Frequently Asked Questions

How many treatments will I need?

Most patients need between 5 to 10 treatments before seeing complete removal. Patients with smaller, faded tattoos many only need 3 to 4 treatments. Every patient will experience their tattoo fade at different rates. Our clinic uses a variety of factors to assess your tattoo and best estimate the number of treatments you will need. These include:

  • Age of tattoo
  • Size of tattoo
  • Depth of Ink
  • Density of Ink
  • Location of tattoo
  • Tattoo ink colors
  • Patient health
  • Pre-existing scarring

How long will it take to achieve complete removal?

Treatment sessions are spaced 6 to 8 weeks apart to give your skin enough time to heal before your next treatment. That being said, it may take months or even a year to achieve complete removal depending on the number of treatments your tattoo needs. Every patient and every tattoo is different. The rate in which your tattoo fades may be faster or slower than other patients. All in all, laser tattoo removal is definitely worth the wait.

Does laser tattoo removal hurt?

Most patients compare the laser to having a rubber band snapped against the skin. Others say the laser feels very similar to having a tattoo applied. Luckily, laser tattoo removal treatments are very quick and last anywhere from 1 to 30 minutes depending on the size of the tattoo being treated. Overall, laser tattoo removal is a very tolerable procedure. Rochester Tattoo Removal offers skin numbing solutions to help alleviate any discomfort associated with the laser.

How much does laser tattoo removal cost?

Rochester Tattoo Removal offers free consultations to all patients and charges affordable per treatment pricing. Treatment costs are based on the size of the tattoo being removed. We even offer treatment packages and special discounts to work with your budget. Call our office today or visit our pricing page to learn more.

Are there any side effects?

Laser tattoo removal is the safest method for getting rid of unwanted ink. The most common side effects that patients experience are redness, swelling, itchiness, scabbing, blistering, and skin discoloration. All of these side effects are temporary and will heal during the weeks following each treatment. Patients that develop scabs or blisters should let these side effects heal naturally on their own time. Picking or popping any scabs or blisters can lead to infection and more serious unwanted side effects. All patients will receive detailed aftercare instructions to promote successful healing outside of the clinic.

Can you fade my tattoo for a cover-up?

Rochester Laser Tattoo Removal specializes in all things tattoo removal, including fading tattoos down in preparation for a cover-up tattoo. Cover-ups typically require double the amount of ink in order to completely hide an existing tattoo. Fading a tattoo down gives a tattoo artist a cleaner canvas to work on and also decreases the amount of ink going into your skin. Most patients need as little as 1 to 2 treatments to successfully lighten their tattoo.