The first consideration for tattoo laser is the so-called pulse duration of the energy delivered.  One revolution of laser technology in the last 5 to 10 years is the development of Pico-second technology laser.  In technical term, Pico-second has the shortest pulse duration so this produces photo-acoustic effect on the target tattoo particles.  In general term, this new technology can shatter the tattoo particles into ultra-fine particles so the body macrophages (the cells responsible to remove foreign particles) can chew up these more easily.  PicoWay ™ has the shortest pulse duration amongst all laser machines (this statement is accurate to Sept 2020)

The second consideration for tattoo laser is the amount of wavelengths available.  With the number of wavelengths (532nm, 730nm, 785nm and 1064nm) available in the PicoWay, it has the ability to remove the multi-layered tattoos that harbour more difficult colours i.e green and blue.

In theory, PicoWay has the shortest pulse duration system and multiple wavelengths.  This system should be regarded as one of the best systems around for tattoo removal – in terms of achieving best result with the least amount of sessions required, ability to remove a variety of tattoo colours and maintaining best level of safety.

With 4 wavelengths available, a variety of tattoo colours can be targeted, including ranging from black, brown, purple to the more difficult colours of yellow, orange, red, blue and green.

Professional tattoo: At least 5 treatments 

Amateur tattoo: 2-3 treatments

Traumatic tattoo: 2-3 treatments

Cosmetic tattoo: 1-3 treatments colour dependent

The success of laser tattoo removal generally depends on the type of tattoo, and the colour of the tattoo. We have the most advanced Picosecond laser to treat unwanted tattoos, however there is always the potential of a remaining shadow.

Treatments are best performed 12 weeks apart.

Laser tattoo removal does involve a degree of discomfort.  It is said more painful than having the tattoo  itself.

Unlike a lot of tattoo removal stores, we are a specialist medical clinic with Dermatologists and a Nurse Practitioner we can offer appropriate analgesia to make the treatment comfortable, utilising special compounded prescription anaesthetic cream, and if necessary, anaesthetic injection (which can render the tattoo removal completely painless, but usually only reserved for smaller areas of tattoo) .

The reaction range from whitening, pinpoint bleeding to scabbing, which will slowly reduce over a week or 2.

We will likely utilise a dressing applied to the tattoo for 3 days.  Pain will subside quickly in the next few days.  The tattoo can start to fade within a number of days but will be reassessed only after 12 weeks to check for suitability and necessity for the next treatment.

Laser tattoo removal using a Pico-second laser is regarded as the safest treatment option, compared to the older generation lasers, excision or dermabrasion.

Laser tattoo removal does still carry some risks including skin lightening (hypopigmentation), skin darkening (hyperpigmentation), scabbing, blistering and in rare instances, scarring.

As a specialist medical clinic, we will always select the right patients using the right laser parameter. Before treatment, we will take a careful history and examination for pre-existing keloid scarring tendency, the tattoo nature, duration, assess the tattoo colour.  We will also perform test patch for the more difficult tattoos such as the eyebrow tattoo, reassess at 12 weeks before proceeding to treat further.

Careful selection of laser parameters coupled with the latest technology will ensure safety of our patients.

We do not publish the cost of treatment online.  Please leave a query below, or ring 98786813 to arrange a time convenient for you to discuss with our cosmetic liaison officer.

While we are a specialist practice, the costing of our laser is in line with the expertise of our doctors / nursing staff and the technology we utilise.

Unfortunately, this is not covered by either Medicare or private health insurance.

You do not need a referral for your consultation with our cosmetic nurse practitioner, or for your treatment.

If you wish to see our specialist dermatologist, it is up to you to discuss with your GP about your concern first for a referral.  There will be no rebate for a dermatologist consult if there is no referral.

We perform PicoWay laser in our practice in Blackburn South.  You can ask for a consultation first with us in our Blackburn South rooms, Croydon rooms (opening September 2020) or via Telehealth consultation with our cosmetic nurse practitioner or doctor. We serve a large area of patients within the  vicinity of Knox, Wantirna, Mitcham, Ringwood, Burwood, Glen Waverley, Mount Waverley, Kew, Camberwell, Balwyn, Doncaster, Donvale, Templestowe, Box Hill, Mont Albert and Surrey Hills, and we serve a large referral base up to Croydon, Mooroolbark, Lilydale and Boronia.