Jacksonville’s Source for Laser Tattoo Removal
Tattoos might be forever—but tastes change, and so do stories. Whether it’s an old design that no longer fits who you are or some spontaneous ink that didn’t age as well as you hoped, laser tattoo removal gives you a clean slate.
At Coastal Dermatology and Medspa, we use state-of-the-art lasers that work with your body’s natural processes to break down ink and fade it away with minimal fuss. We genuinely care about making every visit feel comfortable, judgment-free, and tailored just for you. We’re proud to be Jacksonville’s go-to spot for expert care and real results.
Reach Out to Our Team Today About Tattoo Reduction
Get the answers to your tattoo removal questions by contacting our team and booking a consultation.
How Does Laser Tattoo Removal Actually Work?
At Coastal Dermatology & Medspa, we use a Q-Switched Nd: YAG/KTP laser. This laser sends quick pulses of light into your skin, where the tattoo ink lives. The ink absorbs the energy, and the pigment breaks apart into tiny pieces.
Over the next several weeks, your body gradually clears out those fragments like a natural cleanup crew. We also adjust the laser’s wavelength based on the colors in your tattoo, since different shades respond to different light settings.
Laser tattoo removal takes time, but once the ink is gone, it’s gone forever. The fading process begins after just one visit. Each session that follows will fade the tattoo further until full removal or maximum improvement is achieved.
Top Benefits of Laser Tattoo Removal
The Q-Switched Nd: YAG/KTP laser offers a unique range of benefits compared to other tattoo-reduction technologies. Whether you’ve just decided to start erasing a piece of ink, or you’re trying to improve previous reduction results, you can enjoy the following benefits:
How Does Laser Tattoo Removal Heal?
Once your session’s done, your skin might throw a bit of a tantrum—think redness, swelling, tenderness, maybe even some bruising, blistering, or scabbing. These reactions are totally normal and actually part of the process. Your body’s working behind the scenes to clear out the ink, and this is how it shows up on the surface.
To help things heal smoothly, your provider will walk you through a few simple aftercare steps. Here’s what that might include:
Stick to the plan, and your skin will thank you for it.
Jacksonville’s Top Questions About Tattoo Removal
Chances are, yes. Most adults can be great candidates for laser tattoo removal. People with fair skin and darker ink tend to see quicker fading, but that’s definitely not the only combo that works. With the right laser settings and a skilled provider, we can safely treat a wide range of skin tones and tattoo colors.
You’ll want to be in generally good health, without any open wounds or skin issues in the area you want treated. And if you’ve had problems with scarring in the past, it’s something we’ll want to talk through before getting started.
Not sure if it’s a fit? Call us today for a consultation.
In the month leading up to your session, try to avoid excessive sun exposure and tanning. This helps the laser target your tattoo ink instead of the pigment in your skin. Also, steer clear of shaving, waxing, or exfoliating the area you’ll be treating.
You should also pause any products that make your skin sensitive to light, like retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, or salicylic acid. At your consultation, your provider will give you the full rundown on how to prepare and answer any questions you might have.
Pain tolerance varies from person to person. If you’re worried about discomfort, don’t worry—we offer numbing options to make the experience more comfortable and help take the edge off.
Scarring is rare when proper treatment guidelines are followed and aftercare is carefully maintained. The Q-switched laser is designed to be gentle on your skin and minimizes the risk of scarring. In some cases, the pigment of the treated skin may change, particularly for individuals with darker skin or a tan. If there was a pre-existing scar from the original tattoo, it may remain even after the tattoo is removed. However, for most people, the result is smooth skin without lasting marks.
Laser tattoo removal usually takes several sessions because your body needs time to break down and flush out the shattered ink. During your consultation, you’ll get an estimate of how many treatments you’ll need. The number of sessions depends on factors like:
- Where your tattoo is located
- How big the tattoo is
- How old the tattoo is
- The color of the ink
- The amount of ink used
- How deep the ink is
- Your skin type
After your first session, your provider can give you a more accurate estimate based on how your body responds to the treatment. Most tattoos are successfully removed in 3 to 10 sessions, though some may require up to 20. Sessions are typically spaced about eight weeks apart to give your body time to heal.
Laser tattoo removal can often lead to full removal, but it depends on several factors, including the tattoo’s size, color, age, and how deeply the ink was applied to your skin. With today’s advanced laser technology, even some of the more stubborn colors can be successfully removed. While many people achieve complete removal, some tattoos may require more sessions or might not be entirely gone, especially if the ink was deeply embedded. Your provider will discuss what’s realistically achievable for your tattoo during your consultation.
Absolutely! Many people choose to remove tattoos because they’re ready for something new to be inked over the old design. If you love most of your tattoo but want to change or remove a specific part, we can help with partial removal. We can even fade a tattoo to make it easier for a tattoo artist to do a cover-up. There are plenty of options to give you the canvas you need for your next piece!
Goodbye Ink, Hello New You
Whether you’re trying to erase mistakes of the past or preparing the way for a new piece of ink, there’s no time like the present to book your tattoo removal consultation!