Tattoo Removal in Fargo, ND | PicoSure® Laser
If you're searching for tattoo removal near you in the Fargo–Moorhead area, Altaire Clinic offers PicoSure® laser tattoo removal — the gold standard in picosecond laser technology. Whether you want to fully remove a tattoo, fade it for a cover-up, or clean up edges and detail work, our licensed providers serve patients throughout Fargo, West Fargo, Moorhead area with personalized treatment plans.
PicoSure® is the world's first and most widely used picosecond aesthetic laser, proven to remove tattoos in fewer treatments than traditional Q-switched lasers — including stubborn ink colors like blue, green, and previously treated tattoos.
Why PicoSure® for Tattoo Removal?
Not all tattoo removal lasers are the same — and the technology your provider uses directly affects how many sessions you'll need, how completely your tattoo clears, and how your skin heals in between.
Traditional nanosecond lasers rely primarily on heat to shatter ink particles. While effective on black and dark ink, this heat-based approach has limitations: it struggles with stubborn colors like blue, green, and yellow, can require significantly more sessions on previously treated tattoos, and transfers more thermal energy to surrounding tissue — increasing the risk of scarring and hypopigmentation.
At Altaire Clinic, we take a fundamentally different approach. Instead of relying on heat, picosecond technology delivers ultra-short pulses — measured in trillionths of a second — that create a photomechanical effect. Rather than burning ink, these rapid pulses shatter ink particles into dust-like fragments small enough for the body's immune system to naturally flush away.
The practical difference for patients:
- Fewer sessions to achieve full clearance compared to traditional lasers
- Broader color range — treats blue, green, yellow, and resistant inks that nanosecond lasers struggle with
- Effective on previously treated tattoos that stalled or failed with older technology
- Less heat transferred to surrounding skin — lower risk of scarring and faster recovery between sessions
- Safe across all skin types — the reduced thermal load makes it a better option for patients with darker skin tones
PicoSure® Laser Tattoo Removal Advantages
- Treats all tattoo ink colors including blue, green, and yellow — historically the hardest to remove
- Effective on previously treated tattoos and resistant ink
- Less heat transferred to surrounding tissue = faster healing, lower scarring risk
- Proven to clear tattoos in fewer sessions than traditional lasers
- Safe for all skin types
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Testimonials
I love the warm, friendly atmosphere. The staff are so welcoming and knowledgeable!
– Ali M.
Amazing place to work!! I would highly recommend this clinic!!
– Tiffany S.
They provide you with the best experience and educate you all the way! Best experience!
– Heather M.
Love the staff and the results! Not pushy with trying their products or services, they genuinely care and want you the customer to be happy.
– Ashley P.
Everything about Altaire Is top notch—the professionalism, staff, services, beautiful facility, ‘state of art’ equipment and technology...Rick is amazing, genuine and knowledgeable!
– Pat B.
I love all of the people in this place! They are so kind and informative and are the best at answering any questions you might have. I highly recommend Altaire Clinic.
– Alice K.
I had a great experience at Altaire. The staff was kind, helpful, and great to work with. I will continue to go back. I would recommend Altaire to anyone.
– Michael L.
From the moment I walked in, I felt so welcome! Rich was an absolute gem and made me feel so comfortable with the procedure I had done! Definitely will be going back!!
– Samantha C.
The best service i have ever received. Felt at home from the moment i walked in. Friendly and professional. Would definitely recommend Altaire to anyone
– Ernst L.
Have had several great experiences at Altaire. Staff is full of friendly knowledgeable people and the quality of products and services is top notch.
– Eric G.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
Session estimates vary based on four factors: tattoo size, ink colors, ink density, and skin type. Here's a general guide:
- Small / single color (black): 4–6 sessions
- Medium / multicolor: 6–8 sessions
- Large / dense / professional: 8–12 sessions
- Previously treated / resistant ink: 4–8 additional sessions
- Fading for cover-up only: 2–4 sessions
These are estimates — your Altaire provider will assess your specific tattoo at your free consultation and give you a personalized session plan. Treatments are spaced 6–8 weeks apart to allow the body's immune system to flush cleared ink between sessions.
Consultation
Your provider will examine the tattoo — size, colors, ink density, skin type — and give you a realistic session estimate and cost breakdown. No commitment required.
Before Your Session
Keep the area out of the sun for 2 weeks prior. Arrive with clean, unlotnioned skin. Shave the area if there is hair over the tattoo.
During Treatment
A cooling gel may be applied to the skin. The PicoSure® handpiece is passed over the tattoo delivering rapid picosecond pulses. Most patients describe the sensation as similar to a rubber band snap. For larger tattoos or sensitive areas, your provider can offer topical numbing cream or Pro-Nox to minimize discomfort. Average session time is 10–20 minutes depending on tattoo size.
After Treatment
Redness, swelling, and minor blistering in the treated area are normal and typically resolve within a few days. Avoid sun exposure, apply SPF 30+ daily, and do not pick or scratch the area. Ink will appear to "frost" immediately after treatment — this is the laser working. Gradual fading occurs over 6–8 weeks as the body clears the fragmented ink.
Tattoo Removal Pricing in Fargo
Pricing at Altaire Clinic is based on tattoo size and the number of sessions in your treatment plan. Package pricing is available for full removal plans.
Call for a free consultation and pricing estimate: (701) 809-9369
Our providers will assess your tattoo and give you a transparent cost breakdown before any commitment.
Make An Appointment
Ready to start your tattoo removal journey? Book a free consultation at Altaire Clinic in Fargo. Our PicoSure® providers will assess your tattoo, answer your questions, and build a personalized treatment plan — no pressure, no commitment.
Common Questions About Laser Tattoo Removal
PicoSure represents the cutting edge of a type of laser technology known as short-pulse lasers. These lasers are designed to “flash” incredibly quickly, in PicoSure’s case in trillionths of a second. This rapid flashing minimizes the amount of heat and creates a photomechanical effect that’s highly effective in removing tattoo ink and unwanted pigment.
As the leading picosecond laser, PicoSure is able to treat all colors of tattoo ink on patients of all skin-types, so it’s very likely that PicoSure could work for you! Plus, PicoSure has been shown to remove tattoos in fewer treatments. At Altaire Clinic, one of our providers will help you come up with a treatment plan that’s right for you.
PicoSure’s ultra-fast pulses and specialized wavelengths work together to minimize the amount of heat that is transferred. Less heat means less damage to surrounding skin and less risk of injury.
Most people experience very little discomfort and describe skin revitalization treatments as feeling like the snapping of a rubber band. Because tattoo removal treatments use more energy, patients may experience more discomfort. At Altaire Clinic, your provider will be able to offer topical numbing cream or Pro-Nox to minimize discomfort.
Procedure time depends on the size of the area to be treated, and 10 minutes is common for average sized tattoo removal treatments.
The sun exposes the skin to harmful radiation. To protect itself, the body produces extra melanin, causing the skin to tan. Since PicoSure targets melanin to remove excess pigment, a heavy tan may interfere with treatment. After laser treatments for removal of tattoos and unwanted pigment, the skin is more vulnerable to sunlight so minimizing sun exposure and use of sunscreen of SPF30+ is recommended.
For tattoo removal, the size, location and density of ink play important roles in how quickly clearance can be achieved, but 4-10 treatments is common for modern tattoos. At Altaire Clinic, your provider will work with you to evaluate and provide a personalized plan.
PicoSure is designed with safety in mind and incidents of scarring are very rare. Tattoo removal treatments require more energy than skin revitalization and some patients may experience hypopigmentation (a lightening in skin color of the treated area), but this is usually temporary and normal skin is typically restored once healing is complete.
Recovery times are dependent on the condition being treated and each patient’s ability to heal. Typical treatment intervals are 6-8 weeks for tattoo removal. At Altaire Clinic, your provider will work with you to provide a personalized plan.
Tattoo removal pricing at Altaire Clinic is based on tattoo size and the number of sessions needed. Package pricing is available for full treatment plans. Call (701) 809-9369 or book a free consultation — your provider will give you a transparent cost estimate after assessing your tattoo.
Altaire Clinic is located at 5257 27th St S, Suite 201 in Fargo, ND — serving patients from Fargo, West Fargo, Moorhead, MN, and Grand Forks. We offer free consultations for new tattoo removal patients.
Most patients describe PicoSure® tattoo removal as similar to the snap of a rubber band. Because tattoo removal uses more energy than skin treatments, it may feel more intense than other laser procedures. Altaire Clinic offers topical numbing cream and Pro-Nox to minimize discomfort during treatment.