Laser tattoo removal relies on selective photothermolysis and photoacoustic effects. When the laser emits a specific wavelength of light, it’s absorbed by the tattoo ink (not the surrounding skin). In picosecond lasers, this light energy is delivered so quickly (trillionths of a second) that it causes a rapid pressure change — shattering the ink particles without relying solely on heat.

This mechanical disruption breaks the ink into much smaller fragments, which the body can then remove via the lymphatic system.

Tattoo ink is deposited into the dermis, the second layer of skin. It sits there because the ink particles are too large for the immune system to remove on its own. Macrophages (a type of immune cell) try to engulf them, but can’t process them fully — so the ink stays visible. After laser treatment, when the particles are smaller, macrophages can finally clear them more effectively.

Not necessarily — it’s more accurate to say that picosecond and Q-switched lasers work differently, not competitively.

Picosecond lasers deliver energy in ultra-short pulses (a trillionth of a second), producing a strong photo-mechanical effect that shatters ink into extremely fine particles. This makes them brilliant for targeting stubborn residual pigment, vibrant colours, and refining the skin’s appearance in the later stages of tattoo removal.

Q-switched lasers, by contrast, fire in nanoseconds (a billionth of a second) and combine both heat and shockwave energy. They’re highly effective at treating dense, deep ink early in the process — particularly darker pigments that sit lower in the dermis.

At PIKO, we use both technologies because they complement one another beautifully. By alternating or combining them strategically, we can target every layer of pigment while supporting the skin’s health and recovery. The result is a more thorough clearance, less risk of surface damage, and smoother-looking skin as your tattoo fades.

Laser tattoo removal is wavelength-dependent — different ink colours absorb different wavelengths of light. For example:

• Black ink absorbs all wavelengths and is easiest to treat

• Red ink responds well to 532nm wavelength

• Blue/Green inks are more resistant and require specialised wavelengths like 694nm (ruby) or 755nm (alexandrite)

Lighter colours like yellow, white, or fluorescent inks reflect more laser light rather than absorbing it and can be more difficult or even impossible to fully remove.

Yes. Tattoo inks are unregulated in many countries and can contain a wide variety of substances — from metal oxides to organic dyes, plastics, and carbon black. Some pigments fragment easily; others don’t. Some (like iron oxide) can oxidise when exposed to lasers and temporarily darken, especially in cosmetic tattoos.

Understanding what’s in the ink can influence treatment choice and expectations — but since most inks aren’t labelled, we treat conservatively and adjust based on response.

Imagine a shockwave. Unlike heat-based lasers , the ultra-fast picosecond laser pulse hits the ink so quickly that it causes a mini pressure explosion within the particle - a photoacoustic pressure wave. These high-speed energy pulses hit the ink so fast they create a mechanical shockwave that breaks the pigment into microscopic particles.

This mechanical action creates less thermal injury to the surrounding skin

• It produces finer ink fragments, which your immune system can clear more easily

• The result is faster fading, less downtime, and safer treatment across all skin types

The the Quanta Discovery Pico stands out due to:

• True picosecond pulses (not hybrid or simulated)

• Multiple wavelengths: 532 nm, 1064 nm, and 694 nm (optional Ruby laser)

• Peak power and pulse energy that exceed most systems in its class

• Fractional handpiece for skin rejuvenation and textural improvement

• High-speed scanning and skin cooling for enhanced comfort and precision

It’s ideal for multi-colour tattoos, all Fitzpatrick skin types, and clients seeking fast, effective removal with minimal downtime.

The Quanta Discovery Pico uses multiple wavelengths to target various ink pigments:

• 1064 nm – penetrates deeply and is ideal for dark colours like black and dark blue

• 532 nm – absorbed by red, orange, and warm-toned inks

• 694 nm (Ruby, optional) – specifically targets green and blue inks, which are notoriously hard to remove

These wavelengths can be combined strategically over multiple sessions to tackle stubborn, layered, or multi-coloured tattoos.