Laser Tattoo Removal FAQ

Atlantic Laser Tattoo Removal has been voted the “Best of Hampton Roads” gold winner for more than a decade. We have the best lasers on the market with both PICO and NANO technology. We specialize in laser tattoo removal and have the results to prove it. We are a physician owned and operated clinic with over 22 combined years of laser tattoo removal experience.

Each person is as unique as their tattoo, but most professional tattoos take between 5-10 treatments. Homemade tattoos usually take less. Laser tattoo removal treatments are spaced out 6-10 weeks apart. The number of treatments can depend on several factors, such as:

1. Amount of ink used (darkness)
2. What type of ink used (quality)
3. Color of ink used (some colors are more difficult)
4. Age of the tattoo
5. Location of the tattoo (where on the body)

Unfortunately, no, the time between treatments is set up so your tattoo can heal properly and your body has enough time to flush the tattoo ink out, naturally. The results, after a treatment, are not always immediate. The body breaks down the ink slowly, usually taking weeks to see the full results, from a treatment.

Most clients compare the pain to that of getting a tattoo some say worse, except tattoo removal take far less time. Depending on the size of the tattoo, most laser treatments usually take only a matter of minutes. All laser treatments are accompanied by a Zimmer Cryo Chiller application to cool the tattooed area during treatment.

Typically, not. If the original tattoo application is raised or scarred, those scars may be there when the ink is removed. Some patients can be prone to Hypopigmentation (lightening) and Hyperpigmentation (darkening) of the skin during the process. These two conditions are typically temporary but sometimes they can be permanent. Patients with darker skin are more prone to these two skin conditions with any laser treatment.

No. Black and red inks are the easiest to remove, while light greens and light blues are the hardest. These blues and greens can sometimes take more treatments than other colors. In some cases, these colors cannot be removed completely.

In most cases, yes. However, complete removal is sometimes a hard thing to predict, due to all the unregulated tattoo inks on the market. The F.D.A. does not regulate tattoo inks and a lot a lot of tattoo ink manufacturers and artists make and mix their own inks. Sometimes these mixes have metals and other foreign additives, for effect. These unknowns are why 100% removal is hard to predict or promise.

*A lot of permanent make-up inks have foreign additives, that’s why we do not remove permanent make-up at our clinics.

At Atlantic Laser Tattoo Removal, we use a Zimmer Cryo Chiller before, during, and after the short procedure.This is known as the “natural” way to cool the epidermis, bringing the forced air down to -30 degrees. This application along with an over the counter pain medicine, such as Tylenol, is all that we recommend.

Our clinics are uniquely different in that we have both Picosecond and Nanosecond Lasers and we do not charge extra regardless of what laser we use. Picosecond lasers are the newest technology and we use a combination depending on what is the best fit for you!

Side effects that Atlantic Laser Tattoo Removal, patients will likely experience, are short-term but worth mentioning. The skin may be red, swollen, and may blister. Blisters can get quite large and at times, cover the entire tattoo. These blisters are superficial and will heal beautifully but may be uncomfortable for a couple of days. Some patients also go through the entire process without a single blister.  We provide very clear and easy instructions, for post-treatment aftercare.

At your consultation, you will be given a quote on how many treatments you will need to remove your tattoo.  If for any reason your tattoo still needs treatment, we additional treatments for up to one year at no cost to you.  We pride ourselves on our results and we think this pride is what makes us successful!