Regretting that tattoo you got years ago? Maybe it’s an ex’s name, a design that no longer fits who you are, or just something that didn’t turn out the way you hoped. You’re not alone. Millions of people want their tattoos removed, and thanks to modern laser technology, it’s actually possible.
At Manhattan Laser Spa in Hallandale Beach, we use medical-grade laser technology to break down tattoo ink safely and effectively. Whether you’re removing a small tattoo, lightening one for a cover-up, or getting rid of a full sleeve, we can help. This isn’t some magic wand that makes tattoos disappear overnight. It’s a gradual process that takes time and patience, but it works.
If you’ve been living with tattoo regret or need to remove ink for career reasons, military requirements, or personal preference, laser removal offers a proven solution.
Laser tattoo removal uses concentrated light energy to break down the ink particles in your skin. When the laser hits your tattoo, it creates a photoacoustic effect (basically, a tiny shockwave) that shatters ink particles into smaller pieces. Your body’s immune system then recognizes these tiny fragments as foreign material and gradually flushes them out through your lymphatic system.
Think of it like breaking a rock into pebbles, then into sand. The laser doesn’t “pull out” the ink. It breaks it down small enough for your body to eliminate it naturally over time.
Different ink colors absorb different wavelengths of light. Black ink absorbs almost all wavelengths, making it the easiest color to remove. Colors like green, blue, and especially yellow are trickier because they don’t absorb laser energy as readily.
This is why you need multiple sessions spaced several weeks apart. Each treatment breaks down more ink, and your body needs time between sessions to clear out the fragments.
People come to us for all kinds of reasons. Here are the most common ones we see:
Career requirements. Some professions frown on visible tattoos. Law enforcement, military, corporate positions, healthcare jobs. If you’re trying to advance your career or change fields, visible tattoos can hold you back.
Relationship changes. Names and dates tied to past relationships are probably the number one reason people want tattoos removed. Enough said.
Lifestyle changes. The tattoo you got at 19 might not fit who you are at 35. People change, and sometimes ink that felt meaningful years ago just doesn’t represent you anymore.
Poor quality work. Amateur tattoos, prison tattoos, or just bad professional work that didn’t heal right. Sometimes you’re dealing with scarring or uneven ink that looks worse over time.
Preparing for a cover-up. If you want to get a new tattoo over an old one, removing or fading the original gives your artist a clean canvas to work with.
Professional appearance. Living in South Florida, you’re in business casual or beach attire a lot. Visible tattoos on hands, neck, or forearms can affect how people perceive you professionally.
We don’t use one approach for everyone. Your tattoo’s size, colors, age, and your skin tone all factor into your treatment plan.
We start by evaluating your tattoo. This includes:
Tattoo assessment. We look at size, ink colors, density, location on your body, and whether there’s any scarring. Professional tattoos with dense, high-quality ink take longer to remove than amateur tattoos with less ink.
Skin type evaluation. We use the Fitzpatrick scale to assess your skin tone. This matters because darker skin requires different laser settings to avoid pigmentation issues.
Medical history. Certain health conditions or medications can affect treatment. We need to know about any immune system issues, skin conditions, or medications you’re taking.
Realistic expectations. This part’s important. Complete removal isn’t always possible, especially with certain colors or on specific skin tones. We’ll be honest about what we can achieve.
We’ll also take photos to document your progress throughout treatment.
Before your session, make sure the tattoo area is clean. No lotions, makeup, or sunscreen on the treatment site.
You’ll wear protective eyewear during treatment. Some people use topical numbing cream about 30 to 45 minutes before their appointment, though many skip it.
During treatment, we use the laser handpiece to target your tattoo. You’ll hear a snapping sound with each pulse and feel something like a rubber band snapping against your skin, followed by heat. Honestly, it hurts. Most people say it’s more painful than getting the tattoo in the first place, but sessions are usually quick.
Small tattoos take 5 to 10 minutes. Larger pieces like sleeves can take 30 to 45 minutes or more.
Right after treatment, your tattoo will look “frosted” (white and raised). This is normal and fades within 20 minutes. The area will be red, swollen, and tender.
Your skin needs time to heal between sessions. Here’s what to expect:
First 24 to 48 hours: The treated area will be red, swollen, and tender like a sunburn. Blistering is common and actually a good sign that the treatment worked. Don’t pop blisters. Let them heal naturally.
Week 1: Apply antibiotic ointment and keep the area covered with a sterile bandage for the first few days. After that, keep it clean and dry. You can shower (gently) but avoid soaking in baths, pools, or hot tubs.
Weeks 2 to 8: Your body is working to flush out broken-down ink particles. You might notice the tattoo looking lighter. This is progress, but most fading happens gradually between sessions.
Sun protection is critical. Use SPF 30 or higher sunscreen on the treated area any time it’s exposed. Sun exposure can cause pigmentation problems and slow the removal process.
We space sessions six to eight weeks apart. This gives your immune system time to clear out ink fragments and your skin time to heal completely.
We use Q-switched and picosecond lasers depending on your specific tattoo.
Q-switched Nd:YAG lasers are the gold standard for tattoo removal. They deliver nanosecond pulses of energy at 1064nm wavelength (great for black and dark blue ink) and 532nm wavelength (for red, orange, and lighter colors).
Picosecond lasers (like PicoSure and PicoWay) deliver even shorter pulses, which can break down ink more effectively with less heat damage to surrounding skin. These work especially well on stubborn colors like green and blue.
The right laser depends on your ink colors and skin tone. During your consultation, we’ll explain which technology works best for your specific tattoo.
Black and grey tattoos respond best to treatment. Black ink absorbs all laser wavelengths, making it the easiest to remove.
Multi-color tattoos take longer because different colors require different wavelengths. We might need to use multiple lasers during your treatment series.
Professional tattoos have denser ink placed deeper in the skin. They take more sessions than amateur tattoos but usually fade more evenly.
Amateur tattoos (including stick-and-poke or homemade tattoos) often have inconsistent ink depth. They typically fade faster but might leave uneven results.
Cover-up tattoos are trickier because you’re dealing with multiple layers of ink. We can fade them enough for a new cover-up, but complete removal takes longer.
Cosmetic tattoos (permanent makeup on eyebrows, eyeliner, or lip liner) can be removed, but these often contain iron oxide pigments that can darken when treated. We approach these carefully with specific protocols.
This is the question everyone asks, and the answer is: it depends.
Most tattoos need six to 12 sessions for significant fading or removal. Some factors that affect this:
Tattoo age. Older tattoos fade faster because your body has already been working to break down the ink for years.
Ink quality. Professional tattoos with high-quality ink take longer to remove than amateur tattoos with cheaper ink.
Ink colors. Black is easiest. Red, orange, and yellow are hardest. Green and blue fall somewhere in between.
Tattoo location. Tattoos on areas with good blood flow (chest, upper arms) fade faster than tattoos on areas with less circulation (hands, feet, ankles).
Your immune system. Healthy immune systems clear ink faster. Factors like smoking, poor diet, or immune system conditions can slow the process.
Skin tone. We need to use lower energy settings on darker skin to prevent scarring or pigmentation changes, which can mean more sessions.
Small, old, black tattoos on areas with good circulation might be significantly faded in four to six sessions. Large, colorful professional tattoos can take 12 to 15 sessions or more.
Let’s be honest about expectations. Complete removal isn’t always possible.
Most people achieve 75 to 95 percent fading. You’ll likely have some “ghosting” (a faint shadow where the tattoo was). This is normal and expected, especially with larger or denser tattoos.
Some factors that affect final results:
Scarring from the original tattoo. If the tattooing process created scar tissue, that won’t disappear with laser treatment. The ink will fade, but textured or raised areas might remain.
Skin type. Darker skin tones have a higher risk of hypopigmentation (lightening) or hyperpigmentation (darkening) in the treated area. We adjust laser settings to minimize this, but it’s still a risk.
Ink depth. Very deep ink takes longer to reach and might not completely fade.
Colors. Yellow, white, and certain shades of green can be nearly impossible to remove completely.
After your final session, your skin continues improving for several months as your body clears remaining ink fragments.
Surgical excision involves cutting out the tattooed skin and stitching the edges together. This works for very small tattoos but leaves a scar. It’s not practical for anything larger than a coin.
Dermabrasion uses a rotating device to sand away skin layers. It’s painful, causes scarring, and doesn’t work well. Most reputable practices don’t offer this anymore.
Chemical peels can fade tattoos slightly but cause significant scarring and don’t penetrate deep enough to remove ink effectively.
Salabrasion (scrubbing salt into the skin) is an old method that’s extremely painful and causes severe scarring. Don’t do this.
Cover-up tattoos aren’t removal, but they’re an option if you want to transform your existing tattoo into something new. We can fade your current tattoo with a few laser sessions to give your artist more options for the cover-up design.
Laser removal is the safest, most effective method available. Period.
Yes, it hurts. Most people say it’s more painful than getting the tattoo originally.
The sensation is like a rubber band snapping against your skin repeatedly, combined with a hot grease splatter feeling. Bony areas (ankles, ribs, spine) hurt more than fleshy areas (upper arms, thighs).
Here’s what helps:
Topical numbing cream applied 30 to 45 minutes before treatment takes the edge off. Some people find it essential, others skip it.
Ice packs before and after treatment help with pain and swelling.
Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be taken before your appointment.
Breathing techniques and distraction help. The treatment itself is quick, usually under 15 minutes for small to medium tattoos.
The pain is temporary and manageable. Most people tolerate it fine, especially knowing it’s bringing them closer to removing unwanted ink.
Tattoo removal isn’t cheap, and insurance doesn’t cover it since it’s cosmetic.
Pricing depends on tattoo size, number of colors, and how many sessions you need. Smaller tattoos cost less per session than large pieces.
Most practices charge by the size of the tattoo or by session time. We offer package pricing that reduces the per-session cost when you commit to multiple treatments.
Think about it this way: you probably paid a few hundred dollars for your tattoo. Removing it will cost more because it takes multiple sessions and specialized medical equipment.
During your consultation, we’ll give you specific pricing based on your tattoo and realistic estimates of how many sessions you’ll need. We also offer payment plans to make treatment more affordable.
Most side effects are temporary and part of the normal healing process.
Blistering is common and actually shows the treatment worked. Don’t pop blisters. Let them heal naturally.
Redness and swelling are normal for a few days after treatment. Ice packs and keeping the area elevated help.
Scabbing and crusting happen as your skin heals. Don’t pick at scabs. Let them fall off naturally.
Temporary pigment changes can occur. Hyperpigmentation (darkening) or hypopigmentation (lightening) usually resolve within a few months but can sometimes be permanent, especially on darker skin.
Scarring is rare when treatments are done correctly but can happen, especially if you don’t follow aftercare instructions or have a tendency toward keloid scarring.
Infection is possible with any skin treatment. Following aftercare instructions minimizes this risk.
Serious complications are uncommon when you’re treated by licensed professionals using proper equipment and techniques.
Six to eight weeks before your first session: Stop waxing, plucking, or using hair removal creams on the tattooed area. These can irritate skin and interfere with treatment.
Four weeks before: Avoid excessive sun exposure and tanning beds. You can’t treat tanned or sunburned skin.
Two weeks before: Stop using retinoids, glycolic acid, or other exfoliating products on the treatment area.
Day of treatment: Shave any hair covering the tattoo. Arrive with clean skin (no lotions, oils, or makeup on the treatment area).
Stay hydrated in the weeks leading up to treatment. Healthy skin heals better.
Good aftercare makes a huge difference in your results and healing.
First 24 hours: Apply ice packs for 10 to 15 minutes every few hours to reduce swelling. Keep the area covered with a sterile bandage.
Days 1 to 7: Apply antibiotic ointment two to three times daily. Keep the area clean and dry. You can shower gently but avoid soaking in baths, pools, or hot tubs.
Weeks 2 to 8: Use fragrance-free moisturizer to keep skin hydrated. Apply SPF 30 or higher sunscreen any time the area is exposed to sun.
Throughout your treatment series: Don’t pick at blisters, scabs, or peeling skin. Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 to 48 hours after each session. Stay out of pools, hot tubs, and saunas for at least a week after treatment.
Never tan (real or fake) between sessions. Sun exposure slows healing and increases complication risks.
Medical-grade technology. We use FDA-cleared laser systems proven to deliver safe, effective results. No outdated equipment or cheap alternatives.
Licensed medical professionals. Every treatment is performed by trained laser technicians working under physician supervision. We follow Florida Board of Medicine regulations and maintain strict safety standards.
Experience with all skin types. We safely treat clients with light skin, dark skin, and everything in between. Our lasers and expertise allow us to customize treatments for your specific skin tone.
Realistic expectations. We don’t make false promises. During your consultation, we’ll give you honest assessments of what’s achievable with your specific tattoo.
Transparent pricing. No hidden fees or surprise charges. You’ll know exactly what treatment costs before you commit.
Convenient location. We serve Hallandale Beach residents plus clients from Aventura, Hollywood, Sunny Isles Beach, Pembroke Pines, and throughout Broward County. Whether you’re near the beach, Gulfstream Park, or anywhere along Hallandale Beach Boulevard, we’re easy to reach.
We’re conveniently located to serve clients throughout Hallandale Beach, including the Golden Isles, Three Islands, and areas near Gulfstream Park and Diplomat Landing. We also see clients from nearby Aventura, Hollywood, North Miami Beach, Dania Beach, and throughout Broward and Miami-Dade Counties.
Most tattoos require six to 12 sessions spaced six to eight weeks apart, so you’re looking at 12 to 24 months for significant fading or removal. Small, old, black tattoos might be mostly gone in six to nine months. Large, colorful professional tattoos can take two years or longer. The process is gradual because your body needs time to flush out broken-down ink between sessions. Some ink might never completely disappear, leaving a faint “ghost” of the original tattoo. Anyone promising complete removal in just a few sessions isn’t being honest with you.
Black ink is the easiest to remove because it absorbs all laser wavelengths. Dark blue, brown, and red respond well too. Green and purple are trickier but can be significantly faded with the right laser wavelength. Yellow, white, and certain fluorescent colors are the hardest to remove and might not respond to treatment at all. Some colors (especially those containing iron oxide or titanium dioxide) can actually darken when treated with lasers. During your consultation, we’ll assess your specific ink colors and give you realistic expectations about what we can achieve.
Scarring is uncommon when treatments are performed correctly by trained professionals using proper settings for your skin type. However, if your tattoo already has scarring from the original tattooing process, that won’t disappear with laser treatment. Blistering is a normal part of the healing process and doesn’t typically cause scarring if you follow aftercare instructions and don’t pick at healing skin. People prone to keloid scarring have a higher risk, but we can adjust treatment protocols to minimize this. Proper aftercare, avoiding sun exposure, and not picking at treated areas are crucial for preventing scars.
No. Anyone telling you they can remove a tattoo in one session is lying or using dangerous methods. Laser tattoo removal works by breaking down ink particles gradually. Your body needs time between sessions to flush out broken-down ink through your lymphatic system. Using too much laser energy in one session would cause severe burns and scarring. Safe, effective removal requires multiple sessions spaced six to eight weeks apart. The exact number depends on your tattoo’s size, colors, age, and location, plus your skin type and immune system health.
Yes, but it requires specialized lasers and careful technique. Darker skin contains more melanin, which can absorb laser energy and potentially cause burns or pigmentation changes if settings aren’t adjusted correctly. We use Nd:YAG lasers with longer wavelengths that safely penetrate darker skin without causing damage. Treatment might take more sessions because we use lower energy settings for safety, but we successfully treat all skin tones. During your consultation, we’ll evaluate your skin using the Fitzpatrick scale and customize your treatment plan to minimize risks while achieving the best possible results.
Yes, but you should wait at least three to six months after your final laser session before getting new ink in that area. Your skin needs time to heal completely, and you want any remaining pigment changes to resolve first. Many people do a few laser sessions to fade an existing tattoo, then get a cover-up tattoo instead of complete removal. Fading the original gives your tattoo artist more options and better results for the new design. Talk with both your laser technician and your tattoo artist about timing and expectations if you’re planning a cover-up.
We don’t treat pregnant or breastfeeding clients. While there’s no evidence that laser energy affects pregnancy or breast milk, your body’s immune system and healing processes are already working overtime. We recommend waiting until after you’ve finished breastfeeding to start or continue tattoo removal treatments. Your tattoo isn’t going anywhere, and it’s better to wait until your body is ready to handle the treatment and healing process effectively.
Moving forward from an old tattoo is easier than you think. At Manhattan Laser Spa in Sunny Isles Beach, we’ve helped countless people safely and effectively remove unwanted ink.
Your first step is simple: schedule a free consultation. We’ll examine your tattoo, answer all your questions, and create a personalized treatment plan just for you. There’s no pressure and no obligation, just honest information to help you make the right decision.
Whether you’re removing a small tattoo or a large piece, fading ink for a cover-up or seeking complete removal, our experienced team is here to help. We understand that every tattoo tells a story, and sometimes those stories change. Let us help you write your next chapter with clear, confident skin.
Call Manhattan Laser Spa today to schedule your free tattoo removal consultation. We’re conveniently located in Sunny Isles Beach, serving clients throughout Miami-Dade County including Aventura, Golden Beach, Hallandale Beach, and North Miami Beach.
