Frequently Asked Questions
Laser tattoo removal is a big decision that takes both time and commitment. For that reason, we’ve compiled a list of the most frequently asked patient questions to help you feel completely comfortable with the procedure. If you have a question that isn’t answered below, give our office a call and we’ll do our best to help you!
How many treatments will I need?
Since every patient heals at different rates, the number of treatments needed is specific to each patient and their tattoo. Most patients need between 6 to 12 treatments before seeing complete removal. Our team of highly trained professionals uses a variety of factors to best estimate the number of treatments you will need, including:
- Age of tattoo
- Size of tattoo
- Location of tattoo
- Tattoo ink colors
- Depth of ink
- Density of ink
- Pre-existing scarring
- Patient health
How long before my tattoo is completely removed?
Laser tattoo removal is a procedure that requires both time and commitment. Patients should be aware that multiple treatments are required before seeing complete removal of their tattoo. Depending on the factors listed above, some patients may experience longer removal times than others. All tattoo removal sessions are spaced 6 to 8 weeks apart to allow the skin enough time to heal before receiving another treatment. For this reason, many patients must wait months, even a year, before achieving complete removal.
Is laser tattoo removal safe?
Laser tattoo removal is the absolute safest method for removing unwanted ink. Other methods for tattoo removal include salabrasion, dermabrasion, excision, and injections. All of these methods are very harmful and either involve cutting, scraping, or injection of acidic solutions that cause damage and scarring to the skin. Laser tattoo removal is able to send wavelengths of light safely through the skin without harming any of the surrounding skin tissue. With the Astanza Trinity technology Vanish Laser Clinic has, it is the safest choice for you to remove your tattoo.
Does the laser hurt?
Laser tattoo removal is most commonly compared to having a rubber band snapped against the skin. Patients may experience slight discomfort, but overall treatments are very tolerable. If you are able to sit through having a tattoo applied, you can definitely tolerate having one removed. Luckily, laser tattoo removal is a very quick procedure that lasts anywhere between 1 to 30 minutes depending on the size of the tattoo being treated. Vanish Laser Clinic uses the Zimmer Cryo 6 to minimize discomfort before, during, and after treatment, to mitigate any pain and maximize patient comfort.
Will I experience any side effects?
Laser tattoo removal is an extremely safe procedure that produces minimal side effects. The mostly commonly experienced side effects are temporary redness, swelling, scabbing, blistering, and lightening or darkening of the surrounding skin. All of these side effects are temporary and will heal the weeks following treatment. Proper aftercare must be applied to the treatment site to maximize healing efforts and to avoid risks of more serious, permanent side effects. Visit our aftercare page for more information on how to care for your skin after a treatment session.
How much does laser tattoo removal cost?
Vanish Laser Clinic offers effective treatments at an affordable cost. We use a size-based pricing structure to determine the cost of your treatment. All patients receive a complimentary consultation to assess their tattoo and discuss pricing quotes. Our Astanza Trinity laser is designed to eliminate more ink in fewer sessions, reducing the overall costs for your tattoo to be removed.
Can you fade my tattoo for a cover-up?
Absolutely! Vanish Laser Clinic is the number one laser tattoo removal clinic in Virginia. We specialize in all things tattoo, including complete removal, partial removal, and lightening of tattoos in preparation for a cover-up. We appreciate all forms of body art and encourage patients to achieve the look they want for their skin, even if that involves fading a tattoo down so a new one can be applied in place of it. Laser tattoo removal is a great solution for cover-ups as they reduce the amount of ink that needs to be used in order to cover-up an existing tattoo. A faded tattoo also provides a cleaner canvas for tattoo artists to work on, giving them more control and flexibility with their new design.
Why should I choose Vanish Laser Clinic?
Vanish Laser Clinic is dedicated to safe treatments, fast results, and patient satisfaction. We use the state-of-the-art multi-wavelength Astanza Trinity, which allows us to target and eliminate inks of all colors, even resistant shades that are considered untreatable by other clinics and their traditional lasers. Our friendly and highly trained staff members are deeply passionate about this procedure and helping you achieve the ultimate look for your skin. Similar to tattoo application, we understand that tattoo removal is a big decision. That is why we offer free consultations to help walk you through the procedure and feel comfortable before proceeding with any treatments. We are Alexandria’s laser tattoo removal experts and Virginia’s ultimate choice for getting rid of unwanted ink!