Tattoo Removal Aftercare

Measure the longest dimension of your tattoo—the farthest point of ink to the farthest point of ink. If your tattoo is 5" wide and 2" tall, it's a Level 3 (4"–5.9"). Use a tape measure or ruler before booking. When in doubt, book the higher tier—we'd rather adjust down at the appointment than have you arrive expecting one price and discover you need another. Call (806) 701-5840 if you want help sizing.

Color add-ons apply on top of the base tier price. Black + 1 color: +$25. Black + 2 colors: +$50. Black + 3 or more colors: +$75. Count every color beyond black, even faded or subtle ones. Colored pigments respond differently to laser energy than black, and color tattoos typically require more sessions for full removal.

Numbing cream forms a barrier on the skin that prevents the laser from reaching the ink effectively. That compromises results and requires more sessions for the same outcome. The same issue applies to cold air or cooling devices during laser firing. For pain management we use Pro-Nox instead, which doesn't interfere with the laser.

Pro-Nox is a self-administered 50/50 blend of nitrous oxide and oxygen that you breathe through a handpiece during treatment for pain management. It takes effect within seconds, wears off within minutes, and you can drive yourself home afterward. It's $50 per session as an add-on. Most patients getting Level 3+ tattoos add Pro-Nox; smaller tattoos are often tolerable without it.

The price you pay reflects the actual size and complexity of your tattoo, not what you booked. If you book Level 2 with no color add-on but arrive with a 5" tattoo containing two colors, the price will be adjusted up to Level 3 + $50 color add-on at the appointment. Measure carefully and count colors honestly before booking. Call (806) 701-5840 if you're unsure—we'd rather help you book correctly than surprise you at check-in.

We use the PiQo4 picosecond laser, which delivers extremely fast pulses (one trillionth of a second each) that shatter tattoo ink into particles small enough for your body's immune system to clear naturally over the following weeks. Multiple sessions are needed because each session breaks down a portion of the ink.

Most tattoos require 6–12 sessions for full removal, spaced 10 to 12+ weeks apart. Some clear faster (lighter inks, less dense tattoos); some take more (dense black, very old tattoos, multi-color). The longer spacing allows your body to fully clear the fragmented ink between sessions, which protects the final result.

Each laser pulse feels like hot grease snapping against skin. Sessions are quick (5–30 minutes depending on tattoo size). We do not offer topical numbing cream or cooling devices for tattoo removal—both prevent the laser from reaching the ink effectively and would compromise your results. For pain management we offer Pro-Nox as a $50 add-on: a 50/50 nitrous oxide and oxygen blend you self-administer through a handpiece during treatment. It takes effect within seconds, wears off within minutes, and you can drive yourself home. Most patients getting Level 3+ tattoos add Pro-Nox.

Most tattoos achieve complete or near-complete clearance after a full series. Some stubborn inks (especially yellows, certain greens, white ink) may leave faint residual. We'll set realistic expectations at consultation based on your specific tattoo's age, ink colors, and depth.

Tattoo removal is priced per session by tattoo size: Level 1 (0"–1") $99, Level 2 (1.1"–3.9") $149, Level 3 (4"–5.9") $199, Level 4 (6"–7.9") $249, Level 5 (8"–9.9") $299, Level 6 (10"–11.9") $349, Level 7 (12"+) by consultation. Color add-ons apply: +$25 for one additional color, +$50 for two, +$75 for three. Pro-Nox pain management is an optional $50 add-on. Most tattoos need 6–12 sessions total.

Treated area will be red, swollen, and tender for 1–3 days. Possible blistering or scabbing for 7–14 days—do not pick. Keep area clean with mild soap, apply healing ointment, cover with non-stick dressing for the first few days. Avoid sun exposure, swimming, hot tubs, and excessive sweating for 1–2 weeks. We provide detailed aftercare.

PiQo4 handles all standard tattoo ink colors including blue, green, and yellow—colors that older Q-switched lasers struggled with. White ink, fluorescent ink, and metallic inks remain difficult to fully clear. We'll evaluate your specific tattoo at consultation.

Properly performed laser tattoo removal rarely scars—the picosecond technology specifically minimizes thermal damage. The biggest scarring risk comes from picking at scabs during healing. Pre-existing scarring from the original tattooing process won't be removed by the laser. Most patients end with smooth skin.

10 to 12+ weeks between sessions. Skin and lymphatic system need that time to clear the fragmented ink before the next session can work effectively. Going sooner doesn't speed up clearance and can stress the skin. Some patients with stubborn ink benefit from even longer intervals.

Yes—but most cover-up tattoos still benefit from at least 2–3 laser sessions to fade the original tattoo first. A faded base gives the new tattoo more flexibility in color and design. If you're planning a cover-up, talk to your laser provider and your tattoo artist together.

We commonly do partial fade sessions (3–4 instead of full removal series) to prepare for cover-up tattoos. Pricing is per session—you stop when you've reached your fade goal. We'll coordinate with your tattoo artist on the desired fade level if helpful.

Book a complimentary consultation. Bring the tattoo (or photos if it's a sensitive location). We'll evaluate size, ink, age, and your skin, then quote per-session pricing and estimate total sessions. Call (806) 701-5840 or book online.