Tattoo Removal with PicoSure Pro in Irvine, CA
Ready to part ways with a tattoo that no longer represents you? Our PicoSure Pro laser breaks down unwanted ink quickly and gently, helping you reveal clear skin with fewer sessions and minimal downtime. Whether your ink is dark, colorful, or previously treated, our experienced team customizes each treatment for optimal fading. Enjoy advanced care in a welcoming environment where your comfort and results come first.
Expert Surgeons
4.9 Google Rating
Serving Orange County Since 2012
Procedure Quick Facts:
- Duration of Procedure:10–30 minutes per session
- Anesthesia:Topical numbing available
- Recovery:Minimal downtime; resume activities same day
- Results Duration:Permanent once ink is cleared
PicoSure Pro is an advanced picosecond laser that delivers ultra-short pulses of energy into the skin, shattering tattoo pigment into tiny particles the body can naturally flush away. Unlike traditional nanosecond lasers that rely mainly on heat, PicoSure Pro uses a photo-acoustic effect, resulting in faster ink breakdown with less thermal damage to surrounding tissue.
Because the pulses are so brief, treatment is more comfortable and requires little to no downtime. The technology targets a wide spectrum of ink colors—including stubborn blues, greens, and reds—making it ideal for both new and previously treated tattoos. Sessions are spaced several weeks apart to allow the body time to clear the fragmented ink, and most patients notice visible fading after just a few visits.
If you're ready to lighten or completely erase unwanted ink, South Coast Plastic Surgery is here to guide you. Dr. Mark Song and our specialized laser nursing team will create a personalized plan that addresses your tattoo’s color, depth, and your desired outcome.
- Remove Unwanted or Outdated Body ArtPicoSure Pro helps you clear tattoos that no longer fit your lifestyle, career, or personal style, giving you the freedom of fresh, ink-free skin.
- Fewer Treatment Sessions RequiredThe picosecond technology shatters pigment more efficiently than older lasers, meaning you may need fewer appointments to achieve your desired level of fading.
- Effective on Difficult Colors and Previously Treated InkStubborn blues, greens, reds, and inks that resisted other lasers respond well to PicoSure Pro, broadening possibilities for complete clearance.
- Minimal Discomfort and DowntimeUltra-short energy pulses create less heat, resulting in treatments many patients describe as quick snaps with rapid post-procedure recovery.
- Option to Lighten Tattoos for Cover-Up DesignsStrategic fading makes way for a new tattoo artistically placed over the original, allowing creative flexibility without full removal.
- Boost Confidence in Professional and Social SettingsClearing unwanted ink can help you feel more comfortable in your skin, at work, and in personal interactions, enhancing overall self-assurance.
Watch our videos to see real patient results, learn from our experts, and discover what makes South Coast Plastic Surgery a trusted choice in Orange County.
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Picosecond pulses break ink into microscopic particles for faster clearance.
Treatments target a broad spectrum of colors, including resistant blues and greens.
Ultra-short energy bursts generate less heat, reducing skin damage and discomfort.
Advanced laser technology often requires fewer overall sessions than older systems.
Complete Tattoo Removal
Ideal for patients who want their tattoo fully erased. Treatments are scheduled every 6-8 weeks, allowing time for your immune system to clear shattered pigment until the ink is no longer visible.
Tattoo Lightening for Cover-Up
Selective fading minimizes dark or dense areas to create a better canvas for a future cover-up. Fewer sessions are required than full removal, focusing only on areas that need lightening.
Revision of Previously Treated Tattoos
For tattoos that responded poorly to other lasers, PicoSure Pro’s picosecond technology can target residual pigment and stubborn colors, finishing the job that earlier treatments could not.
See real results from our patients
Dr. Mark Song and our highly trained laser nurses have performed thousands of successful PicoSure treatments. Their deep understanding of laser physics, skin biology, and patient comfort ensures your sessions are both effective and safe.
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Beauty Inside-Out
We treat beyond the visible, caring for your inner wellness as much as your outer beauty. Every aesthetic treatment is provided with warm and exceptional care to elevate your well-being and confidence.
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Unmatched Predictability
Visualize your potential results with cutting-edge Crisalix 3D imaging, ensuring clarity and confidence from the start of your cosmetic journey. Our transparent planning process covers every detail, from realistic expectations to comprehensive pricing.
Expert Healing
Your personalized care plan doesn't end when you leave the operating room. Adoreal's automated recovery prompts guide you through a personalized healing journey, including 24/7 access to your surgical team to address questions or concerns. Track your aesthetic recovery progress in real-time, receive important reminders, and experience peace of mind knowing that expert support is always available.
Protected Investment
We stand behind our work with comprehensive warranty coverage that protects your aesthetic outcomes long after your final follow-up. Your care includes up to 5 years of medical complication protection, a 2-year satisfaction guarantee for minor adjustments, and lifetime implant monitoring for eligible cases. Combined with ongoing access to your complete medical records and continued support from our team, you can trust that your journey to confidence is backed by expertise, technology, and a genuine commitment to your long-term well-being.
Most healthy adults with unwanted ink can benefit from PicoSure Pro treatments. A consultation helps determine the optimal plan for your skin type, tattoo characteristics, and desired outcome.
• In good overall health with no active skin infections
• Tattoo ink is fully healed (at least 6 weeks old)
• Realistic expectations about the number of sessions and results
• Willingness to follow aftercare instructions between treatments
• Not pregnant or breastfeeding
• Ability to avoid sun exposure on the treated area during the series
• Ready to commit to multiple sessions for best results
This personalized assessment ensures your consultation is tailored specifically to you, with no obligation. Your wellness journey, our commitment.
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Comprehensive Consultation & Assessment
Your journey begins with a private consultation with Dr. Mark Song or one of our laser nurses. This visit is focused on understanding what changes you'd like to see and whether PicoSure Pro is the right solution for your tattoo.
During your consultation, your specialist will:
• • Examine tattoo size, colors, and placement
• • Determine your skin type and discuss pigmentation risks
• • Review medical history and any prior laser treatments
• • Explain expected number of sessions and costs
• • Outline aftercare steps and sun-protection guidelines
Together, you'll create a treatment plan that fits your timeline and comfort level.
The Tattoo Removal Procedure
Most sessions are completed in our office with topical numbing and a cooling device to enhance comfort.
During the procedure:
• • The area is cleansed and numbing cream is applied if desired
• • Protective eyewear is placed on both patient and provider
• • PicoSure Pro handpiece delivers rapid pulses over the tattoo
• • A cooling device or chilled air is used to soothe the skin
After all passes are complete, a soothing ointment and dressing are applied before you head home.
Tattoo Removal Recovery Timeline
Recovery experiences vary, but most patients follow a similar general timeline.
Immediately after treatment
The area may appear whitish (frosting) and feel warm or sunburn-like for a few hours.
First few days
• • Mild redness, swelling, or pinpoint bleeding may occur
• • Apply recommended ointment and keep area covered
• • Resume light activities, avoiding heavy exercise for 24 hours
Weeks 1-2
• • Skin may darken or scab slightly as ink particles surface
• • Avoid picking or scratching to prevent scarring
• • Most redness resolves; normal daily routine continues
Weeks 3-4
•• Area continues to lighten as your body clears pigment
• • You may schedule your next session once skin is fully healed
You'll receive personalized post-treatment instructions and have direct access to our team for any questions.
Your Tattoo Removal Results
Tattoo removal results begin to appear after your first session, with progressive fading over the course of subsequent treatments.
Early results
Initial lightening and breakdown of darker outlines become noticeable within 2–3 weeks.
Following weeks
Each session leads to incremental fading as fragmented ink is flushed away by your lymphatic system.
Final results
Once treatment series is complete, most patients enjoy dramatically reduced or fully cleared ink, leaving natural skin tone behind.
With diligent aftercare and proper sun protection, cleared areas remain ink-free for the long term.
- Days 3 - 5
- Week 1 - 2
- Week 2 - 3
- Week 4 - 6
- Month 2-3
- Month 4-6
- Longterm
Understanding how laser technology, skin biology, and aftercare affect tattoo removal outcomes helps you set realistic expectations and feel confident in your decision.
Achieving Natural-Looking Results
Our goal is to clear unwanted ink while preserving the natural tone and texture of your skin. PicoSure Pro’s ultra-short pulses create a powerful acoustic shockwave that shatters pigment without excessive heat, reducing the risk of hypopigmentation or textural changes. Consistent spacing between sessions allows your immune system to process ink fragments gradually, helping skin remodel evenly.
Results also depend on factors like ink color, depth, and your skin’s ability to heal. By tailoring settings and providing thorough aftercare instructions, we support even fading and healthy tissue recovery so your skin looks as though the tattoo was never there.
Where Are the Incisions?
Tattoo removal with PicoSure Pro is nonsurgical, so no incisions are required.
Is Scarring a Concern?
While scarring is uncommon with picosecond technology, it can occur if aftercare instructions are not followed or if skin is predisposed to keloids. Protecting the area from sun, avoiding picking, and keeping skin moisturized are essential.
Skin Healing Timeline
Your skin will progress through natural healing stages:
Weeks 1-2
Redness and possible crusting or scabbing subside
Months 1-3
Pigment continues to fade; skin texture normalizes
Around 6 months
Collagen remodeling improves overall tone and smoothness
1-2 years
Area maintains normal color and texture with minimal evidence of prior tattoo
Adhering strictly to post-treatment guidelines helps minimize complications and supports optimal skin appearance.
Understanding Risks and Safety
Understanding Risks and Safety
PicoSure Pro tattoo removal is generally safe when performed by trained providers, but it is important to understand potential risks.
Potential risks may include:
• • Temporary redness, swelling, or blistering
• • Changes in skin pigmentation (lightening or darkening)
• • Textural changes or rare scarring
• • Infection if aftercare instructions are not followed
• • Incomplete removal requiring additional sessions
• • Mild discomfort during treatment
Your provider will review these risks in detail and explain how they are minimized through proper technique and aftercare.
Reducing Your Risk
Your safety is a top priority at South Coast Plastic Surgery. Steps taken to support a safe tattoo removal experience include:
• Thorough consultation and skin assessment
• Customized laser settings adjusted each session
• Use of sterile, single-use supplies and protective eyewear
• Clear written and verbal aftercare instructions
By following recommended guidelines and attending scheduled follow-ups, most patients enjoy smooth healing and satisfying results.
The cost of your procedure will vary based on a variety of factors. During your consultation, your doctor will discuss your desired outcomes in detail and provide a fully transparent breakdown of all associated costs. Our practice helps patients achieve their aesthetic goals with a variety of financing options.
Financing options available through:
Trusted by Our Community
4.8/5 stars for 334 reviews / 90% word-of-mouth referral rate / Over 15 years serving Orange County
Dr. Song performed my breast implant surgery nearly 10 yrs ago with the ideal breast implant. I've had no issues in this time. I live on the other side of the country now, but I would've loved to come back for removal, since I'm on an all natural journey. I hope to find someone who can take care of me, keep me safe, & assured during & after surgery as Dr. Song & his staff did.
N. Snoozzz
Thank you Dr. Song. I’m 10 days post opp and am so happy with my experience with my mommy makeover! I can’t tell you how comfortable Dr. Song and his staff made me feel throughout this whole process. Surgery is a bit of a scary decision and sometimes I agonized about for years but I can promise you are in the best care with this team. I highly highly recommend them and am already so happy with my results !
About the procedure
How does PicoSure Pro remove tattoo ink?
The laser emits ultra-short picosecond pulses that create a photo-acoustic shockwave, shattering ink particles into tiny fragments your immune system can eliminate.
Will the treatment hurt?
Most patients describe the sensation as quick snaps similar to a rubber band. Topical numbing and cooling measures are available to enhance comfort.
How long is each session?
Sessions typically last 10–30 minutes depending on the tattoo’s size and complexity.
Is there downtime after each session?
Downtime is minimal. Mild redness or swelling usually resolves within a day, and most patients resume normal activities immediately.
Recovery & Results
When will I start seeing results?
Initial fading can be seen within 2–3 weeks, with progressive lightening after each subsequent session.
How many sessions will I need?
The number varies by ink color, depth, and size, but PicoSure Pro often requires fewer sessions than traditional lasers. Your provider will give you a personalized estimate during consultation.
Can tattoo removal cause scarring?
Scarring is rare with PicoSure Pro, especially when aftercare instructions are followed, but individuals prone to keloids should discuss their risk with the provider.
Are there any side effects?
Temporary redness, swelling, or darkening of the area are common and typically resolve within a few days.
Safety & Risks
Is tattoo removal covered by insurance?
Tattoo removal is considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by insurance. Financing options are available to help manage cost.
Do you offer package pricing?
Yes. We provide discounted packages of seven sessions, which can lower overall treatment costs for larger tattoos.
Can I get a new tattoo in the same area later?
Once the skin is fully healed and pigment is cleared, you can safely get a new tattoo. Many patients lighten old ink specifically for a cover-up design.
How should I care for my skin between sessions?
Keep the area clean, apply recommended ointment, avoid sun exposure, and refrain from picking or scratching to promote optimal healing.
Cost & Insurance
Is tattoo removal covered by insurance?
Tattoo removal is considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by insurance. Financing options are available to help manage cost.
Do you offer package pricing?
Yes. We provide discounted packages of seven sessions, which can lower overall treatment costs for larger tattoos.
Lifestyle & Long-Term Care
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