Tattoo Removal — Salinas Location Only · 831-225-2774
About This Treatment
Our picosecond laser delivers pulses lasting just 450 picoseconds — a fraction of the pulse duration used by older nanosecond tattoo removal lasers. That ultra-short pulse shatters tattoo ink into finer particles, which your body’s lymphatic system then clears naturally, while sending less heat into the surrounding skin than older technology.
Less heat transfer to the skin during treatment is associated with less discomfort. Four available wavelengths — 1064nm, 532nm, 650nm, and 585nm — target 9 of the most commonly used tattoo ink colors, from light orange through dark black.
Every tattoo is different — ink density, color palette, depth, and your own skin tone all affect how many sessions are needed and how your skin responds. A consultation lets your provider assess your specific tattoo and build a realistic treatment plan before any pricing or session estimate is given.
Most healthy adults are candidates for laser tattoo removal, though certain skin conditions, recent tanning, and some medications can affect timing or results. Your provider will review your health history and the tattoo itself at your consultation to confirm you’re a good fit and to set realistic expectations for fading versus full removal.
What We Treat
Black & Dark Ink Removal
Black and dark ink is treated with our 1064nm wavelength, which absorbs efficiently in darker pigments for thorough ink breakdown.
Colored Ink Removal
Multi-color tattoos need different wavelengths for different pigments. Between 1064nm, 532nm, 650nm, and 585nm, our Pico Way covers 9 of the most commonly used tattoo ink colors — from light orange through dark black.
Partial Removal & Tattoo Fading
For a planned cover-up, fading a portion of a tattoo can create a better canvas for the new design without requiring full removal.
Tattoo Removal Pricing by Size
The Technology
Our picosecond laser delivers energy in a fraction of the pulse duration of older nanosecond lasers — 450 picoseconds per pulse versus several nanoseconds for a traditional laser. That shorter pulse translates into higher peak power for the same total energy, which shatters ink into finer particles for the body to clear, while a top-hat beam profile spreads that energy evenly across the treatment spot to protect surrounding skin.
What to Expect
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on the tattoo’s ink density, color, age, and your skin. Pico Way’s high peak power is designed to work in fewer sessions than older laser systems, but every tattoo is different — sessions are spaced several weeks apart to let your body clear ink between treatments. Your provider will give you a personalized estimate at your consultation.
Does tattoo removal hurt?
Most patients describe a sensation similar to a rubber band snapping against the skin. Because our picosecond laser’s ultra-short pulses transfer less heat into the skin than older lasers, discomfort tends to be milder than with traditional Q-switched removal.
Is there downtime?
The treated area may be red or swollen for a few days, similar to a mild sunburn. Most patients return to normal activities the same day, following your provider’s aftercare instructions.
How much does tattoo removal cost?
Pricing is based on the tattoo’s size, from $50 per session for a small under-2×2-inch tattoo up to $720 per session for a full back or chest, with package pricing available for most sizes. See the full pricing table above for exact rates, or get a personalized quote at your consultation.
Can all tattoo colors be removed?
Our picosecond laser’s four wavelengths cover 9 of the most commonly used tattoo ink colors, from light orange through dark black. Some colors respond better than others, and older or amateur tattoos with less consistent ink density may fade more predictably than newer, professionally saturated work. Your provider can assess your specific tattoo at a consultation.
Can this laser treat more than tattoos?
Yes — the same Pico Way platform also treats stubborn pigment, skin texture, acne scarring, and general skin brightening. See our Pico Way skin treatments page for details and pricing.