Laser Tattoo Removal in Reno, NV

Patients often ask me, “Dr. Van Reken, what is the best laser for tattoo removal?” While there are many lasers on the market today, in my opinion, the best one is the Cynosure PicoSure Tattoo Removal Laser. It offers faster treatments with fewer sessions and treats many types and colors of tattoos. Each tattoo responds differently depending on factors like ink color, skin tone, and location, so treatment plans are always individualized. At Reno Sparks MedSpa, we use advanced technology to help patients in Reno, NV, fade or remove tattoos as effectively and comfortably as possible.

What Is Laser Tattoo Removal? 

Laser tattoo removal uses short, powerful pulses of light to shatter the ink particles in your skin, which your body then clears out naturally. The technology has come a long way, and today’s lasers can treat more colors and skin types with better precision than earlier systems. We use the PicoSure laser because it creates a photoacoustic effect, not just heat, which allows for faster ink disruption with less risk to the surrounding skin. Black ink tends to respond the quickest, but we can also treat blues, greens, reds, and even stubborn pigments like yellow.

Why We Choose the Cynosure PicoSure Laser

The Cynosure PicoSure is a tattoo removal platform that includes 532 and 755 nm lasers and has the capability to add a 1064 nm laser as well. This picosecond laser has nonfractional and fractional capabilities and has many uses other than tattoo removal, including skin tightening, dark spot removal and scar reduction.

The PicoSure treats all tattoo colors and types, according to Cynosure, the manufacturer. Picosecond technology is the best there is for tattoo removal and this technology is much faster than the overwhelming majority of lasers on the market at this time. Most tattoo removal facilities in Northern Nevada are still using older technology. In fact, we have old technology as well, including the Cynosure Medlite C6, which we still find useful for some tattoo colors, melasma, scar and other skin treatments.

However, rapid tattoo clearance is only possible with picosecond technology. The newer technology often removes tattoos with less than half the number of treatments of older, slower machines. Tattoo clearance is also much more complete with this new technology. Cynosure was the first to produce this technology (so-called Picosecond Technology) when they developed the PicoSure.

How Does Picosecond Technology Work?

Most lasers literally cook cells with ink in them with heat, and the cells die, releasing the pigment. Predictably, this hurts and results in a mild burn. While the treatment site heals, there is a low risk of infection and some pain.

Picosecond uses “PressureWave” technology with a photomechanical or photoacoustic impact, shattering cells and releasing their tattoo pigment. Think of having a house with lots of poisonous gas trapped inside it with the windows all closed. No one is inside. You want the gas out. Would you rather have a jet fly just above the house, shattering its windows, or burn the house down?

The PressureWave is shattering the cell walls and also heating them. The result is less pain for the result, less risk of burns and faster tattoo clearance. What’s the downside? The PicoSure laser is more expensive than the older machines, so the per-treatment cost is higher. However, the total treatment cost to clear a tattoo is about the same.

Common Reasons Why People Get Laser Tattoo Removal:

Personal Life Changes

Life rarely stays the same, and tattoos that once felt meaningful can start to feel out of place as personal priorities shift. Patients often choose laser removal tattoo treatments for reasons like:

• Joe broke up with the “Sue” on the tattoo
• I’ve got kids now
• I have a beer and wine tattoo, and I’ve been sober and in AA for over five years

Career and Professional Image

In some professions, visible tattoos can make it harder to maintain a certain image or meet workplace expectations. Some patients seek removal to avoid professional obstacles or cultural conflict:

• It is hard to get hired at an executive-type job with a Dracula tattoo on my neck
• I do contract work in Saudi Arabia. I’m not supposed to take my shirt off as it has the image of a woman on it. This is against the laws of Islam.

Style, Aesthetic, or Creative Preferences

Tastes change, and so does your sense of style. Some tattoos no longer reflect your current aesthetic or creative vision. Reasons can be:

• The ink has faded
• Fred wants a new tattoo in the same area
• “My arm is like my kitchen—I like to remodel it every few years”
• The colors don’t always match my blouse and slacks

Health and Medical Reasons

Tattoos can complicate certain medical situations, especially if there is a history of skin conditions or surgical changes in the area. In some cases, removal is the safest option:

• I’ve had skin cancer in other areas, and if I get skin cancer in my tattoo, it may be hard to detect the cancer early
• I’ve had major surgery and scarring in the areas of the tattoo, and now the tattoo looks weird

Legal, Safety, or Cultural Concerns

Tattoos that once felt harmless can raise serious concerns depending on context. Some patients remove tattoos to avoid misunderstandings or stay safe during travel:

• This was a gang tattoo from my teen years, and now I’m a family man. When I go back to Guatemala to visit my family, I find that strangers are afraid of me.
• Certain gang tattoos can get you in trouble. It’s safer not to have a tattoo.

Is PicoSure Right for My Tattoo? 

Tattoo Size and Age

Smaller tattoos usually respond more quickly than large or heavily saturated ones, simply because there is less ink to break up and clear. Older tattoos often lift more easily than newer ones, since the body has already started clearing some of the pigment naturally. We customize treatment plans based on how dense the ink is and how long it has been in the skin.

Color Considerations

PicoSure works especially well on black ink, but it also treats blues, greens, and even stubborn reds and oranges. If your tattoo has multiple colors, we can adjust the settings to focus on different pigments during each session.

Skin Tone and Skin Type

The PicoSure laser allows us to treat a wider range of skin tones than older laser systems. Because it relies more on energy pulses than heat, it lowers the risk of pigment changes in darker skin. I still evaluate how your skin reacts to the sun, whether it tends to scar, and how much melanin is present, since all of those factors help shape a safe and effective plan.

Tattoo Location on the Body

Tattoos near the chest, upper back, and arms typically fade faster than those on the lower legs, ankles, or hands. That is mostly because circulation plays a role in how efficiently the body clears broken-down ink particles. When I assess your tattoo, I consider the location not just for how it affects healing but also for how easily we can reach and treat the area across multiple sessions.

What to Expect From Laser Tattoo Removal

Consultation and Test Spot

Before starting your treatment, you will need a full consultation to review your tattoo, talk through your medical history, and set clear expectations. One way to see if the PicoSure Tattoo Removal Laser is right for you is to start with a test spot so you know what to expect, especially with larger tattoos. This is available in our office for a minimal charge. A test spot helps us evaluate how your skin reacts to the laser and how the ink responds during the first round.

Treatment Session Details

A typical session lasts anywhere from a few minutes to around 30 minutes, depending on the size and complexity of the tattoo. We start by cleaning the skin and applying a topical anesthetic to reduce discomfort. You will feel a snapping sensation as the laser pulses hit the ink. This is moderately painful, but tolerable for most people. The treated area often feels like a sunburn for a day or two, but you can return to normal activities right after the session.

Number of Treatments

The total number of treatments depends on ink density, pigment type, tattoo depth, and your skin’s response to the laser. Most tattoos require only four to eight sessions, which is much less than the 16 or more treatments required with older devices. Professional tattoos often go deeper into the skin and use more ink, which can take longer to clear than amateur work. Multicolored or cover-up tattoos usually require more attention because of the layering and variety of pigments.

Time Between Treatments

We typically space treatments about six to eight weeks apart to give your skin time to heal and allow your body to clear out the fragmented ink. Shortening the interval can interfere with end results and increase the risk of irritation, so we do not recommend rushing the process. Keeping your skin healthy between visits also helps maximize each session’s effectiveness.

Caring for Your Skin After Laser Tattoo Removal

After treatment, the skin may feel warm, sensitive, or slightly swollen. You might notice redness, pinpoint bleeding, or a frosted appearance immediately after the session. Proper aftercare helps reduce irritation, supports healing, and lowers the risk of pigment changes or scarring.

Here is how to take care of the treated area:

• Keep the area clean and dry for the first 24 hours
• Avoid direct sun exposure and use SPF 30 or higher once the area has healed
• Apply a thin layer of fragrance-free ointment like Aquaphor as needed to prevent dryness
• Do not pick at scabs or pop any blisters, even if they itch
• Avoid soaking the area in pools, hot tubs, or baths until fully healed
• Wear loose clothing over the area to prevent friction or pressure
• Use a cold compress as needed for swelling, especially in the first 24–48 hours
• Watch for signs of infection, such as spreading redness, warmth, or pus, and contact us if you notice anything unusual

Laser Tattoo Removal Prices and Financing

Tattoo removal treatments can be priced per treatment or based on a treatment package. For example, a baseball-sized tattoo that can be removed in about 6 treatments might be priced at $250 for each treatment or $1150 for a 6-pack. In this example, you would save $350 with the upfront package of 6 as opposed to a per treatment fee of $250 x 6, or $1500. Financing treatments through credit cards or Care Credit is an option. At our office, we accept checks, cash, credit cards and Care Credit.

To schedule a Laser Tattoo Removal Consultation with Dr. Van Reken at Reno Sparks MedSpa, give us a call or visit the contact us page.

FAQs About Laser Tattoo Removal

Does Tattoo Removal Hurt?

The sensation feels like a rubber band snapping against the skin, but the discomfort usually passes quickly. Areas with thinner skin or dense ink can feel more sensitive. One of the benefits of PicoSure is that you only have to put up with this discomfort for four to eight treatments.

Will Laser Tattoo Removal Leave a Scar?

Treated skin does not scar from laser treatments when the proper techniques, precautions, and aftercare steps are used. We provide detailed instructions to help minimize any risk of long-term changes. Picking, scratching, or exposing the skin to the sun before it fully recovers can lead to complications, so good aftercare is essential. If your skin is prone to scarring, we factor that into your treatment approach from the start.

How Soon Will I See Results?

Some fading usually starts to show after the first or second session, though results vary depending on ink type, skin tone, and tattoo depth. Your body needs time to flush out the broken-down particles between visits, so spacing treatments is just as important as the laser itself. Visible changes happen gradually, but consistent treatments lead to steady progress. We explain what to expect during the consultation so you can plan your tattoo removal services around your goals.

Is Laser Tattoo Removal Suitable for Dark Skin?

The PicoSure laser allows us to treat darker skin tones, but we take special precautions for these patients. For example, we may wait longer in between sessions to allow the skin to thoroughly heal.  Our consultation process and spot testing are an important part of the process for any patient, but especially those with dark skin.

Can I Get a New Tattoo Over the Same Area? 

If you are planning on more ink after a tattoo is removed, it is a good idea to wait a few months and let the treated ink fade as much as it will before you add more ink to the area. To visit our office for a Laser Tattoo Removal Consultation with Dr. Van Reken, give us a call or go to the contact us page.

Is There a Center for Picosure Tattoo Removal Laser Near Me?

Yes, we offer PicoSure Tattoo Removal right here at our office in Reno. Call 775-473-0011 to schedule a laser tattoo removal consultation. 

About Us

Reno Sparks MedSpa is led by Calvin H. Van Reken, M.D., a board-certified physician in internal medicine and geriatrics with decades of clinical experience. Dr. Van Reken has practiced medicine since 1981 and was twice named one of the Best Doctors in America®, a distinction based on peer recognition for exceptional competence. He has a strong academic and professional background, including a long history of teaching, committee leadership, and cosmetic medical training.

Since 2006, he has focused extensively on skin and aesthetic treatments, staying current with hands-on laser and injectable training several times per year. Dr. Van Reken sees patients in Reno, NV, and speaks conversational Spanish. Reno Sparks MedSpa is a trusted choice for a wide range of medical and cosmetic concerns.

Remove Tattoos In Fewer Sessions With PicoSure in Reno, NV

PicoSure offers a precise, efficient option for laser tattoo removal, whether you want to fade a small symbol or clear a large, multicolored design. We treat tattoos across all skin types and tones with techniques that minimize downtime and reduce risks like scarring or discoloration. Each treatment plan is based on your tattoo’s age, depth, color, and how your skin responds during healing. To schedule a Laser Tattoo Removal Consultation with Dr. Van Reken at Reno Sparks MedSpa, give us a call at (775) 358-1717 or visit the contact us page.