We’d rather you know exactly what you’re getting into before you book. These are the questions we get most — answered the way we’d answer a friend.
Still have questions? Book a free callYour consultation is a no-pressure conversation — by phone or in person. We look at your tattoo (photos work fine for a phone call), ask about your goals, and give you an honest picture of what removal will look like for your specific tattoo.
By the end you’ll know a realistic session estimate, an approximate timeline, what the process will feel like, and what to expect at your first visit. There’s no commitment required and no deposit taken at this stage.
The $50 deposit holds your first appointment slot. It is 100% fully refundable if you decide not to move forward after you’ve completed your in-person final consultation — no questions asked. It’s applied toward your first session if you do.
We ask for it because it ensures real commitment on both sides. We block time specifically for you — the deposit respects that.
Sessions typically run 10 to 30 minutes depending on the size and complexity of your tattoo. Smaller tattoos can be done in under 10 minutes, while larger or more detailed pieces may approach the 30-minute mark. Your total visit is usually about 30–45 minutes start to finish.
Sessions are spaced 6 to 8 weeks apart. This isn’t arbitrary — your immune system needs that time to flush out the fragmented ink particles from the previous session. Going faster doesn’t produce better results; it just irritates the skin before it’s had a chance to heal.
The fading you see between sessions is your immune system at work. More time between sessions often means more fading by the time you come back in.
A few things help:
We’ll give you a full prep sheet before your first session.
Yes — once the skin has fully healed after your final session, that area is fair game for new work. Most tattoo artists recommend waiting at least 6–12 months after the final treatment before tattooing over the cleared area to give the skin the best possible canvas.
If you’re planning a cover-up rather than starting fresh, you won’t need full removal — just fading. We can discuss the right target fade level with your artist.
There’s no universal answer — and anyone who gives you a hard number without looking at your tattoo isn’t being honest with you. Session count depends on:
Most tattoos require 6–12 sessions for full removal. Cover-up fading is often achieved in 2–4. We give you a realistic estimate at your consultation.
Most tattoos can be completely removed with no visible trace remaining. However, we believe in being upfront: certain ink colors can be more stubborn and may leave a faint shadow in some cases.
We assess this at your consultation and will tell you honestly what to expect based on your specific tattoo. We’d rather underpromise and overdeliver than set an expectation we can’t meet.
Most clients notice visible fading after their very first session, which continues over the following 6–8 weeks as the immune system flushes ink. The most dramatic results typically become visible around sessions 3–5, when the cumulative effect really shows.
The fading between sessions is where most of the work happens — not just in the chair.
Cover-up fading is one of the most popular things we do — and it’s significantly faster than full removal. Most cover-up clients need 2–4 sessions to achieve the level of fade a good tattoo artist needs to work with.
The exact target depends on your cover-up design. If you can share your artist’s design or tell us what style you’re going with, we can give you a much more precise estimate. We also coordinate directly with tattoo artists when needed.
When performed correctly with modern laser technology, scarring is extremely rare. The laser targets ink pigment specifically — it doesn’t damage surrounding tissue the way older removal methods did.
Scarring risk increases with improper aftercare (picking, scratching, or sun exposure on healing skin). We provide detailed aftercare instructions after every session and are always available if you have questions between visits.
Honestly — it’s uncomfortable, but very manageable. Most people describe it as a rubber band snapping against the skin, or a quick burning sensation with each pulse. The good news is sessions are short, so the discomfort doesn’t last long.
If you’re particularly sensitive or the tattoo is in a sensitive location, let us know and we can discuss options.
Pain tolerance is personal. Most of our clients say it’s less than they expected.
Immediately after treatment, the area will be red and slightly raised — similar to a mild sunburn. Some people experience minor swelling or, occasionally, small blisters. This is a normal part of the process and is actually a sign the treatment is working.
Most symptoms and reactions resolve within a week. We’ll give you written aftercare instructions at every session.
Do:
Don’t:
Very little. Most clients go back to work or normal activity the same day. The treated area may be red and tender for a few days, but it typically doesn’t interfere with daily life.
Exceptions: if the tattoo is in a high-friction area (waistband, bra line, inner arm), you may want to plan around sessions. We’ll give you a heads-up if that applies to you.
Yes. We treat all skin tones, including darker skin types (Fitzpatrick IV–VI). Darker skin requires more careful laser settings to avoid the risk of temporary pigmentation changes, but with the right technology and technique it can absolutely be treated safely and effectively.
We assess your skin type at consultation and build your treatment plan accordingly. If any extra precautions are needed, we’ll tell you upfront.
Black and dark navy inks respond best and fade fastest. Here’s a general breakdown:
Lighter colors reflect rather than absorb laser energy, which makes them harder to break down. We’ll give you an honest assessment of your specific ink at consultation.
Generally, older tattoos are easier to remove. Over time, ink naturally migrates deeper into the skin and becomes less densely packed, which means the laser has an easier time breaking it up.
That said, newer tattoos can absolutely be treated — there’s no minimum age. They may just require more sessions than an equivalent older tattoo.
Cosmetic tattoos (eyebrows, eyeliner, lip liner) can be more unpredictable to treat because the pigments used in permanent makeup sometimes contain compounds that can darken initially before they fade. Results vary significantly by the specific pigment used.
We recommend a detailed consultation and a test patch before committing to full treatment on cosmetic tattoos. We’ll be transparent about the risk profile so you can make an informed decision.
We don’t list pricing publicly because the cost varies significantly based on tattoo size, ink density, and number of sessions. Giving a number without seeing your tattoo would just be a guess — and we don’t want to set an expectation we can’t stand behind.
Your free consultation includes a transparent pricing discussion. You’ll know exactly what each session costs and what a full removal or fade will run before you commit to anything.
Ask us about this during your consultation. We understand that removal is a multi-session process and we want to work with you on scheduling and payment in a way that makes sense for your situation.
Yes. If you’re traveling more than an hour to see us, we offer special out-of-town pricing to make the trip worthwhile. We also try to schedule sessions in a way that minimizes how often you need to make the drive.
See our Out-of-Town Pricing page or call us directly to discuss.
Usually within a week or two of your consultation, depending on availability. We’ll give you a clear sense of our schedule during your initial call. If you have a deadline or upcoming event you’re working toward, let us know early — we’ll do our best to work around it.
It happens. Tattoos can surprise us — especially with certain ink types or if the ink was applied unusually deep. If your removal is taking more sessions than initially projected, we’ll tell you honestly and explain why.
We re-evaluate at every visit, so you’re never left wondering where things stand. No one gets surprised at session 10.
Your free consultation is the best place to get a real answer for your specific situation. Or just give us a call — we’re happy to talk through it before you book anything.