The invention provides a method and apparatus for removing tattoos and treating hyperpigmentation lesions in skin using a femtosecond diode laser irradiation system. The system comprises a femtosecond diode laser capable of generating laser light that has a wavelength of 300 nm-12,000 nm, a power level of 300 mw-1000 mw, and a pulse duration of less than 1 picosecond. A manipulable wand is coupled to the diode laser by means of flexible waveguide, and the wand is held over the skin to irradiate an area of the skin containing tattoo ink or a hyperpigmentation lesion. Laser setting controls are set to achieve a depth and rate of photon absorption and conversion to heat in the skin sufficient to fracture tattoo ink particles or damage melanosomes with a lesion in a time frame short enough to prevent thermal damage to adjacent tissue.
