First published: 2026-05-17 / Last reviewed: 2026-05-17
This is a guide to PicoSure tattoo removal compiled by Dr. Choi Byeong-geun of SHINE U Clinic Konkuk (3 minutes' walk from Konkuk Univ. Station, Exit 1).
The most frequent question we receive in the tattoo removal consultation room is, "Can it be completely erased in one session?" The answer is, "Usually not," and the reason for that is the starting point of our treatment. The recommended number of sessions and intensity vary greatly depending on the depth, color, type, area, and treatment history of the ink.
At SHINE U Clinic Konkuk, we treat general tattoos and semi-permanent makeup tattoos with different protocols. Here's how we approach each case.
1. How PicoSure Differs from Other Lasers
Pico lasers emit short pulses in picosecond (one trillionth of a second) units. Even if the same energy is delivered to the same ink, concentrating it in a short time means the ink is broken down into smaller fragments and damage to surrounding tissue is reduced.
- Nanosecond laser (previous generation): Breaks ink into large fragments, higher risk of scars and pigmentation changes.
- PicoSure (picosecond): Breaks ink into fine particles, cleaner recovery and lower risk of scars.
At SHINE U Clinic, we treat both general tattoos and semi-permanent makeup tattoos using PicoSure as the base, adjusting the intensity and number of sessions depending on the case.
2. General Tattoos: Differences by Size and Color
General Guide by Size
| Area | Treatment Time per Session | Recommended Sessions (Monochrome/Black) | Recommended Sessions (Color) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 500-won coin size | 5~10 minutes | 5~8 sessions | 8~12 sessions |
| Lettering (lines/text) | 10~15 minutes | 6~10 sessions | 8~12 sessions |
| Standard business card size | 15~25 minutes | 8~12 sessions | 10~15 sessions |
| Palm size or larger | 25 minutes or more | 10~15 sessions | 12+ sessions |
Treatment intervals are generally 6-8 weeks. Too short an interval can lead to accumulated irritation before the skin has fully recovered, increasing the risk of scarring.
Difficulty by Color
- Black/Dark Navy: Reacts fastest.
- Red/Brown: Reacts relatively well.
- Yellow/Light Green/Sky Blue: Slower reaction, requires more sessions.
- White/Skin-colored ink: Most challenging. Some colors may darken due to oxidation, so thorough consultation in the clinic before treatment is essential.
3. Semi-Permanent Makeup Tattoos: Eyebrows, Eyeliner, Underliner
PicoSure semi-permanent makeup tattoo removal is a different area from general tattoos.
These are the cases we handle most carefully in the clinic.
- Eyebrows: Incorrectly designed shapes, or pigments that have discolored to a grayish-blue or blue tone over time.
- Eyeliner: Smudged or awkwardly positioned lines.
- Underliner (under the eyes/mucosa): Most challenging; ophthalmological examination recommended before treatment.
Reasons why semi-permanent makeup tattoo removal is challenging:
- Ink components differ from general tattoos and can cause oxidation/discoloration reactions (skin-colored/brown pigments).
- The skin around the eyes is thin, so the safety margin is narrow.
- Close to the eyeball, so protective eyewear is essential.
The recommended number of sessions is 1-3, which is fewer than for general tattoos, but we proceed after thoroughly checking the ink components and reactions before treatment.
Most semi-permanent makeup tattoos are not self-administered but received externally, so information about the ink used is often unknown. We recommend starting with a test on a small area for the first session before proceeding with full treatment.
4. Common Confusions We Often Address in the Clinic
Q1. "Can it be completely erased in one session?" For general tattoos, usually not. The ink is distributed deep within the dermis, and the immune system takes time to clear the finely fragmented ink after one session. The 6-8 weeks between sessions is that clearing period.
Q2. "Will it leave a scar?" If appropriate intensity, number of sessions, and treatment intervals are maintained, the risk of scarring is generally low. However, for individuals with keloid tendency or skin tones with a high risk of hyperpigmentation, we conservatively adjust the intensity and number of sessions in the clinic.
Q3. "Will it disappear completely, like in photos?" It depends on the ink depth, color, and area. Small, black, monochrome tattoos can often be removed to a level where they are barely visible, but for colored, large-area, or deeply distributed ink in the dermis, faint remnants may remain. Before treatment, we check the ink depth in the clinic and set achievable goals together.
Q4. "The number of sessions is long, and I'm concerned about the cost. Can't we speed it up?" Reducing the treatment interval to less than 6 weeks increases the risk of scarring. Stable results are achieved by allowing sufficient recovery time before the next session.
Send a tattoo photo via chat now for a consultation
5. Pre- and Post-Treatment Care
Before treatment:
- If there is irritation, exfoliation, or peeling on the treatment area, wait until it heals before treatment.
- Avoid strong UV exposure and tanning for 2-4 weeks.
- Shave the treatment area (if necessary) 1-2 days before treatment.
After treatment:
- Temporary swelling, redness, and scabs may appear immediately after treatment → Do not irritate until they naturally fall off.
- Sunscreen use is essential (to prevent pigmentation changes in the treated area).
- Avoid saunas, swimming, strenuous exercise, and strong massages for one week.
- Keep the treated area well moisturized.
Do not forcibly remove scabs, as this increases the risk of scarring. Allow them to fall off naturally.
6. If Scars or Traumatic Scars are Also Present
If some scarring remains after general tattoo removal, or if scars are already present before treatment, they can be addressed with the following treatments.
- Discovery Pico Fraxel: Addresses surgical marks and deep scars.
- U-Pulse Laser: Traumatic scars + Benev + Flexlux combination.
If pigmentation or residual scars are a concern after tattoo removal, we will work with you in the clinic to plan further treatment.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do light-colored tattoos also require many removal sessions? If the ink color is light, laser absorption is also weaker, so more sessions may be required. Also, white and skin-colored inks can darken due to oxidation, so careful confirmation in the clinic is needed before the first session.
Q. Can I switch clinics if I've been receiving treatment elsewhere? If you provide your previous treatment records (number of sessions, intensity, intervals, laser used), we can continue from there. If unknown, we will assess the ink condition in the treated area in the clinic and start with a conservative intensity.
Q. Is the treatment cost per session? We offer both per-session and package payment options. For business card-sized or palm-sized tattoos, package discounts apply after 10 or more accumulated sessions. The exact cost will be provided after checking the ink depth and area in the clinic.
Tattoo removal is a process where ink is slowly cleared by the immune system. It is not a one-time treatment, but the honest picture is that it fades with accumulated sessions. We will together determine the appropriate number of sessions and intensity for your case in front of a mirror. You can inquire immediately by sending a photo of your tattoo via chat for a non-face-to-face consultation.
Authored by: Dr. Choi Byeong-geun (Chief Director of SHINE U Clinic Konkuk / Member of the Korean Academy of Laser Dermatology and Hair, Korean Academy of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and Laser Medicine) Last Reviewed: 2026-05-17
This article provides general treatment information and does not replace diagnosis or treatment. Treatment suitability and results may vary by individual.