Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS THE CONSULTATION AND WHY WOULD I WANT ONE?     

 We will determine the approximate cost and number of sessions it will take to lighten or remove your tattoo. Consultations are highly recommended because all tattoos are different. The number of sessions required varies depending on several factors. These include the ink color and density, your skin tone, your immune system and the tattoo’s location on your body. Professional tattoos may require a higher number of treatments to remove completely, as these normally have a higher pigment density. Are you wanting to cover up an existing tattoo? Laser tattoo removal gives you and your artist many more options on what you can use to cover your old tattoo with. Your new tattoo will look much more appealing!  Skin City Ink & Steel offers affordable laser tattoo removal and pricing packages that fit your budget!      

WHAT IS THE ACTUAL LASER TATTOO REMOVAL PROCESS ALL ABOUT?      

The laser targets the ink particles and essentially shatters them under your skin. The now smaller ink particles then begin to be flushed out of your body through your immune system. The amount of time under the laser is anywhere from 2 minutes to 30 minutes depending on the size and colors in your tattoo. You will begin to notice lightening of your tattoo in about 4 weeks. Sometimes this will appear as fading or blown out lines. A minimum of 6 weeks is recommended in between sessions to give your skin time to heal and your body time to flush out the ink particles.       

DOES IT HURT?      

Great question! This will vary depending on your pain tolerance and tattoo location. It is best described as a rubber band snapping the skin. We use an ice pack to numb the skin which helps with the pain. We can also offer topical numbing if you prefer, which will need to be planned for before your laser treatment session. A number of our clients actually have stated that laser treatment wasn’t as painful as it was made out to be.       

WHAT KIND OF LASER MACHINE DO YOU USE?    

We use a Palomar Q5 Q-Switched Nd:YAG Laser. It is a very effective professional machine made specifically for tattoo removal.      

WHAT ARE YOUR QUALIFICATIONS?      

We are classified as both Certified Laser Specialists and Laser Safety Officers. We have had extensive training in laser tattoo removal from New Look Laser College in Dallas, Texas. We are also certified in non-ablative laser tattoo removal using 1064nm and 532nm Q-switched Nd:YAG lasers, including Astanza’s Duality Q-Switched Nd:YAG Laser and Ruby Laser. Our training applies directly to other laser systems on the market, including our very own Palomar Q5 system!      

 WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT POST-TREATMENT?      

Immediately: You may see a snow like appearance on the skin during and after the treatment. This is completely normal and usually fades within approximately 10-20 minutes. 

First 24 Hours: You will likely experience redness, warmth and swelling. Ice and the use of an over the counter anti-inflammatory medication (like ibuprofen) will help reduce and alleviate these effects. You may also experience small blisters or pinpoint bleeding, but these symptoms are all normal. You can apply Neosporin or Aquaphor and nonstick gauze to the treatment area.      

Weeks 1-3: You will also likely experience itchy skin and some blistering on the treatment area(s), which are both normal in the healing process. Do not pop your blisters as this can cause scarring. You may use Neosporin or Aquaphor and nonstick gauze for your blisters.