Cosmetic Tattoo Removal · St Kilda, Melbourne

PicoWay Brow Tattoo Removal Melbourne

Unhappy with an old brow tattoo that has turned grey, blue or red, or simply isn’t the right shape any more? PicoWay laser breaks the pigment up from beneath the skin, so it fades evenly without cutting, burning or re-opening the skin.

  • Pressure-based, not heat-based
  • Low risk of scarring
  • Lightening or full removal

Removing a body tattoo? See PicoWay laser tattoo removal.

Picoway Tattoo Removal

How does PicoWay brow tattoo removal work?

PicoWay delivers ultra-short picosecond pulses, trillionths of a second long, into the skin. This creates a photoacoustic (pressure-based) effect rather than the heat used by older lasers, so the pigment is shattered into ultra-fine particles while the surrounding skin is left largely untouched.

Your body’s lymphatic system then clears those particles naturally over time. Because the skin barrier stays intact, there is less irritation and downtime, which is exactly what you want on a delicate area like the brows.

That is why PicoWay is considered one of the most effective options for eyebrow tattoo removal, including stubborn or previously treated pigment.

PicoWay brow removal is a great fit if your brows

  • have turned grey, blue, red or orange over time
  • are too dark, too thick or the wrong shape for your face
  • need lightening before a correction or a new brow technique
  • still show pigment after saline or glycolic removal elsewhere

Why we choose PicoWay over other methods

  • Works beneath the skin: nothing is cut, burned or re-opened
  • More even, predictable fading of pigment
  • Lower risk of scarring and texture changes than saline or glycolic removal
  • Faster healing and minimal downtime

We only use saline removal for yellow pigment that laser can’t shift. See PicoWay vs Q-Switch vs Saline for the full comparison.

PicoWay brow removal results

Real CTM clients. Some brows lift noticeably after one session; darker or denser pigment takes a few. Every removal plan is personalised.

Nik
Your PicoWay clinician

Meet Nik

Nik brings over four years of specialised experience in PicoWay laser tattoo removal, including cosmetic eyebrow tattoo removal. He also provides Ultraformer MPT HIFU for face and body lifting, tightening and contouring.

Nik and Shelley are the husband-and-wife team behind Cosmetic Tattooing Melbourne, so every removal plan is backed by Shelley’s 17 years of cosmetic tattooing experience, right here in our St Kilda salon.

  • 4+ years specialising in laser tattoo removal
  • Body art and cosmetic brow tattoo removal
  • Also provides Ultraformer MPT HIFU

PicoWay vs Q-Switch vs saline removal

Choosing the right removal method matters, not just for the result but for the health of your skin. Here is how the three most common methods compare.

PicoWay laser Q-Switch laser Saline / glycolic
Technology Picosecond (pressure-based) Nanosecond (heat-based) Manual / chemical
Skin damage Minimal Moderate Higher
Risk of scarring Very low Low–moderate Moderate–high
Pigment breakdown Even & precise Less precise Uneven
Downtime Minimal Mild Moderate–high
Yellow pigment risk Lower Moderate Higher
Best for Brows & cosmetic tattoos General tattoos Limited cases

“Laser removes pigment safely from within the skin. Saline removes it by damaging the skin.”

Read the full PicoWay vs Q-Switch vs Saline comparison

Will my brows turn red or yellow?

Often, yes, and it is a normal part of pigment breakdown. Cosmetic pigments are a mix of colour compounds, so they fade in layers.

Why warm tones appear

  • Dark, carbon-based pigments break down first
  • Iron oxides can shift and look warmer
  • Underlying red, orange or yellow tones become visible

Seeing yellow doesn’t mean the removal has failed. It shows the pigment has been significantly broken down and you are at a more advanced stage, so treatment becomes more strategic from here.

Can PicoWay remove yellow pigment?

Yellow is one of the most laser-resistant colours. It reflects light rather than absorbing it, and often contains titanium dioxide or light iron oxides that react less to laser energy. Improvement is usually still possible, but it:

  • may need more sessions to gradually improve
  • can be slower and less predictable
  • can’t always be removed completely

This is why starting with laser first matters: it breaks pigment down more evenly and reduces the risk of stubborn yellow left behind.

How your appointment works

Brow tattoo removal is gradual. Each session breaks down more pigment and your body clears it in between, so sessions are spaced 4–8 weeks apart.

Consultation & plan

We look at your brow pigment, its colours, depth and any previous treatments, and plan full removal or lightening for a correction.

PicoWay session

It feels like a thin rubber band snapping on the skin. Most clients don’t need numbing cream, but we can arrange it if you’d like.

LED add-on

A Dermalux LED session after your laser supports skin repair and helps your lymphatic system clear the shattered pigment.

Review & next session

We review how your brows have faded and plan the next session 4–8 weeks later, until you reach the result you want.

  • Days 1–2: mild redness, swelling or warmth around the brows. Some bruising or blistering is possible and normal.
  • Days 3–7: possible itching, scabbing and dryness. Keep the area clean and dry and apply the ointment provided.
  • Weeks 2–8: the pigment keeps fading as your body clears it. Warm red, orange or yellow tones may show as darker pigment lifts.
  • Over your sessions: results build gradually and evenly, ready for a correction or a fresh start.
Faster results

PicoWay + Dermalux LED

Following your laser treatment, Dermalux LED therapy supports cellular repair, improves circulation and helps your lymphatic system clear the fragmented pigment, while promoting a more even, refined skin texture.

We recommend adding a Dermalux LED session to every PicoWay appointment for the best possible result.

Adding LED after your laser means

  • Faster clearing of pigment between sessions
  • Reduced redness, swelling and inflammation
  • Faster healing and recovery
  • Better overall results from your PicoWay treatment

Learn more about LED phototherapy

Before and after your session

Good preparation and aftercare protect your skin and help your body clear the pigment. Full written instructions are given when you book, and you can read our tattoo removal aftercare any time.

Before your session

  • Avoid sun exposure and fake tan on the brow area before your session
  • Make sure any wounds or skin irritation in the area are fully healed
  • Arrive with clean skin: no makeup, lotions, chemicals or metallic products on the area
  • Let us know if you have a low pain threshold, and we can arrange numbing

After your session

  • Keep the area clean and dry for 5–7 days
  • Apply the antibacterial ointment as directed
  • You can shower, but don’t scrub the treated area
  • Don’t pick scabs or blisters; let the skin heal naturally
  • Keep the area out of the sun and wear SPF daily
  • Stay well hydrated to support pigment clearing
  • Add a Dermalux LED session to speed up healing

Why Choose Cosmetic Tattooing Melbourne?

When you visit Cosmetic Tattooing Melbourne, you can feel confident knowing you’re in experienced, professional hands.

17 Years of Beauty Industry Experience

Extensive experience in cosmetic tattooing, beauty and advanced treatments.

Over 8,000 Clients Serviced

Thousands of clients have trusted us for their cosmetic tattooing and beauty treatments.

Over 590 Google Reviews

Proudly backed by hundreds of Google reviews from our valued clients.

PicoWay Picosecond Technology

A pressure-based laser that fades brow pigment evenly while protecting the delicate skin around your eyes.

Committed to Infection Control & Best Practice

We follow strict hygiene and infection-control procedures so you can feel comfortable and confident throughout your treatment.

Fully Licensed & Certified

Professionally trained, licensed and certified, with a strong commitment to safe and high-quality treatments.

Removal and Correction Experts

As cosmetic tattooists, we understand pigment, and we offer PicoWay, saline and Plasma Fibroblast options to suit every tattoo.

Free Skin Revision

If any texture changes occur while healing, clients who started their removal with us get free skin revision treatments.

Personalised Removal Plans

Every plan is built around your tattoo, your skin and your goal, whether that is full removal or fading for a cover-up.

With 17 years of industry experience, more than 8,000 clients serviced and over 590 Google reviews, Cosmetic Tattooing Melbourne is proud to provide PicoWay laser tattoo removal and cosmetic tattooing from our St Kilda, Melbourne salon.

Payment options

Spread the cost of your treatment with interest-free payment plans.

AfterpayZipPayright

What our clients say

5
Based on 591 reviews
powered by Google
  • Iva Stankovic Avatar
    Iva Stankovic
    23 October 2026
    SHELLEY DID MY BROWS AND IRINA DID MY LIPS. AMAZING RESULTS AT CTM!! I HAD MY EYES DONE WITH ULTRAFORMER MPT. HIGHLY RECOMMEND !!!!
    Georgia Elliott Avatar
    Georgia Elliott
    17 October 2026
    Perfect experience! Shelley did a great job with my brows and so happy with the results. Extra points for sugar the doggy! 🌸
    Lisa A Avatar
    Lisa A
    16 October 2026
    CTM helped me feel super comfortable with getting cosmetic tattooing - something I haven’t done before. I wasn’t sure what to expect but am happy with a natural looking (younger... read more
  • Brett Davison Avatar
    Brett Davison
    10 October 2026
    Shelley’s training course is absolutely amazing. I learned so much and feel extremely confident in my skills as a cosmetic tattoo artist. If you are wanting to learn... read more
    Anna-Rose Keogh Avatar
    Anna-Rose Keogh
    7 October 2026
    Lovely experience today with Shelly - feels nice to be in safe hands. See you again soon thank youuu
    Gemma Attfield Avatar
    Gemma Attfield
    7 October 2026
    Amazing service, 10/10 would recommend!
  • Laurie Jeffery Avatar
    Laurie Jeffery
    6 October 2026
    I recently upskilled in powder brow, microblading, and nano strokes with Shelley at CTM. I thoroughly enjoyed my course and would highly recommend to anyone looking to expand their brow... read more
    Violet Avatar
    Violet
    2 October 2026
    I had HIFU Ultraformer on my jawline and I couldn't be happier. The results are noticeable but still natural. The best part? A friend commented on how much weight I'd... read more
    niamh m buckley Avatar
    niamh m buckley
    1 October 2026
    Had my lip blush done twice with Shelley and really recommend, she is amazing ! Have had so many compliments on them 🙂 I also started getting laser tattoo removal with... read more
  • Grace Avatar
    Grace
    30 September 2026
    Nick did a fantastic job with HIFU MPT today. It is a lovely salon and he and Shelley are very reassuring and friendly. Highly recommend.
    Hayley Avatar
    Hayley
    28 September 2026
    I recently completed training with Shelley her salon is lovely, bright, welcoming and located in a great spot. She was helpful throughout my training taking time to go through things explaining... read more
    Laurie Jeffery Avatar
    Laurie Jeffery
    25 September 2026
    I had such a great experience with Shelley getting my brows tattooed. She mapped the shape perfectly to suit my face and absolutely nailed the colour selection. She made me... read more
  • Dominique Karatsolgou Avatar
    Dominique Karatsolgou
    25 September 2026
    Shelley is so kind, efficient and lovely. Her work is absolutely gorgeous! Couldn’t be happier!
    Alyce Hinton Avatar
    Alyce Hinton
    25 September 2026
    Fantastic! Love my eyebrows. Shelley was incredibly knowledgeable and professional. Highly recommend.
    Malia Skjefte Avatar
    Malia Skjefte
    24 September 2026
    Cosmetic Tattooing Melbourne provided excellent service for my microblade removal. After doing some research online, they looked like the perfect match for being able to remove my very dark and... read more
  • Amelia Higney Avatar
    Amelia Higney
    23 September 2026
    Shelley is amazing! I was really unsure about having tatoo make up but the results are so natural and it's boosted my confidence to no end. The team are kind,... read more
    Naaz Delhiwale Avatar
    Naaz Delhiwale
    18 September 2026
    Very very happy with the service. Shelley has done amazing job with my Lip Neutralisation. Great set up. Hygienic, clean. Feel welcomed. Always ready to answer any questions. Prompt reply on messages. Would... read more
    Daina Hastings Avatar
    Daina Hastings
    17 September 2026
    Shelley removed my milia, which I originally thought was a cyst, and she did such an amazing job! She saved me so much money as I thought I was going... read more
  • Tasha Abby Avatar
    Tasha Abby
    12 September 2026
    I had such a great experience here! I had the HIFU treatment and I’m honestly so happy with the results. Shelley was absolutely lovely and did such a beautiful job,... read more
    Shirley Lee Avatar
    Shirley Lee
    12 September 2026
    The line is precise, and beautifully tailored to enhance my natural eye shape. Irene was thorough with the topical numbing, making the fast and minimal swelling.
    Janine Lum Avatar
    Janine Lum
    10 September 2026
    I would highly recommend CTM for exceptional treatments, personalised care and results you can feel confident about. A beautiful balance between expertise, precision and natural outcomes. I couldn’t be rate... read more
  • Nina Avatar
    Nina
    5 September 2026
    I’m extremely particular about who I trust with my face, particularly when it comes to something as permanent as cosmetic tattooing. I have complete confidence in Shelley — she has... read more
    Michelle Billett Avatar
    Michelle Billett
    4 September 2026
    Shelly is absolutely amazing at what she does. She is incredibly talented, warm, professional and has such an eye for detail. She always takes the time to make sure everything... read more
    Amelia Collins Avatar
    Amelia Collins
    29 August 2026
    I had my first session of laser tattoo removal on old faded whack micro blading eyebrows here and honestly I’m soo glad I chose to go here. I did my... read more
  • Clodagh Wynne Avatar
    Clodagh Wynne
    28 August 2026
    Very professional and reassuring while removing eyebrow tattoo removal.
    Isabelle Lee Avatar
    Isabelle Lee
    28 August 2026
    Had a great experience with Nik to remove my nano tattoo brows with pico way. He we so informative and clear with the process. Made me really feel at ease!... read more
    Mietta McKinnon-Mintzis Avatar
    Mietta McKinnon-Mintzis
    17 August 2026
    So happy with the laser tattoo removal I received on my old eyebrow tattoos! After a couple of days, the tattoos are almost completely gone! And they will only continue... read more
  • Anita Nikora Avatar
    Anita Nikora
    15 August 2026
    Awesome, super happy with my newly tattooed lips! Shelley is so lovely and the process has been seamless. My comfort was of paramount importance, so I copied really well.
    Brent McHugh Avatar
    Brent McHugh
    15 August 2026
    Nic and Shelley are amazing - very friendly and super professional. Highly recommend.
    Kash Wall Avatar
    Kash Wall
    15 August 2026
    Pain free and relaxing. Shelley is so much fun and takes her time ♥️

Brow Tattoo Removal FAQs

How many sessions will I need?

It depends on the pigment colours, how dense and deep the tattoo is, any previous treatments and how your skin heals. Some brows lift noticeably after one session; most need a few, spaced 4–8 weeks apart. We give you a personalised plan at your consultation and review it after your first session.

Is PicoWay better than saline or glycolic removal?

In most cases, yes, especially for brows. PicoWay works beneath the skin without trauma, breaks pigment down evenly and heals faster with a low risk of scarring. Saline and glycolic removal re-open the skin repeatedly and rely on scabbing, with a higher risk of scarring, uneven pigment and stubborn yellow tones. See the full comparison.

Does laser brow tattoo removal cause scarring?

When performed correctly with PicoWay, the skin isn’t cut, burned or abraded and the surface stays largely intact, so scarring is extremely unlikely. If any texture changes do occur while healing, we offer free skin revision with Plasma Fibroblast for clients who started their removal with us.

Will my brows turn red or yellow?

They can, and it is normal. Dark pigments break down first, so warmer red, orange or yellow tones underneath may show for a while. It means the removal is progressing.

Can you remove yellow brow pigment?

Yellow is one of the hardest colours for any laser because it reflects light. It may take more sessions and complete removal isn’t always possible, but improvement usually is. Where laser can’t shift yellow, we may recommend saline removal or a correction plan.

Does it hurt?

It feels like a thin rubber band snapping against the skin: quick and very manageable. Most clients don’t need numbing cream, but let us know if you’d like it and we’ll arrange it.

Can I have my brows re-tattooed afterwards?

Often, yes. Once the old pigment has been lightened enough, we can plan correction work or a new brow technique that suits you.

Do you remove lip and eyeliner tattoos too?

Yes. We remove and fade brow, lip and eyeliner tattoos and scalp micropigmentation, as well as body art. For lips we also offer saline and glycolic correction.

Does LED help after laser?

Yes. Dermalux LED supports skin repair and lymphatic drainage, helping your body clear the fragmented pigment and keeping the skin calm and even.

How much does brow tattoo removal cost?

PicoWay brow tattoo removal is $240 per session, or $220 if we are only treating part of the brow, such as the tails. A test patch is $30–$50. Saline removal starts at $200 and glycolic brow removal is $230. How many sessions you need depends on the size, density and colours of the pigment, and we confirm your plan at your consultation.

Ready to start fresh with your brows?

Book your brow removal consultation at our St Kilda salon, Suite 2/179 Barkly Street, or call us on 0412 144 015 for a chat first.