Faq’s

Tattoo Removal Frequently Asked Questions

How many treatments will I need?

Most patients need 3 to 4 treatments to fade a tattoo for a cover-up and 5 to 10 treatments for complete tattoo removal. During your free consultation, our laser technician will determine the number of treatments you will need using a variety of factors, including:

  • Tattoo age
  • Tattoo size
  • Tattoo location
  • Tattoo colors
  • Ink depth and density
  • Skin type
  • Pre-existing scarring
  • Patient health
  • Professional vs. amateur tattoo

How does laser tattoo removal work?

Our laser emits flashes of light into the skin that break up the ink. Once the ink is shattered, your immune system naturally removes the fragmented ink particles through the lymphatic system. This process is repeated over a series of treatments until all the ink in your skin is removed.

When will I see complete results?

A minimum of 6 to 8 weeks is required between treatments. You can calculate your completed results by taking the number of treatments your unique tattoo is assigned plus the 6-to-8-week healing period between each treatment. Although laser tattoo removal is a lengthy process, we promise the results are well worth the wait!

How long are treatments?

Laser tattoo removal is a very quick procedure that lasts anywhere from a few seconds to 15 minutes depending on the size of your tattoo, making this the perfect lunchtime procedure.

Does laser tattoo removal hurt?

Laser tattoo removal feels like a rubber band snapping against the skin. For others, it can feel like getting a tattoo applied. That being said, laser tattoo removal is a very quick procedure and is very tolerable.

How much does laser tattoo removal cost?

Delcoast Tattoo Removal offers affordable pricing based on the size of your tattoo. Our free, no-obligation consultations are designed to inform you about the procedure, assess your tattoo, and figure out a pricing plan that best suits your needs. We also offer treatment packages and discounts to help you save more.

Can you fade my tattoo for a cover-up?

Yes! Tattoo artists nationwide are referring their cover-up clients to receive laser tattoo removal. A cover-up tattoo is much easier to conceal after it’s been faded. Imagine trying to cover a black sharpie drawing with lighter colors; seems impossible. The same can be said about cover-ups. Most cover-ups can only be hidden with more black ink and larger artwork. By fading an existing tattoo down, both you and your tattoo artist can incorporate different colors, elements, and designs without any restrictions or limitations.

Our Millsboro practice can also selectively remove parts of a tattoo, such as script, without damaging the surrounding ink. Ask a staff member about selective tattoo removal today!

Is laser tattoo removal safe?

Laser tattoo removal is the safest method for removing or modifying unwanted tattoos. We use FDA-approved laser technology that targets the ink in the skin without harming the surrounding skin tissue. Other methods like salabrasion, excision, dermabrasion, and acid injections are extremely harmful, painful, and virtually always result in scarring. Tattoo creams are gimmicks that use bleaching ingredients to create the illusion of faded ink. In reality, creams cannot reach deep into the skin’s dermis where tattoo ink resides. Only laser tattoo removal using advanced technology, like our Astanza Duality, can safely and effectively penetrate through the skin and treat tattoo ink without causing damage.

Are there any side effects?

After your treatment, you may experience temporary redness, itchiness, swelling, blistering, scabbing, and/or pigmentation changes. Again, these side effects are temporary and indications that your immune system is working to remove the shattered ink from your skin. As long as you follow the aftercare instructions we provide, your skin will heal over the weeks following treatment without any serious side effects.