What to Do Before and After Your PicoSure Tattoo Removal Session
Nov 06, 2025
If you are ready to say goodbye to unwanted ink, choosing the PicoSure laser in Glendale can help you achieve smooth, clear skin. Known as one of the best tattoo removal technology options available today, PicoSure works by breaking down ink particles with minimal discomfort. To maximize your results, it’s important to know how to prepare for your session and what steps to take afterward.
Preparing for Your Session
Getting an effective tattoo removal treatment begins before you even walk into the treatment room. Proper preparation minimizes side effects and allows your skin to respond better to the laser.
- Avoid Sun Exposure: Steer clear of getting direct sunlight and tanning beds for a minimum of two weeks before your appointment. Sunburned or overly tanned skin is more sensitive to laser treatment and increases the risk of complications.
- Moisturize and Cleanse: Keep your skin hydrated in the days leading up to treatment. Healthy, moisturized skin responds better to laser energy. Arrive with clean skin, free of lotions, perfumes, or makeup over the treatment area.
- Lifestyle Choices Matter: If you smoke, try cutting back or quitting during your treatment period. Smoking reduces oxygen levels in the skin, slowing the natural healing process. Drinking ample amounts of water and eating a balanced diet also strengthens your body’s ability to recover.
- Know What to Expect: Tattoo removal is a process, not a one-time fix. Relying on the size, color, and age of your tattoo, several sessions may be necessary. Having realistic expectations helps you stay positive throughout your treatment journey.
What to Expect During Treatment
Walking into your first session can feel a little intimidating, but knowing what will happen helps put your mind at ease.
- How PicoSure Works: Unlike older tattoo removal lasers that rely on heat, PicoSure uses ultra-short pulses of energy that shatter ink into microscopic particles. Your body then naturally processes and removes these fragments over time.
- Comfort Measures: The sensation is often described as quick snaps or rubber band flicks on the skin. At Dr. Marta Recasens’ MediSpa, cooling methods and numbing options are available to make sure of your comfort. Many patients find PicoSure to be one of the most effective and pain-free tattoo removal options.
- Treatment Time: The length of your appointment relies on the size and complexity of your tattoo. Small designs may take just a few minutes, while larger pieces require more time.
- Safety First: Because PicoSure targets pigment beneath the skin sans damaging the surrounding tissue, it is one of the safest and most advanced tattoo removal systems available today.
Our advanced laser tattoo removal machine is designed to target ink safely and effectively, breaking down pigment without harming surrounding skin.
What Factors Affect Results?
Not every tattoo fades at the same pace, and several factors influence how many sessions you will need.
- Tattoo Age: Older tattoos are often easier to remove because the ink has already started to break down over time.
- Ink Colors: Black and darker inks respond quickly to PicoSure, while lighter colors, such as yellow and green, may require additional treatments.
- Tattoo Depth: Tattoos applied by professionals usually contain more ink at greater depths, making removal more challenging than amateur tattoos.
- Skin Type and Healing Ability: Everyone’s skin heals differently. Your immune system plays a big role in clearing ink particles, so a healthy lifestyle supports better outcomes.
Aftercare for Best Results
What you do after treatment is just as important as the procedure itself. Proper aftercare promotes faster healing, reduces discomfort, and ensures better fading.
- Immediate Care: Expect mild redness, swelling, or blistering. These are normal reactions and typically go away within a few days. Apply the ointment recommended by your provider to keep the skin hydrated and protected.
- Keep It Clean and Dry: Gently cleanse the area with gentle soap and water, then use a clean towel to pat dry. Avoid soaking the area in hot tubs, pools, or baths until fully healed.
- Avoid Picking or Scratching: Scabbing and peeling are part of the healing process. Picking at the area can pave the way to scarring and slow recovery.
- Sun Protection: Always apply a high-SPF sunscreen once the skin has healed. Sun exposure can darken treated areas and interfere with your results.
- Healthy Habits: Staying hydrated, eating nutrient-rich foods, and getting enough rest all support your immune system’s role in eliminating ink particles.
Long-Term Care and Expectations
On average, most patients need 6–10 sessions spaced several weeks apart to see significant fading. The number may vary depending on your tattoo’s characteristics.
- Gradual Fading: Your tattoo will lighten progressively after each session, but full removal may take time.
- Skin Recovery: Allowing enough healing time between sessions is crucial. Rushing treatments does not speed up results and can harm your skin.
- Potential Side Effects: Temporary changes in skin color, such as lightening or darkening, can occur but usually fade with time. Serious side effects are rare when following your provider’s guidance.
Why Choose PicoSure in Glendale?
At Dr. Marta Recasens’ MediSpa, patients benefit from the latest technology combined with personalized care. PicoSure offers various advantages over traditional tattoo removal methods:
- Faster and more efficient treatments.
- Less discomfort and shorter recovery time.
- Safe for most skin types with slight risk of scarring.
- Effective on various tattoo colors.
At our trusted medical spa in Glendale, patients receive individualized care in a safe and amiable environment.
Conclusion
With the right preparation, realistic expectations, and proper aftercare, PicoSure tattoo removal in Glendale can help you reclaim clear, healthy-looking skin.
If you’re ready to begin your tattoo removal journey, trust the expertise at Dr. Marta Recasens’ MediSpa. Book your consultation today and discover how advanced laser technology can restore your confidence and give you a fresh start.