frequently asked questions about tattoo removal
What laser do you use?
We proudly use the MedLite C6 and the Cynosure PicoSure. True 755nm along with 1064nm and 532nm for full spectrum removal!
Does tattoo removal cause cancer?
Short answer: No. Longer answer: According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, laser tattoo removal poses no known risk for cancer. Lasers used for tattoo removal do not emit UV rays (Ultraviolet radiation), which can increase the risk of skin cancer.
How does tattoo removal work?
Tattoo removal is achieved by using lasers to fracture large pigment particles into smaller pieces so the immune system can more easily remove them. What happens in the treatment room is just the fracturing portion of removal, the actual removal portion happens over a period of time as your lymphatic system does the work! See more on our blog, How Does Tattoo Removal Work?
Will tattoo removal leave a scar?
Any scarring that remains after a tattoo removal procedure is often left over from when the tattoo was originally applied by the tattoo artist - we call this a "shadow tattoo". We also offer microneedling which can help with scar revision after full removal.
Does it hurt?
Everyone is different, but yes, clients can experience discomfort that is usually described as a rubber band snap or a hot oil pop. We direct freezing cold air (-30°C) on the site to reduce pain, as well as offering retail numbing cream for pre-treatment.
Do you perform tattoo removal on dark skin?
Yes! We perform tattoo removal on higher Fitzpatrick Skin Types with our Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser utilizing the wavelength of 1064 nm with settings that are lower power to avoid complications such as hypopigmentation and scarring. Treatments are spaced 12 weeks apart to ensure skin health and recovery before additional treatments to avoid damaging melanin production on darker skin types. We also recommend using a tyrosinase inhibitor (which we retail) twice daily for 1-2 weeks prior to the laser procedure. We suggest this because quieting melanin production by inhibiting tyrosinase seems to decrease the incidence of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation after laser procedures. For more info on treating skin of color with tattoo removal check out this great YouTube video from Doctor Glenn Messina who also treats patients with a Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser utilizing the wavelength of 1064 nm with his patients.
How many sessions will I need?
Every tattoo is unique, treatments fit along a bell curve – most patients will need between 8-12 treatments, some will see complete removal in 3 or 4, and others may need more treatments for complete removal. Again, every tattoo is unique and some may require more treatments, while others will require less. Tattoos that will be covered up require an average of 4-6 sessions of removal, and you can be in close contact with you and your artist every step of the way to make sure we get your piece faded to a point where they feel confident executing your new piece. The number of sessions needed to remove a tattoo depends on Many factors: Fitzpatrick skin type, Tattoo layering (if the tattoo is a cover-up), Location on the body, Ink colors, Amount of ink (vividness of tattoo, if it was professionally applied), how old the tattoo is, lifestyle, & Pre-existing scarring. How much does it cost? ### Tattoo removal will always cost more than what it cost to get your tattoo in the first place, but reclaiming your skin is priceless! We work with tattooers to collaborate on a gameplan for executing cover ups if that’s your goal, and we also will give you an idea of how many sessions will be required for a full removal if that is your goal.
How long do I have to wait in between treatments?
Sessions are spaced between 8-12 weeks. If we’re working on an extra large piece that requires multiple sessions, we’ll schedule each portion two weeks apart. Waiting longer between sessions is fine! If you have a darker skin type, we’ll space your treatments between 12-16 weeks to allow your skin to fully heal and to avoid pigmentation issues.