FAQs – Laser Tattoo Removal

At Vanish of Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX, we use the world’s most advanced tattoo removal lasers, the Astanza Etherea MX laser and Astanza Eternity ruby laser. These Q-switched Nd:YAG lasers are highly effective at removing the widest range of colored inks- including difficult blues and greens- with only minimal side effects. Our laser actually offers 3 wavelengths for full-spectrum removal.

The laser targets the pigment in the tattoo ink and causes the ink particles to shatter. This allows the body to absorb and expel the unwanted tattoo pigment in a natural process.

Both of our lasers are FDA approved medical systems.

No. The laser targets the pigmentation, not the skin cells, leaving the skin cells intact and undamaged. Our tattoo removal laser is also specifically designed to only travel deep enough into the skin to target the ink and pigment, not the deeper skin cells that cause scarring. There is no need to be concerned about scarring unless you have a history of keloid scarring, and you will discuss this with the technician during your intake at Vanish.

If the patient had a scar they tattooed over, or if the skin actually developed scar tissue from the original tattooing procedure, then our tattoo removal laser will not remove that scar tissue. Our Nd:YAG laser will remove the ink but not the scar tissue, so the scar may become more visible. Often, if this scar tissue is already present, it can be felt by running a hand over the tattoo and feeling the roughness.

There is some discomfort to the procedure. It depends on the body area receiving treatment and the color of the tattoo as to how much discomfort is felt. Many patients state that it feels about the same than having the tattoo put on originally, a bit like a rubber band snapping against the skin.

The other big plus: the procedure to remove the tattoo is significantly faster than having a tattoo applied. So even if it hurts some, it is for a shorter session and done in multiple sessions. Typical session time range is 5 min- 30 min, with the average tattoo taking 10-15 minutes.

Tattoos are basically designs involving layers of ink stacked on top of each other. Because of this thick concentration of pigment, it requires multiple sessions to work through the layers. At Vanish, our goal is to remove your tattoo as fast and safely as possible by breaking up as much ink as possible in every session. You will see some fading after each session depending on how dense and how old your tattoo is. It may only take a few sessions to remove shading from a tattoo, but a new tattoo may fade slower because it is so dense with ink.

There are many factors that are used to determine the number of sessions. These factors are: the age of the tattoo, what colors are in the tattoo, what the goal is for the tattoo removal, and how dense the tattoo is.

Age
Since tattoos tend to fade and spread as they age, an older tattoo can typically be removed with fewer sessions than a newer tattoo. A 10 year old black ink tattoo can typically be removed with 1-2 less procedures than a year old tat. A name tattoo written in black that appears dark greenish may take 5-7 sessions to be removed completely if it is newer.

Color
Color plays a big role since some colors are more difficult to remove than others.

Size
Size does not typically determine how quickly a tattoo can be removed

EASIEST TO REMOVE: Black and red tattoos

INTERMEDIATE: Shades of Orange, pink, purple, brown.  Ones that are traditionally “difficult” for other lasers, actually come off well with our laser.  This includes :  light green, light blue, and teal/turquoise

DIFFICULT:  yellow, white, and those tattoos that have scarring that results from the tattooing itself.

In your free consultation, our staff will discuss the probable number of sessions you will need for your laser tattoo removal.  Keep in mind, the more difficult the color, the more sessions you may need. Also realize that while we offer one of the most effective procedures available, in some cases the more difficult colors may leave a residual coloration.

Goal
Most patients want to completely remove their tattoo. This will take more sessions than if you simply want to fade it.

Density of the Tattoo
If the tattoo is extremely bright and dense with ink, expect it to take more laser sessions than a less pigment intense design. Typically, homemade tattoos are easier to remove than a professional tattoo, but again the amount of ink in the skin is the primary determining factor. Typically shading will be removed in only a few sessions.

Yes! Vanish’s skilled technicians can remove portions of tattoos such as names, shading, or a piece of the artwork. Our tattoo removal laser has several modes that allow us to be very, very precise when necessary. Come see our Ft. Worth Facility to learn more!

If you did the procedure with us, then Yes! Once the skin has fully healed from your last laser tattoo removal treatment, you can return to your favorite artist for some new artwork!

Cost depends on the color and size of the tattoo/s the patient wants removed. Sessions start at $125 each, and we’re more than happy to give you an estimate during your free consultation. An estimate may be given over the phone, but for the most accurate number, we highly recommend you come talk to us for free at our Ft. Worth/ Metroplex location. We also know once you see our spa-like Ft. Worth facility, you’ll be right at home and know you’ve found the right place for your laser tattoo removal procedure!

Discounts are available for multiple tattoos you want removed at the same time.

You’ll find we are very competitive in our pricing, especially considering the superior effectiveness of our laser tattoo removal procedure.

Dermal Abrasion can work, but it is typically not as successful at removing tattoos as our specialized Tattoo Removal Laser, especially colorful and dense tattoos. So come to our Ft. Worth Facility first!

We’ve seen no significant evidence that creams and lotions fade or remove tattoos. Some have the ability to fade skin around the tattoo possibly making the tattoo look a bit lighter. Discussing it with medical professionals resulted in similar opinions. It is thus our opinion that creams and “potions” are a gimmick, and a waste of time and money. If you copy the list of ingredients in the cream and search for it, you’ll find most creams are nothing more than hyped up moisturizers and bleaches that don’t get deep enough to truly be effective. Again, in our opinion, our tattoo removal laser is truly the way to go.

No! It is very confusing when you are looking at your options. Our Astanza Etherea MX laser and Astanza Eternity ruby laser produce multiple wavelengths. This typically allows the removal of the entire color-spectrum of tattoos, which is considered the cutting edge of tattoo removal.  It’s 3 wavelengths allow us to treat the widest range of colors in our Ft. Worth Office.

The body will detect the shattered ink and respond by activating an inflammation/immune response. Most patients experience some redness, swelling, and minor blistering of the skin after a laser treatment. These are temporary and your skin will heal back completely without scarring. You will receive instructions for proper care of the area once you start treatment.

In very dark-skinned patients, the wavelengths of the laser will be attracted to the pigment in your skin and break up some of the melanin. These will cause a temporary de-pigmentation of your skin. Your skin will repopulate the area with pigment over a period of months and your skin will look completely normal. Again, it is temporary.

In medium-colored patients, the laser can also cause a darkening effect in the area that is also temporary and will return to normal over a period of months.

Our lasers use wavelengths that are safe for all skin types, I – VI.