PicoWay® and Skin Tone: Safe Laser Tattoo Removal for All Skin Types

PicoWay® uses ultra-short picosecond pulses to break down tattoo ink while limiting heat exposure to the surrounding skin. This reduces the risk of scarring and hypopigmentation across all skin tones, including dark tones. Results develop gradually over multiple sessions, with healing dependent more on aftercare and skin response. When performed by an experienced provider, PicoWay offers a safe option for tattoo removal - regardless of your complexion. 

In this guide, you will learn how PicoWay can be safely used for tattoo removal across different skin types and what factors influence healing and results. 

To find out if PicoWay is right for you, contact Alternative Laser Health in Mississauga at (905) 451-4545, or send us a photo for a free consultation.

PicoWay Laser Settings for Different Skin Types

PicoWay laser settings are adjusted based on skin type to protect pigmentation while safely treating tattoo ink. Skin with higher melanin requires more conservative settings to limit heat absorption and reduce the risk of hypopigmentation or scarring. 

We adjust the wavelength, fluence, and spot size based on the Fitzpatrick classification. Below is a general overview of how settings are commonly approached. However, final settings are always determined during an in-person assessment.

Skin Type (Fitzpatrick)	Common Wavelength Used	Fluence Approach	Spot Size Consideration	Key Safety Focus
I–II	532 nm or 785 nm	Moderate	Smaller to medium	Faster ink response
III–IV	785 nm or 1064 nm	Moderate to low	Medium	Balanced ink targeting
V–VI	1064 nm	Lower	Larger	Protect pigmentation

How PicoWay Fluence and Spot Size Affect Safety

• Fluence controls how much energy reaches the skin

• Spot size affects depth and energy spread

• Lower fluence and larger spots help limit heat buildup

• Adjustments reduce the risk of pigmentation changes

Why Skin Tone Matters in Laser Tattoo Removal

Skin tone matters in laser tattoo removal because melanin absorbs laser energy along with tattoo ink. Higher melanin levels increase the likelihood that laser energy will affect the surrounding skin rather than only the ink. Without proper adjustment, this can lead to hypopigmentation, hyperpigmentation, or scarring, especially in darker complexions. 

Understanding Skin Types (Fitzpatrick I–VI)

The Fitzpatrick scale classifies complexion types based on how they respond to sun exposure and melanin production. It ranges from Type I, which burns easily and produces very little melanin, to Type VI, which contains higher melanin levels and rarely burns. Providers use this scale to anticipate reactions and select safe, effective settings.

Our tattoo removal specialists use the Fitzpatrick scale to guide:

• Wavelength selection

• Energy levels

• Session spacing

• Aftercare recommendations

How PicoWay Treatments Work

PicoWay treatments use picosecond technology to break tattoo pigment into very small particles while limiting heat in the surrounding area. Each pulse lasts a fraction of a second, helping focus energy on the ink rather than on nearby tissue. This approach lowers the risk of scarring and pigment changes across different skin tones.

Older laser treatment methods rely on longer pulses, which generate more heat. Heat penetrates the skin, increasing the risk of hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation. Picosecond lasers reduce this risk by shortening pulse duration and using a photoacoustic response to limit heat buildup.

Our professional team selects each wavelength based on ink colour, depth, and skin tone. This adjustment helps protect melanin while maintaining treatment effectiveness.

We plan PicoWay laser treatment based on:

• Skin type and melanin level

• Tattoo pigment and ink density

• Depth of the tattoo

• Healing response to prior laser treatment

Benefits of Choosing PicoWay Laser Treatment

PicoWay laser treatment offers safer tattoo removal across different skin tones by reducing heat exposure and protecting natural pigmentation. Key benefits include:

• Reduced risk of scarring: Picosecond pulses limit heat spread into the surrounding skin.

• Lower chance of hypopigmentation: Controlled energy delivery helps preserve natural skin colour.

• Settings adjusted for different skin types: Wavelength, fluence, and spot size are selected based on Fitzpatrick classification.

• Effective breakdown of tattoo pigment: Ink is fragmented into very small particles that the body clears gradually.

• More predictable healing: Recovery depends more on aftercare and individual response than on your overall complexion.

• Suitable for pigmented skin: Conservative settings help protect melanin while treating tattoo ink.

Expected Results and Number of Sessions

Tattoo removal with PicoWay produces gradual fading over multiple sessions rather than immediate removal.

Most tattoos require several sessions because ink sits at different depths in the skin. Darker, denser tattoos often fade more slowly, while older tattoos may fade more quickly. Skin type affects how settings are selected, but it does not determine whether treatment is successful.

Below are the main factors that influence results and session count:

• Tattoo size and colour: Dark and multi-coloured tattoos usually need more sessions.

• Ink depth and density: Heavily saturated tattoos take longer to clear.

• Skin type and melanin level: Settings are adjusted to protect pigmentation.

• Healing response: Adequate spacing between sessions supports recovery.

• Aftercare compliance: Proper care reduces complications and supports progress.

• 
  

Sessions are typically spaced several weeks apart to allow the skin to heal and the body to process fragmented pigment. We don’t recommend rushing treatments, as that increases the risk of scarring and pigment changes without improving results.

During your consultation at Alternative Laser Health, your tattoo removal specialist will assess your tattoo and skin type to estimate the number of sessions needed. 

Healing and Aftercare Across Skin Tones

Healing after PicoWay laser treatment depends more on proper aftercare and the body’s response. After treatment, there may be some redness or swelling on your skin. These effects usually resolve within a few days. The treated area may feel warm or tender, which is a normal response to laser treatment.

Below are key aftercare steps that help your skin heal after the PicoWay treatment:

• Keep the area clean and dry: Follow the cleaning instructions provided by your provider.

• Avoid sun exposure: Sun exposure increases the risk of hyperpigmentation during healing.

• Use recommended topical care: Apply healing ointments as directed.

• Do not pick or scratch: Disrupting the lasered area can increase the risk of scarring.

• Allow adequate time between sessions: Proper spacing to allow recovery.

Darker skin tones may be more sensitive to post-treatment sun exposure because melanin reacts to UV light. Using sun protection consistently helps preserve natural pigmentation and reduce uneven healing.

Who Should Choose PicoWay Laser Treatment

You may be a good candidate for PicoWay laser treatment if:

• You have a tattoo and want gradual, controlled fading

• You are concerned about hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation

• You have a dark complexion or pigmented skin

• You want treatment settings adjusted to your skin type

• You are willing to follow the aftercare instructions carefully

Get Safe PicoWay Tattoo Removal For Your Skin Type

PicoWay offers an effective tattoo removal option when treatment is tailored to your skin type. Proper assessment and conservative settings help reduce risks and support predictable healing.

To see if PicoWay is right for you, contact Alternative Laser Health in Mississauga at (905) 451-4545, or send us a photo for a free consultation.

FAQs

Is PicoWay safe for dark skin?

PicoWay dark skin tattoo removal is safe and effective when treatment settings are adjusted for higher melanin levels. The use of picosecond pulses and conservative energy settings helps reduce the risk of hypopigmentation and scarring in darker complexions.

How is picosecond technology adjusted for Fitzpatrick V–VI skin types?

PicoWay settings for Fitzpatrick V–VI typically use longer wavelengths to reduce interaction with surface melanin. Providers often use PicoWay 1064 nm settings with lower fluence and larger spot sizes to protect pigmentation while safely treating tattoo ink.

Why is a patch test important before PicoWay tattoo removal?

The PicoWay patch test protocol allows providers to evaluate healing, pigmentation response, and tolerance so settings can be adjusted safely for your skin type.

PicoWay vs PicoSure for dark skin: what’s the difference?

When comparing PicoWay vs PicoSure for dark skin, both systems use picosecond lasers, but treatment flexibility can differ. PicoWay offers longer-wavelength options and adjustable settings that may help providers better protect pigmentation in darker skin tones when planned correctly.

Do Picosecond lasers treat other skin concerns like wrinkles, acne scars, and melasma?

PicoWay can address wrinkles, acne scars, pigmented lesions, and melasma by targeting pigment and stimulating skin rejuvenation with controlled picosecond laser energy. Treatment suitability depends on skin type and concern, so a professional assessment from a dermatologist is required to determine if it is appropriate.

Does PicoWay reduce the risk of scarring and hypopigmentation?

PicoWay limits heat spread with picosecond pulses, which helps reduce the risk of scarring and hypopigmentation when settings are adjusted correctly and aftercare is followed.

What are the disadvantages of the Picoway laser system?

The PicoWay laser system can be more costly than older technologies and usually requires multiple sessions for gradual results. While designed to limit heat, temporary redness or pigment changes may still occur.