PicoSure Tattoo
Removal in Torrance
PicoSure uses ultra short energy pulses to break tattoo ink into tiny particles your body clears naturally, fading unwanted ink session by session with a safe, paced plan.
PicoSure Tattoo Removal at a Glance
PicoSure uses ultra short energy pulses, delivered in trillionths of a second, to break tattoo ink into tiny particles. Over the weeks between sessions, your body clears those fragments naturally, so the tattoo fades gradually rather than all at once. Every plan is tailored to your ink colors, tattoo depth, and skin type, and your consultation sets realistic expectations for session count before you commit to anything.
How PicoSure Tattoo Removal Works
The laser targets tattoo pigment and breaks it into smaller particles. Your body clears those particles between sessions, which is why spacing matters for both progress and recovery. Rushing the plan does not speed up fading, it just adds irritation.
Mechanism
Ultra short pulses fracture tattoo pigment into particles small enough for your body’s own clearance process to remove gradually.
Comfort and downtime
Numbing is available for sensitive areas. Redness and warmth are common the first day, and light scabbing or flaking can occur during healing.
What affects results
Ink color and density, tattoo age and depth, professional versus amateur ink, location and circulation, and your own immune response and session spacing.
The PicoSure Pro handpiece passes over the tattoo delivering rapid pulses that fragment ink while sparing the surrounding skin.
Typical Session Ranges
These are typical ranges, not guarantees. Tattoo response depends on ink type, colors, layering, placement, and how well your body clears pigment between sessions.
| Service | Typical sessions | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Extra small area | 5 to 8 | Tiny symbols or minimal ink, often black ink only |
| Small area | 6 to 9 | Common wrist or ankle pieces, professional ink often trends higher |
| Medium area | 7 to 10 | More density and color complexity can increase sessions |
| Large area | 8 to 12+ | Large panels, heavy fill, and cover ups often require longer plans |
| Microblading lightening | 1 to 2 lightening, 2 to 4 full removal | Often more superficial than traditional tattoo pigment |
| Residual ink touch up | 1 to 3 | For stubborn remnants after major fading |
What We Treat with PicoSure
- Professional tattoos, often more saturated and layered so they usually need more sessions. We build a paced plan for safe fading.
- Amateur tattoos, many of which are less dense and may fade faster, though session count still depends on color and depth.
- Cosmetic tattoos, including brows and permanent makeup, which can often be lightened. Your consultation determines whether lightening is appropriate for your pigment and skin.
- Cover up preparation, fading an old tattoo to create a cleaner canvas for new ink rather than aiming for full removal.
Ink color, density, and layering are assessed at consultation to build a realistic session count and spacing plan.
What We Evaluate Before Recommending It
Your skin type and history, including any keloids or prior laser reactions.
Ink color and density, since dark ink and colored ink respond and clear differently.
Tattoo age, depth, and whether it was done professionally or as amateur work.
Location on the body and circulation, both of which affect how quickly ink clears.
A realistic session count and spacing, typically 6 to 8 weeks apart, before you commit to a plan.
Whether your goal is full removal or fading for a cover up, since the plans differ.
Whether another approach would serve you better. If your pigment is unlikely to respond predictably, we will say so.
Is PicoSure Right for Your Tattoo?
What is your goal?
Roughly how large is the tattoo?
Is the tattoo professional or amateur ink?
How would you like to start?
Thanks! Based on your answers, here’s the best next step:
Book Your Free ConsultationInk Colors, Darkening, and Session Spacing
Black and dark ink
Often responds well, though dense or layered ink may need multiple sessions. Fading is gradual and cumulative.
Color ink
Response depends on pigment type and how it was placed. Some colors need more sessions and fade at different rates.
Why spacing matters
Your body clears ink between sessions, and healing time supports better tolerance. Rushing sessions can increase irritation without improving results.
Two important notes
Some tattoos look darker before they look lighter as the area heals. Cosmetic pigments and lighter inks may respond unpredictably and can darken in some cases.
PicoSure vs. Other Options
PicoSure vs. Q-switched lasers
Older Q-switched lasers use longer nanosecond pulses and generally need more sessions to reach the same fading, with more heat delivered to the skin. PicoSure’s faster picosecond pulses typically clear ink in fewer sessions with less risk of scarring.
PicoSure vs. tattoo cover ups without fading
A cover up alone works best over lighter, smaller tattoos. For dense or dark tattoos, fading sessions first create a cleaner canvas so the new design reads clearly, rather than fighting the old ink underneath.
Full removal vs. lightening only
Full removal aims to clear the tattoo entirely and takes the full session range. Lightening, common for cosmetic tattoos, targets a lighter result in fewer sessions when total removal is not the goal.
Before & After Tattoo Fading
Results vary by ink color, density, and tattoo age. Photos show typical fading across multiple sessions with proper spacing.
Not sure how many sessions your tattoo will need? Text us a photo and we’ll guide you.
Text Us a Photo or QuestionYour Tattoo Removal Journey
Free Consultation
About 30 minutesWe assess your tattoo’s size, ink colors, density, and location, and build a realistic session estimate and plan before you commit to anything.
Treatment Day
Numbing available, quick sessionNumbing can be applied for sensitive areas. The handpiece passes over the tattoo delivering rapid pulses. Whitening or frosting of the skin during treatment is normal.
Recovery
24 to 72 hours, longer for larger areasRedness, warmth, and swelling are common the first 24 to 72 hours. Some tattoos look darker before they fade. Light scabbing or flaking may occur, and keeping the area clean supports healing.
Series & Progress Tracking
Sessions 6 to 8 weeks apartProgress photos track fading between visits, and your plan is adjusted based on how the ink responds. An optional touch up session addresses residual ink after major fading.
PicoSure Tattoo Removal Pricing
Pricing is per session, and your final quote depends on tattoo size, ink density, color complexity, and location on the body. First-time patients save 10% on any single session, and series pricing brings down the per session cost. Tap any treatment below to see full details and package pricing.
Tattoo Removal FAQ
How many sessions will I need?
Most tattoos require multiple sessions. Typical ranges are extra small 5 to 8, small 6 to 9, medium 7 to 10, and large 8 to 12+ sessions. Cosmetic brow pigment from microblading is different, and lightening is often the goal in 1 to 2 sessions. Your consultation determines what is realistic for your ink and skin.
Why does my tattoo look darker after a session?
Some tattoos can look darker during early healing due to temporary skin changes and how ink appears as the area recovers. This usually improves as healing progresses and fading continues between sessions.
Can cosmetic tattoos or light inks darken with laser?
Some cosmetic pigments and lighter inks may respond unpredictably and can darken in certain cases due to oxidation. We review your pigment type during consultation and set a plan based on safety and realistic goals.
Does tattoo removal hurt?
Sensation varies by location and size. Numbing is available and we tailor settings to balance comfort and progress.
How soon will I see fading?
Some fading can appear within a few weeks, with continued changes over the full spacing window. Progress builds session by session.
Why are sessions spaced weeks apart?
Your skin needs time to heal and your body needs time to clear fragmented ink. Most plans are spaced about 6 to 8 weeks apart, and sometimes longer based on skin response and tattoo characteristics.
Can I combine the new patient rate with series pricing?
The new patient rate and series pricing are calculated independently from the regular price and cannot be combined with each other. The new patient rate applies to a single first visit session, while series pricing applies to a package of 3 or 6 sessions booked upfront.
Tattoo Removal in Torrance and the South Bay
Visit Skin Works Medical Spa at 2573 Pacific Coast Highway, Suite B in Torrance, in Rolling Hills Plaza with free and easy parking. We regularly see patients from Torrance, Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach, and across the South Bay.
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Complimentary Consultations Available
Ready to start fading unwanted ink?
Text us the tattoo location, approximate size, and ink colors. We will guide you to the right next step and help you book a consultation. Ask about series and package pricing.
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Medical Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Tattoo removal is a cosmetic service and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.
Results and candidacy: Individual experiences vary. Provider evaluation is required before treatment. Certain medical conditions, allergies, medications, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or recent illness may affect candidacy. Session counts are estimates and actual results depend on ink color, density, depth, and individual healing response.
Pricing: The new patient rate (10% off a single session, first visit only) and series pricing (15% off a package of 3, 20% off a package of 6, booked upfront) are calculated independently from the regular price and cannot be combined with each other. Final pricing is confirmed at consultation.
Financing: Payment options are provided by third-party lenders and subject to approval. Skin Works Medical Spa, 2573 Pacific Coast Hwy, Suite B, Torrance, CA 90505, (844) 759-6757.