Laser Tattoo Removal Singapore
Tattoo removal breaks the ink into fragments small enough for your immune system to carry away. It takes several sessions, spaced weeks apart, because the clearing happens between appointments rather than during them.
Skincodes uses the Deka Toro, a picosecond platform running 785nm alongside 1064nm and 532nm. Shorter pulses break ink into smaller pieces than older lasers, which clears faster and with less heat in the surrounding skin.
Dr Ang Sue-May sets the wavelength and energy for your skin tone and the ink being treated.
Laser Tattoo Removal at Skincodes
Deka Toro Pico Laser
785nm picosecond wavelength complementing nanosecond 1064nm and 532nm combination laser.
Tattoo ink is deposited in the deep dermis and is too large for the body’s immune cells to clear naturally. Laser tattoo removal works by delivering short, powerful pulses of energy that shatter the ink into fine particles through a photoacoustic mechanism – a physical shattering action, rather than simply heating the ink. The fragmented particles are small enough to be processed and eliminated by the body over the weeks following each session.
The Deka Toro platform combines a 785nm picosecond wavelength with 1064nm and 532nm nanosecond delivery. The picosecond mode produces a particularly powerful photoacoustic effect, while the combination of wavelengths allows Dr Ang to target a wide range of ink colours – including dark blacks and blues (1064nm), and red or orange pigments (532nm).
What Affects How Many Sessions You Need
Ink colour
Black and dark blue clear most readily. Green, light blue and yellow are the most resistant. A multicoloured tattoo often needs different wavelengths across the same piece.
Ink density
Professional tattoos carry more ink, packed deeper and more evenly, so they take longer than amateur work.
Age of the tattoo
Older tattoos have already faded and usually clear in fewer sessions.
Where it is on the body
Areas with better circulation, closer to the heart, clear faster. Hands, feet and lower legs are the slowest.
Layering
A cover-up carries two or more tattoos in the same place. It takes considerably longer than a single piece of the same size.
What to Expect at Skincodes
The number of sessions required varies depending on several factors: the age of the tattoo, the colours used, the depth of ink deposition, and the density of pigment. Amateur tattoos tend to clear more readily than professional ones. Most patients require between six and twelve sessions, spaced six to eight weeks apart to allow the body to clear fragmented ink between treatments.
Fading is gradual and progressive. After each session, the tattoo will appear lighter, with more significant change typically visible in the later stages of a treatment course. The risk of scarring with picosecond technology is considerably lower than with older Q-switched lasers, and the perilesional skin is well-preserved.
Dr Ang will assess your tattoo at consultation and provide an honest estimate of the treatment course required, including any considerations based on ink colour or tattoo placement.
Related at Skincodes
Common Questions About Tattoo Removal
How many sessions will it take?
Most patients need between six and twelve sessions, spaced six to eight weeks apart. Ink colour, density, age and placement all affect the number. Dr Ang gives an estimate at the consultation.
Does it hurt?
Most people describe it as sharper than getting the tattoo, but much quicker. Topical anaesthetic is used and cooling is applied during the session.
Will it scar?
The risk with picosecond technology is considerably lower than with older Q-switched lasers. The main risks come from over-treatment, sessions spaced too closely, and picking at blisters.
Can all colours be removed?
Most, though not equally. Black and dark blue respond best. Green, light blue and yellow are the hardest and sometimes leave a faint trace.
Is it safe on darker skin?
Yes, with the right wavelength and energy. 1064nm is generally used for deeper skin tones because it passes through melanin with less absorption.
Can I get a cover-up instead?
You can, and partial laser removal before a cover-up gives the artist far more to work with. Several sessions to fade the original is a common approach.
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