Laser Fading for Tattoo Cover-ups

Trading since 2017
Treatment available for all skin types
FDA-approved and state-of-the-art laser technology
Better clearance with fewer treatments than traditional lasers

Trading since 2017
FDA-approved and state-of-the-art laser technology
Better clearance with fewer treatments than traditional lasers
Treatment available for all skin types

Planning a cover-up?

Start by fading the old tattoo, giving your artist a fresh canvas to work with

You don’t always need to remove a tattoo completely before covering it. Often, the goal is simply to lighten it enough so it won’t show through the new design. We can target the darkest areas or the colours most likely to cause issues (e.g. strong black outlines or bright pigments). Since the aim is fading rather than full removal, a cover-up typically requires fewer sessions than complete removal, making it a more cost-effective option.

Working With Your Tattoo Artist

The best cover-ups begin with your laser technician and tattoo artist being on the same page. Your artist understands what the new design requires, and we know how to prepare your skin for it.

If you already have an artist in mind, bring your new design or their contact information to your consultation. With your permission, Jamie can reach out directly to them to get a clear understanding of their needs. Some artists prefer the entire tattoo to be evenly lightened, while others only require a bold outline or a few dark areas softened. Knowing this from the start allows us to focus your sessions where they’re most needed, saving you time and money.

As your treatment progresses, we can also keep your artist informed, ensuring everyone is ready for the next step.

Haven’t found an artist yet? No problem. We’ll fade your tattoo to a level that gives any artist plenty of options, and we’re happy to help you understand what to look for.

We Can Effectively Treat…

Multicoloured tattoos

Our PicoStar and PicoSure lasers can achieve impressive clearance of difficult ink colours. The PicoStar adopts an Nd:YAG dual wavelength (1064/532nm) which enables us to treat ink colours like black, red, yellow and orange. The PicoSure operates with a 755nm wavelength and allows us to treat ink colours like blue, purple and green. Both lasers give us the ability to treat all ink colours.

Hard-to-remove black ink

Tattoo fading using the PicoStar works incredibly and impressively on hard-to-remove black ink. It uses the latest technology with the highest power to generate the shortest pulse duration with 300 ps (picoseconds) for the most effective treatment. The ultra-short pulses allow bursting of pigment particles without any thermal side effects or scars. Because its 1064 nm wavelength is absorbed far less by melanin, it is also our first choice when working with darker skin.

Stubborn tattoos

You can have those stubborn, previously treated tattoos faded using both the PicoStar and PicoSure. The pulse width of 300 ps on the PicoStar allows for unprecedented treatment options and shatters pigment for optimised results.

Our Industry-leading Equipment

Wavelength:	755 nm / 532 nm
Maximum energy	200 mJ / 165 mJ
Pulse Duration:	750 ps / 550 ps
Peak Power:	0.36 GW

PicoSure

Manufactured by Cynosure.
A cutting-edge medical device used for various aesthetic and dermatological procedures.
Utilises a unique picosecond laser technology, delivering ultra-short pulses of energy to the targeted area.
Particularly effective in removing tattoos, pigmented lesions, and treating skin rejuvenation concerns.
It can break down tattoo ink and pigment particles into smaller fragments more efficiently than traditional lasers, resulting in faster and more thorough tattoo fading or removal.
It removes tattoos up to 75% faster than traditional Nd:Yag lasers.
The ultra-short pulses generated also stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, promoting skin rejuvenation and reducing the appearance of wrinkles, acne scars, and other textural irregularities.

PicoStar

Manufactured by Asclepion.
Like the PicoSure, the PicoStar utilises advanced picosecond laser technology.
A pulse duration of 300 picoseconds, making it the most powerful unit on the market.
Used for various cosmetic treatments, including tattoo removal, pigmentation removal, scar reduction, and skin rejuvenation.
The laser’s state-of-the-art technology and high power outputs make it highly effective for scar removal and breakdown treatments.
PicoStar is particularly effective in treating a wide range of pigment colors, from darker colors to blue and red.
It offers automatic spot detection and adjustable spot size for precise and adaptable treatments.
Provides the best results for those with darker skin tones.

Wavelength:	1064 nm / 532 nm
Maximum energy	800 mJ
Pulse Duration:	300 ps
Peak Power:	2.7 GW

Wavelength:	1064 nm / 532 nm / 595 nm / 660 nm
Maximum energy	800 mJ (depending on wavelength/handpiece)
Pulse Duration:	450 ps (also supports 2ns)
Peak Power:	Up to 1.8 GW

PicoPlus

Manufactured by Lutronic (now under Cynosure Lutronic).
Like the PicoStar, the Picoplus utilises advanced picosecond laser technology, with dual picosecond and nanosecond modes.
A pulse duration of 450 picoseconds (in pico mode), delivering high peak power.
Used for various cosmetic treatments, including tattoo removal, pigmentation (including melasma), scar reduction (such as acne scars), and skin rejuvenation.
The laser’s state-of-the-art technology, high power outputs, and multiple wavelengths make it highly effective for pigment breakdown, scar treatments, and versatile aesthetic procedures.
Picoplus is particularly effective in treating a wide range of pigment colours and tattoo inks thanks to its four wavelengths. It offers good performance across skin types, with options for precise control suitable for various tones.
It features multiple handpieces (including fractional and focused dot options), adjustable parameters, and the ability to switch wavelengths and pulse durations seamlessly for precise and adaptable treatments.
Provides strong results for pigmentation, tattoos, and rejuvenation, with innovations like low-energy settings for safer use on darker skin tones.

Discuss Your Treatment

Picosecond vs Traditional Lasers

Traditional Lasers

Traditional lasers rely on heat to destroy tattoo ink. This technology is known as a photothermal reaction, delivering heat to the tattoo ink and also to the surrounding tissue. The heat breaks up the tattoo ink into small particles. Traditional nanosecond lasers can often require between 10-20 treatments to achieve good clearance.

PicoSure & PicoStar

PicoSure and PicoStar laser systems delivers a photomechanical impact called pressure-wave which shatters the ink particles without harming the surrounding skin. In turn, the tattoo ink is shattered into tiny dust-like particles. These particles are much more rapidly disposed of by the body. This means better clearance of the tattoo with fewer treatments.

Discuss Your Treatment

Laser Fading FAQ

How many sessions will I need?

It depends on the size, colours, age, and depth of your tattoo, and on how light it needs to be for your new design. A cover-up normally needs fewer sessions than full removal. We’ll give you an estimate at your consultation.

Which inks are easiest to fade?

Black is usually the easiest because it absorbs laser light so well. Red, and especially white and yellow, tend to be more stubborn.

Does it hurt?

Most people describe it as a hot elastic band snapping against the skin. Sessions are quick, and we offer numbing cream and cooling to make you more comfortable.

Do tattoo removal creams work?

We don’t recommend them. There’s no reliable evidence that creams can reach ink deep in the skin, and they can cause irritation or even scarring.

Is there anyone who can't have treatment?

Treatment may not be suitable if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, have taken Accutane recently, have a tan or sunburn, or have certain skin or medical conditions. We’ll go through this with you at your consultation.

Do I really need laser treatment before a cover-up?

Not always, but it usually helps. Dark or heavily saturated tattoos can show through a new design, especially as it ages. Fading first gives your artist more options and helps your new tattoo look its best for longer. If you’re unsure, ask your artist. Many will recommend a few sessions of fading first.

Can you talk to my tattoo artist?

Absolutely. With your permission, we’re happy to speak with your artist before and during your treatment, so your fading is planned around the design they’re creating for you.