A little curiosity now means a great experience later
Knowing what to expect makes it easier to make an informed decision. Explore answers to common questions about laser tattoo removal and laser hair removal, or schedule a free consultation for recommendations based on your skin and goals. Don’t see your question below? Contact Old Flame and we’d be happy to help.
Laser Hair Removal & Tattoo Removal: Honest Answers Before You Commit
No two tattoos, hair growth patterns, or treatment plans are exactly alike. These answers provide general guidance, but your consultation is where we will evaluate your skin, treatment area, history, and goals.
Laser Tattoo Removal FAQs
Laser tattoo removal uses short, highly targeted pulses of light to break tattoo ink into smaller particles. Your body’s immune and lymphatic systems then gradually process and remove those particles over time.
Different ink colors respond to different wavelengths, which is why the treatment settings must be selected based on the tattoo’s color, depth, density, location, and age.
Most clients describe the sensation as uncomfortable but manageable, often comparing it to a hot rubber band snapping against the skin.
Comfort varies based on the tattoo’s location, size, ink density, and your individual sensitivity. Old Flame Laser uses the Zimmer Cryo 6 cooling system before, during, and after treatment to help cool the skin and reduce discomfort. Numbing cream may also be used when appropriate.
Complete tattoo removal often requires approximately 8 to 12 sessions, although some tattoos may require more.
The number of treatments depends on:
- Ink color and composition
- Tattoo depth and density
- Tattoo age
- Location on the body
- Skin type
- Circulation and immune response
- Whether your goal is removal or lightening
Clients preparing for a cover-up often need fewer sessions, commonly between two and six.
Tattoo removal sessions are generally spaced at least 8 to 12 weeks apart.
This waiting period gives your skin time to heal and allows your body to continue clearing fragmented ink. Later in the process, We may recommend longer intervals if the tattoo is continuing to fade between treatments.
Many tattoos can be removed completely or faded until they are barely visible. Results cannot be guaranteed because tattoos vary in ink type, color, depth, application technique, and response to treatment.
Some tattoos may leave light “ghosting,” which can look like a faint outline or subtle difference in skin tone.
Most colors can be treated, but some respond more predictably than others.
Black and dark gray typically respond well. Certain greens, blues, yellows, pastels, and white pigments can be more challenging and may require specialized wavelengths or additional sessions.
During your consultation, One of our skilled laser technicians will evaluate the colors in your tattoo and explain what results may be realistic.
White ink is more difficult to treat because it does not absorb laser energy as readily as darker pigments.
Some white pigments may oxidize during treatment and temporarily turn gray, green, or another darker tone before further fading can occur. A test spot or conservative treatment plan may be recommended.
Fading generally occurs after treatment, but it may not be immediately visible.
Your body continues processing ink for weeks after each session. Some tattoos show noticeable changes early, while others fade more gradually over several treatments.
The timeline may be affected by:
- Ink color and composition
- Professional versus amateur application
- Depth and density of the pigment
- Tattoo age Location on the body
- Skin type
- Blood flow and immune response
- Smoking and general health
- Treatment spacing
- Your desired outcome
Your technicians will consider these factors when developing your plan.
Yes. Laser treatment can fade an existing tattoo so your artist has more freedom when designing a cover-up.
Some clients need only a few sessions, while darker or denser tattoos may require additional fading. Your tattoo artist should make the final determination about when the area is ready to be tattooed again.
Old Flame Laser generally recommends waiting at least six weeks after your final laser treatment before re-tattooing the area.
Permanent eyebrows, microblading, and other cosmetic pigments may be removed or lightened when treated with appropriate technology and settings.
Cosmetic pigments can respond differently than traditional tattoo ink. Some may temporarily darken or shift color before fading. Stephanie will evaluate the pigment and discuss the potential response before treatment.
Laser tattoo removal can be performed on darker skin tones, but treatment must be adjusted carefully because melanin can also absorb laser energy.
We may use more conservative settings and longer intervals between appointments to reduce the risk of pigmentation changes. Sun protection and aftercare are especially important.
Scarring caused directly by properly performed laser tattoo removal is uncommon, but no cosmetic treatment is risk-free.
Blistering, scabbing, redness, swelling, and temporary pigmentation changes can occur. Pre-existing scarring from the original tattoo may also become more noticeable as the ink fades.
Following your aftercare instructions and avoiding picking or scratching helps reduce complications.
For several days after treatment, you may need to avoid:
- Swimming
- Saunas and steam rooms
- Hot tubs
- Intense exercise
- Heavy sweating
- Direct sun exposure
- Harsh skincare products
- Rubbing or picking the treated area
Your laser technician will provide customized instructions based on your treatment.
Yes, but the area must be protected from tanning and direct ultraviolet exposure.
Summer treatment may require more planning if the tattoo is on an area that is difficult to cover. You will also need to avoid swimming, heavy sweating, and prolonged sun exposure during the initial healing period.
Numbing cream may be used for many tattoo removal treatments.
Ask your laser technician for instructions before applying it. Use only the recommended amount and follow the product label carefully. The treatment area must be cleaned before laser treatment begins.
Small blisters can occur and should generally be kept clean, protected, and left undisturbed.
Do not pick at blisters or scabs. Contact your medical provider if a blister is large, increasingly painful, under significant pressure, showing signs of infection, or rapidly worsening symptoms.
Old Flame Laser does not perform laser tattoo removal during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Treatment can resume after this period once we have reviewed your current health and medications.
Book a free consultation through the website.
A skilled laser technician will examine the tattoo, discuss your desired outcome, explain the process, and recommend a treatment plan. Depending on scheduling, skin condition, and preparation, you may have the option to begin treatment that day.
Laser Hair Removal FAQs
Your first visit begins with a consultation. Stephanie will review your skin type, hair color, treatment area, medical history, medications, and goals.
She will explain:
- How laser hair removal works
- Whether your hair is likely to respond
- How many sessions may be needed
- How to prepare
- What to expect afterward
- Recommended appointment spacing
When appropriate, you may be able to receive your first treatment during the same visit.
The laser directs controlled energy toward pigment in the hair follicle. That energy damages the follicle and reduces its ability to produce new hair.
Hair grows in cycles, and the laser is most effective when a follicle is in its active growth phase. Because not all hairs are active at the same time, multiple sessions are required.
Yes. Laser hair removal is an established method of long-term hair reduction.
Most clients experience a significant reduction in the amount, thickness, and rate of hair growth. Hormonal changes and other factors can cause some regrowth, so occasional maintenance appointments may be needed.
Laser hair removal is more accurately described as long-term hair reduction rather than guaranteed permanent removal.
Many clients experience substantial reduction, but results vary. Maintenance treatments may be recommended once or twice per year depending on the area, hormones, and individual growth patterns.
Many clients need approximately six to eight sessions.
Facial treatments are commonly spaced four to six weeks apart. Body treatments are often spaced six to eight weeks apart. Your schedule may change based on the area and how your hair responds.
Most clients describe a mild snapping or warming sensation.
The Cutera Excel HR includes contact cooling at the treatment tip to help protect the skin and improve comfort during treatment.
Laser hair removal is considered safe for appropriate candidates when performed by a trained provider using suitable technology and settings.
Temporary redness, warmth, or mild swelling around the follicles is common. Less common risks include blistering and temporary changes in pigmentation.
Yes. The Cutera Excel HR combines Alexandrite and Nd:YAG wavelengths, allowing treatment settings to be adjusted for a wide range of skin tones and hair types.
Stephanie will evaluate your skin and select settings based on your individual needs.
Laser hair removal works by targeting pigment in the hair. Dark, coarse hair generally responds best.
Blonde, red, gray, and white hair contains less targetable pigment and may respond poorly or not at all. Stephanie can evaluate the treatment area during your consultation.
No. The laser can be absorbed by tattoo pigment and may cause burns, blistering, fading, or distortion.
The surrounding skin can often be treated while leaving a safe margin around the tattoo.
- Shave the area approximately 24 hours before treatment.
- Avoid waxing, tweezing, threading, and depilatory creams.
- Avoid tanning and excessive sun exposure.
- Pause irritating skincare products as directed.
- Arrive with clean skin.
- Tell Stephanie about medication and health changes.
Avoid direct sunlight, hot tubs, saunas, hot showers, intense exercise, and heavy sweating for approximately 24 to 48 hours.
Use gentle, fragrance-free skincare and apply mineral sunscreen when the area is exposed. Treated hairs commonly shed during the following one to three weeks.
Old Flame Laser does not perform laser hair removal during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Appointments may resume afterward once your current health, medications, and treatment goals have been reviewed.
Schedule a free consultation. A skilled laser technician will evaluate your hair and skin, answer your questions, and develop a treatment plan based on your goals.