How Laser Tattoo
Removal Works

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Pico lasers are the most advanced technology for tattoo removal, offering a faster, more efficient, and less painful experience compared to traditional Q-Switch lasers. The key difference lies in the pulse duration—Pico lasers deliver ultra-short picosecond pulses, while Q-Switch lasers operate in slower nanosecond pulses. This means Pico lasers break down ink particles more effectively, requiring fewer sessions to achieve full removal. With less heat buildup, the risk of skin damage and scarring is significantly reduced, making the process safer and more comfortable. Additionally, the faster ink clearance translates to shorter overall treatment timelines, ultimately leading to a lower total cost compared to the multiple sessions typically required with Q-Switch lasers. By minimizing discomfort and maximizing efficiency, Pico lasers provide a superior solution for tattoo removal, allowing clients to achieve their desired results in half the time.
Pico lasers work faster than Q-Switch lasers, delivering ultra-short pulses (picoseconds) that shatter ink more efficiently, often requiring fewer sessions for complete removal.
Pico lasers are more effective, especially for stubborn or colorful inks, as their picosecond pulses break down ink into finer particles for easier clearance by the body. Q-Switch lasers, using nanosecond pulses, are effective but may struggle with certain inks or require more sessions.
Both lasers can cause mild discomfort, but Pico lasers often feel less intense due to shorter pulse durations, reducing heat buildup in the skin. Q-Switch lasers may feel more like a rubber band snap and can be slightly more uncomfortable.
Risks are minimal with both technologies, but potential side effects include temporary redness, swelling, or skin discoloration. Pico lasers may reduce the risk of scarring due to less heat, while Q-Switch lasers can sometimes cause hyperpigmentation or textural changes if not used carefully.
Costs vary by treatment area and ink complexity, but Pico laser sessions typically start at $150, while Q-Switch sessions begin around $100. This is a promotional rate and may not last indefinitely—consult us for a personalized quote.
Getting started is easy. Schedule a free consultation at our Salisbury, MA location, where our specialists will assess your tattoo and recommend the best laser option—Pico or Q-Switch—based on your needs.
Pico Laser Removal

Pico Laser Removal

Pico lasers harness ultra-short picosecond pulses—lasting just trillionths of a second—to precisely target tattoo ink, shattering it into microscopic particles that the body can naturally eliminate. This cutting-edge technology excels at removing vibrant colors, stubborn inks, and even older tattoos, offering significant advantages over traditional methods. Thanks to its efficient ink fragmentation, Pico laser treatments typically require fewer sessions—often 4 to 8 sessions compared to 6 to 12 with older technologies—leading to substantial cost savings for clients, as you’ll spend less on overall treatments (starting at just $150 per session, potentially saving hundreds compared to extended sessions). The shorter pulse duration also minimizes heat buildup in the skin, resulting in a gentler, less painful experience—many describe it as a mild, tolerable sting rather than the sharper sensation of other lasers. Additionally, by reducing thermal damage, Pico lasers significantly lower the risk of scarring, hyperpigmentation, or textural changes, ensuring safer, smoother results even on sensitive skin areas.

Q-Switch Laser Removal

Q-Switch lasers utilize nanosecond pulses—lasting billionths of a second—to break down tattoo ink into smaller fragments, which the body gradually eliminates over time. This traditional technology is effective for a wide range of tattoos, but it may fall short for complex or colorful designs, often requiring 6 to 12 sessions to achieve full clearance—more than the streamlined treatments offered by newer methods like Pico lasers. Additionally, Q-Switch lasers generate greater heat during the process, which can lead to increased discomfort, described by some as a sharper, rubber band-like snap, and a slightly higher potential for side effects such as temporary redness, swelling, or minor skin texture changes. While reliable, this approach is generally less efficient and gentler compared to advanced picosecond technologies, which offer faster results with fewer treatments and reduced risk to the skin.

Q-Switch Laser Removal