Twenty-five most-asked questions about picosecond tattoo removal, answered honestly. If you can't find your answer here, the free virtual consultation will cover it.
Sessions and timeline
- How many sessions will it take? 4–6 for typical tattoos, 8–12 for large multi-color pieces. Detailed session guide
- How far apart are sessions? 6–8 weeks for most patients. 8–10 weeks for darker skin or large tattoos
- How long until I see results? Visible fading after first session, peak fade 2–4 weeks per session
- Can I get my whole tattoo done in one trip? No. Sessions need 6+ weeks between for immune clearance
- How long is one session? 5–60 minutes depending on tattoo size
Pain and recovery
- How much does it hurt? Comparable to getting the original tattoo. Pain guide
- Can I get numbing cream? Yes. Topical lidocaine 30 min pre-treatment is standard
- How long is recovery? 5–7 days of visible recovery, full healing 2 weeks
- Can I exercise after? Light walking yes; full exercise after 1 week
- Can I shower? Yes, gentle wash next day. Avoid soaking treated area
Effectiveness
- Will my tattoo fully disappear? Most do. Some leave faint "ghost" outline
- What about red and green ink? Picosecond clears them. Color guide
- What about white ink? Risky — may darken paradoxically. Test patch first
- Can you remove a cover-up? Yes, but more sessions due to layered ink
- What about old tattoos vs new? Older usually fade faster. New (under 6 months) should wait
Safety
- Is it safe for dark skin? Yes with picosecond, careful protocol. Dark skin guide
- Will it scar? Less than 2 % with picosecond + proper aftercare
- Can I do it while pregnant? No — wait until after pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Are there contraindications? Active skin infection, recent sun exposure, photosensitive medications
- Can it cause cancer? No. Picosecond is non-ionizing and doesn't damage DNA
Cost and logistics
- How much does it cost at Elyzea? S/100 (~US$29) per session
- How does that compare to the US? US averages $200–$600 per session
- Why is Lima cheaper? Lower clinic overhead, exchange rate, no licensing premiums on the equipment
- Is it worth flying for? For multi-session courses or large tattoos, yes. Trip planning
- Can I combine with other treatments? Yes — common to pair with HIFU, fillers, or HydraFacial
Final clarifying answers
- Picosecond vs Nd:YAG: picosecond is 3× faster, clears all colors, safer on dark skin. Tech comparison
- What if my clinic uses Nd:YAG only? For small light-skinned black tattoos, OK. For everything else, find a picosecond clinic
- What's the consultation like? Free virtual or in-person. What to look for in a clinic
- How do I book? Free consultation via Calendico — no obligation
- Is there a guarantee? No reputable clinic guarantees specific session counts. Sessions adjust based on response
Common scenarios FAQ
Recent tattoo (under 6 months) — should I remove now?
Wait. Skin needs to fully heal first. Sometimes natural fading reduces removal need.
Multiple tattoos — do I treat all at once?
Possible to treat multiple in same session. Discuss session timing with consultation.
Job-relocating soon — can I time removal?
Plan 12+ months before. Session intervals 6-8 weeks.
Wedding in 6 months — can I have visible tattoo at ceremony?
Possibly. Cover-up makeup or strategic positioning. Photos under control.
Pregnant — can I plan removal post-baby?
Yes. Postpone until after breastfeeding.
Diabetic — can I have laser tattoo removal?
Yes generally. Slower healing. Discuss with consultation.
Bottom line
Picosecond tattoo removal = safest, fastest, broadest-color technology in 2026. 4-6 sessions typical. Lima at ~US$29 vs US $200-600. Free consultation removes ambiguity.