Laser Tattoo Removal
Laser tattoo removal breaks tattoo ink into fragments your immune system clears away naturally. Focused laser energy passes through the skin and shatters the pigment beneath it, without cutting or damaging the surrounding tissue. Different wavelengths address different ink colors, so black and multicolored tattoos alike can be treated, on a wide range of skin tones.
What is lasertattoo removal?
Tattoo ink sits deep in the skin in particles too large for your body to remove on its own. The laser changes that: each pulse passes through the skin and shatters the pigment into fragments small enough for the immune system to filter out. Over the weeks after each session, the tattoo visibly fades.
Black ink absorbs every wavelength and responds fastest. Green, yellow, and red need specific settings, which is why we work across multiple laser platforms and tailor the wavelength to each color in your tattoo. The plan is customized to the tattoo's size, ink, depth, and your skin tone, including darker skin.
Sessions feel like a rubber band snapping against the skin, and topical numbing is available. A session takes a few minutes to half an hour, and you can return to normal activities right away. Most tattoos need 6 to 10 sessions spaced several weeks apart; some fade completely, others leave a faint shadow, and many patients fade a tattoo just enough for a cover-up.
Who is laser tattoo removal for?
Tattoo removal is for anyone whose ink no longer tells their story.
Darker ink on lighter skin progresses fastest, but modern laser technology safely treats a wide range of skin tones and ink colors. At your consultation we examine the tattoo and give you an honest estimate of sessions and what degree of clearing to expect.
You have a tattoo you regret
Most healthy adults with unwanted ink are candidates, whether the goal is complete removal or significant fading.
You are planning a cover-up
Fading an old tattoo a few shades gives your artist a cleaner canvas, and many patients come in for exactly that.
Your tattoo has color
Different wavelengths target different pigments, so multicolored tattoos can be treated, not just black ink.
Any skin tone
Modern technology treats darker skin safely; two of the patient videos below show exactly that, on melanated skin.
You have realistic expectations
Removal is a series, not a single visit. Many tattoos clear completely; some leave a faint shadow.
Where we removetattoos
Nearly any tattooed area of the body can be treated, including challenging spots like the fingers, ankles, and feet, and even tattooed or microbladed eyebrows.
Select an area on the figure to see what to expect there.
Script tattoo, shoulder1 / 2
Real patients,real fading.
Both of these patients were treated with laser tattoo removal at our Montgomery Road office and photographed before and after. Drag the handle to compare.
See all Laser Tattoo Removal resultsIndividual results vary. Photographs are unretouched patients of The Dermatology, Laser & Vein Center, shared with permission, and are not a guarantee of your own outcome.
See tattoo removal at our office
These are real tattoo removal sessions at our Montgomery Road office: first-session results, a tattoo blowout fix, and two patients with darker skin tones sharing their experience on camera.
If you are weighing your options, a consultation covers everything you see here, for your tattoo.
Whatto expect.
Book a consultationCost varies by the tattoo's size, location, and the number of sessions it needs, so we give a personalized estimate at your consultation. CareCredit financing is available.
A few minutes for small tattoos, up to about 30 minutes for larger or more complex pieces.
Return to regular activities right away. Expect mild redness, swelling, or occasional blistering as part of healing; avoid sun and intense exercise until the area heals.
The tattoo fades progressively after each session, spaced several weeks apart. Many clear completely; some leave a faint shadow, which we discuss honestly up front.
Frequently asked questions
Is laser tattoo removal painful?
Most patients compare it to a rubber band snapping against the skin. We offer topical numbing to keep sessions comfortable.
How many sessions will I need?
Most tattoos need 6 to 10 sessions spaced several weeks apart. Size, ink colors, ink depth, and your skin tone all affect the count, and we estimate it at your consultation.
How long does each session take?
A few minutes to half an hour, depending on the size and complexity of the tattoo.
Will my tattoo be completely gone?
Many tattoos fade completely. Some leave a slight shadow, depending on the ink type and your skin tone. We tell you what to expect before you start.
Can all ink colors be removed?
Black responds best because it absorbs every wavelength. Red, blue, green, and yellow can also be targeted with specific settings across our laser platforms.
Is it safe for all skin types?
With modern laser technology and an experienced provider we safely treat a wide range of skin tones, including darker skin, and we customize every plan to minimize risk. Results vary by individual.
How much does it cost?
Cost varies by the tattoo's size, location, and how many sessions it needs. You receive a personalized estimate at your consultation.
Are there side effects?
Temporary redness, swelling, blistering, or scabbing as the skin heals. Long-term effects are rare when aftercare instructions are followed.
Is there downtime?
No downtime for regular activities. Avoid sun exposure and intense exercise on the treated area until it has healed.
How do I prepare?
Avoid sun and tanning before your session, stay hydrated, and follow the pre-treatment guidance we give you at your consultation.
Can I get a new tattoo over the treated area?
Yes, once the skin has fully healed. Many patients choose to fade an existing tattoo enough to allow for a cover-up.
Where to next
Related treatment
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Pigment, scars, and tattoo ink.
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Tattoo Regret
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Read the answerAsk about your skin.
Tell us what you would like to change and we will come back with the treatments that fit, honest expectations, and a time to talk it through.
Your details go straight to our Montgomery Road front desk and are never shared. A team member replies during office hours, usually the same day.
Ready when you are.
Book a consultation at our Montgomery Road office, or call and we will help you decide where to start.
Medically reviewed by Shalini Gupta, MD, Harvard-trained dermatologist and founder of The Dermatology, Laser & Vein Center. Last reviewed September 2026. This page is for education and is not a substitute for a personalized medical consultation.