Question 1

HOW EXACTLY DOES THE LASER BREAK UP THE TATTOO INK?

Accepted Answer

Two key processes break up the ink – the pigment in your tattoo will absorb the energy from the laser and shatter apart; also, the incredibly fast pulse (6 billionths of a second!) of energy from the laser has a shockwave-like effect that assists the ink shattering. As a result, the ink acts like a dish breaking apart into different size pieces.

Question 2

HOW DOES THE BODY REMOVE THE SHATTERED INK?

Accepted Answer

Once the ink is broken down by the tattoo removal laser, the body will respond by moving fluid to the area to help flush away the ink. This immune response will be obvious to the patient in the form of some swelling and redness in the area. Over the next days, weeks, and months the small, shattered ink particles will be flushed away naturally. The tattoo removal effects aren’t seen overnight and 99.9% of tattoos require multiple treatments.

Question 3

WHY DO I NEED MULTIPLE SESSIONS?

Accepted Answer

All tattoos have layers of ink, stacked on top of each other within the skin. The thick concentration of pigment particles that cannot be completely broken down in one session. We'll go over your entire tattoo with the laser, breaking up as much ink as possible in every session. Each session will produce some level of fading, although for very new tattoos the fading may not be as visible because the ink is still so thick and dense. If your tattoo has shading, the shaded areas will vanish in fewer treatments because shaded tattoos have a lower ink density.

Question 4

HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO WAIT IN BETWEEN SESSIONS

Accepted Answer

Sessions are spaced 6-12 weeks apart. This allows the skin to heal and the immune system sufficient time to clear some ink.  There is no harm in waiting longer.

Question 5

HOW MANY SESSIONS WILL I NEED?

Accepted Answer

The number of sessions needed to remove a tattoo depends on three factors: the age of the tattoo, the color of the ink, and the density of the ink. Some tattoos will be gone in 6 treatments, but most will take over 10 to remove. Some tattoos, especially new tattoos or tattoos that have been "touched up" will probably require more than 15.
AGE
Older tattoos can be removed with fewer treatments than newer tattoos. A black ink tattoo that is 10 years old may take two2 or three fewer treatments than a 1-year old black tattoo. A 20-year old tattoo may take three to five fewer treatments than a 1- year old tattoo.
COLOR
Certain colors are more easily removed than others. Grey, black and red tattoos are the easiest to remove. Orange, pink, , brown, and other shades are more difficult to remove. The most difficult colors to remove are yellow, green, blue, purple, and teal/turquoise. During the free consultation we’ll discuss the estimated number of treatments you’ll need to remove certain colors, but expect that you’ll need more if you have a very difficult color you want fully removed and not covered up. Some colorful tattoos we may only be able to lighten for a cover up but not fully remove.  This will all be discussed at your free consultation.
​LOCATION                                                                      
Because tattoo removal depends on the body to flush away the shattered ink particles, areas of the body with less circulation often take more time to show results. The toes, ankles, and lower back are areas that may show slower results. Tattoos on the neck or near the groin area will usually be easier to remove.
 
DENSITY
 Shading in a tattoo is easily removed. Some tattoos with letters use shading to fill in the outlines of the letters. Some tattoos with certain designs use shading for clouds or other visual effect. Shading will be removed in only a few sessions in most cases. Thick outlines and Tribals will take more sessions. Blackout tattoos are extremely difficult to remove and can take well over 15 sessions.

Question 6

DOES IT HURT?

Accepted Answer

Almost every patient compares the pain from the procedure with that of getting the tattoo applied. A key difference is that laser tattoo removal is much quicker – most treatments take between 30 seconds and 10 minutes for completion. Patients compare the discomfort with that of a rubber band snapping against their skin. 
We have a Zimmer Cryo 6 to minimize discomfort. Numbing cream is also available for purchase at $10 a pack.

Question 7

HOW SOON BEFORE I CAN START LASERING THIS BRAND NEW TATTOO?

Accepted Answer

Our Office Policy is 3 months. So 12 weeks after you got your tattoo, you can begin laser treatments

Question 8

CAN I GO TANNING?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if you put an SPF of at least 50 on your tattoo. Laser treatments and tanning/sunburns do not go together
​

Question 9

I AM ON AN ANTIBIOTIC/I AM SICK. CAN I GET A TREATMENT DONE?

Accepted Answer

No. You must wait 2 weeks after finishing your antibiotic. Please do not come to the office sick. Your body needs your immune 
​
system to fight whatever infection you have and does not need the added burden of flushing ink or healing any blisters.

Question 10

CAN I BRING MY CHILD TO THE APPOINTMENT?

Accepted Answer

If your child is old enough to wait in the waiting room alone, then yes. But they cannot be in the same room during your treatment for their safety. We are not responsible for children left in the waiting room.

Question 11

CAN I BRING MY FRIENDS?

Accepted Answer

Up to two friends can join you in the treatment room for most tattoos.

Question 12

CAN I BEGIN TREATMENTS IF I AM PREGNANT, BREASTFEEDING, OR TRYING TO BECOME PREGNANT?

Accepted Answer

No.

Question 13

I AM TRYING TO START A NEW JOB/JOIN THE ARMY AND CAN'T HAVE THIS TATTOO AND NEED IT OFF ASAP

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately while the technology exists to help your body rid itself of unwanted ink, tattoos are still very much a
 
PERMANENT thing done to the body. Average for removal is 8-15 treatments spaced at least 8 weeks apart. Lasers do not
 
remove ink, they merely break up the ink to help your body absorb it. We will help you gradually and affordably remove or
 
lighten your unwanted tattoos, but for more immediate results, you might want to look into surgical removal or have a
 
consultation at an office with a Picosure laser, which may be able to remove your tattoo in fewer treatments at an increased
 
cost.

FAQ