure. Daily sun protection helps the treated area heal properly and reduces the risk of pigment changes.
What should I expect after a tattoo removal session?
The treated area typically looks similar to a mild sunburn immediately after treatment, with some redness, swelling, and occasionally slight blistering or a frosted appearance that fades within hours to a few days. Keeping the area clean, covered, and protected from sun exposure is essential during healing. Most patients return to normal daily activities immediately, though strenuous exercise and swimming are typically avoided for the first few days.
Does laser tattoo removal hurt? Most patients describe the sensation as similar to a rubber band snapping against the skin, or comparable to getting the tattoo itself. Numbing cream can be applied beforehand for larger or more sensitive areas to improve comfort.
Can all tattoo colors be removed? PicoSure Pro is FDA-cleared to treat all ink colors, including blue, green, and red, which are historically the most difficult colors for older laser technology to clear. A published clinical study found 94% clearance specifically for blue and green ink.
How many sessions will I actually need? Most patients achieve 80 to 90% clearance in 4 to 6 sessions with PicoSure Pro, though this depends heavily on your tattoo's size, ink colors, density, and location. Dr. Abaza can give you a realistic estimate specific to your tattoo during consultation.
I tried laser removal before and it stalled, can PicoSure Pro still help? Often, yes. Many patients whose tattoos plateaued on older Q-switched laser technology see renewed progress once switched to PicoSure Pro's picosecond technology, since it fragments ink into smaller particles the body can clear more effectively.
Is laser tattoo removal safe for all skin tones? Yes. PicoSure Pro is FDA-cleared for use across all skin tones (Fitzpatrick I-VI), unlike some older laser technologies that carry a higher risk of pigment changes in darker skin. Dr. Abaza tailors settings to your specific skin type during treatment.
Sources Cited in This Page
1. Cynosure (Hologic). PicoSure Pro product overview and FDA clearance data.
2. Clinical study published in the Archives of Dermatology on PicoSure laser tattoo clearance outcomes, greater than 80% overall clearance and 94% clearance for blue and green ink.
3. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. PicoSure Pro 510(k) clearance, 2022.
4. Izikson L, et al. Safety and effectiveness of tattoo clearance with picosecond laser technology. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine.
5. Brauer JA, et al. Clinical evaluation of picosecond laser technology for tattoo removal, as referenced in peer-reviewed dermatology literature.
6. ClinicalTrials.gov. Clinical evaluation of picosecond laser technology for treatment of unwanted tattoos.
This page is for general educational purposes and does not replace an in-person medical evaluation. Individual results, session counts, and clearance timelines depend on tattoo size, ink colors, density, location, and skin type. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Abaza to discuss your specific tattoo.
Bottom Line
Fewer Sessions, More Ink Colors Cleared, Real Visible Progress
PicoSure Pro clears more ink, in fewer sessions, across more skin tones and colors than older laser technology, which is why it's become the standard for modern tattoo removal. If you've been putting off removal because of a bad experience with an older laser, or you're just getting started, a consultation with Dr. Abaza will give you a realistic session estimate for your specific tattoo.