Professional Laser Tattoo Removal in Columbus

The ultra-rapid speed of our Discovery Pico Plus laser breaks tattoo ink into tiny particles. Your immune system’s macrophages then naturally eliminate these particles from your body. The process is highly dependent on your immune system health, which is why we may recommend lifestyle changes or supplements to optimize results.

People equate the feeling to a hot rubber band snapping on your skin. Unlike getting the tattoo where the artist goes over areas multiple times, we go over it once until we see the clinical endpoint (that frosting, swelling, or redness) and then we’re done. We offer a ‘choose your adventure’ approach to comfort: options include topical numbing cream and Pro-Nox (laughing gas), something many providers don’t offer for tattoo removal.

Most patients require 10–12 sessions with our Pico laser system, though individual results vary based on factors like tattoo age, location, colors, ink quality, and your immune system health. We recommend unlimited packages since some tattoos may require additional sessions.

Complete removal is always our goal, but we never promise it due to the many variables involved. Factors like amateur tattoo work, deep ink placement, poor immune system function, and tattoo location all affect removal success. However, our advanced technology gives us the best chance of achieving complete removal.

We see all kinds of requests. Some of the most common are eyebrows and permanent makeup, ring tattoos, and significant other or ex-partner name tattoos. We also frequently work on chunky, heavily saturated pieces versus fine line work—these fade differently and may require different session timelines. For clients planning a cover-up, we regularly do partial removal just to fade the tattoo enough to give their artist a better canvas.

While scarring is always a possible side effect with any laser treatment, our Discovery Pico Plus picosecond laser is much safer than traditional nanosecond devices. The picosecond technology uses mechanical injury rather than heat-based thermal injury, which significantly reduces scarring risk. We also recommend our medical-grade Soothe + Protect Recovery Balm from ALASTIN Skincare with natural anti-inflammatory properties to promote optimal healing and minimize any scarring potential.

You’ll notice some immediate changes after each session, but complete tattoo removal is a gradual process. Most patients require 10–12 sessions, spaced a minimum of 6–8 weeks apart, so the complete process can take 1–2 years depending on your tattoo’s characteristics and your body’s healing response.

It’s also important to note that tattoos located farther away from the heart take longer to fade. So, a chest or neck tattoo tends to fade much faster than a tattoo on the arms, hands, or feet.

Nearly everyone is a candidate! Our Discovery Pico Plus can safely treat all skin types (Fitzpatrick types 1-6) and all tattoo colors, including difficult colors like yellow and green. We can treat tattoos anywhere on the body, including cosmetic tattoos like microblading. The main contraindication is recent Accutane use (within 6 months), as it affects skin healing, so please let us know if you have used Accutane before your appointment.

Avoid sun exposure and maintain pale skin in the treatment area. If you have an active tan, we’ll need to use lower laser settings to prevent burns. Cover tattoos with clothing or bandages when outdoors. Avoid Accutane for at least 6 months before treatment. It’s always a good idea to be well-rested, hydrated, and healthy before your appointment to ensure optimal healing!

Keep your tattoo clean and apply Soothe + Protect Recovery Balm as directed by your provider. Keeping your tattoo moisturized will help prevent scabbing and lower your risk of scarring. Do not soak your tattoo for at least one week after your session, and keep your tattoo out of the sun at all times (or use mineral-based SPF). Avoid exfoliating until your tattoo has healed, and depending on the size of your tattoo and the intensity of your treatment, consider avoiding strenuous exercise for a few days after.

Normal side effects include swelling, blistering, and temporary redness. Your tattoo may also itch as it begins to heal and your body breaks down the ink. These side effects typically resolve within a few days, especially when using our recommended Soothe + Protect Recovery Balm. We space treatments appropriately to minimize risks and ensure proper healing between sessions. If you have any questions about your healing process, don’t hesitate to contact us!

BB Aesthetic & Wellness provides professional laser tattoo removal services in Columbus using the advanced Discovery Pico Plus system. We will also be offering this service at our Cincinnati location soon!