Questions About Laser Tattoo Removal

How does the tattoo removal process work?

The Quanta laser shatters the ink in the middle layer of the skin where the ink is located. The ink is then detected by the body’s lymphatic system and identified as a foreign object. Through the body’s natural process, the ink is then eliminated through body waste.

Is it painful to get a tattoo removed?

The answer varies from person to person. Most clients describe the feeling that is similar to the flick of a rubber band or the splash of bacon grease on the skin. We use the Zimmer Cryo 6 cooling system as a natural way to numb the skin prior to and during treatments. We know that everyone has a different pain tolerance and our technician will do their best to make the treatment as comfortable as possible.

What to avoid?

Aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents such as Ibuprofen, Motrin and Aleve can produce bruising after treatment. If you need to treat aches and pains prior to the treatment, use non-aspirin products, such as Tylenol.

Doctors recommend refraining from taking aspirin-containing medications for about three to seven days prior to the treatment. As for supplements, avoid fish oils, herbal supplements such as creatine and medications such as penicillin 48 hours before your appointment, as they can cause excess swelling.

Prolonged exposure of the tattooed area to the sun, UV lamps, spray tanning or tanning creams puts you at risk of hypopigmentation (a loss of color in the skin at the treated site) or hyperpigmentation (an abundance of color where the skin is treated), therefore we recommend that you plan your tattoo removal treatments at least three weeks after exposure to these elements. Before and after your tattoo removal treatments, cover the tattooed area, or use sun screens with 50+ protective factor.

Will it scar?

The chances of scarring are less than 5% if the client follows all aftercare instructions. Some health conditions, taking certain medications such as Accutane and/or a history of keloids, can increase the risk of scarring but these things will be discussed during the consultation.

How long will each session take?

Once the Zimmer Cryo chiller has numbed the area, you will sit back, your eyes will be protected with a pair of glasses and the pulses of light will be directed onto the tattoo. We usually start the procedure with the lowest setting of the laser to determine how your skin reacts, and will adjust as necessary throughout the procedure. The time required for a single session usually depends on the size of the tattoo and the reaction of the skin to the laser. Treatment sessions last from a few seconds to fifteen minutes, but most of them only take minutes.

What colors fade the fastest?

Black ink fades the fastest. Colored tattoos will take more treatments than a full colored black tattoo.