PicoWay® for Small Tattoos

PicoWay® is a laser that fades tattoo ink using quick, short bursts of energy. These bursts break the ink into smaller pieces, which your body clears over time. The laser is often used for small tattoos, such as fine lines, symbols, or dates.

If you’re thinking about removing a tiny tattoo - on your finger, wrist, ankle, or behind your ear - this guide explains how PicoWay® works. You’ll see what the process looks like, how many sessions are usually needed, what healing involves, and what you might pay per visit. We’ve also included real examples of small tattoos being treated.

If you have questions about your tattoo, call Alternative Laser Health in Mississauga at (905) 451-4545, or send us a photo for a free consultation.

Why Is PicoWay® Popular for Small, Fine-Line Tattoos?

PicoWay® uses fast pulses of laser energy to break up tattoo ink without too much heat. The short bursts help target the pigmentation while leaving the surrounding area mostly untouched.

We recommend PicoWay® for fine line tattoos, thin black lines, small symbols, or date stamps that you want removed. These small designs are often placed on fingers, wrists, ankles, or behind the ear - spots with tight details and sensitive skin.

Because PicoWay® delivers energy in short bursts, it allows us to treat small areas more carefully. 

Pros:

• Quick sessions

• Focused treatment areas

• Suitable for fine details and small spaces

Cons:

• Mild redness or swelling after treatment

• Possible small blisters if aftercare isn’t followed

• Need for strict sun protection on exposed skin

PicoWay® Small Tattoo Removal: Ideal for Fingers, Wrists, Ankles, and Behind the Ear

Some of the most common spots for small tattoos - like fingers, wrists, ankles, and behind the ear - are also common areas for laser removal. 

These areas usually have simple designs like initials, dates, or symbols, which respond well to PicoWay®’s focused laser pulses. 

Below, we explain how PicoWay® performs on each of these spots.

PicoWay® for Finger Tattoos

Finger tattoos are a popular choice for initials, rings, or symbols. However, the skin of your finger is thin, and the area often moves, which affects how the marking fades over time.

PicoWay® helps by targeting the ink with short, focused bursts that limit heat to the surrounding skin. Because each session is short, there’s less strain on the body, which supports a smoother healing process.

PicoWay® for Wrist Tattoos

Wrist tattoos often feature fine-line designs, names, or symbols. The skin is thin and sits close to veins and tendons, which makes the area more sensitive to tattoo removal treatments. Since wrists also move a lot and are often covered by sleeves, fading varies slightly from person to person.

PicoWay® laser tattoo removal works well on wrists because the surface is flat and easy to treat with steady, focused pulses. We target the markings without spreading too much into the surrounding area. Since there is less overall skin disturbance, the healing process may feel more manageable.

PicoWay® for Ankle Tattoos

Ankle tattoos are usually compact and dark with dates, initials, or bold linework. The skin here is tight and close to the bone, which makes laser treatments feel stronger. Also, the lower legs have slower circulation, which sometimes affects how quickly the ink fades.

With PicoWay® laser tattoo removal, we use quick pulses to break up the ink without applying extra heat. This targeted approach helps us treat ankle tattoos in short sessions, even when the tattoo is deeply embedded. 

PicoWay® for Behind-the-Ear Tattoos

Tattoos behind the ear are common for small words, symbols, or single-line art. The skin here is thin and smooth, which makes the area easy to reach during treatment. It doesn’t move much, so fading tends to be more consistent than in other spots.

PicoWay® laser tattoo removal is especially effective in this area because it treats small designs with ease. The pulses focus directly on the pigment, with less impact on nearby skin. Treatments are usually quick and well-tolerated.

How Many PicoWay® Sessions for Small Tattoos?

Most small tattoos require between 2 to 6 PicoWay® sessions, depending on the ink, skin, and placement.

If your tattoo is a single pass with black ink, you might see noticeable fading after 2–3 sessions. Tattoos with colour (especially red, yellow, or white), touch-ups, or deeper saturation may need 4–6+ sessions for complete removal. 

We space sessions at least 4 weeks apart. This allows your skin time to heal.

At your initial consult, we give you a realistic timeline based on your tattoo’s details and location.

PicoWay® vs PicoSure for Small Tattoos

Both PicoWay® and PicoSure use picosecond laser technology for tattoo removal, but they differ in how they break down pigment and which wavelengths they use.

PicoWay® uses multiple picosecond pulses at wavelengths - commonly 532/785/1064 nm - for flexibility, especially for mixed pigments and detailed, small work.

In contrast, PicoSure uses a single 755 nm wavelength (Alexandrite), which can be very effective on certain blue and green inks but offers less versatility across all pigment types.

Both forms of laser tattoo removal are effective for breaking down ink particles with minimal heat. However, PicoWay® precision tattoo removal is more suitable for small tattoos with fine lines or mixed ink colours because it allows more wavelength control and treatment flexibility.

If you are not sure which laser is right for your tattoo, we’ll examine your tattoo, skin, and placement, then recommend the laser treatment best suited for you during your free consultation. 

Call (905) 451-4545 to book your free laser tattoo removal consultation.

How to Prepare for Your PicoWay® Laser Tattoo Removal Session?

Prepare for your tattoo removal appointment by:

• Avoiding sun exposure for at least 1–2 weeks before your session, especially if your tattoo is on a visible area like your wrist, ankle, or hand.

• Keeping the tattoo clean and free of lotion, makeup, deodorant, or self-tanner on the day of your appointment.

• Letting us know about any medications you're taking, such as antibiotics, acne treatments, or any other medications.

• Skipping harsh skincare treatments like waxing, exfoliation, or chemical peels near the tattoo.

• Gently shaving the area (if recommended) 24 hours before your session.

• Wearing loose clothing over the tattoo site to keep the area accessible and reduce friction afterward.

• Staying hydrated and eating a light meal before your session so you feel steady and comfortable.

• Asking us about numbing options if you’re concerned about discomfort during treatment.

Taking Care of Your Skin After the Laser Treatment

After each PicoWay® micro tattoo removal session, we recommend that you:

• Keep the area clean and dry for the first 24–48 hours. Gently pat dry after washing and avoid scrubbing.

• Avoid tight clothing, sweating, or friction on the treated area during the first few days.

• Don’t pick or scratch if you see light flaking or scabbing.

• Skip pools, hot tubs, and saunas for at least 3–5 days after treatment.

• Hold off on applying creams or ointments unless we’ve given you specific instructions.

• Use sunscreen once the area has healed.

PicoWay® Cost for Small Tattoos

The cost of laser tattoo removal depends on the size, colour, and complexity of your tattoo. The number of treatments needed will also affect the total cost as some tattoos fade in just a few sessions, while others take more time. 

At our laser clinic in Mississauga, we offer a clear estimate after seeing your design in person or by photo.

Want an estimate for your tattoo? Send us a photo or stop by for a free consult. 

PicoWay® Before and After: Small Tattoos on Fingers, Wrists, Ankles, and More

View the results from real PicoWay® sessions for small tattoos treated at our Mississauga clinic. The before-and-after pictures show how different tattoo styles fade with personalized sessions at Alternative Laser Health. 

Say Goodbye to Tattoo Ink That No Longer Fits

PicoWay® helps fade unwanted tattoo ink safely and effectively with fast laser pulses that target even fine-line or detailed work. Each session is planned around your skin, tattoo size, and comfort level, so you can see steady fading with minimal downtime.

Call (905) 451-4545 or send us a photo to get a free consultation from our tattoo removal technician. We’ll review your tattoo, explain your options, and help you start a clear, simple removal plan.

FAQs

Is PicoWay® laser tattoo removal safe for all skin types?

PicoWay® is safe for all skin types. At Alternative Laser Health, we adjust the settings to your tone and sensitivity to reduce risks during treatment.

Do different tattoo sizes affect the number of removal sessions?

Tattoo size plays a role in how many sessions you’ll need. Smaller tattoos often fade faster, while larger or more detailed designs may take additional visits.

Does PicoWay® laser tattoo removal affect natural pigmentation?

There may be temporary lightening or darkening after treatment. Most changes fade over time, especially with proper aftercare and sun protection.

Which tattoo ink colours are hardest to remove?

Colours like red, yellow, and white can take more sessions to fade. Black and dark blue usually respond the fastest.