FAQ:

Does it hurt?

Laser tattoo removal is a low-risk, outpatient procedure.  The discomfort of the procedure is minor, and has been described as similar to a rubber-band snapping on the skin.  The procedure is also described as less painful than getting a tattoo.  As we treat the area, we cool the overlying skin with our Zimmer Cryo 5 skin cooler.  This cooling air makes the procedure as comfortable as possible; patients rave about this execellent new cooling system.  After the treatment, the treated area will feel a bit like a sunburn for about a 24 hour period.

 Can my tattoo be removed?

Every tattoo is different, so no service today can guarantee 100% removal.  Green Bay Laser Center uses the most advanced technology available for the highest success rates around at acheiving complete removal.  All tattoos can at the very least be significantly reduced.  Most tattoos are significantly reduced in apperarance after the first session.  Black, red, dark orange and dark blue tattoos will usually respond relatively quickly to treatments.  Green, purple, brown, light orange and light blue colors may require more visits.  Yellow is extremely difficult and white pigment cannot be removed.

 My tattoo has lots of colors. Can it be removed?

Usually, but not always.  We use state of the art lasers and the newest techniques.  Some colors may require more treatments than others, but most can usually be removed.  Some colors cannot be removed.  Certain shades of purples, pink, yellow, and whites will be difficult or may not be removable.

Will it be gone after my first treatment?

No.  There are several different factors involved in determining how many treatments your particular tattoo will require, but between 5 and 15 treatments is average.

Is it normal not to see results after your 1st treatment?

Yes.  Some peoplemay even see their tattoo get darker with their first treatment.  Everyone responds at a different rate.  The treatment is only effective with multiple visits...just be patient and you should get the best results possible.

How long do I have to wait between tattoo removal treatments?

4-6 week intervals is the ideal time to wait between treatments.  It takes at least 4 weeks for your body to naturally process and expell the ink.  We typically prefer clients to wait at least 5 weeks between treatments to acheive maximum results.  

I had a treatment a week ago and it seems healed.  Can I came back sooner then six weeks?

Healing is not the reason for the spacing of your treatments.  The laser does not expel the ink, it breaks it up so you body's immune system can take it away.  If you treat your tattoo too frequently, the laser is simply targeting the ink your body hasn't had the chance to remove, and you will be paying more for the same result.

Are there any limitations after treatment?

You may resume all activities soon after treatment, provided you ensure the area is not rubbed or scratched.  You should avoid exposing the treated area to sun or chlorine for at least two weeks after treatment.

Can I have just a part of my tattoo removed?

Yes. We can take the face off of a pin-up girl to have it redone.  We can take the name out of a banner without disrupting the rest of the tattoo.  Laser tattoo removal is very accurate.

Can you remove permanent make-up (lip liner, eyeliner, eyebrows)?

Green Bay Laser Center does not treat these types of tattoos.  Some cosmetic inks have metalic bases.  When the laser comes in contact with these inks, it can turn black.  Be cautious of anyone who says they can effectively remove cosmetic ink. Once this darkening occurs, it is difficult if not impossible to be removed by any laser.  Tattooed eyeliner cannot be removed due to the danger of the laser near the eye.  Removing permanent eyebrows presents the risk of the pigment migrating up the forehead causing a shadow effect.  For these reasons, Green Bay Laser Center will not perform laser tattoo removal on permanent make up procedures.

Do I have to pay for the entire laser tattoo removal process in advance?

No.  However, we offer discounts if you do.  You can pay for one treatment at a time.  We provide discount packages for purchasing multiple procedures in advance.

Will I have a scar?

Most patients will not scar, however, scarring is a possibility in any medical procedure involving the skin.  If you are predisposed to keloids, or you scar easily, your chances are higher.  Compliance with our aftercare instructions will greatly minimize your chances of scarring.

Can I get a new tattoo where the old one used to be?

A large number of Green Bay Laser Center's clients are fading an unwanted tattoo with the intentions of getting a cover-up.  Tattoo fading gives the client and artist more options and a better chance of a successfull cover-up.  The laser used is very tissue-friendly and will allow for future tattooing in its place without compromising the skin.  We are a tattoo friendly service, and will work with artists to help maximize the outcome of their cover-up.

How can I conceal my tattoo during the removal process?

Professional-grade cover-up prooducts are available that can be used to conceal your tattoo during the tattoo removal process.  The cover-up comes in many shades which ensures you will be able to match your skin tone.  The products are waterproof and smudgeproof...the perfect short term fix for those special occassions.

Is laser tattoo removal permanent?

The tattoos we remove at Green Bay Laser Center will never return.  However, it is important to note that some tattoos might never fade completely.  The many factors and variables that affect the tattoo removal process will be accessed and explained in greater detail during your free tattoo removal consultation.  No one can guarantee 100% removal, but we will do our best to achieve the best results possible.

Can minors use Green Bay Laser Center's services?

Minors can get laser tattoo removal, but we do require a parent's consent and a parent must be present for each treatment. 

How long does each treatment take?

The duration of each laser tattoo removal treatment depends on the size and color of your tattoo.  Most of our clients are in and out within a 15 to 25 minute window.