Frequently Asked Questions

How many treatments will I need?

Since every tattoo is different and everyone heals at different rates, there is no set

number of treatments for laser tattoo removal. The number of treatments needed is

specific to every client and their tattoo. On average, patients need between 5 to 10

treatments for complete removal and 3 to 4 treatments for significant fading. Bonsai

Tattoo Removal can provide a better quote after assessing your tattoo during your free

consultation. We use a variety of factors to determine how many treatments you will

need, including:

 Age of tattoo

 Size of tattoo

 Location of tattoo

 Tattoo ink colors

 Depth of ink

 Ink density

 Pre-existing scarring

 Individual health

What is discussed during my consultation?

Every patient must receive a consultation before proceeding with treatment. During your

consultation, we will discuss your treatment goals – whether you want to completely

remove your tattoo, fade it for cover-up, or selectively remove a specific part of your

tattoo.

The laser technician will review the procedure and explain how our Astanza Duality

laser works to remove the ink in your skin. Aftercare instructions will be discussed to

ensure you understand how to care for your skin for the best results. Lastly, we will

discuss the cost of your treatment plan. All consultations at Bonsai Tattoo Removal are

free of charge.

Which laser do you use?

We use the industry-leading Astanza Duality laser and Zimmer Cryo cooling machine.

Laser tattoo removal is extremely effective when the right technology is used. Our

Astanza Duality laser safely and effectively eliminates unwanted ink the fewest number

of treatments. We’ve invested in this state-of-the-art technology to ensure your skin

receives the best treatment experience possible.

This Q-switched Nd:YAG laser is best-in-class for its versatility and power. The Duality

uses two of the most versatile wavelengths – 1064 nm and 532 nm – to target and treat

a variety of tattoo ink colors. The Duality features superior Q-switching, giving each

pulse greater power for effective treatments and superior results.

Is the laser painful? How long do treatments last?

The level of pain you will experience from the laser depends entirely on your personal

pain threshold. However, if you can get a tattoo applied, you can definitely tolerate

having one removed. Most patients have compared the feeling of the laser to a rubber

band snapping against the skin. Fortunately, treatment sessions only take a few

minutes! Treatments can last anywhere from 1 to 20 minutes depending on the size of

your tattoo. Bonsai Tattoo Removal uses the Zimmer Cryo cooling machine to numb

your skin before, DURING, and after treatment, mitigating any pain associated with the

laser and also protecting your skin from unwanted thermal injury.

How long will it take to remove my tattoo completely?

Multiple treatments are required to achieve complete tattoo removal. Laser tattoo

removal is a process that takes both time and commitment. Fewer treatments are

needed for clients interested in fading or lightening their tattoo.

A minimum of 6 to 8 weeks is scheduled between each treatment session to give your

skin time to heal before the next treatment. Multiply that healing period with the number

of treatments your tattoo is assigned to guesstimate how long it will take to see results.

Some clients may achieve complete removal within a few months while others may take

a year – it all depends on various factors of your tattoo and how quickly your immune

system heals. Boosting your immune system will increase the rate at which your tattoo

fades.

How does laser tattoo removal help prepare me for a cover-up?

Cover-up tattoos are a great option for dealing with an unwanted tattoo. Cover-ups are

exactly what they sound like – tattoos that cover or hide an existing tattoo. Cover-up

tattoos are difficult to create if the existing tattoo is very dark and heavily pigmented.

Tattoo artists must use double the amount of ink to hide the existing artwork completely.

Laser tattoo removal fades an existing tattoo to create a cleaner canvas for your artist to

work on. Fading for cover-ups takes only a few treatments for optimal lightening.

Are there any side effects?

Laser tattoo removal is the safest method of removing unwanted ink from the skin. That

said, the most common side effects patients experience are temporary redness,

scabbing, blistering, and swelling. Clients with darker skin tones may experience some

discoloration of the surrounding skin, however, this will resolve naturally over time.

Bonsai Tattoo Removal provides detailed aftercare instructions to ensure you provide proper care for your skin outside our practice.