Educational infographic explaining PicoWay Laser Tattoo Removal in Thousand Oaks, CA, including how picosecond pulses target tattoo ink, fragment pigment particles, and allow the body to gradually clear them over multiple sessions

Last updated: September 4, 2026

Remedy Skin + Body provides PicoWay laser tattoo removal for patients in Thousand Oaks and Westlake Village from its office at 3723 E Thousand Oaks Blvd. PicoWay is a picosecond laser system used to progressively fade unwanted tattoo pigment over a planned series of sessions, and care is delivered under the medical direction of Talia Emery, MD. This page covers how the treatment works, what affects the number of sessions, candidacy, what to expect, aftercare, cost, and factors patients may consider when choosing Remedy Skin + Body for tattoo removal.

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What PicoWay Laser Tattoo Removal Is and How It Works

Tattoo removal is the process of fading or clearing unwanted tattoo ink from the skin. Tattoo ink sits in the dermis, the deeper layer of skin, where it can stay for years. Laser tattoo removal uses wavelengths of light that are absorbed by the tattoo pigment, and PicoWay delivers that light in ultra-short pulses measured in trillionths of a second.

PicoWay is a picosecond laser. Its ultra-short pulses work mainly through a photoacoustic effect, which means the pigment absorbs the pulse and breaks into smaller particles rather than relying on heat alone. The body’s immune system then gradually clears some of those fragments over the weeks that follow, which is why a tattoo keeps fading between sessions instead of disappearing all at once.

Because tattoo inks vary in color, depth, density, and composition, removal usually takes a series of treatments rather than a single session. The steps above outline the basic process, and individual results vary.

What Affects How Many Sessions You May Need

Tattoo removal usually requires several sessions, and the number is different for each tattoo. Some patients see significant fading within approximately 4 to 8 sessions, although others require additional treatments. The number of sessions depends on the tattoo’s size, colors, ink depth and density, location, skin characteristics, and individual response. Complete removal cannot be guaranteed.

Several factors influence how a tattoo responds:

  • Tattoo size, since larger tattoos generally take more sessions
  • Age of the tattoo, since older ink has often begun to break down
  • Ink density and how deep the pigment sits in the skin
  • Ink colors, since some colors respond more readily than others
  • Tattoo location and local circulation
  • Skin characteristics and tone
  • Whether the tattoo was applied professionally or by an amateur
  • How the tattoo responds to prior treatments, including previous removal or cover-up work

Sessions are typically spaced about 6 to 8 weeks apart to allow the skin to heal and give the body time to clear fragmented ink. Your provider should confirm the timing of each session based on how the treated area heals. Because a course is spread over many weeks, a full plan can take several months, and for difficult tattoos it can take a year or longer.

Educational infographic about PicoWay Laser Tattoo Removal in Thousand Oaks, CA explaining how tattoo size, age, ink density, color, location, skin characteristics, and treatment response may influence the number of sessions

 

Fading a Tattoo for a Cover-Up

Not everyone wants a tattoo completely gone. Many patients simply want an existing tattoo lightened enough that a tattoo artist can apply a cover-up. PicoWay may be used to lighten a tattoo when the goal is a future cover-up rather than the most complete removal possible. The amount of fading needed and number of sessions vary by tattoo, treatment response, and the intended cover-up.

Treatment response, number of sessions, side effects, and cosmetic results vary. Patients also come to Remedy for removal of cosmetic tattooing and microblading pigment. One patient described her experience this way:

“I had a great appointment with J.T. to get my old Microblading tattoo removed, She was so nice and super knowledgeable. Front desk lady was very nice! I will definitely be back there!”
– Angie CF

PicoWay and Different Tattoo Colors

PicoWay offers multiple wavelength options, which lets trained providers treat a broad range of tattoo colors, including darker inks and some blues and greens. Different pigments absorb different wavelengths, so a multicolored tattoo may need different settings across a course of treatment.

Complete removal of every color cannot be guaranteed. In general, black and darker inks tend to respond more readily, while very light, white, flesh-toned, neon, and some permanent-makeup pigments can be more difficult and may leave residual pigment. White and flesh-toned inks can also darken after laser exposure in some cases, which is one reason a provider evaluates the tattoo before treatment. The exact PicoWay configuration available at your Remedy office is confirmed at your consultation.

Reaching Remedy Skin + Body From Thousand Oaks and Westlake Village

Remedy Skin + Body’s tattoo removal office is at 3723 E Thousand Oaks Blvd in Westlake Village, near the Westlake Village and Thousand Oaks border. Because tattoo removal involves multiple visits, location can matter when planning a treatment series. The Westlake Village office is near the US-101 corridor and may be convenient for people coming from Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills, Calabasas, and nearby communities. Confirm the best route and appointment location when scheduling.

The office is near The Promenade at Westlake, a helpful landmark for directions along the Thousand Oaks Boulevard corridor.  For a Thousand Oaks or Westlake Village appointment, the Westlake Village office is the primary location.

Why Patients Choose Remedy Skin + Body for Tattoo Removal

Patients comparing laser tattoo removal providers in and around Thousand Oaks may consider several features of Remedy Skin + Body’s approach.

  • Medical oversight: Remedy Skin + Body operates under the medical direction of Talia Emery, MD, with laser treatments performed by appropriately licensed medical professionals.
  • PicoWay picosecond technology: the practice uses the PicoWay picosecond laser, which fragments ink through a photoacoustic effect and offers multiple wavelength options for a range of tattoo colors
  • A personalized, low-pressure consultation: Remedy’s consultation approach focuses on evaluating the tattoo, skin, and patient’s goals while explaining realistic treatment options.
  • Convenient for a multi-session plan: because removal takes several visits, the Westlake Village location near the US-101 may make repeat appointments easier to plan for patients coming from Thousand Oaks and nearby communities
  • Treatment location: PicoWay tattoo removal is offered at Remedy’s Westlake Village office
  • A practice serving the area since 2010: Remedy Skin + Body has provided aesthetic care in the area since 2010
  • Patient experiences: Reviews frequently mention the team’s communication, professionalism, and comfortable approach to care.

“I have been a Remedy client for years. The entire staff is amazing. They go out of their way to make you feel comfortable, answer your questions and provide the most professional and HONEST advice regarding the products/procedures that would be most beneficial for their patient’s individual needs.”
– Susan Doucette

Meet the Remedy Skin + Body Team

Tattoo removal is performed by a licensed medical professional authorized to perform laser treatment based on your treatment plan. The team can confirm your treating provider when you schedule your appointment.

Talia Emery, MD, Medical Director

Talia Emery, MD, serves as Remedy Skin + Body’s Medical Director and oversees client care and staff education. She earned her medical degree from Temple University School of Medicine and completed her residency through UCLA at Kaiser Permanente Woodland Hills, where she later served as an attending physician.

The Wider Remedy Care Team

Remedy’s broader care team includes Andrea Horita, NP; Sara Evans, RN; J.T Thai, RN; Sharin Harn, Licensed Esthetician; and Mackenzie Greenfield, Medical Assistant and CoolSculpting Specialist. Staff members have different scopes of practice and responsibilities; the practice can confirm which appropriately licensed professional will perform your PicoWay treatment.

“I love Dr Emery and the staff. Everything about Remedy Skin and Body is unsurpassed on every level. Very highly recommended.”
– Anita Levine

What to Expect: Consultation, Treatment, and Aftercare

PicoWay tattoo removal follows a consistent path, from an initial consultation through each session and the healing that follows.

Consultation and Candidacy

A consultation reviews the tattoo’s age, size, location, colors, and apparent density, along with your skin type, medical history, medications, and healing history, and clarifies your goal, whether that is the most complete removal possible or enough fading for a cover-up. From there, a provider estimates a session range and spacing and reviews expected sensations, side effects, and aftercare. A patch test may be considered when appropriate. Tell your provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding so they can determine whether treatment should be postponed based on your individual circumstances. Anyone with a history of keloids or abnormal scarring, or active eczema, psoriasis, infection, or irritation in the area, should share that so the provider can advise on timing. Darker skin tones can be treated with appropriate laser selection, though the risk of pigment change is discussed first.

During a PicoWay Session

Protective eyewear is worn during treatment. The provider selects settings based on the tattoo and skin type, then delivers brief laser pulses to the area. A temporary whitening or “frosting” of the treated skin can appear immediately after the laser passes over the tattoo. Session length depends on the size and characteristics of the tattoo, so treatment time varies from person to person.

Comfort During Treatment

The sensation is commonly described as a brief snapping, stinging, or heat, often compared to a rubber band snap. Comfort varies with tattoo size, location, ink density, and settings. A topical numbing cream can be applied before treatment, and other comfort measures may be available. PicoWay is not painless, but discomfort is usually brief.

Aftercare and Recovery

Follow your provider’s individual aftercare instructions first. Keep the area gently clean, avoid picking or scratching, and do not pop blisters or peel scabs. Protect healing skin from the sun and, once the skin has healed, use a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher as advised. Avoid pools, hot tubs, and soaking while the skin is healing. Do not stop prescription medicines or medically necessary drugs on your own; review any medicines and supplements with your provider and prescribing clinician before making changes.

Educational infographic about PicoWay Laser Tattoo Removal in Thousand Oaks, CA showing a gradual tattoo removal series, how pigment may fade between treatments, and why additional sessions may be needed based on individual response

 

Risks, Side Effects, and Realistic Results

Laser tattoo removal is a medical procedure and is not risk-free. Short-term responses can include temporary redness, swelling, tenderness, a heat sensation, pinpoint bleeding, temporary frosting, and blistering or crusting as the skin heals. Temporary darkening (hyperpigmentation) or lightening (hypopigmentation) can occur, and pigment change deserves particular attention in darker skin tones. Scarring, infection, and allergic reactions are possible, even with modern laser technology.

Complete removal cannot be guaranteed. Ink that the body has cleared does not regenerate, but some tattoos leave residual pigment, a faint shadow, pigment changes, or textural changes. White, flesh-toned, and some permanent-makeup pigments can be especially difficult and can darken after laser exposure. Most short-term symptoms improve as the skin heals; severe pain, spreading redness, pus, fever, or other concerning symptoms should be reported to a health care professional promptly.

Cost of Tattoo Removal at Remedy Skin + Body

Tattoo removal cost varies because treatment is planned around the individual tattoo rather than a single flat rate. Size, ink density, number and type of colors, treatment area, and the number of sessions needed can all affect the overall cost of a removal plan. Someone fading a tattoo for a cover-up may also need fewer sessions than someone pursuing the most complete removal possible. After evaluating the tattoo and your goal, Remedy can provide a personalized estimate and expected treatment range.

Areas We Serve Around Thousand Oaks

Remedy Skin + Body’s tattoo removal office is in Westlake Village. Nearby communities and service areas include:

Request Your PicoWay Tattoo Removal Consultation

Call (805) 497-9400 or request an appointment to start a consultation with the Remedy Skin + Body team. The team can review your tattoo, walk through your goals and options, and estimate a treatment course. Let them know whether you are aiming for full removal or fading for a cover-up.

  • Address: 3723 E Thousand Oaks Blvd, Westlake Village, CA 91362
  • Website: https://remedyskinandbody.com/
  • Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Saturday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Closed Sunday.

Call (805) 497-9400 | Request an Appointment
Remedy Skin + Body 3723 E Thousand Oaks Blvd, Westlake Village, CA 91362

Tattoo Removal Resources From Remedy Skin + Body

For more on preparation, comfort, colored tattoos, and aftercare, these Remedy Skin + Body guides go deeper:

Start Your Tattoo Removal Plan at Remedy Skin + Body

If you want a Conejo Valley practice that will take the time to evaluate your tattoo, explain your options in plain language, and build a PicoWay plan around your goal, whether that is fading for a cover-up or the most complete removal possible, Remedy Skin + Body is ready to help. A provider reviews candidacy first and walks through what to expect. Reach out whenever you are ready to talk it through.

Request Your Thousand Oaks Tattoo Removal Consultation

Request a Consultation | Call (805) 497-9400

Remedy Skin + Body 3723 E Thousand Oaks Blvd, Westlake Village, CA 91362
https://remedyskinandbody.com/service/tattoo-removal/

Hours:

  • Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
  • Saturday: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
  • Sunday: Closed

PicoWay Tattoo Removal FAQs

Not always. Many tattoos fade significantly with a full course of treatment, but complete removal cannot be guaranteed, and some tattoos leave residual pigment or a faint shadow. Guidance from the FDA notes that complete removal can take many sessions and may not be possible in every case.

Scarring is possible after laser tattoo removal. The risk varies with the tattoo, treatment response, healing, aftercare, and individual tendency to scar. Risk can be higher with picking, scratching, poor healing, or a personal tendency to scar, which is why the team reviews your history and aftercare instructions.

Most people describe a brief snapping, stinging, or heat sensation, often compared to a rubber band snap. A topical numbing cream can be applied beforehand, and comfort varies with the tattoo's size, location, and the settings used.

Tell your provider about pregnancy or breastfeeding, active infection or irritation, inflammatory skin conditions in the treatment area, a history of abnormal scarring, and relevant medical conditions or medications. Your provider can determine whether treatment should proceed or be postponed.

Avoid tanning and significant sun exposure beforehand, keep the area free of irritation or open wounds, and follow the individual instructions you receive. Review any medicines and supplements with your provider rather than stopping them on your own.

PicoWay tattoo removal pricing varies based on tattoo size, complexity, colors, and the number of sessions recommended. A personalized estimate can be provided after the tattoo is evaluated at consultation.

PicoWay is an FDA-cleared picosecond laser used for tattoo removal. It fragments ink through a photoacoustic effect and offers multiple wavelengths for a range of colors, though results still depend on the individual tattoo and skin.

Many patients may see significant fading within about 4 to 8 sessions, although some tattoos require more treatments. The number of sessions depends on factors such as tattoo size, color, ink density, location, skin characteristics, and individual response. Complete removal cannot be guaranteed.

Short-term effects can include redness, swelling, tenderness, temporary frosting, pinpoint bleeding, and blistering or crusting during healing. Temporary pigment changes can occur, and scarring or infection are also possible.

Remedy typically spaces PicoWay sessions about 6 to 8 weeks apart to allow time for healing and continued ink clearance. The timing of your next session should be based on your provider's assessment of the treated area.

Black and darker inks often respond more readily, while certain greens, yellows, very light colors, white or flesh-toned inks, and some permanent-makeup pigments can be more challenging. Response also depends on the pigment's composition and the wavelengths available.

Older tattoos have often started to break down and can respond more readily than fresh, densely saturated ink. Even so, color, depth, and your skin's response still matter, so a consultation gives the clearest picture.

PicoWay offers multiple wavelengths that let trained providers treat a broad range of colors, including some blues and greens. Complete clearance of every color is not guaranteed, and a provider evaluates the specific inks first.

PicoWay may be used across a range of skin types, including darker skin tones, with individualized wavelength and treatment settings. Its ultra-short pulses are designed to create a primarily photoacoustic effect while minimizing thermal impact, but pigment changes can still occur and should be discussed during consultation.

Potentially. A tattoo can be lightened rather than fully removed when the goal is a future cover-up. The amount of fading and number of sessions still depend on the tattoo and your treatment response, so share your cover-up goal during consultation.
We want you to be happy with your results so we only recommend procedures and products that have proven to be safe and effective.

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