If you’re considering tattoo removal, you probably have a few questions - and we’re here to answer them. Our team focuses on safe, effective treatments using advanced laser technology in a welcoming, judgment-free environment.
Laser tattoo removal is a safe, non-invasive treatment that uses concentrated light energy to break tattoo ink into tiny particles beneath the skin. Once the ink is fragmented, your body’s lymphatic system gradually flushes it away over the weeks following each treatment.
Our medical-grade laser sends extremely fast pulses of energy into the tattoo pigment without damaging the surrounding skin. Different wavelengths target different ink colors, allowing us to treat a wide range of tattoo colors safely.
At New Leaf Tattoo Removal, we use the Astanza Duality Signature Laser, a cutting‑edge Q‑switched Nanosecond Nd:YAG laser designed specifically for professional tattoo removal. Its dual wavelengths (1064 nm and 532 nm) and ultra‑short pulse durations allow us to safely break up pigment in a wide range of common tattoo colors. The Duality Signature delivers high‑peak energy with precision, maximizing ink fragmentation while protecting surrounding skin - helping deliver consistent, quality results on all skin types.
The number of sessions varies based on several factors:
Ink Depth – Ink placed deeper in the dermis takes longer to remove because the laser must gradually break through multiple layers of pigment.
Ink Density – Heavily saturated tattoos typically require more sessions than lighter or faded tattoos.
Tattoo Color – Certain colors respond differently to laser energy. Darker inks (black/gray) and warmer tones (red, orange, yellow) typically fade faster, while cooler pigments (green/blue) do not absorb laser energy as efficiently, meaning they often require additional sessions for significant fading.
Tattoo Location – Tattoos closer to the bodies core generally fade faster due to better circulation and lymphatic drainage than further out on limbs (fingers, hands, wrists, ankles, feet)
Tattoo Age – Older tattoos often fade faster since the body has already started naturally breaking down the ink over time.
Tattoo Type – Permanent makeup and scalp micropigmentation usually require fewer sessions due to the pigment being placed more superficially than traditional tattoos and having a different chemical makeup.
Immune Response – A healthy immune system plays a major role in clearing fragmented ink between treatments.
Average Treatment Range
The average for full laser tattoo removal is typically 6-12 sessions, depending on the individual factors listed above. Variables such as ink depth, color, saturation, placement, and your body’s immune response all influence how quickly a tattoo fades.
Most clients describe the sensation as similar to a rubber band snapping against the skin, and many say it's about the same pain scale as getting a tattoo. Treatments are quick and typically last seconds to just a few minutes, depending on the size of the tattoo being treated.
To keep treatments as comfortable as possible, we use Zimmer Cryo Cooling technology that blows chilled air (-30C / -22F) onto the skin before, during, and after each treatment. This helps reduce discomfort while also protecting the skin throughout the session.
OTC Numbing cream (Lidocaine 4% or higher) can be applied 45-60 minutes prior to your removal session. Most numbing creams recommend applying a generous, even layer over the tattooed area, avoiding fully rubbing it in. Once applied, the area should be covered well with plastic wrap if instructed.
Ways to make your session more comfortable:
• Stay well hydrated before your appointment
• Get a good night’s sleep prior to treatment
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and recreational drugs the day before and day of your session
• Avoid ibuprofen or aspirin before your appointment, as they can increase the risk of bruising
• Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the treatment area
Most clients are pleasantly surprised by how fast and manageable the treatment process feels.
At New Leaf Tattoo Removal, treatments are scheduled with adequate healing time between sessions to support safe and effective ink removal.
We require a minimum of 6-8+ weeks between treatments, and in some cases, longer spacing may be recommended depending on how your skin and tattoo respond.
Treating too soon can slow the overall fading process due to your body needing time to naturally clear broken-down pigment particles after each session. Properly spaced treatments help support better results over time and may reduce the total number of sessions needed.
Tattoo removal is a gradual process, especially for dense ink, multi-colored tattoos, and cosmetic pigments. Our goal is to guide the removal journey safely rather than rush treatment progression.
Yes, at New Leaf we specialize in the removal of traditional tattoos along with:
• Permanent Eyebrow Makeup (PMU) – microblading, powder brows, ombre brows, combo brows, nano brows and older brow tattoos
• Beard / Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) – "beard tattoos", "hair tattoos", tattoo hairline adjustments, fading, or full removal
Each type of pigment sits differently in the skin, so we create a customized treatment plan for every client. Our advanced laser technology allows us to safely and effectively fade pigment while protecting surrounding skin.
Most side effects are mild and temporary and are a normal part of the healing process. Common reactions include:
Redness & Swelling
Often similar to a mild sunburn and usually fades within 24–48 hours.
Blistering and Scabbing
A common and normal reaction as your body begins healing. Blisters protect the underlying skin and should not be popped.
Itching
A common sign of skin regeneration. Keeping the area moisturized with the recommended ointments can help soothe the skin.
Bruising
Mild and very common in the days following treatment sessions, usually starting as a classic black & blue before fading into a yellow tone as it heals.
Following proper aftercare instructions is essential to protect your skin and support the best possible results.
Scarring is a common concern for many clients who want their skin to look as natural as possible after completing the tattoo removal process.
In most cases, professional laser tattoo removal does not cause scarring when proper treatment protocols and aftercare are followed. It is actually more common for tattoos to already have mild, pre-existing scar tissue from when they were originally applied.
Laser tattoo removal works by targeting and breaking down pigment in the skin. If a tattoo has existing scar tissue, the laser will remove the ink within that area - but it will not remove the scar itself. Any scarring that was present before treatment will typically remain once the ink has faded.
While scarring from laser treatment is rare, it can occur if aftercare instructions are not followed carefully. Blisters and scabbing can be a normal part of the healing process, and picking or disrupting the area increases the risk of unwanted skin changes. That’s why we provide clear aftercare guidance and emphasize proper healing between sessions.
Certain individuals who are prone to keloid scarring may have a higher risk, which is why we review medical history during your consultation.
Overall, when performed properly and paired with responsible aftercare, laser tattoo removal has a very low risk of causing new scarring.
Have questions about Laser Tattoo Removal with New Leaf? We’re here to help.
© New Leaf Tattoo Removal
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