Notes from the studio

Plain-language answers to the questions I hear most — about tattoo removal, skin treatments and everything in between.

• Permanent makeup tattoo removal in Ottawa

  Permanent makeup can be faded with a picosecond laser. Most clients need a series of short sessions spaced several weeks apart, with minimal downtime. Because cosmetic pigments behave differently than tattoo ink, an in-person assessment always comes first.

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• How does numbing cream affect tattoo removal?

  Numbing cream can take the edge off laser tattoo removal for some clients, but it doesn't block sensation completely, and it isn't right for every situation. Here's an honest look at how it works and what I recommend.

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• 8 holiday gift ideas for someone who's ready for a change

  The best gifts say 'I see you.' If someone in your life has talked about fading a tattoo or investing in their skin, here are eight ideas — from a free consultation to simple comforts that make treatment days easier.

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• Laser treatment cost calculator: how pricing really works

  Laser pricing isn't mysterious once you know the inputs. Tattoo removal is priced per square inch; skin treatments are priced by area and session count. Here's how to estimate your own cost before you book.

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• Comparing laser treatments with Botox and fillers

  Laser treatments and injectables do different jobs. Botox relaxes muscles; fillers add volume; laser works on the skin itself — texture, tone and firmness. Many clients choose laser because nothing is injected, and the two can also complement each other.

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• How much does laser tattoo removal cost?

  Tattoo removal costs $75–$400 CAD per session by area. Your total depends on size and how many sessions your ink needs — assessed honestly at your free consultation.

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• PicoWay for skin of colour: what you should know

  Darker skin tones need a laser that respects melanin. The PicoWay's picosecond pulses are gentler on surrounding pigment than older lasers, which makes it a considered option for many skin tones — with careful assessment and conservative settings every time.

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• Can I get a cover-up after laser tattoo removal?

  Yes — and fading first usually gives your tattoo artist far more freedom. Lightening the old tattoo means the new design doesn't have to be bigger, darker or heavier than you want. Most clients need fewer sessions than full removal.

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• Achieving youthful skin with PicoWay

  Youthful skin is really about texture and tone — smoothness, evenness, brightness. Picosecond laser treatments like the PicoWay work on exactly those qualities, encouraging the skin to rebuild over a series of gentle sessions with minimal downtime.

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• Aftercare for PicoWay tattoo removal

  Good aftercare is simple: keep the area clean, don't pick, protect it from the sun, and let your body do the clearing. What you do between sessions matters as much as what happens in them.

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• The 3 most common types of skincare lasers

  Skincare lasers fall into three broad families: ablative (removes surface layers), non-ablative (heats below the surface) and picosecond (ultra-short pulses that target pigment with minimal heat). They differ in downtime, sensation and what they treat best.

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• The advantages of laser acne scar removal

  Laser treats what creams can't reach: the texture and pigment that acne leaves behind. With the PicoWay, most clients see gradual softening and more even tone over a series of sessions, with minimal downtime and no injections.

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Last updated November 9, 2026 · Reviewed by Rita Hoxha