Booking your first laser tattoo removal session usually comes with one of two goals: clear an old tattoo completely, or fade it enough for a better cover-up. Both are possible with modern picosecond lasers, and both start the same way, with an honest consultation.
How laser tattoo removal works
Tattoo ink sits in the dermis as particles too large for your immune system to clear. A laser delivers extremely short pulses of energy that break those particles into much smaller fragments. Over the following weeks your lymphatic system carries the fragments away, and the tattoo lightens. The American Academy of Dermatology describes the same basic process: multiple treatments, spaced weeks apart, gradually fade the ink.
At our studio we use a genuine Cynosure PicoSure® picosecond laser under the TatFade™ name. You can read more about the technology on our laser tattoo removal page.
What a session looks like
- Check-in and photos, we photograph the tattoo so we can track fading between visits.
- Protection, you and the technician wear laser-safe eyewear.
- Treatment, most sessions take 10 to 30 minutes depending on size.
- Aftercare, the area is cooled and covered, and you go home with written instructions.
How many sessions will you need?
Most tattoos need several sessions spaced six to eight weeks apart. Size, ink density, colours, the age of the tattoo and where it sits on the body all matter. Try our session estimator for a ballpark, then read how many sessions tattoo removal takes for the details.
Is it right for you?
Laser removal works on most skin types and most inks, but some colours are more stubborn than others. If you are planning a new piece over old work, read our guide to fading a tattoo before a cover-up.
Getting started
We are located at 84 Lawrence Ave in Richmond Hill, a short drive from North York and Toronto. Send us a photo of your tattoo and book a free laser consultation. You can also see real client results on @tatfade.
