Tattoos consist of pigment (ink) that has been placed into the dermis of the skin. The ink particles are not recognized by the immune system and are too large to be removed by your skin’s natural healing process. During laser tattoo treatments, the laser targets the pigment in the tattoo and breaks the pigment into smaller pieces. Your immune system will then naturally remove the ink from the area. The laser does not rely on heat or burning to remove the ink and will leave the surrounding skin is unharmed.
The number of treatments depends on many factors so it is difficult to give an exact number of treatments needed to completely remove a tattoo:
We tell patients that it can take 5 to 15 treatments and possibly more depending on the factors listed above. In the past, colors such as bright blue and green, were more difficult to remove than others and would require additional treatments.
Now, no color of tattoo can hide. Unlike previous generation Q-Switch lasers, the Quanta Q-Plus offers multiple wavelengths that can remove the more difficult colors such as light blues, greens and turquoise. Another important advantage to newer generation Q-switched lasers is that the decrease in the amount of time each pulse is on the skin. Each pulse of the Quanta Q-plus laser can be as short as 6 billionths of a second. This means that it will produce less heat in the skin and cause less damage to surrounding skin.
During each treatment session, the laser will be set up with the correct size of each pulse, the correct laser wavelength as well as the best energy level. You will feel a slight sensation. It will be similar to a rubber band snapping on the skin. We will use cold air on the treatment area as well as ice packs to decrease the discomfort felt with each treatment. You can apply topical lidocaine as listed below in the Q&A section of this page.
We can remove most tattoos to the point that they are no longer visible to the naked eye. We can remove portions of an unwanted tattoo such as a name or error made and we can even lighten the tattoo up to make it easier for the tattoo artist to complete a beautiful cover up of the original tattoo.
Removing a professionally applied tattoo is a fading process that requires a series of treatments. This is often between 5 to 15 treatments and occasionally more. Black inks usually respond more quickly than brighter colors because they absorb laser energy better. The quality, depth, color, and amount of ink, as well as the location of the tattoo, are all determining factors in how long it will take to completely remove your ink.
A free consultation with our experts will help you to get a better estimate of how many sessions you need to remove your tattoo and what to expect after tattoo removal treatment.
Your journey starts with a complimentary consultation led by a licensed medical provider. We’ll answer your questions, explain treatment options, and design a plan that fits your comfort and care. Discover why thousands of satisfied customers trust Lazaderm for safe, physician-led aesthetic treatments.
How long between treatments?
Patience is key when it comes to laser tattoo removal. Sessions are typically spaced about 6 to 8 weeks apart to allow your skin time to heal and your body to process the ink fragments. This waiting period is crucial to avoid skin damage and ensure the best results. The healing process is essential for minimizing the risk of scarring and other side effects, as it allows the skin to recover fully before the next laser treatment.
Spacing sessions appropriately also ensures that the immune system has adequate time to effectively remove the fragmented ink particles, contributing to a more successful outcome. For some individuals, particularly those with larger tattoos or those with certain skin types, waiting even longer between sessions might be recommended to optimize results. Listening to the advice of your technician and not rushing the process is vital for achieving the best possible outcome.
How much does tattoo removal cost?
During your consultation your provider will develop your treatment plan with pricing.
Does laser tattoo removal hurt?
It does hurt but the pain is bearable. Some patients feel that the laser treatment is more painful than getting the tattoo and others feel that it is less. The good news is that each treatment is much faster than getting the tattoo. Topical over the counter lidocaine may decrease the discomfort associated with each treatment session. It is best to apply a thick layer over the top of the area to be treated and then apply plastic wrap or a Tegaderm patch over the treatment area. Do not apply lidocaine to large areas such as a full arm sleeve as it may cause lidocaine toxicity. The laser-treated area may be sensitive to touch for a short period of time and can possibly blister, but this resolves quickly.
How long is each treatment?
This is dependent on the size and colors of the tattoo. Small black tattoos may take less than a minute. Larger tattoos will take more time. We generally recommend that you do not treat more than 30 minutes at a time. Remember, it is your immune system that needs to respond to the treated ink. If the immune system is overwhelmed, you may receive less improvement per treatment.
Will I get scarring?
The goal of using newer lasers for tattoo removal is to avoid scarring. The Quanta Q-Plus Q-switched laser decreases the risk of skin changes and scarring. If there is scarring within the tattoo before treatment the scarring will remain.
Can I remove part of a tattoo?
Yes, this is a very common request secondary to misspellings, wrong dates, and other issues such as an unwanted name in a tattoo. The laser is very precise but it can affect the ink around the treated areas and may require a slight touch-up by your tattoo artist.
Can I lighten my tattoo to get it covered?
Yes, this is another very common question. We often have patients who do not like their old tattoos or have lost the personal meaning and would like to cover it up. We like to work very closely with the artists you will be using for the cover-up tattoo. We want to give the tattoo artist as clean a canvas as we can. This will allow the tattoo artist freedom with their design.
Can I receive laser tattoo removal treatments while I am pregnant?
At Lazaderm® we will not treat during pregnancy. Your health and the health of the baby are our number one priority. Also, tattoo removal is based upon the response of your immune system and during pregnancy, your immune system will not be focused on removing ink from your skin as it has better things to do.
