Why Some Tattoos Fade Faster With PicoMAX Laser Removal
- Lana Zevnik
- 10 hours ago
- 4 min read
One of the most common questions people ask before starting tattoo removal is:
What’s the difference between Pico laser and Q-switched laser tattoo removal, and does it actually matter?

The short answer: yes.
At Lana Skyn in Amsterdam, many clients are surprised by how quickly their tattoos begin fading after starting PicoMAX laser treatments. Some tattoos already show visible changes after the first session, especially older black ink tattoos.
According to laser specialist Lana Zevnik, the technology used during tattoo removal can make a major difference in:
How fast the tattoo fades
How many sessions are needed
Skin recovery time
Risk of skin irritation
Effectiveness on stubborn colours
Why Older Q-Switched Lasers Often Need More Sessions
Traditional Q-switched lasers have been used for tattoo removal for many years. They use nanosecond technology to heat and break apart tattoo pigment underneath the skin.
While they can still be effective, especially for simple black tattoos, many clients notice that fading becomes slower after several sessions.
This is one reason why some people end up needing:
10–15+ sessions
Long treatment timelines
More healing time between appointments
Q-switched lasers also rely more heavily on heat, which can increase:
Skin sensitivity
Redness
Irritation
Recovery time
Why PicoMAX Laser Technology Works Differently
The PicoMAX laser used at Lana Skyn works with ultra-fast picosecond pulses instead of slower nanosecond pulses.
Rather than mainly heating the ink, the PicoMAX laser creates a strong photomechanical effect that shatters tattoo pigment into much smaller particles.
This helps the body clear the ink more efficiently through the lymphatic system.
In real treatments, this often means:
Faster visible fading
Better breakdown of dense ink
More effective treatment of stubborn tattoos
Smoother healing for many clients
Many clients at Lana Skyn mention being shocked by how much fading they see after only a few sessions.
Which Tattoo Colours Are Hardest to Remove?
Not all tattoo colours respond the same way to laser treatment.
Black ink is usually the easiest to remove because it absorbs laser energy very well.
More difficult colours include:
Green
Blue
Turquoise
Purple
This is where advanced Pico laser technology becomes especially important.
The PicoMAX laser is designed to target stubborn pigment more effectively than many older tattoo removal systems.
Why Some Tattoos Stop Fading
One thing many clients don’t realise is that tattoos can sometimes become resistant to removal.
This often happens when:
Low-powered lasers are used
Sessions are spaced incorrectly
The ink is deeply saturated
Older technology cannot fully shatter the remaining pigment
At Lana Skyn, treatment plans are customised based on:
Tattoo age
Ink density
Skin type
Tattoo location
Previous laser history
This personalised approach helps maximise fading while protecting the skin.
Does PicoMAX Tattoo Removal Hurt Less?
Pain is subjective, but many clients describe PicoMAX treatments as more manageable than older laser technologies.
Because less unnecessary heat is created in the skin, recovery often feels easier as well.
Common temporary side effects can include:
Redness
Swelling
White frosting on the tattoo
Mild sensitivity
These effects are usually temporary and part of the normal healing process.
Tattoo Removal Prices at Lana Skyn Amsterdam
One reason clients choose Lana Skyn is transparent pricing.
Tattoo removal prices start from:
€39 for tattoos up to 1 cm²
€69 for tattoos around bank card size or smaller
The final price depends on:
Tattoo size
Ink density
Colour complexity
Placement on the body
Why Clients Across Amsterdam Choose Lana Skyn
Lana Skyn has become known as one of Amsterdam’s specialised laser clinics for tattoo removal because of its focus on advanced PicoMAX technology and visible client results.
Treatments are performed by Lana Zevnik, who focuses specifically on laser-based skin treatments and tattoo removal.
Clients often travel from different parts of Amsterdam for:
Faster fading results
Advanced PicoMAX laser technology
Transparent pricing
Personalised treatment plans
Safe treatment approaches focused on skin health
How Many Sessions Does Tattoo Removal Usually Take?
Every tattoo is different.
Some tattoos fade relatively quickly, while others require more patience.
The number of sessions depends on:
Tattoo age
Ink colours
Ink depth
Immune system response
Smoking habits
Placement on the body
During a consultation at Lana Skyn, a realistic estimate is provided based on the tattoo itself.
Tattoo Removal Consultation in Amsterdam
The best way to understand how a tattoo may respond to laser removal is through a professional consultation.
At Lana Skyn, each treatment plan is customised to safely achieve the best possible fading results using PicoMAX laser technology. Read also: -Why is my tattoo not fading -Should you pop blisters after tattoo removal FAQ TATTOO REMOVAL
Q: Is Pico laser better than Q-switched laser for tattoo removal?A: Pico lasers use ultra-fast picosecond pulses that break tattoo ink into smaller particles compared to traditional Q-switched lasers. This often leads to faster fading, fewer sessions, and smoother skin recovery.
Q: Why do tattoos fade faster with PicoMAX laser?A: The PicoMAX laser creates a strong photomechanical effect that shatters tattoo pigment more efficiently, allowing the body to remove the ink faster through the lymphatic system.
Q: How much does tattoo removal cost at Lana Skyn Amsterdam?A: Tattoo removal prices at Lana Skyn start from €39 for tattoos up to 1 cm² and €69 for tattoos around bank card size or smaller.
Q: How many sessions are needed for tattoo removal?A: The number of sessions depends on tattoo age, ink colours, depth, skin type, and placement on the body. Some tattoos fade quickly, while others require multiple sessions.
Q: Which tattoo colours are hardest to remove?A: Green, blue, turquoise, and purple pigments are generally more difficult to remove than black ink. Advanced Pico laser technology is often more effective on stubborn colours.
Q: Does Pico laser tattoo removal hurt?A: Pain levels vary per person, but many clients describe PicoMAX treatments as more manageable than older laser technologies because less heat is created in the skin.
Q: Can tattoo removal leave scars?A: Professional laser tattoo removal is designed to minimise skin damage. Following proper aftercare instructions is important for healthy healing.
Q: Why do some tattoos stop fading during removal?A: Tattoos can become resistant when older laser technology cannot fully break down the remaining pigment. Ink density, tattoo depth, and treatment approach all play a role.



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