For tattoo removal, which is better: Pico laser or Nd:YAG?

It is much better to use equipment that matches the specific condition of your tattoo. Pico lasers shatter ink into ultra-fine particles, making them highly effective for color tattoos, while Nd:YAG lasers are well-suited for shallower tattoos with black or deep, solid colors.

How many sessions of tattoo removal are usually required to completely clear it?

The number of sessions varies greatly depending on the amount of ink and your skin type. A small, single-color tattoo typically takes about 4 to 6 sessions, while larger color pieces often require 10 to 15 or more sessions, so it is difficult to give a definitive number of treatments.

Is there a possibility of scarring after tattoo removal?

If heat damage accumulates, it can lead to scarring. That's why keeping a sufficient interval (4 to 8 weeks) between treatments is the best way to prevent scars and maximize effectiveness.

Can semi-permanent eyebrow tattoos be removed with a laser?

Yes, it is possible. However, since a reverse reaction causing discoloration can occur, it is safer to perform a spot test first and proceed according to the results, rather than treating the entire area right away.

Hongdae Tattoo Removal: Expert Answers Revealed

Pico laser isn't always best for tattoos. Know your ink or waste money. Find out why.

Published -

Mar 31, 2026

Updated -

Sep 17, 2026

Author

Wi Young-jin · Chief director

Seoul National University College of Medicine · Seoul National University Hospital Specialist

→

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 Young-jin’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 Young-jin

from Beautystone Clinic, Hapjeong.

✦ Read Together

Choosing between picosecond and nanosecond devices is one decision; estimating sessions is another. Beautystone uses the Kirby–Desai assessment during consultation, reviewing skin type, location, ink amount, layering, scarring and colour, so the range we discuss reflects your tattoo rather than a general figure. That range is an estimate and is revisited as your skin responds session by session, and we tell you when it changes.

Ask what your tattoo scores before counting sessions

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