Client background and why Pico
The client presented at Flourish Skin and Laser Clinic (Sunnybank) requesting fading of an established tattoo on the [CLINIC TO CONFIRM: body area]. The ink had been in place for [CLINIC TO CONFIRM] years and sat predominantly in black, with [CLINIC TO CONFIRM: any additional colours documented]. Topical fading creams had done nothing. The client’s goal, set out in consultation, was substantial lightening rather than full clearance, and they had read enough about the process to accept that multiple sessions would mean a committed timeline.
Pico laser delivers pulses in the picosecond domain. The pulses are short enough that the dominant mechanism becomes a photoacoustic effect, designed to fragment ink particles into smaller fragments that the body’s immune system can carry away over the weeks that follow. Black ink absorbs a broad range of wavelengths and is generally the most responsive. Reds, oranges and yellows can respond but sit on a different wavelength profile. Greens and blues are typically the slowest to clear. White and some flesh-tone inks can paradoxically darken on first exposure. That is why a test patch and a full colour-by-colour discussion sit at the front of every consultation.
The treatment plan
The plan was built around a course of [CLINIC TO CONFIRM: number, typically 6–12 or more] sessions at roughly 6–8 week intervals. Each interval gives the skin time to settle and lets the immune system keep clearing fragmented pigment between visits. The Registered Nurse confirmed Fitzpatrick typing, reviewed medical history, photosensitising medications and recent sun exposure, and documented a full risk discussion. That discussion covered post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (a real and common temporary outcome, particularly at Fitzpatrick IV and above), transient blistering, pinpoint bleeding and the small but non-zero risk of textural change or scarring. Broad-spectrum SPF 50+ over the treated area was written into the home-care plan from day one.
Session by session
Week 0 began with a standardised photograph under fixed studio conditions, a test patch in an unobtrusive corner of the tattoo, and a review of the client’s expectations in writing. Each session followed the same rhythm. Cleanse, optional topical anaesthetic window, laser pass, cool compresses, dressing and aftercare brief. The immediate endpoint was a pale frosting over the treated ink, a known tissue response, which settled over the following hours. Darkening, mild swelling, occasional pinpoint bleeding and crusting across the following days were expected. Sessions were deferred when recent UV exposure, active tan or skin compromise was noted.
Across the scheduled photographs the ink faded progressively, with black responding earlier than any coloured areas present. Deeper-placed pigment lagged superficial pigment, as expected. Settings were adjusted across sessions as the ink density dropped. Many clients on a similar treatment plan experience meaningful fading across a structured course, and complete clearance cannot be guaranteed. Individual results vary.
What this means for people considering Pico tattoo removal
Pico laser is designed to fragment ink particles for immune clearance. A multi-session course is the baseline, and the realistic ceiling depends on ink colour, depth, density, age, body location, and skin type. Recent sun exposure, pregnancy and breastfeeding, certain medications, active skin conditions over the tattoo, and a history of keloid scarring are all reasons to defer or rule treatment out. The progression in this client’s captured photos reflects one response to one treatment plan, delivered by a Registered Nurse under controlled conditions. Your tattoo and response will be different.
Important information about this case study
Individual results vary. The images on this page show one client’s response to a specific treatment plan delivered at Flourish Skin and Laser Clinic. Your skin, tattoo, and response to treatment will be different.
Treatment performed: Pico Laser (Tattoo Removal), a picosecond-domain laser treatment that delivers ultra-short pulses designed to fragment ink particles so the body’s immune system can gradually clear them.
Clinician: Registered Nurse, Flourish Skin and Laser Clinic (Sunnybank).
Common side effects disclosed at consultation include: transient redness and swelling around the treated tattoo, a temporary pale “frosted” appearance immediately after treatment, pinpoint bleeding, blistering, crusting and flaking for several days to two weeks, temporary sensitivity, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation (more common in darker skin types), and a small risk of textural change or scarring. Paradoxical darkening of white, flesh-tone, or some cosmetic inks is possible on initial exposure. A full risk profile is reviewed with you in person before any treatment begins.
Suitability for Pico Laser tattoo removal is determined during a clinical consultation. Multiple sessions required, typically spaced 6–8 weeks apart, and the number depends on ink colour, density, depth, age, body area and skin type. Complete clearance cannot be guaranteed. This case study is not a recommendation, diagnosis, or clinical guarantee. It is a factual record of one client’s treatment course, published with their written consent.
Device / product regulatory status: [CLINIC TO CONFIRM: {DEVICE NAME} is registered under {SPONSOR} ARTG listing {NUMBER} / listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods]. Performed by Registered Nurses licensed under Queensland’s Radiation Safety Act 1999.
Photo conditions: Both photographs on this page were taken under matched lighting, distance, angle, and device. No filters, beauty smoothing, or retouching have been applied. Original files retained on record.
Consent and withdrawal: This case study is published with the client’s specific written consent for use on the Flourish Skin and Laser Clinic website only. The client may request removal at any time by contacting enquiry@fskinandlaser.com.
Book a consultation at Sunnybank to discuss whether Pico Laser tattoo removal is appropriate for your skin and tattoo (Pico Laser is available at our Sunnybank clinic only).
Sunnybank (Pico Laser available at Sunnybank only).