FAQs
Q: How many treatments will it take to remove my tattoo?
A: Each person is as unique as their tattoo, but most professional tattoos take between 5-15 treatments. Laser tattoo removal treatments are spaced out 4-8 weeks apart. The number of treatments can depend on a number of factors, such as:
- amount of ink used
- depth of the ink placed in the skin
- type of ink used
- location
- age of the tattoo
- colors used
Q: Can I come back earlier than scheduled for the treatments?
A: No. The time between treatments is set up so your skin can heal properly and your body has enough time to flush the tattoo ink out naturally. The results are not always immediate. The body breaks down the ink slowly usually taking weeks to see the full results from a treatment.
Q: Is the process painful?
A: As many patients describe it, each pulse feels like a grease splatter or the snapping of a rubber band against the skin.
Q: Will I have a scar?
A: No. As long as you follow the aftercare instructions provided there is minimal to no scarring from this procedure.
Q: Do all the colors of ink respond the same?
A: No. Black and red inks are the easiest to remove while greens and light blues are the hardest. These blues and greens can sometimes take more treatments than other colors. In some cases these colors cannot be removed completely.
Q: Will the tattoo be removed completely?
A: In most cases the answer is yes. However, complete removal is sometimes a hard thing to predict due to all the unregulated inks on the market. The F.D.A. does not regulate tattoo inks and a lot of tattoo ink manufacturers and artists make and mix their own inks. Sometimes these mixes have metals and other foreign additives for effect. These unknowns are why 100% removal is hard to predict and can not be guaranteed.
Q: What can I expect after laser tattoo removal?
Redness, swelling, scabbing, bruising and sometimes blistering are all normal. These blisters are superficial and will heal beautifully but may be uncomfortable for a couple of days. We provide very clear and easy aftercare instructions for post treatment care.
Q: How does it work?
Laser tattoo removal is a simple outpatient procedure that uses specific laser wavelengths and frequencies to target tattoo inks, break them down at a molecular level, and gradually remove them from the body. The process is far less invasive than getting a tattoo and takes less time. Treatments take a series of sessions and each one usually lasts from 5-15 minutes or less. Patients can literally receive a treatment during their lunch break and return to work on time.
Laser tattoo removal works by directing laser energy at the tattooed area for a fraction of a second passing harmlessly through the outer layers of skin and focusing directly on the tattoo ink. The laser disrupts the ink allowing the body to break it down and flush it out naturally.