Most laser tattoo removal myths come from older technology, internet rumors or someone's cousin's bad experience. If you're in Lakeland, FL and thinking about removing a tattoo, here are seven common myths and the honest answers behind them.
Knowing what's true helps you set realistic expectations before your first appointment. It also helps you spot promises that sound too good to be real.
Does laser tattoo removal hurt or leave scars?
Laser tattoo removal does hurt, and scarring is uncommon but possible. Here are the two myths we hear most about comfort and safety.
Myth 1: Laser tattoo removal doesn't hurt
Laser tattoo removal does hurt, and anyone who tells you otherwise isn't being straight with you. The good news is that it's quick.
Most people describe the feeling as fast, sharp snaps against the skin. Those snaps stop the moment the laser stops.
At Bare Skin, we use a Zimmer cold-air cooling system the whole time to keep you more comfortable. Small tattoos can take just a few minutes. You can read more in our post on what laser tattoo removal feels like.
Myth 2: Laser tattoo removal always scars
Scarring is uncommon with laser tattoo removal when the right settings and good aftercare are used. Still, it's a real risk, and we won't pretend otherwise.
Normal healing can include redness, swelling, tenderness, pinpoint bleeding, blistering, crusting and itching. Crusting usually flakes off in about 7 to 10 days.
Picking at scabs, popping blisters or getting sun on the area raises your risk. Following your aftercare instructions is one of the most important things you can do.
Other possible effects include temporary or permanent lightening or darkening of the skin. That risk is higher for darker skin tones and tanned skin. Rarely, scarring or a change in skin texture can happen.
How long does tattoo removal really take?
Tattoo removal takes a series of sessions spaced weeks apart, and there are no real shortcuts. Two myths tend to set the wrong expectations here.
Myth 3: One session will do it
One session almost never removes a tattoo completely. Most people see some lightening after the first session heals, but tattoo removal is a series of treatments.
The number of sessions depends on ink color, density, depth, the age of the tattoo, where it is on your body, your skin type and how your immune system responds. Amateur tattoos often clear in fewer treatments than professional ones. Professional work commonly needs more.
We never promise a specific number. You'll get an honest estimate at your consultation. For a deeper look, read how many sessions tattoo removal takes.
Myth 4: Spacing sessions closer together speeds things up
Booking sessions closer together does not speed up removal. Your skin needs time to heal, and your body needs time to clear the broken-up ink.
Sessions are spaced at least 6 weeks apart, and often 6 to 8 weeks or more. Ink keeps fading for weeks after each session as your body does its work.
Rushing treatments can raise the risk of skin irritation and side effects without improving your results. Patience is part of the process.
Are all lasers and inks the same?
No. The laser you're treated with and the colors in your tattoo both shape your results.
Myth 5: All tattoo removal lasers are the same
Not all lasers work the same way. The type of laser affects how ink breaks apart and which colors can be targeted.
We use the Candela PicoWay®, an FDA-cleared picosecond laser. It fires pulses measured in trillionths of a second.
Those ultra-short pulses break ink apart mainly with a pressure effect rather than heat. The result is very fine particles that your immune and lymphatic systems clear over the following weeks.
Older lasers relied more on heat. PicoWay's approach is designed to shatter ink into smaller pieces, which your body can carry away more easily.
Myth 6: Colored ink can't be removed
Many colored inks can be lightened or removed, though some colors are harder than others. The key is matching the right light to the right ink.
PicoWay has dedicated handpieces for different ink colors:
1064 nm for black and dark inks
532 nm for red, orange and yellow on lighter skin types
730 nm and 785 nm for blues and greens
Some inks are stubborn. White, flesh-tone and some cosmetic inks can paradoxically darken when treated, so we test them first with a small test spot.
Myth 7: Can you remove tattoos on darker skin?
People with darker skin can have tattoos removed, but it takes extra care. PicoWay's 1064 nm handpiece is used across skin types with appropriate settings.
The honest part: darker skin carries a higher risk of pigment change, meaning the skin itself may lighten or darken. That's why your provider uses test spots and conservative settings.
Avoiding sun and tanning before and between sessions also helps lower that risk. Your consultation is where we talk through what's realistic for your skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do tattoo removal creams work as well as a laser?
No. There is no topical cream FDA-cleared to remove tattoos. Some creams can irritate or even scar the skin, so they're not worth the risk.
Is a cover-up always cheaper than removal?
Not always. Fading a tattoo first can give your artist a better canvas and more design options. Learn more in our post on fading a tattoo for a cover-up.
What is frosting?
Frosting is when the treated area turns white right after treatment. It usually lasts 5 to 30 minutes and is a normal reaction.
Who performs treatments at Bare Skin?
Every consultation and treatment is performed by a licensed APRN. They work under protocols with a supervising board-certified plastic surgeon.
Get honest answers about your tattoo
Bare Skin opens November 20 in Lakeland. We're Polk County's only dedicated PicoWay® studio, focused on one thing: laser tattoo and permanent makeup removal.
Claim $50 off your first session. You can also send a photo for a free estimate, or text us at (863) 450-1525.
Just you. Bare skin.
