Laser tattoo removal
How laser tattoo removal works.
If you are considering tattoo removal, you deserve clear answers. Here is a simple, accurate overview of what happens during treatment, what affects results, and how to get the safest and best outcome.
- Candela PicoWay picosecond laser
- Zimmer Cryo cold air cooling
- Typically 8 to 10 weeks between sessions
Laser tattoo removal, in brief.
Results vary by ink, skin type, depth and aftercare. Here is the short version.
What is it?
Tattoo ink sits in the dermis. Your body tries to clear it, but the ink particles are too large. Laser energy breaks the ink into smaller fragments so your immune system can gradually remove it.
Who is it for?
Anyone with a tattoo they want gone or lighter: complete removal, fading so an artist can cover it, or cosmetic tattoos such as eyebrow permanent makeup.
What should you expect?
A free consultation, quick treatments (many take only minutes, depending on size), and real fading that happens between visits as your immune system clears the ink.
A real result.
Every tattoo responds differently. This is one Clarity client’s progress with PicoWay.
Complete
Black Ink Wrist Tattoo After 7 Treatments
- Treatments
- 7
- Goal
- Complete Removal
- Ink
- Black
- Body area
- Wrist
- Timeline
- November 2024 to November 2025
- Studio
- Somerville
Results vary based on tattoo ink, color, depth, skin type, location, individual response and other factors.
Candela PicoWay
The science in plain English.
We use advanced picosecond technology designed to target tattoo ink efficiently while supporting clean healing. Most of the fading happens after you leave, as your body clears the fragments.
Designed to target tattoo pigment
Light energy is absorbed by the pigment in the tattoo. Wavelength and settings are selected based on your ink and your skin type.
Fractures the particles
The ink breaks into smaller pieces that your body can carry away.
Your body clears it
Most fading happens between sessions, not on the day of treatment.
Why spacing matters
More time between visits often means better fading.
Watch: a quick walkthrough of what tattoo removal looks like and why fading takes time.
Your treatment journey.
A simple flow that fits into real life. Steps two to four repeat until you reach your goal.
Consult
We look at size, colors, ink density and your goals. You leave with a clear plan and pricing based on total surface area.
Treat
Treatments are fast. For larger tattoos, we may treat in sections to reduce swelling and support safer healing.
Heal
The skin calms down quickly, but fading continues for weeks. Aftercare and time between sessions matter.
Fade
Your immune system clears the fragmented ink between visits. This is where most of the change happens.
Repeat as needed
We track progress and adjust as needed. Most clients see noticeable fading in the first few sessions.
How many sessions?
Many tattoos show noticeable fading within the first few sessions. Total sessions vary by tattoo and by goal, and no one can promise an exact number before treatment starts.
Black ink often responds very well. Some colors respond faster than others, so tattoos with several colors can need more sessions.
What affects results most
- Ink density and depth. Professional tattoos often hold more ink, deeper, than amateur ones.
- Colors. Some colors respond faster than others.
- Location on the body. Circulation and lymph flow matter.
- Aftercare. How you care for the skin and how you heal.
We walk through all of this during your consultation so expectations stay realistic.
Treatment spacing
8 to 10 weeks
Treatments are typically spaced about 8 to 10 weeks apart, with longer intervals sometimes recommended later in the removal process. This allows the skin to recover and gives your body time to clear the fragmented ink.
We adjust spacing based on how your skin and your ink are responding.
Comfort and cooling.
Most people describe it as a quick snapping sensation. Treatments are fast, and we use Zimmer Cryo cold air cooling during treatment to improve comfort.
Sensation varies by body area and by person. We will not tell you it is painless, but most clients find it very manageable.
Small tattoos can take minutes. Large tattoos may be treated in sections for safety and comfort.
Colors and wavelengths.
Different ink colors absorb different wavelengths of light. PicoWay is designed to target tattoo pigment, and the wavelength and settings are selected based on the colors in your tattoo and your skin type.
Reds, greens, blues and other shades can respond differently, which is why planning matters for colored work. Black ink tattoos often respond very well to laser treatment.
A plan built around your tattoo.
Treatment settings are customized to your skin type, tattoo colors, tattoo location and goals.
Skin type
Settings are chosen with your skin type in mind, with a focus on safe, thoughtful treatment planning.
Ink
Colors, density and layering all change the approach and the number of sessions.
Age and depth
Professional tattoos often hold more ink at deeper levels than amateur tattoos.
Location
Circulation and lymph flow matter, so placement affects how quickly ink clears.
Goal
Complete removal and fading for a cover-up are planned differently.
Aftercare basics.
Simple guidelines that support clean healing and better results.
Keep it clean
Gently cleanse as instructed. Pat dry. Avoid friction from tight clothing.
Avoid heat early
For the first 48 hours, avoid hot water, saunas and anything that overheats the skin.
Do not pick
Blistering or scabbing can happen. Do not scratch or pick, to reduce scarring risk.
Limit sun exposure
Keep the area covered and use SPF when appropriate. Avoid tanning and sunless tanner.
Hydration helps
Drink water and support your immune system. Healing happens between sessions.
Watch for infection
If you notice severe redness, pus or worsening swelling, contact a medical provider.
What will it cost?
Pricing is based on tattoo size and total surface area. Larger tattoos may be treated in sections, which can affect overall cost and scheduling. Send a photo for a personalized price.
Real ink. Real progress.
More complete removals from Clarity clients.
-
BeforeAfter
Complete
Complete
Black Ink Wrist Tattoo After 8 Treatments
- Treatments
- 8
- Goal
- Complete Removal
- Ink
- Black
- Body area
- Wrist
Results vary based on tattoo ink, color, depth, skin type, location, individual response and other factors.
-
BeforeAfter
In progress
In progress
Fine Line Tattoo After 3 Treatments
- Treatments
- 3
- Goal
- Complete Removal
- Ink
- Black
- Body area
- Upper arm & shoulder
- Studio
- Somerville
Results vary based on tattoo ink, color, depth, skin type, location, individual response and other factors.
-
BeforeAfter
In progress
In progress
Shading Fade After 1 Treatment
- Treatments
- 1
- Goal
- Complete Removal
- Ink
- Black
- Body area
- Leg
Results vary based on tattoo ink, color, depth, skin type, location, individual response and other factors.
Tattoo removal FAQs.
Fast answers to the questions we hear most.
How is tattoo removal priced?
Pricing is based on tattoo size and total surface area. Larger tattoos may be treated in sections, which can affect overall cost and scheduling.
How long should I wait between sessions?
Treatments are typically spaced about 8 to 10 weeks apart, with longer intervals sometimes recommended later in the removal process. This allows the skin to recover and gives your body time to clear fragmented ink.
Will it scar?
When treatments and aftercare are done properly, scarring is uncommon. Healing quality depends on your skin, the tattoo and your aftercare habits.
Can you fade a tattoo for a cover-up?
Yes. Many clients do not need full removal. Targeted fading can create cleaner skin and better contrast for your artist.
Where are you located?
We are in Davis Square in Somerville and in Framingham at 5 Edgell Road, Suite 26. Book a free consultation to choose your location.
Keep learning.
Guides for the questions that come next.
Ready for clarity?
Send a photo of your tattoo for a personalized price, or come in for a free consultation. No pressure either way.
