Laser Tattoo Removal
Frequently Asked Questions

• OM Laser & Wellness offers the best technology along with a fully customized hands-on approach where the we are with you along the entire treatment journey. Our free consultations are deliberately unrushed to allow honest, informative, and detailed discussions designed to not only inform you but to also gain a proper understanding of your goals while setting realistic expectations.

• We are the only facility in the greater Hampton Roads area offering the Candela PicoWay Laser System.

•Our PicoWay Laser is scientifically proven by clinical research to produce faster, safer, and more effective treatments than q-switched laser technology. We see amazing results every day!

• Our PicoWay Laser System works by delivering ultra-fast picosecond pulses of energy into the tattooed skin. The laser energy shatters the tattoo ink into tiny, dust-like particles. The laser energy pulses (measured in trillionth of a second) are so fast that they create an acoustic shockwave that is faster, safer, and more effective at tattoo removal compared to q-switched laser technology (that utilizes heat which increases the risk of adverse symptomology).

• Your lymphatic system works with fluid exchange in the treated area to remove the shattered ink so the tiny particles can be expelled naturally. The tattoo seems to disappear over time as the ink is absorbed and eliminated from your body.

• Tattoo removal is a journey. There are several factors that influence the tattoo removal process including: ink color, type/quality, density, & application depth; your immune system; your skin type along with the location of the tattoo, and let’s not forget the age of the tattoo plus the application technique.

• Professional tattoos usually require an average of 8-12 (or more) treatments for complete clearing. Full removal requires a series of treatments spaced approximately 6-10+ weeks apart.

• For patients on the tightest timelines (who are also medically eligible), we can prescribe the Describe PFD patch as an optional add-on that allows us to administer up to 4 laser passes in one appointment vs the standard 1 pass per visit. This allows the PFD sessions to be 1.5 to 2.5 times more effective than a standard treatment.

• The consultation process will help gauge what to expect along the journey, and you’ll be happy to know that the PicoWay laser system used by OM Laser & Wellness usually requires fewer treatment sessions than with traditional lasers.

• Yes, dark black and dark blue ink both respond the best to the laser energy (especially lightly shaded areas), while any colors mixed with white ink are less easily processed with a laser because the white acts like a shield to the darker pigment.

• White ink laser tattoo removal takes more sessions and leads to less predictable results. In certain cases, some bright colors or white inks are unable to be completely removed.

• Bright green and bright blue inks have traditionally been difficult to remove with q-switched lasers, however our PicoWay Laser features dedicated wavelengths and hand pieces specifically designed to treat bright green and blue inks safely and successfully.

These all need to be determined prior to any treatments and can be discussed during the consultation process:

• Pregnancy

• Any tattoo site infection

• Tanning: avoid unprotected sun exposure for at least 4 weeks before the treatment.

• Avoid using photosensitivity medications 1 week before treatment (except for Accutane, which requires a wait time of 6 months minimum prior to treatment).

• Treatment is not recommended for patients who suffer from any medical problems such as: skin disorders, heart problems, cancer, seizures, and any immune system disorders or have implanted medical devices. If any of these cases apply, clearance from the Primary Physician is required to preform any laser procedure.

• Herpes simplex virus 1 or 2 patients must begin prophylactic medication 1 week before any treatments in close proximity to the mouth or genital areas.

• Keloid scarring

Our PicoWay is effective on tattoos that have been previously treated by other means.

We take care of patients all the time who come from other facilities both near and far. Hopefully they didn’t dama

Yes, we can remove selective areas of your tattoo. We are happy to discuss the details and specifics during your free consultation.

• Similar to the variation of pain reported when getting a tattoo, our clients report various levels of discomfort when getting their tattoos removed. There is discomfort, but it is generally bearable.

• Thankfully, the laser tattoo removal process is much faster than getting a tattoo applied - even large areas can be treated in a matter of minutes.

• We offer optional topical numbing to help diminish and alleviate pain during the procedure. This can be discussed during your free consultation, and we can adjust during treatment as needed.

• Our PicoWay Laser safely and successfully removes tattoo ink from all skin types, and it has been scientifically proven to reduce the risk of adverse effects on darker skin compared to q-switched technology found in other lasers.

• Tattoo removal is generally easier for people with fair skin. Greater contrast between the tattoo ink color and the color of your skin tends to yield faster results.

• This does not mean that tattoo removal is not effective on darker skin tones. It simply means that the procedure has the chance of going slower, as more treatments may be needed.

• We are committed to providing you the most informative consultation process along with the best technology to maximize whatever results are possible for you and your tattoo. We see great successes every day utilizing our effective laser system.

• Because of the variability and unknowns in the tattoo itself, along with each person’s ability to heal, there are no guarantees, warranties or assurances regarding the outcome or any improvements of your condition due to this procedure. Rest assured, there is no better way to treat your ink, and we will do everything we can to promote the best possible results!

• See FAQ question “How many laser tattoo treatments are needed…” for some of the factors that determine the success of the removal process.

• We are here to be your guide through the entire journey of tattoo removal.