Laser Treatments
Laser Tattoo Removal
Laser tattoo removal uses high-intensity light pulses to break down tattoo ink into microscopic particles that the body naturally eliminates — fading or completely removing unwanted tattoos with minimal damage to surrounding skin.
The technology
Picosecond laser technology
Picosecond lasers deliver ultra-short pulses of energy — measured in trillionths of a second — that shatter ink particles into dust-like fragments. These tiny fragments are more easily absorbed and eliminated by the immune system than the larger particles produced by older nanosecond lasers.
The picosecond advantage is speed and efficiency: fewer treatments are typically needed to achieve clearance, and the risk of thermal damage to surrounding tissue is reduced. Picosecond technology is particularly effective on stubborn colors like blue, green, and purple.
At The Atelier, picosecond laser treatments are performed by licensed providers who calibrate wavelength and pulse settings to your specific ink colors and skin type.
Complementary technology
Q-switched laser technology
Q-switched lasers deliver nanosecond pulses that generate a photoacoustic shockwave, breaking ink particles into smaller fragments. This technology has been the gold standard for tattoo removal for decades and remains highly effective for black and dark-colored inks.
Q-switched treatments are often used in combination with picosecond technology to address a full spectrum of ink colors and achieve optimal clearance across all skin tones.
What affects your results
Factors that affect your results
Ink color
Black and dark inks respond fastest. Blues, greens, and purples require more sessions. Yellow and white inks are the most resistant.
Ink depth and density
Professional tattoos with dense, deeply deposited ink require more sessions than amateur tattoos.
Tattoo age
Older tattoos have often already begun to fade and typically respond faster than fresh ink.
Skin tone
Lighter skin tones allow for more aggressive settings and faster clearance. Darker skin tones require a more conservative approach to minimize pigmentation risk.
Location on the body
Areas with better circulation — such as the upper body — respond faster than extremities like the feet and ankles.
Immune health
The immune system clears the fragmented ink particles. Patients who exercise regularly, stay hydrated, and avoid smoking tend to see faster results.
Your appointment
What to expect at your appointment
Step 1
Consultation and assessment
Your provider evaluates the tattoo — ink colors, depth, age, and skin type — and develops a treatment plan with an estimated number of sessions.
Step 2
Skin preparation
The treatment area is cleansed and eye protection is provided. Comfort measures vary — your provider will discuss options with you at your appointment.
Step 3
Laser treatment
The laser handpiece is passed over the tattoo. You will feel a snapping sensation with each pulse. Treatment time varies from a few minutes to 30+ minutes depending on tattoo size.
Step 4
Aftercare & next session
A soothing ointment and protective covering are applied to the treated area. Your provider reviews aftercare instructions and schedules your next session — typically 6–8 weeks out to allow the immune system to clear the fragmented ink.
Before your appointment
How to prepare for your treatment
Avoid sun exposure
Keep the treatment area out of direct sun for at least 4 weeks before your appointment. Tanned or sunburned skin cannot be treated.
Stay hydrated
Well-hydrated skin responds better to treatment. Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your appointment.
Avoid blood thinners
Avoid over-the-counter blood thinners — including aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), and supplements like fish oil, vitamin E, ginkgo biloba, and garlic — for 7–10 days before your appointment to minimize bruising. If you take prescription anticoagulants (such as warfarin, Eliquis, or Xarelto), do not stop them without first consulting your prescribing physician.
Shave the area
If the tattoo is in a hair-bearing area, shave it the day before your appointment.
After your appointment
How to care for your skin afterward
Keep it clean and covered
Keep the treated area clean and covered with the provided bandage for the first 24 hours.
Apply ointment
Apply a thin layer of the recommended ointment 2–3 times daily until the skin has healed.
Avoid sun exposure
Protect the treated area from sun exposure for at least 4 weeks after treatment. Use SPF 30+ when outdoors.
Do not pick or scratch
Blistering and scabbing are normal. Do not pick, scratch, or pop blisters — this increases the risk of scarring and infection.
Your results
What to expect over time
Immediately
The tattoo will appear frosted or white immediately after treatment. This is a normal reaction to the laser energy and resolves within minutes to hours.
1–2 weeks
Redness, swelling, and blistering may occur and resolve within 1–2 weeks. The tattoo will begin to appear lighter as the skin heals.
4–8 weeks
Significant fading becomes visible as the immune system clears the fragmented ink particles. This is the window between sessions.
After full series
Most tattoos achieve 80–100% clearance after a complete series of treatments. Results vary based on ink color, depth, and individual factors.
Most tattoos require 6–12 sessions spaced 6–8 weeks apart for optimal clearance. Your provider will give you a more specific estimate after assessing your tattoo.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Does laser tattoo removal hurt?+
Most patients describe the sensation as similar to a rubber band snapping against the skin. Comfort measures vary by patient and treatment area — your provider will discuss options with you at your appointment.
How many sessions will I need?+
Most tattoos require 6–12 sessions for significant clearance. The exact number depends on ink color, depth, age, and your skin type. Your provider will give you an estimate after your consultation.
Can all tattoo colors be removed?+
Black, red, and other darker inks tend to respond well to laser treatment, though results vary by ink composition and laser wavelength. Blues, greens, and purples typically require more sessions. Yellow and white inks are the most resistant and may not fully clear.
How long do I need to wait between sessions?+
Sessions are typically spaced 6–8 weeks apart to allow the skin to heal and the immune system to clear the fragmented ink.
Will there be scarring?+
Scarring is rare when treatment is performed correctly and aftercare instructions are followed. Pre-existing scarring from the original tattoo may become more visible as the ink fades.
Is laser tattoo removal safe? What should I know?+
Laser tattoo removal is generally safe when performed by a trained provider. Common side effects include redness, swelling, blistering, and temporary darkening or lightening of the skin in the treated area. These typically resolve within 1–2 weeks. Rare but possible complications include scarring, permanent pigmentation changes, and incomplete ink removal. The risk of these complications is minimized by following your provider's pre- and post-treatment instructions and allowing adequate healing time between sessions.
Ready to book your Laser Tattoo Removal appointment?
Schedule with Heather Atkins & Taylor Griffin at The Atelier in Flowood, MS.