Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about laser tattoo removal

Successfully removing a tattoo depends on a number of factors including skin type, location of tattoo, amount of ink and colors used, if there is tattoo scarring, and if it’s a cover-up. Each patient’s immune system is different and will also impact how one responds to treatment, factors to your immune system involve if you smoke and the amount of sun exposure you have during the process.

Patients who visit Beloved Laser Tattoo Removal always have questions. Here are answers to some questions we regularly receive. Contact us online or call us at 651-797-3738 if you have a question not listed below.

Can most tattoos be treated?

Does Beloved Laser Tattoo Removal treat minors?

Yes. Any patient under 18 years of age can be treated with parental/guardian consent.

How can I prepare for my tattoo removal?

To begin, when it is time for your appointment, make sure that you do not have any irritations – like a rash or a burn – in the area where the tattoo will be removed.

Does Beloved Laser Tattoo Removal charge for a consultation?

Beloved Laser Tattoo Removal offers a free consultation. Each patient is asked to provide his/her health history, type of tattoo, age of tattoo and other information that may be important. Our Certified Laser Tattoo Removal Specialist  will assess the tattoo and explain the best options for tattoo removal, provide a price estimate, and answer any questions.

Does laser tattoo removal hurt?

Laser tattoo removal can sting a little and feels like having an elastic band snapped against the skin. Beloved Laser Tattoo Removal owns and operates a Q-Plus C laser, which is the most powerful laser on the market as well as one of the most gentle on the skin. In the past, laser tattoo removal was relatively unpleasant; technology has matured a great deal.

How will my skin react with the laser?

Beloved Laser Tattoo Removal begins each treatment with a test spot to determine how your skin reacts to UV light.

Does laser tattoo removal cause scarring?

As with any medical treatment, laser tattoo removal has its benefits and risks. On average, the probability of scarring from laser treatment is very low. Caring for the tattoo throughout the removal process will help prevent scarring.

How do I protect my tattoo between treatments?

During the first 24 hours after a treatment, apply a cool compress for at least 10 minutes and repeat periodically as needed. Always keep the tattoo protected between treatments, keep it dry and out of the sun. Avoid steam rooms, saunas, Jacuzzis and swimming pools. Do not place anything over the tattoo and stay away from regular or spray tanning. Do not pick or scratch the area as it could cause infection and scarring.

How long is the laser tattoo removal procedure?

Each laser tattoo removal treatment is typically completed in less than 10 minutes and up to 30 minutes.

How many laser tattoo removal treatments are needed?

The number of treatments needed to remove a tattoo depends on its size, color, and the depth of penetration of the ink among other factors. An amateur tattoo may need 2-5 treatments. A professional multi-colored design might need 3-15 or more treatments. Typically after the first or second treatment is when the number of treatments can be better estimated. If you’d like to lighten a tattoo so you can cover it with a new one, the number of laser treatments will likely be 25% to 50% fewer than those needed to completely remove a tattoo.

How much does laser tattoo removal cost?

Because each tattoo is different, Beloved Laser Tattoo Removal will provide an estimate during our free consultation. Our pricing per treatment is based on actual amount of ink to be removed. We also offer packages that will be discussed at the consultation. All military, police and firefighters receive a 15% discount on all treatments with proper identification such as a DD214.

Is it easier to remove tattoos from certain parts of the body over others?

It is easier to remove tattoos from the parts of your body that have more circulation. For example, it would be easier to remove something on the belly, neck, or chest compared to a finger or toe.

What is the healing process after laser tattoo removal?

The laser used by Beloved Laser Tattoo Removal is much gentler on the skin as compared to other lasers. Patients can expect to be in bandages for about three hours following each treatment as compared to the two or three weeks required with other kinds of laser treatments. There will be swelling and redness for approximately 24 to 72 hours following each procedure. The treated area will feel like a sun burn.

What kind of laser does Beloved Laser Tattoo Removal use?

Beloved laser Tattoo Removal uses a Quanta Q-Plus C, the only 3 true wave length Q-switched system available in the world. It has the capabilities to remove full color, administering more power, with less adverse effects. Quanta’s square beam distributes the energy evenly in the tissue, leaving no hot spots and twice the energy to break up your tattoo.

Does Beloved Laser Tattoo Removal see patients with previously treated tattoos?

Not all clinics or lasers are the same. Beloved Laser Tattoo Removal is committed to removing a tattoo properly and without shortcuts. Whether you’ve been scarred or the treatments haven’t been effective, we will finish removing a tattoo done by other clinics with no questions asked. Our tattoo removal specialist using our Quanta Q-Plus C laser—the only 3 true wavelength Q-switched tattoo removal system available in the world—will guide you through the process and answer your questions completely.

How long must I wait to go back out in the sun after my procedure?

You should wait at least four weeks following a laser tattoo removal before you go back out in the sun. This way, you will provide your skin with sufficient time to completely recover. If you receive a sunburn immediately after the procedure, you risk damaging your skin.

What determines the success of a tattoo removal?

Many factors can impact the success of a tattoo removal, including smoking, the amount of ink a tattoo contains, the ink color, the size of the tattoo, and more.