Most people asking about pico laser tattoo removal want to know how much their tattoo will fade, how many sessions they will need and what it will cost. The answer depends on the type of ink, the depth of the tattoo and your skin. Here is what to expect at Anaya Aesthetics Bali.
Ready to fade or remove a tattoo? Start with a doctor-led consultation at our Bali clinic. We will assess your ink and skin before creating a treatment plan. The consultation costs IDR 333,000, including tax, and is waived if you proceed with treatment. Message us on WhatsApp.
How Pico Laser Removes Tattoo Ink
Tattoo ink sits deep enough in the skin that it does not disappear through natural skin-cell turnover. Pico laser uses extremely short pulses of energy to break ink into tiny particles. Your body then clears these particles gradually over the following weeks. As each session breaks down part of the ink, the tattoo fades progressively.
What Makes Pico Different
ne picosecond is one trillionth of a second. Unlike traditional nanosecond lasers, which rely more on heat, pico lasers deliver energy in ultra-short pulses that create a photomechanical effect, producing pressure waves that break pigment into smaller particles. This approach can limit heat transfer to the surrounding tissue, potentially reducing the risk of irritation and post-inflammatory pigmentation. This is an important consideration for patients with diverse skin tones in Bali, although treatment settings and individual suitability remain essential.
Which Tattoos Respond Best to Pico Laser
Black, Blue and Green Ink
Black and dark blue inks usually absorb laser energy well, so they tend to respond more consistently. Green, which was once difficult to treat with older lasers, can often be treated more effectively with pico technology. Results still depend on the colour, composition and depth of the ink.
Amateur and Professional Tattoos
Amateur tattoos are usually shallower and contain less ink, so they often require fewer sessions. Professional tattoos tend to have denser pigment at a greater depth, so they may take longer to fade.
Fading a Tattoo for a Cover-Up
If you only want to fade a tattoo for a cover-up, you’ll need fewer sessions than for full removal. The goal is a lighter base for your artist to work over, not bare skin.
When Tattoo Removal Is More Difficult
The number of sessions depends on the ink’s colour, density, and depth, as well as the tattoo’s age, location, and your skin type. Most tattoos need several sessions, sometimes more. We confirm the likely number after a doctor assesses your tattoo. Once the ink is gone, it does not return.
White, Red and Yellow Ink
Lighter inks, such as white, yellow and some reds, tend to absorb less laser energy and may respond less consistently. White ink and some cosmetic pigments contain titanium dioxide or iron compounds, which can darken after laser treatment. For this reason, these areas should be patch-tested first.
Layered, Mixed or Unknown Ink
Cover-ups and multicoloured tattoos often contain several inks of unknown composition. Each area therefore needs to be assessed individually rather than being given a guaranteed outcome before examination.
Older or Scarred Tattoos
Older tattoos have often already faded somewhat, which can make them easier to treat. However, tattoos on scarred or textured skin require a more cautious approach.
What Affects How Many Sessions You Need
Your session count depends on the colour, density and depth of the ink, as well as the tattoo’s age and location and your skin type. Most tattoos need several sessions, while larger or denser designs usually require more. Your doctor will give an estimate after assessment. Ink that has been successfully removed generally does not return.
What a Pico Laser Session Involves
A session at our beauty clinic in Bali usually takes around 30 minutes, depending on the size of the area being treated. Your doctor will cleanse the skin, apply numbing cream and then treat the tattoo with the pico laser. Recovery time is usually short, so you can often return to your normal routine the same day. Sessions are usually spaced 45–60 days apart. Before treatment, avoid excessive sun exposure and self-tanning products.
Aftercare Between Sessions
Keep the treated area clean and dry. Do not pick at or remove scabs, as this can increase the risk of scarring. Avoid direct sunlight for 5–7 days and use sunscreen once the skin has healed. A gentle moisturiser and daily sunscreen are usually all that is needed.
Possible Side Effects and Risks
You may experience temporary redness, mild swelling and, occasionally, pinpoint bleeding, crusting or blistering. Redness and swelling usually settle within a few days. Temporary changes in skin tone can also fade gradually.
Pico Laser Tattoo Removal Costs at Anaya Aesthetics Bali
At Anaya Aesthetics Bali, pico laser tattoo removal starts from IDR 1,500,000 per session, before 11% tax. The final cost depends on the size of the tattoo, the colours used and the number of sessions required. A more accurate quote is provided after an in-person assessment. A doctor’s consultation costs IDR 300,000 plus tax, or IDR 333,000 in total, and is waived if you proceed with treatment.
Not sure how many sessions you may need? Send a clear photo of your tattoo on WhatsApp and one of our doctors at Anaya Aesthetics Bali can provide an initial estimate before you book.
Pico Laser Beyond Tattoo Removal
Pico laser is not used only for tattoos. The same technology can help fade sun spots, age spots, freckles, melasma and uneven skin tone, which can become more noticeable under Bali’s strong sun. It can also help stimulate collagen production to soften acne scars, reduce the appearance of pores and brighten dull-looking skin. The treatment can be combined with Dermapen microneedling to help improve skin texture.
Talk to a Doctor at Anaya Aesthetics Bali
Every tattoo is different, so your treatment plan should be tailored to your ink, skin and goals. At Bali’s leading premium aesthetic clinic, just five minutes from Seminyak, our doctors will create a tattoo removal plan suited to you. Ask about our seasonal offers and Anaya Aesthetics Bali VIP membership benefits when you message us on WhatsApp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Pico Laser Tattoo Removal Hurt?
There’s some discomfort, often described as a flick against the skin, but numbing cream makes it manageable.
How Many Sessions Will My Tattoo Need?
Most tattoos need 4–12 laser removal sessions, usually spaced 8–12 weeks apart. Your doctor will confirm your treatment plan at your consultation.
Can Pico Laser Remove Coloured Tattoos?
Yes. It treats traditionally difficult colours such as green better than older lasers, though results depend on the inks used.
Will My Tattoo Be Removed Completely?
Most tattoos fade by 75–95%, and many clear completely, but complete removal cannot be guaranteed. Black ink typically responds best; lighter and multicoloured inks may leave a faint shadow.
Is Pico Laser Safe for Darker Skin Tones?
Yes. It’s suitable for all skin types, and its lower thermal impact reduces the risk of pigment changes when our doctors calibrate the settings to your skin.
