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Frequently Asked Questions

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How does laser tattoo removal work?

The laser targets pigment precisely and effectively using photo-acoustic energy to break it apart into tiny particles. Over a series of weeks and months post-treatment, your body’s lymphatic and immune system work together to flush out those particles of ink through your renal system.

The fading for most tattoos is not immediately apparent (blow out/ink drifts being the exception). Most tattoos continue to fade for upwards of three to four months after treatment.

Tattoo removal is a slow process, and one that is rarely resolved in a single treatment. Results vary from person to person and tattoo to tattoo.

Is laser tattoo removal painful?

It definitely doesn’t tickle.

Depending on the size of your tattoo, it could be very manageable to challenging to get through your treatment.

Each snap of the laser feels a lot like a hot elastic band firing on your skin.

Larger treatments or multiple tattoos can be broken into a series of sections to allow for easier treatments, better heals, and less overall post-treatment symptoms.

We use a Cryo 6 Zimmer cooling system before, during, and after your treatment, sending -20°C air on your skin to further reduce the discomfort.

That said, most of our clients are pleasantly surprised by how quickly their tattoo is treated, and how much of a difference the cooling hose makes in reducing sensation.

Can I use numbing cream during a laser tattoo removal treatment?

Pros of using numbing cream for laser tattoo removal:

1. Pain relief: Numbing cream can significantly reduce or eliminate the pain associated with laser tattoo removal. This can make the procedure more tolerable, especially for individuals with low pain tolerance.

2. Reduced anxiety: Some people experience anxiety or fear before undergoing laser tattoo removal. Numbing cream can help alleviate these feelings, making the procedure less stressful.

4. Allows for longer treatment sessions: Since numbing cream can minimize discomfort, longer treatment sessions can be possible. This means that larger, more complex, or multiple tattoos can be treated in a single session.

Cons of using numbing cream for laser tattoo removal:

1. Allergic reactions: Some individuals may be allergic to the ingredients in numbing creams, which can lead to skin irritation, redness, or swelling. It is important to test the cream on a small area of skin before applying it to the entire tattooed area.

2. Reduced effectiveness: Numbing creams may not completely eliminate all pain during laser tattoo removal. Ink lives in the dermis deeper than numbing cream can effectively penetrate. While they can significantly reduce discomfort, some individuals may still experience mild to moderate pain during the procedure.

3. Increased cost: Numbing creams can add to the overall cost. Depending on the size of the tattoo and the number of sessions required, the cost of purchasing and applying numbing cream can accumulate over time.

4. Is a vasoconstrictor: By reducing blood flow to the area, vasoconstrictors can potentially hinder the effectiveness of the treatment. When the blood vessels are constricted, the ink particles may not be efficiently carried away, leading to a less effective treatment.

5. Efficacy of treatment: The effectiveness of laser tattoo removal depends on the laser energy being absorbed by the tattoo ink particles. Numbing cream can potentially reflect some of the laser’s energy resulting in a less effective treatment.

How long will the tattoo removal appointment take?

Treatments can be as short as 30 seconds and as long as 60 minutes (for a very large piece or multiple tattoos). The average treatment from start to finish is roughly 20 minutes.

Consultations are approximately 30-45 minutes, depending on how many tattoos you would like to remove.

How long is the recovery period after the laser tattoo removal treatment?

The recovery period after the laser treatment can last anywhere from 2 to 14 days. Common symptoms include redness, swelling, bruising, and/or blisters. Following proper aftercare procedures will result in an easier heal with fewer adverse outcomes. We provide all of our clients with a printed copy of aftercare.

How many treatments will it take?

As experts in the field, we have learned that each tattoo is different and will require different removal strategies. We know this isn’t the answer you want to hear, and we wish we had the power to accurately give you a number – but we can’t.

If your goal is to clean up a blow out, you can expect 1 or 2 treatments depending on the blowout extent and depth of the ink. A majority of blow outs are removed in a single treatment.

The average client will reach their goals in less than eight treatments, while others could be treated in 15+ sessions. Factors that influence this include lifestyle, the location of the tattoo, the saturation of ink, whether the client smokes or vapes, dietary factors, age, autoimmune or medical disorders, how fast your body heals, water intake, etc. Your goals also affect how many treatments it will take – whether you want to fade a tattoo for a cover up, or completely remove your tattoo.

Do I have to limit sun exposure after treatment?

Yes. Exposure to sun post-treatment can result in blistering, hyper-pigmentation and other potential adverse outcomes.

The area needs to be covered completely if you are going to spend any time outdoors post-treatment.

Learn about how Fall and Winter are Ideal Times for Tattoo Removal.

Will some colour be left behind?

Yes. In some cases we will not be able to remove the entirety of your tattoo. This could be because you have colours of ink that require the 532/730 wavelength, which might attack your melanocytes (natural skin colour). This could result in either hypo-pigmentation or hyper-pigmentation.

Inks such as white, flesh tones, and pastels may oxidize and change hues, making them more challenging to remove. We intentionally try not to target whites and flesh tones – the risk of targeting them outweighs the benefit.

What laser do you use?

We use the PicoWay laser.

How much experience does my laser operator have?

Madi was trained by Lorenzo Kunze Jr (International Laser Academy) in 2016, and continued training and mentorship with Ben Alway (Second Skin) until his passing in 2023.  

How much does it cost?

See our pricing grid.

Does laser tattoo removal leave scarring?

In some cases, when a tattoo is applied to the skin with a heavy hand, the tattoo needles do residual damage. This scarring is sometimes uncovered by the tattoo removal treatment. This scarring was not brought on by laser removal efforts but by a traumatic response or as a result of a bad heal. Not all tattoos respond this way – many of our clients see their skin return to its original state.

Following proper aftercare reduces the likelihood of blistering, therefore reducing the likelihood of scarring.

What kind of aftercare is involved?

Expect to ice using appropriate barriers in an on-and-off fashion immediately after your treatment.

Expect to keep the area dry and avoid bacteria-ridden activities for upwards of 48-72 hours post treatment.

Keep the area out of the sun.

If you want to minimize swelling post treatment, elevation is your friend!

We provide an aftercare pamphlet and an ice pack to all clients after their treatment.

How long until I can go back to my regular activities?

Generally speaking, you can return to your activities with ease in ~1-3 days.

In the case of blistering it would be inadvisable to return to activities laden with bacteria – such as gyms, martial art clubs, hot yoga, pools, hot tubs, bath tubs, saunas, or other sports activities for ~7-14 days.

How do I apply to the New Legacy Program?

Fill out the New Legacy Program, and we will be in contact with you about your eligibility within 30 days. Please be patient as we process your request.

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