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Tattoo Removal

How Does Laser Tattoo Removal Work?

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Published: 01.21.2019
Updated: 02.06.2024

1. What is the Laser Tattoo Removal Process?

The tattoo removal process begins with a free consultation. During the consultation, our laser specialists will measure your tattoo, analyze the ink, and determine a plan for your removal. From there, our specialist will clean the tattoo and ice the area to numb your skin. Typically a single session lasts less than 5 minutes and our specialists will keep the treated area numb during the process with a Zimmer machine. You will then receive our aftercare instructions and will come in for sessions every 8 weeks for roughly 8-12 sessions until your tattoo is completely removed.

During the session, you may experience a reaction called frosting. This is the skins reaction to the laser which will dissipate within 2-3 minutes after the session. The ink will then be broken down by the laser into tiny particles and your body will begin to remove the ink through your immune system. You may experience mild tenderness in the treated area for a couple days after the tattoo removal session. The optimal time between sessions is 8 weeks because it allows your body enough time to digest as much ink as possible before we break down the next layer.

2. Will Tattoo Removal Hurt?

Some people say tattoo removal feels like a rubber band snap. Others say it’s like a static electric shock. Everyone’s a little different so that’s no surprise. The best part is, it’s over fast! Like really fast. Most sessions last less than 5 minutes. Plus if you need a break, just ask! Our awesome team can help you space it out if it’s too difficult.

We recommend taking the edge off and provide all clients with ice and utilize a cooling system during treatment to keep skin nice and cool. We have detailed post-session instructions to help minimize pain throughout the whole process.

3. How Much Is It Going to Cost?

Expect to invest more than you did on that new pair of jeans or your last Botox® treatment. For a complete removal, most clients pay between $59-$377 per session.

Huge disclaimer: No two tattoos are exactly the same. The size of the tattoo contributes to cost. So, if you come in with a sleeve or a huge back piece, expect to pay more.

Real talk: We’re not going to be the cheapest in town, because you get what you pay for—25% of our clients started somewhere else and came to us because they want the best. And we tell people to shop around – it’s a big decision (your skin!) and there’s lots of emotion involved. We get that.

Integrity is our most important value as a company, so we promise to shoot straight and take good care of you.

4. How Long Until My Tattoo is Completely Gone?

More real talk: We’re talking a year here, maybe more. But good things come to those who wait – and we pride ourselves on being the best.

Using our advanced PicoWay® Laser technology, most tattoos are removed in as few as 8 visits, with sessions scheduled 6 to 10 weeks apart. Successful removal requires treatment and healing – there’s no benefit to rushing sessions. So, we’ll use the time to get to know each other and enjoy the ride.

Like most things in life, you’re going to get out what you put in. For example, stopping smoking can shorten the treatment cycle because your body can use its natural devices to process the ink more efficiently when it’s not wrestling with other stuff.

We see many clients who use tattoo removal as the start of a positive domino effect in other parts of their lives!

5. Will My Tattoo be Completely Gone?

We’re going to be upfront with you in the consultation process, and if we don’t think we can remove your tattoo we’ll tell you before we waste your time or money.

That said, most tattoos can be entirely removed using our array of PicoWay® laser wavelengths and hands-on experience from 200,000+ sessions resulting in satisfied clients. View some of their results here.

The speed at which PicoWay® Laser technology works (we’re talking one trillionth of a second) disrupts and removes ink at the molecular level. It’s more effective and efficient – and safer for people with a variety of skin types.

Based on the specific characteristics of your tattoo and your skin, our laser professionals will be open with you about what level of removal is possible.

6. Why Should I Choose Removery?

Here’s our honest take. Sometimes it isn’t too good to be true. Sometimes it’s true.

  • Integrity is our most important value, so we’re going to be up front and honest with you about the process, pain and the price. We treat our clients like our friends and family.
  • We offer InkAnalytics® diagnostics which let us be transparent about your expected outcome, how many sessions you’ll need and how much it’ll cost – again, totally up front.
  • We work with the best technology: FDA-approved 3-wavelength PicoWay® lasers, that are safe for everyone.
  • We have the country’s most experienced laser managers in tattoo removal, with more than 70,000 successful treatments under our belts.
  • All we do is tattoo removal. No hair removal, skin rejuvenation, fat melting or any of the other buffet of stuff you’ll see elsewhere. We believe focus matters and makes us better! And we’re not going to try to sell you a bunch of other stuff when you’re here.

As you prepare for a consultation or session, don’t be afraid to ask questions.

We promise to tell you the truth.

About Removery

Headquartered in the heart of Austin, TX, Removery exists to empower you to become who you want to be, by giving you choices over your tattoos. Our goal is to provide you with the highest quality service and care at every stage of your tattoo removal or fading journey.

Dr Kevin Shomaker Dr. Kevin Schomacker VP Medical Research

Get your free estimate

We’re on a mission to give you the most straightforward, easy and efficient laser tattoo removal experience. Your estimate will be entirely bespoke to your tattoo; the size, the colours, the ink. It won’t take long and afterwards you’ll have a plan to finally get rid of your unwanted tattoo and get back to being you.

Get Your Free Estimate

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