Bellani in Heerhugowaard treats tattoos with a picosecond (PICO) laser, either to fade them as far as possible or to lighten them for a cover-up. Every course starts with a free intake. As a general guide, fading for a cover-up often takes about 2–5 sessions and removing as far as possible about 6–12 sessions or more, usually about eight weeks apart. Full removal cannot be achieved for every tattoo. Prices start at €75 per session for a very small tattoo.
This page is an English summary of information on the Dutch website of Bellani. The rest of the website and the online booking page are in Dutch. You can contact Bellani by WhatsApp, phone or email; the details are on this page. Lees deze pagina in het Nederlands.
Remove as far as possible, or fade for a cover-up
Both goals need a different approach. When removing as far as possible, the pigment is broken down and faded step by step; the outcome depends on the ink, colours, depth and how your body responds. For a cover-up a tattoo often does not need to disappear: targeted fading can give a tattoo artist more freedom for a new design. Discuss with your tattoo artist how much fading is needed and bring this to the intake.
During the free intake the colour, density, depth, age and location of the tattoo are assessed, together with your skin type, health, medication and any earlier laser treatments. Based on this you get a realistic estimate of the possibilities.
How tattoo removal with a PICO laser works
Tattoo ink sits in the dermis. The PICO laser delivers very short pulses of energy that are absorbed by suitable ink pigment, which breaks up into smaller particles. Your body then clears these particles gradually. Only part of the pigment can be treated per session, and the skin needs time to recover in between. That is why tattoo removal is always a course of several treatments.
| Goal | General guide |
|---|---|
| Clear fading for a cover-up | about 2–5 sessions |
| Removing as far as possible | about 6–12 sessions or more |
| Time between sessions | usually about eight weeks, sometimes longer |
An old, superficial black tattoo can respond faster than a densely set professional tattoo with several colours and layers. Black and dark pigments usually respond most predictably; for other colours it depends on the ink and the wavelength. Earlier cover-ups often contain more pigment. Treating more often or faster does not automatically give a better result.
Prices per session
| Size | Price per session |
|---|---|
| Intake and assessment | Free |
| Very small, up to 3 × 3 cm | €75 |
| Small, up to 5 × 5 cm | €110 |
| Medium, up to 10 × 10 cm | €175 |
| Large, up to 20 × 20 cm | from €200 |
| Extra large, larger than 20 × 20 cm | on request |
For a first price indication, send a sharp photo taken in daylight by WhatsApp and mention the length and width in centimetres. The final price and suitability are confirmed during the intake. There are no obligations attached to the intake.
What does it feel like, and what happens afterwards?
Most people describe tattoo removal as short, sharp taps or pricks against the skin. The feeling differs per person, body area and size. Small tattoos are often treated within a few minutes. Bellani uses skin cooling around the laser treatment.
Straight after the treatment the skin can turn white, feel warm, become red or swell slightly; sometimes a crust forms. If a blister does form, do not pop it and contact Bellani if in doubt. Protect the area from sun and sunbeds, do not scratch crusts, and postpone intense heat, friction, swimming or sauna according to the aftercare advice you receive.
Is it old permanent make-up on your eyebrows rather than a body tattoo? See eyebrow PMU removal with the PICO laser.
Location
Bellani Skin & Care, Flemingstraat 40, 1704 SL Heerhugowaard (municipality of Dijk en Waard, Noord-Holland). Free parking at the practice. By appointment only: Monday to Wednesday and Friday 10:00–22:00, Thursday 09:00–21:00.
- Book online: bellani.nl/afspraak-maken (the booking page is in Dutch)
- WhatsApp: +31 72 234 03 02
- Phone: +31 72 234 03 02
- Email: info@bellani.nl
More in English: Bellani in English: overview · Laser hair removal · PICO laser · Cryolipolysis.
Can a tattoo be removed completely?
That cannot be promised beforehand. Some tattoos fade very far, while with others some pigment or a light imprint remains. It depends on colour, type of ink, depth, density, skin type, age of the tattoo, earlier treatments and how your body responds.
Can I only have my tattoo faded for a cover-up?
Yes, this is a common goal and often needs fewer treatments than removing as far as possible. Discuss with your tattoo artist how much fading is needed.
How much time is there between two treatments?
Usually about eight weeks. Sometimes the skin needs more recovery time and a longer period is advised.
Is an old tattoo easier to remove?
An older tattoo has often already faded partly, which can help. Age alone does not decide the result; the amount and depth of the ink, colour, quality of the work and any layers remain important.
What if an earlier laser treatment gave little result?
You can plan a free assessment. Bring information about earlier treatments if you have it, such as the equipment used, settings, number of sessions and intervals.