Pico laser isn't always best for tattoos. Know your ink or waste money. Find out why.
Hapjeong Tattoo Removal,
Pico vs Nano (Nd:YAG)
— Which one is right for my tattoo?
When the weather warms up and short sleeves come out,
many people find themselves worrying more deeply.
After seeing the tattoo on their upper arm in photos,
they decide, "I have to remove it this year."
and more people are coming in for consultations.
Before your consultation,
let’s start with answers to the 3 most common key questions.
📌 Key Checks Before Treatment
Q. Is the pico laser
always better?
In general, pico is the better option.
You can think of it that way.
(Though in some cases, it may not be.)
Q. How many sessions
does it take to remove it?
Depending on ink amount and skin type,
it can vary widely from 4 sessions to 15+ sessions.
Q. Are costs different in
Hapjeong/Hongdae?
More than location, device type and tattoo size
are what determine the price.
1. Pico Laser
vs Nd:YAG: The Differences
The biggest misconception is
"newest equipment is always the best."
These two devices differ from the very
principle of how they break down ink.
Category | Pico Laser | Nano (Nd:YAG) |
Operating method | Physically shatters into finer particles | Shatters into larger particles |
Ink colors | Color tattoos, multi-color ink | Black, dark single-color |
Skin damage | Less thermal damage | Possible accumulation of thermal damage |
Recommended cases | Hard-to-remove color tattoos | Shallow amateur tattoos |
What matters more than the device name is
using the right wavelength
for your tattoo condition.
2. Why is it hard
to give an exact number of sessions?
Tattoo removal
is not a one-session magic trick.
There are many factors
that affect removal speed.
Ink color
Yellow and white are very difficult.
Ink depth
Tattoos done by tattooists are often very deep.
Tattoo age
Older tattoos have more dispersed particles, so they take longer.
Skin type
It is harder to selectively target ink in darker skin.
Treatment energy
If the energy is too low, only the number of sessions increases.
Usually, small single-color tattoos take 4–6 sessions,
while color artistic tattoos often require 10–15+ sessions.
👨⚕️ Director Wi Youngjin’s Clinical Note:
Some patients come in saying they had multiple sessions
at other clinics
but saw no fading at all.
In most cases, out of fear of scarring,
the energy was set far too low.
Then the number of sessions just increases,
and only your wallet gets thinner.
Minimizing skin damage while
reliably breaking down ink means finding
the maximum safe energy level.
That is exactly the doctor’s skill.
3. Hapjeong/Hongdae Tattoo Removal
Cost Criteria
Costs are mainly determined
by 3 factors.
[ Tattoo size + Device type + Whether it is colored ]
Pico lasers are expensive devices,
so the per-session cost is higher than Nd:YAG.
However, if the total number of sessions can be reduced,
the overall total cost
can ultimately be more reasonable with pico laser.
⚠️ Before treatment,
make sure to check this!
More important than equipment
is 'who performs the procedure.'
Tattoo removal requires watching real-time skin reactions
and finely adjusting energy levels.
Be sure to confirm whether it is a place where the director personally plans and performs the treatment.
ㅇWhat brand of pico device they have
ㅇWhether they have wavelengths for various colors
ㅇWhether they honestly explain the risk of scarring
💬 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Can scars
remain?
Yes, if thermal damage accumulates,
it can happen.
That’s why keeping sufficient intervals between sessions (4–8 weeks)
is the best way to prevent scarring
and improve results.
Q2. Do you also
see patients on Sundays?
Yes, Beautystone Clinic in Hapjeong
offers Sunday appointments.
Even those available only on weekends
can visit comfortably.
Q3. Can semi-permanent eyebrow tattoos
also be removed?
Yes, it is possible.
However, after laser reaction,
a paradoxical color change
may occur,
so it is safest to proceed after a test.
If you have questions, send me a WhatsApp message,
and I will personally review your photos and consult you.
This was Dr. Wi Youngjin
from Beautystone Clinic, Hapjeong.
✦ Read Together
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