Leading clinical laser technology for tattoo removal
Industry-best care, training and safety regulations
Medically qualified laser tattoo experts
Fast, effective results
What is Pico tattoo removal?
Medically reviewed by: Helen Green, Nurse Prescriber and Non-Surgical Lead, 1st July 2023. Next review July 2024
Due to its specialised short-pulse laser technology system, which means the laser does not rely solely on heat to remove ink, Picosure or Picoway lasers are the fastest method of laser tattoo removal.
The energy is delivered in picoseconds to the area, sparing the skin from high thermal damage, optimally targeting and “shattering” unwanted pigment into tiny particles, which is disposed of by the body. It works on all skin types, there is less downtime and also removes stubborn designs.
The benefits of Pico laser tattoo removal
- Up to 3x faster than nanosecond lasers
- Requires fewer treatments to deliver highly effective results
- Effectively removes coloured pigment
- Removes more stubborn tattoos
- Virtually no down time
- Works on all skin types
Where can I have Pico tattoo removal?
Request a callbackPico laser tattoo removal client results
Before
After
Pricing
Consultations free*
For the most effective results, we recommend a course of treatments. The length of your course will depend on the tattoo location, size, age or ink used.
The prices shown are an indication, but your Pico tattoo specialist will advise you of the cost during your consultation.
To secure an appointment, your credit or debit card details will be secured against your booking. For free consultations, this is £25 with a practitioner or £50 for acne or injectables consultations. For all other chargeable consultations, appointments, test patches and reviews, please refer to our payment protection and cancellation policies for more information.
To start your journey to confidence in better skin, call us or book online.
| Consultations From |
Free*
|
| Treatment | Single Treatment From | Course of 8 Price per Treatment From |
| Test patch | £50.00 |
£50.00
|
| Pico Very minor (1-3cm x 1-3cm) | £113.00 |
£67.50
|
| Pico Minor (4-8cm x 4-8cm) | £200.00 |
£97.42
|
| Pico Intermediate (9-15cm x 9-15cm) | £325.00 |
£158.44
|
| Pico Major (16-20cm x 16-20cm) | £511.00 |
£249.11
|
| Pico Additional area to major (per 1-10cm x 1-10cm) | £219.00 |
£131.30
|
The sk:n promise
Our mission to deliver confidence through better skin is at the heart of everything we do. Our promise to you:
- Award-winning, unrivalled medical expertise. No one has more consultants, doctors and clinical expertise than sk:n, so no other dermatology provider comes close.
- Outstanding approach to client care for over 30 years. We’ve consistently delivered unrivalled, personalised client care, that’s always right for our clients. If you have a concern, you can trust us to solve it.
- Standards you can trust. Our market-leading medical, safety and training protocols and strict industry regulation means you can trust that your safety and care is our priority.
- We are the UK’s leading skin clinics. We’ve treated millions of clients, improving their self-confidence for the better – with some life-changing results.
Request a callback
One of our friendly sk:n advisors will call you to book your consultation.
- More than 450 consultants, doctors, nurses and medical practitioners
- Regulated by the Care Quality Commission, Health Inspectorate Wales and Health Improvement Scotland
- Partner of the NHS
- Rated excellent by our clients on Trustpilot
- Strict safety and care protocols
How does Picoway Tattoo Removal work?
A Pico laser is a new generation of aesthetic laser that doesn’t rely solely on the use of heat to remove tattoo ink. Instead it uses patented short-pulse laser technology (one trillionth of a second in length) to deliver energy to the area very quickly, shattering the ink into very tiny particles and allowing it to be easily disposed of by the body. The smaller the particles, the easier it is to remove them from the body through your lymphatic system.
Frequently asked questions
How long will it take to remove my tattoo with lasers?
A course of 6-10 treatments is often enough to remove the tattoo, depending on the colour and depth of the tattoo ink.
Does laser tattoo removal hurt?
Unfortunately, no method of tattoo removal is completely pain-free. It’s similar to the feeling of having a rubber band repeatedly flicked against the skin. Others describe it as a rapid succession of sharp pinpricks, or a warm, prickly sensation. Because a lot of energy is needed in order for the laser to break up the ink particles under your skin, laser tattoo removal can be uncomfortable for some people, so we offer cooling spray and aloe vera gel to calm the skin post-treatment, and SPF to protect the area. Your skin will also need 6 – 12 weeks to properly recover between treatments.
I want to fade my tattoo so I can have a new design. How many treatments will I need?
A tattoo can be faded adequately to re-cover after a couple of sessions. Your practitioner will be able to advise how many sessions you are likely to need during your consultation.
Is tattoo removal safe?
Yes, it’s very safe. The laser energy is selectively absorbed by the tattoo ink only, meaning that surrounding tissues are not affected and there is no lasting damage to the skin. At sk:n, we operate within the strictest safety and medical protocols, so you can trust you’re in the safest hands at sk:n.
What’s the difference between laser tattoo removal and other methods?
Other tattoo removal methods do not involve lasers. We do not recommend the following methods of tattoo removal because they can cause scarring and have a high risk of infection. Tattoo removal creams – these work by dissolving the tattoo using chemicals such as hydroquinone, kojic acid, alpha arbutin and TCA. They cannot completely remove a tattoo, but may reduce its appearance in some cases. Dermabrasion tattoo removal – this involves using an abrasive device to blast the surface of the skin in order to break down the tattoo and remove the top layers of skin. A local anaesthetic is usually administered as this is a painful method of removal. Salabrasion – this works in a similar way to dermabrasion but involves applying water and salt in addition to an abrasive device in order to lift and remove layers of skin. Acid tattoo removal – some people are now using acids, similar to those used in chemical skin peels, to burn away layers of the skin in order to get rid of their tattoos. Many health professionals strongly advise against this method.
I’ve had my tattoo done recently. It is easier to remove?
The ink particles of the tattoo will have been injected deep into the dermis (the second layer of skin). In order to reverse this process effectively, the pigment within the skin needs to be broken down using targeted lasers. Don’t be fooled into believing that if you have a change of heart shortly after getting your tattoo it can be easily removed.
How do I know if tattoo removal is suitable for me?
Laser tattoo removal may not be suitable for you if you have a dark skin tone; this is due to the potential of the treatment leaving a ‘ghosting’ effect, where the skin is left lighter than the surrounding area. During your consultation, our tattoo experts will assess your tattoo and determine which solution is most appropriate for you. In some cases, the most appropriate form of removal for a tattoo could be excision. This involves having the tattoo surgically removed using a scalpel, with a local anaesthetic applied. Although more invasive, it can sometimes be the most effective solution and may also be quicker.
