The skin has 3 layers: epidermis (outer layer), the dermis (middle layer), and the hypodermis (bottom layer). When you receive a tattoo, the ink is placed in the dermis. Lasers send energy through the epidermis with enough energy & heat to fragment or break up the ink in the dermis.

When the ink breaks in small enough particles, it is able to penetrate through the hypodermis. Once through the hypodermis, it is seen by your body as a foreign object. Macrophages (large cells that remove foreign bodies) encapsulate the ink & it’s eliminated from the body by the lymphatic system.

The removal process is actually very fast, but the time of each session will ultimately be determined on the size of the tattoo being removed. Very large tattoos will be removed in sections, with the time in between sessions, to allow the body to eliminate the ink most efficiently.

There are a number of factors that will determine the duration and ultimate result of the process. These include:

• Size of the tattoo

• Location of the tattoo

• Depth of the ink

• Density of the ink

• Ink colors

• Type of ink

• The health of your immune system

Yes! We can cover any areas you wish to keep, and only target the specific area of the tattoo that you wish to remove.

On average, it takes 8-12 sessions to remove a tattoo. However, this is only an average and it may be more or it may be less, depending on the tattoo and your body. As stated, the healthier you are (drinking water and exercising, abstain from smoking), the more likely you are to get a great result in a shorter period of time.

Black does seem to fade the fastest and is the first color we target with the laser. That being said, there are some times when the black also includes greens and purples to make the color richer (we won’t know this until we begin the process of removing the black.) In general, colored tattoos take more treatments than a tattoo which contains only black ink.

Yes. Everyone has a different pain tolerance, but it is often compared to getting the original tattoo. We provide comfort measures including numbing cream and the use of a Zimmer Cryo 6 to reduce pain during the treatment.

For some time after the session, the area may feel as if it is sunburned. Ice on and off, can help with this discomfort. You will be given a full set of post care instructions.

It takes about 2 weeks for the body to absorb the ink. Some people see some difference after the first session, though many do not. It will be working, however, it may take a few sessions to see visible results.

There are over 250 different types of tattoo inks. In addition, everybody’s immune system is different. In many cases we can remove a tattoo 100% (though it’s not guaranteed). If, for whatever reason it can’t be 100% removed, it will dramatically fade. At this point, you could get another tattoo placed over the faded tattoo or use makeup to cover it up.

We recommend 4-6 weeks. This will allow your body to absorb and eliminate the ink & your skin to rest before the next treatment.

We know being tan looks great, but if the area around your tattoo is tan, you run a risk of hypo (too little) or hyper (too much) pigmentation. If you come in tan you will be asked to wait until your tan has faded before we will do the procedure.