How Does Laser Removal Work?

Safe, targeted light energy focuses on the tattoo pigment, breaking it down while your body natural healing process does the rest.

What concerns do you have?

Laser tattoo removal can feel intimidating—but we’re here to put your mind at ease. Here are answers to some of the most common worries our clients share.

Will it hurt?

Depending on the area tattoo removal can be uncomfortable to very painful, which is why we prioritize comfort by using the Zimmer Cryo, which delivers a concentrated stream of cryogenically cooled air to significantly reduce pain during treatment. For especially sensitive areas, we enhance its effect with high-grade numbing creams, medical garde icing, and we take short breaks to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure.

Most session will only take a few seconds to few minutes to treat and the discomfort minimizes as soon as the laser stops.

Will it leave a scar?

When performed by trained professionals using FDA-approved, medical-grade lasers, tattoo removal should never cause scarring. To ensure safe, optimal results, we customize each treatment to your skin tone and stage of removal. We also provide very detailed aftercare instructions along with everything you’ll need for proper at-home care.

Today’s high-grade lasers make scarring extremely rare, with adverse reactions typically linked to improper aftercare, insufficient technical expertise, or outdated equipment.

Will it work on my skin tone?

Yes! We treat all skin tones safely and effectively by customizing laser settings and utilizing a range of advanced technologies, including the PicoWay®, to minimize the risk of hyperpigmentation or irritation.

As an industry-leading educator and a person of color, Lorenzo has dedicated much of his career to developing protocols and aftercare specifically tailored to the needs of melanin-rich skin tones and also lighter skin toned individuals who are more sensitive to light and heat.

What if my tattoo is colorful or old?

We generally find color tattoos highly manageable, except those with a high concentration of yellow or white pigments, as yellow is particularly challenging due to its tendency to refract light rather than absorb it. Many clinics that struggle with colors like blue or green pigments are often limited by outdated technology or inappropriate wavelengths—such as 694 nm, 650 nm, or 585 nm—which can result in prolonged treatments (15+ sessions), pigment oxidation, or overly aggressive settings that could hinder complete removal.

For faster, more effective removal of red, orange, green, blue, and purple tattoos, we use advanced systems including the Helios 785 Pico (532 nm, 785 nm), Cutera Enlighten III (532 nm, 670 nm), and PicoWay (532 nm, 730 nm, & 785 nm) to deliver superior results.
98%
of clients see visible fading after just 1-3 sessions
100K+
successful treatments performed
75+
years of combined laser expertise between our founders

The Most Advanced Laser Technology in the Industry

We use the PicoWay® system — a next-generation laser designed for precision, speed, and safety. Unlike older technologies that rely on heat, PicoWay® delivers ultra-fast pulses of energy that shatter ink into tiny particles with minimal damage to surrounding skin.

  • Faster fading in fewer sessions
  • Safe for all skin tones
  • Effective on all ink colors
  • Minimal discomfort and downtime

More than Just tattoos

Our advanced laser technology does more than 
erase ink — it helps restore your skin.

complete TATTOO removal

Safe, effective removal for all tattoo types. Our advanced laser systems target ink with precision—helping fade even stubborn tattoos faster, across all skin tones.

complete TATTOO removal

Safe, effective removal for all tattoo types. Our advanced laser systems target ink with precision—helping fade even stubborn tattoos faster, across all skin tones.

PRE COVER-UP TATTOO LIGHTENING

Fade old ink to make room for what’s next. Our advanced laser technology lightens tattoos safely, creating a clearer canvas for a stronger cover-up result.

PRE COVER-UP TATTOO LIGHTENING

Fade old ink to make room for what’s next. Our advanced laser technology lightens tattoos safely, creating a clearer canvas for a stronger cover-up result.

Permanent Makeup Removal

Unhappy with microblading, lip tint, or cosmetic tattooing? We specialize in safely fading or fully removing permanent makeup without damaging surrounding skin.

Permanent Makeup Removal

Unhappy with microblading, lip tint, or cosmetic tattooing? We specialize in safely fading or fully removing permanent makeup without damaging surrounding skin.

Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) Removal

A fast-growing service, our SMP removal treatments safely fade or eliminate scalp micropigmentation using techniques designed for all skin types and pigment depths.

Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) Removal

A fast-growing service, our SMP removal treatments safely fade or eliminate scalp micropigmentation using techniques designed for all skin types and pigment depths.

It really, truly works.

Our clients come to us with doubts — and leave with results. From inks that are stubborn colors to deep blacks, we’ve helped people of all skin tones see real fading, real fast.
  • Trusted by 7,500+ clients and counting
  • Fewer treatments needed with PicoWay®
  • Skin tones, ethnicities, and areas of the body

READY FOR A FRESH START?

Our team of highly experienced, fully certified laser technicians—and even our owners—are here to provide honest guidance and affordable solutions to help you achieve your tattoo removal goals. And it all starts here with a free consultation.

about us

At Inkless, we don’t just remove tattoos — we restore confidence. 
We’re more than just another laser clinic, we’re dedicated to providing the safest, most effective tattoo removal experience possible. With a shared expertise of 75+ years, trusted mentorship, and access to world-class technology, Inkless is helping clients to reclaim their skin and confidence!

  • Proven protocols backed by science
  • Transparent pricing and real expectations
  • Safe, inclusive care for all skin tones, ethnicities, and areas of the body

Frequently Asked questions

Get answers to your questions and find the right solutions for your journey.
Johnathan from New York City asks:
What is the most effective laser for permanent makeup removal?

Inkless uses the Candela PicoWay multi-wavelength picosecond laser, which is highly effective for all tattoo colors, including permanent makeup. The system can safely target delicate areas like eyebrows, lips, and eyeliner with precision and minimal risk of scarring.

Ashley from Los Angeles asks:
How much does tattoo removal typically cost?

Prices vary based on the size, location, and ink color of the tattoo. Most treatments fall between $100–$400 per session, and we always offer your first treatment for just $100 after a free consultation. Your $100 first treatment includes a personalized consultation, a comprehensive skin and tattoo assessment, and one full laser session—all tailored to your unique goals, regardless of size, area, or design. No gimmicks, no pressure, and no big financial commitments that lock you in like the other more corporate brands. Our goal is to earn your trust by delivering results from the start and showing you how we’re reinventing the tattoo removal experience.

Mike from Miami asks:
How many sessions will I need?

Because every body metabolizes ink differently—and not every tattoo is applied with the same pigments or technique—it’s impossible to predict the exact number of sessions needed until we see how your skin responds to the first treatment. From there, we can evaluate the three key factors for successful removal and provide a more accurate and honest estimate. We also offer an 8-Treatment Guarantee, which reduces the price of any additional sessions to $50 if we do not meet our removal goal of eight sessions.
The three factors that determine success are:

  1. Laser technology: the quality and precision of the devices used.
  2. Reaction to treatment: is our protocol achieving the optimal response to the tattoo pigment.
  3. Body’s processing speed: how efficiently is your body metabolizes the broken-down tattoo pigments. If your body’s response is slower, we will increase the time between sessions to allow for better clearance—this often saves you money and delivers better treatment to treatemnt results for any tattoo thats new, old, or slow moving.
Samantha from Chicago asks:
Does tattoo removal hurt?

Tattoo removal can be uncomfortable to very painful for some (scale of 1-10, 7/8), but the majority of our clients find it very manageable—mainly because the treatments are extremely quick. Most session only take a few seconds to few minutes to treat. The discomfort typically ends as soon as the laser stops being applied.
Pain levels also vary depending on the location of the tattoo. To minimize discomfort, we use a Zimmer Cryo, which delivers a concentrated stream of cryogenically cooled air to significantly reduce pain during treatment. For especially sensitive areas, we enhance its effect with high-grade numbing creams, medical grade icing, and we take short breaks as needed to keep the area consistently cool and you comfortable throughout the procedure.

Alex from Dallas asks:
Can you remove microblading or other cosmetic tattoos?

Yes, microbladed brows are something we treat very frequently. If you know the pigment brand and color that were used, we can begin a comprehensive pigment analysis before scheduling your treatment or consultation. If that information isn’t available, that’s absolutely fine—we have reliable methods to determine the pigment composition during your visit.
We ask for this information because cosmetic pigments are often blends of multiple colors, even when they appear to be a simple black intended to fade naturally. While they may look black or brown on the surface, they can contain underlying warm or cool tones—such as red, orange, or pink—that may become visible during laser treatment.Understanding this in advance allows us to create the safest, most effective treatment plan possible and helps us avoid any unexpected color changes during the removal process.

Jordan from Atlanta asks:
Is one session enough to remove a tattoo?

Yes, it has happened, but single-treatment removals are rarely possible for a professionally applied tattoo. That’s because everything about a professional tattoo is designed to last a lifetime—from the high-quality pigments with heavy resins to the needles and machines that embed the ink deep within the dermis, making it difficult for the body to clear on its own.



To safely remove tattoos that were applied with needles and a machine, while keeping the skin healthy and intact, we use advanced, medical-grade laser technology with exceptional precision to break down those stubborn pigments.
If you have a homemade tattoo—often applied with organic-based pigments—give us a call right away. These are sometimes the rare “one-treatment” removals because the pigment typically sits more superficially in the skin and is much easier to break down.

Lisa from Denver asks:
Will laser tattoo removal leave a scar?

With proper aftercare, scarring is extremely rare. We use top-tier lasers that target pigment, not surrounding skin, and guide you through the healing process to ensure safe results.

Marcus from Seattle asks:
HOW LONG DO  I  HAVE TO WAIT BETWEEN TREATMENTS?

Treatments are typically spaced 6–8 weeks apart to ensure safety, allow your body to heal, and ultimately help to reduce the total number of sessions needed. If you have a health or medical condition, we may recommend extending the interval to 10–12 weeks to prioritize your health and recovery.
We understand that many people are eager to remove their tattoos as quickly as possible, but tattoos are designed to last forever, which means we take a calculated approach to keep your skin looking as healthy and pristine as possible.
Pro Tip: If you want fewer treatments and to save money, give your body more time between sessions (8-10 weeks). The longer the interval, the more time your body has to break down and clear the effected tattoo pigments. This means that when we treat the area again, much of the remaining pigment is either freshly exposed or larger and ready to be broken down further, improving overall results. 
One of the biggest challenges in tattoo removal is impatience with the process. Ultimately, success depends on your body’s natural ability to process pigment and the amount and type of ink originally used by the artist. A little patience can make a big difference in achieving the best outcome.

Priya from San Diego asks:
Can you fade a tattoo for a cover-up instead of full removal?

Absolutely! That process typically takes 2–5 sessions, depending on the composition of the existing tattoo and the new design. We frequently collaborate with clients and their tattoo artists to lighten existing ink, ensuring the new design can be placed cleanly—without compromising size, saturation, or placement. We’re also well-connected within the tattoo industry and work with some of the top-ranked artists in the U.S. If you ever need a recommendation, we’re always happy to help you find an artist and design that you’ll hopefully love for life.



Before getting a cover-up, it’s best to wait at least 12 weeks after your last laser session. This allows for full healing and provides the best canvas possible for your tattoo artist.

Chris from Boston asks:
What’s included in the $100 first treatment offer?

Your $100 first treatment includes a personalized consultation, a comprehensive skin and tattoo assessment, and one full laser session—all tailored to your unique goals, regardless of size, area, or design. No gimmicks, no pressure, and no big financial commitments that lock you in like the other more corporate brands. Our goal is to earn your trust by delivering results from the start and showing you how we’re reinventing the tattoo removal experience.

Still have any question? Contact us
contact us

Say Goodbye to What No Longer Serves You

Your skin deserves a clean slate. Whether you're ready for removal or just exploring options, our team is here to help you move forward — one session at a time.