Black and Grey tattoo removal, fast results and great for coverups

brian henry black and grey marilyn monroe portrait tattoo

Every time I talk tattoo removal with clients there is always one major question I get asked, “How many treatments do you think I’ll need”. While normal full tattoo removal averages 12-13 sessions, Black and grey tattoos offer us a much better result in a much faster time frame.

What is a black and grey tattoo?

Black and grey tattoos are a specific style of tattooing that involves only using black and white inks and relying on the skin to create depth and shading. Its very popular in the portrait and realism styles of tattooing. Black and gray tattoos’ have a look that could be compared to a rendering done with graphite. It is particularly suitable for large, elaborate tattoos that contain a lot of details, but it’s not limited to that. Black and grey styles are also very popular with with sacred geometry, small designs and lettering. In this Marilyn Monroe Portrait you can see how the skin plays a major part in creating the depth and shading of the face, which is a great example of a black and grey tattoo style.

Why is removing black and grey tattoos the best?

Tattooers don’t typically use heavy amounts of solid black ink over huge areas and pack the ink it over and over like they would in say a “Tribal” style tattoo. This is why removal of them is typically very easy. On average I see a 50% or more difference in the first 1 or 2 treatments, It’s quite remarkable. Here is a good example of only one treatment to a black and grey tattoo. This is a very basic black and grey tattoo but the results are pretty consistent when removing this style. What you can notice here is all of the grey that was used to fill in the design is mostly gone while the line work remains a little. This is a great example of how heavier, darker inks need more treatment that lighter Softer ones do.

Does age still play a part in faster removal of black and grey tattoos?

The simple answer to this is Yes. Age is 100% always a factor in tattoo removal and as discussed in our post Tattoo Removal Factors You Should Know even in the black and grey world if the tattoo is brand new or let’s say under 2 years old it will be slower process. Now that’s not to say the grey wash wouldn’t come out quickly but the few places in the tattoo that have been heavily filled in to create the depth in the overall look of the design will take more treatments than say something over 10 years old.

What about covering up a black and grey tattoo?

When we discuss coverups we have quite a few factors to go over. The biggest being “what style are you going to cover this tattoo with”. Black and grey tattoos covered with a full color tattoo is a lot easier than trying to go black and grey over black and grey. Now thats not to say it can’t work. The black and grey style uses so much skin tone to create depth and shading, you’ll need to think about your coverup design throughly and work with your artist on how they can cover the tattoo up successfully. Over the years I’ve done quite a few lightenings of Black and grey tattoos for coverups and we’ve been able to make it work quite well. The key was always working with the tattoo artists closely and allowing them to make the decision on how many treatments are needed in the end.

Remember, whether you’re doing a cover up or a full removal, black and grey tattoos are in your favor so rejoice in that! Knowing that your path will typically be faster than the average tattoo removal is alway something we love to hear!
Cheers and thanks for reading.

November 7, 2022February 7, 2023

Lasers Don’t Remove Tattoos 100%, but the Human Body is an Incredible thing!

Tattoo removal services, full tattoo removal, tatoo removal for coverup, fading a tattoo for coverup

Why lasers don’t remove tattoos 100%

The real answer to the question of why lasers don’t fully remove tattoos is that we simply don’t need to try to laser it 100% away. The less we can attack the skin with a laser, the better. Laser tattoo removal always has a risk of scarring or pigmentation changes, but if we can avoid that, we always will!

How a laser removes ink

Tattoo removal lasers break the ink in your tattoo down into tiny particles. This allows your body to remove and flush these particles. Over time and with repeated laser sessions, your tattoo will away”

Tattoo removal isn’t a short process, and if you want removal with no scars, blistering, or pigment loss then you have to have a bit of patience. You’re not going to hear a laser technician tell you “lasers don’t remove tattoos 100%”, ever. Why would we want to be negative to you about the process? My approach to this business is to educate as well as be honest. I do my best to educate my clients about the process as much as I can, simply because you should always know what you are getting into and exactly how it works.

Is there a faster way to get tattoo removal?

Yes – with a major catch. There are “faster” ways to make it happen out there, but I can tell you from my experience those only lead to scars. Now ask yourself this “do I want a scar of this tattoo left on my body when the process is finished?” 9 out of 10x the answer is no. So why rush things? This is definitely a time when taking the long road helps immensely.

Full tattoo removal typically takes 12/13 sessions and we strive at all times to make sure you only go home with red swollen skin that will heal up in 24/48 hours. The idea is to keep the laser breaking up the ink to the best of its ability without hurting your skin in the process. Throughout your laser process, you’ll see the tattoo breaking up slowly, typically you don’t see a huge difference right away, it’s around treatment 3 or 4 that you really start to see the results happening. Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule but all of this information is simply the averages of what we see in the industry.

When will the tattoo be 100% gone?

Upon your last session, it is very common for you to be left with a light grey version of your tattoo, I like to call this a “shadow”. The remaining ink particles left over will eventually be eaten up by your body over the course of a year or so. Again patience is key. Below is a great example of what your body will do in 1 year’s time.

lasers don't remove tattoos — Original Tattoo

How the body is doing its job.

First, we have the original Tattoo, a Dark black outline with grey wash shading and a little red and yellow in the face. This type of tattoo is one you will generally deal with the line work the most, as the shading isn’t done very heavily and should give us great results quickly.

Next, we have the tattoo after 6 treatments and you can see a significant difference which is what we always strive for at the 1/2 point to full removal.

This client was going to do a coverup eventually so at this point we went as far as we needed to in order for them to be able to get a brand-new tattoo. The key to coverups is to get the old ink light enough that the tattooer won’t have to compromise the new design as well as having this tattoo show up underneath the new one after the new ink settled in their skin. You can learn more about the coverup process in my article here.

Now, this is my favorite part, this is that same tattoo 1 year later having never treated it beyond her initial 6 treatments. This shows you what the body is doing on its own and again how patience is key here.

Not only Is fading of the tattoo significantly better but their skin looks amazing as well. no scars, no loss of pigment, etc.

Since lasers don’t remove tattoos 100% we have to rely on the body and the body never really stops working until it simply has no ink left to take care of.

In Conclusion

Lasers don’t remove tattoos 100% but your body is also a factor in the removal process. The body is an amazing thing! It’s also great to know that there are options out there that leave us with beautiful skin and great results at the same time. I know searching for laser tattoo removal and looking at images on Google can be a super scary thing so I really hope this post will give people hope and more worthwhile information.

Thanks for reading.

October 22, 2022November 15, 2022

Exactly how much does tattoo removal hurt?

does tattoo removal hurt? What tattoo removal feels like, is laser tattoo removal dangerous

Not loving your tattoo and thinking about whether you can take the pain of getting it removed? Lots of people wonder how much tattoo removal hurts

Why does tattoo removal hurt?

Think about if you’ve ever burnt yourself on a pan hot from the oven, or hot water. The same concept applies to laser tattoo removal- the heat and intensity of the laser is what enables it to break up the ink in your skin into tiny particles. These particles are then flushed out through your immune system. Session after session, more particles are blasted until you’re left with a beautiful blank canvas…or a lightened tattoo prime for a cover up with the artist of your choice.

What does tattoo removal feel like?

While getting a tattoo lasered off does come with some minor discomfort, most people say that it’s less than they expected. The pain that comes with laser tattoo removal is similar to the snap of a rubber band as the laser pulses against your skin to break up the ink. Some people liken it to scratching a bad sunburn, or the feeling of a drop of hot oil splashing your skin. Everyone has a different idea of what it feels like.

Does laser tattoo removal hurt more than getting a tattoo?

Since laser is the only way to fully remove a tattoo, the discomfort that comes along with it is well worth it. If you can take the pain of getting a tattoo, you definitely can tolerate getting it removed. Everyone has different feelings about their pain tolerance and how much they can handle.

Other methods of tattoo removal like creams, saline treatments or even dermabrasion aren’t effective in removing tattoos. While these may be relatively pain free options, they are not considered to be an actual way to remove a tattoo for good, and they can cause permanent damage to your skin.

does tattoo removal hurt? — Does tattoo removal hurt? It’s spicy- but you can handle it

How long does tattoo removal pain last?

You may experience discomfort for a few hours after your session, similar to the sensation of a sunburn. Since we use an awesome cooling system while we treat your skin with the laser, it helps a lot with any feelings of heat in the area not only during the procedure but after as well. Some of my clients like to go home and apply an ice pack to the area to cool it down…but most of my clients go on with their day as normal, forgetting about any discomfort shortly after. You may have mild swelling and discomfort the next day, which will fade quickly over the next few days to a week.

Tattoo removal pain factors

The best thing about the discomfort associated with tattoo removal is that it’s QUICK. Where you may be sitting for a tattoo for several hours, with laser tattoo removal, you’re done within a few minutes and sometimes as little as 30 seconds. This makes it much easier to handle compared to the process of getting a tattoo.

The size of your tattoo, the saturation of the ink, how thick the lines of the tattoo are and its placement have a lot to do with how painful the process will be for you. Your personal pain tolerance will also play a part. Many clients report that the process gets easier as it goes on, because they know what to expect and seeing results is motivational for them. Just like getting a tattoo, the process of laser tattoo removal is something of a rite of passage- and one many can easily take.

Easing the pain of tattoo removal

Make sure to show up to your appointment having eaten beforehand and being well hydrated. For larger pieces, I do offer a complimentary numbing cream formulated exclusively for my laser clients. This would be applied an hour before your appointment. Squeezing tennis balls or stress balls can be helpful to some of my clients as well. The use of a cooling device during the procedure helps keep the skin cool and you comfortable.

Is laser tattoo removal for me?

At the end of the day, if you’re motivated to remove a tattoo or lighten it for a cover up…you’ll be able to handle it. Curious how much tattoo removal costs or have questions? Hit me up on social or book a free no pressure consult here.

Cheers!
Jim

October 15, 2022November 15, 2022

How laser tattoo removal works

Laser tattoo removal works in mysterious ways- learn more so you can get the best results from your treatments

By now you’ve learned that the only legitimate way to remove a tattoo is through laser tattoo removal. When I say legitimate, I mean the only way to completely remove a tattoo that doesn’t permanently damage your skin. Just like any other cosmetic procedure, it’s smart to learn a little about the process before you start undergoing treatments so you know how to get the best results and what to expect.

Why tattoos are “permanent”

When you get a tattoo, the ink is deposited into the dermis, which is a layer just under the outermost layer of your skin. After getting tattooed, your immune system kicks in to heal the layer of skin that has had ink added to it. Some of the ink is moved through your system and away from the area…but most stays behind. This is why tattoos are considered to be “permanent” even though they typically fade over time and now can be removed by lasers.

How lasers can remove tattoos

Laser tattoo removal works by blasting the ink in your skin into tiny particles which are later flushed out through your body’s lymphatic system. This is why it’s key to be in good health and to not smoke when you’re removing a tattoo. Your immune system kicks into overdrive to remove the ink particles.

Your health plays a role

One of the most interesting aspects of how laser tattoo removal works is the role your body plays in the process. Since getting the laser treatment is what we focus on, we often don’t consider how the ink is ultimately removed from your body. Your body takes the microscopic particles of laser treated ink and flushes them out using white blood cells.

This process of cleansing and flushing actually never stops, and your body will continue to process out the ink particles for months and years after getting laser tattoo removal treatments. Check out the image below- there’s a year and a half in between these pictures with no laser removal treatments. It’s a testament to the amazing regeneration our bodies can undergo over time. And it’s another reminder of why your health is a key factor in how successful and timely your tattoo removal journey is!

Here’s another example of the body’s ability to continue flushing ink particles over time. The middle image was after this client’s last treatment. The last image shows the end result after the immune system has done it’s job…awesome!

how tattoo removal works — The middle image was right after this client’s last session. It faded completely afterwards!

The type of laser used matters

Speed and heat are key to how laser tattoo removal works. Different wavelengths on the laser can address different colors in your tattoo. At Black Sage we use the Quanta Q-Plus C laser, the only true three wavelength Q-switched system available in the world. This means we can specifically target each color in your tattoo removal process so you get the best results in the most efficient period of time. We also utilize a cooling system during laser treatments which increase your comfort and reduces the risk of burns or blistering.

Our cutting edge laser technology allows us to remove most any tattoos, while keeping in mind that there are a lot of factors other than your health that influence your results. These include the saturation of ink, color, age of the tattoo, and placement. Older tattoos made up of mostly black ink are typically the easiest to remove.

Choosing a tattoo removal clinic

Make sure you’re able to speak to the laser tech that will be removing your tattoo to ask questions beforehand. Find someone with experience, who doesn’t push you to purchase a package up front. Ask about the laser, their opinions on skin integrity (blistering), and anything else you’re curious about. Ultimately, for a highly personal decision it’s important you feel completely comfortable and trust in the technology and person who will be performing the laser tattoo removal process for you.

Lots of medi spas are popping up that offer laser tattoo removal, other skin treatments, microblading and more. This may seem convenient, but unfortunately, laser tattoo removal is not their specialty and your results can reflect that.

We consider all factors when consulting with you so that we can give you a fair and reasonable estimate of time to remove a tattoo and tailor your overall treatment plan to your situation. We have great success removing tattoos of all ages, colors and placements and we work closely with tattoo shops in Colorado for cover ups. Check out some images on our Insta to see for yourself, and shoot us a DM if you have questions or want to book a free, no pressure consultation.

Cheers,

Jim

September 15, 2022November 15, 2022

Sun Exposure and Laser Tattoo Removal

Learn how sun can affect your removal process

If you’re thinking about your sun exposure and laser tattoo removal, you’re on the right track. Getting a tattoo removed is a highly personal choice, similar to coloring your hair, getting braces, working out, or getting a new piercing. Many people also choose to undergo cosmetic surgery, Botox, microblading, and more. All of these choices are up to the individual, and I respect those who’ve chosen to remove a tattoo. Just like getting a brand new tattoo, removing ink of something of a rite of passage.

Getting rid of a tattoo you are unhappy with is a process. Despite some of the videos or tattoo removal before & afters you may have seen, laser tattoo removal actually happens over time over the course of multiple sessions. Usually we an fully remove a tattoo in 10-14 sessions, but this does depend on the age of the tattoo, saturation and colors involved.

Those who have chosen to remove a tattoo with laser know that they are committing to a journey for the ultimate outcome of being able to beautifully cover up a tattoo they’re unhappy with, or remove it completely. How many sessions a tattoo takes to remove really depends on the age and saturation of the ink…and some other factors like your health.

When you consider an elective process like laser tattoo removal, it’s helpful to think about how it may impact your life, so that you know what to expect. One of the things I talk about often with my new clients is sun exposure. Much like a new tattoo, I advise my clients to stay out of the sun especially right after a laser treatment.

How laser tattoo removal works

Think about the concept of laser tattoo removal: we blast your tattoo with a laser that breaks up all of the ink into tiny particles. These particles then are then flushed through your immune system and out of your body. Then the process is repeated every 4-6 weeks until we have achieved the outcome you desire. More info about the process can be found in our FAQ. A laser can reach temperatures up to 900 degrees Fahrenheit. Imagine how it feels to have a gnarly sunburn, then to spend a few minutes outside in bright hot sun. Not pleasant, right? This is exactly what we try to avoid with sun exposure and laser tattoo removal.

Why blistering can damage your skin

The problem with blistering and tattoo removal is that it can damage your skin permanently. Blistering results from getting burned. Think about any time you’ve touched a hot oven by accident. Maybe you even have a scar somewhere from getting burned at some point in your life (I know I sure as hell do).

When blisters form after getting laser tattoo removal, this can lead to permanent scarring. That’s why it’s so important to make sure you know whoever is doing your treatment has the proper training and is using state of the art equipment. All laser “clinics” are not made equal…and the quality of your skin can suffer because of it.

It’s generally smart to keep the tattoo you’re working on out of the sun as much as possible during treatment. That doesn’t mean YOU have to stay out of this beautiful Colorado weather…just cover it or wear SPF. Sun exposure and laser tattoo removal just don’t mix.

Scarring from blisters is not the only risk you take on when you expose your get sun exposure after tattoo removal. You can also run the risk loss of pigment after tattoo removal when you go into the sun. This is called hypo pigmentation (removing pigmentation/color from your skin). Hyper pigmentation (darkening of the skin) can also occur. Both of these issues are obviously bad outcomes for laser tattoo removal when you’re looking to remove a tattoo or lighten a tattoo for a cover up.

Too much sun before laser tattoo removal treatments can also slow the process down. We all make mistakes, but I advise my clients to be careful about getting sun exposure and laser tattoo removal.

Sun exposure and laser tattoo removal don’t mix

Tanning and laser tattoo removal

Enjoying sun exposure a little too much can cause additional melanin in your skin (making you tanner and darker) and when combined with laser tattoo removal, can cause hyper and hypo pigmentation.

Some clients ask about using tanning lotions or self tanning creams instead of using the tanning bed while getting a tattoo removed. This is also not recommended. These creams can react to the laser and cause hypo pigmentation (lightening of the skin). Your skin also absorbs chemicals it comes into contact with including lotions and creams, and you want your immune system in good shape for this process.

At the end of the day, laser tattoo removal is a commitment with a great reward. It’s awesome to see people stoked that they can completely forget about an old tattoo they had….or see them work with a tattoo artist to create something completely new and special to them. Generally sun exposure and laser tattoo removal just don’t mix. If you choose to get a tattoo removed this is a great time to take care of your health, make sure you’re not smoking, and lay off the tanning beds and creams.

I’m always here to chat about your goals in removing a tattoo you no longer love and answer your questions whether they are about the process, tattoo removal cost, or anything else. Give me a call at the shop or setup a free, no pressure, no judgment consult.

Cheers!

Jim

August 31, 2022November 15, 2022

Age, Saturation and Patience: The 3 Pillars of Tattoo Removal

After tattoo removal, tattoo removal aftercare

Tattoo removal factors that you should know about

Many people with old or disliked tattoos wonder about the tattoo removal process. Typically clients come to me with a basic understanding of how the process works, but it can be important to understand the major factors that go into the tattoo removal process and how they might affect your outcome, whether you’re interested in removing a tattoo completely, or simply lightening it up enough to get a tattoo cover up. There are many factors that go into it, but the 3 pillars of laser tattoo removal are: age, saturation and patience.

One of the biggest factors that influences tattoo removal is the age of the tattoo to be removed. This can make a significant different in the success of tattoo removal. Said another way, it’s much easier to remove an old faded out tattoo than it is to remove something that’s less than a couple years old. Tattoos that are over 10 years old are far more likely to be removed 100% in 10-12 sessions. Obviously, factors like your overall health and how heavily the tattoo was done in the first place also influence how long it will take for your process.

Saturation is the next factor for tattoo removal. By saturation, I mean how heavy is the original line work and shading? Are there really deep, dark lines? Is the overall tattoo still very dark, even after 10-20 years? When we mention a tattoo artist being “heavy handed” this is essentially the same thing as saturation.

The tattoo pictured is a great example of a prime candidate for removal. This client is a healthy, non smoking individual, with a ~20 year old grey wash type tattoo that is not completely saturated. Luckily, patience didn’t even come into play with this tattoo, as we only had to complete 2 sessions to see a 90% reduction in the appearance of the tattoo.

If the client left this tattoo just like this, her body would actually metabolize the rest of the ink that’s left over the next year or so and it would go away completely with no scarring or marks of any kind! Awesome!

After 2 tattoo removal sessions this tattoo is almost completely gone — After just 2 tattoo removal sessions

The last pillar of tattoo removal is patience, and it’s something I talk to my clients about quite a bit. There’s a lot of misleading info out there about, well, everything- but especially the tattoo removal process. Social media can make things seem much faster, easier, and unrealistic. There’s a lot to learn when you’re researching this process, so it’s understandable that people aren’t sure about how fast it happens or what the process is really like. Trust me, we all wish it only took 1-2 sessions to complete the tattoo removal process!

The average full tattoo removal will typically be around 10-12 sessions, and this is where the patience comes in. This is a process to renew your body’s canvas. To ensure the integrity of your skin, we work in sessions that are 4-6 weeks apart. This allows your skin to fully heal, and your body to move out the laser blasted ink. If you can adopt the mindset that being patient with the process is part of your tattoo removal or tattoo cover up journey, it will be much easier and more enjoyable!

Choosing to undergo any elective procedure for your appearance can be a stressful experience. Find someone that you believe is there for your best interests and not just trying to sell you a package deal. Make sure you can speak directly to the person who will be performing the laser tattoo removal service for you. Ask questions until you feel comfortable you understand the process. Lastly, make sure you do your research. Ask what kind of laser they’re using, what certifications they have, their perspective on blistering, and how many sessions they anticipate needing to meet your goals.

Don’t forget to check out our FAQ for some commonly asked laser tattoo removal questions, and if you want to speak to a human, fill out this form and let’s chat about your goals!

Cheers,

Jim

August 16, 2022August 25, 2022

Tattoo cover up journey: Cats, lasers and a brand new tattoo

This tattoo cover up has been over 20 years in the making

It’s always exciting for me to get big new projects for laser tattoo removal! Our newest project is a large piece intended for a tattoo cover up, so our goal will be to lighten this as much as possible into a gray wash type tone. This will allow my client to choose any tattoo artist they desire for their cover up, and get a great result that will last for many years to come. This is my first post saying farewell to this cat, and I’ll document the journey from start to finish.

This cat piece is around 20 years old and roughly 10″ wide by 8″ tall. Colors on this tattoo to be removed include black, grey, green and purple. I would consider the ink saturation level to be medium to heavy. I’m estimating that laser removal sessions will probably range from 4-8 depending on how their body and ink respond to the process.

Large Cat tattoo for eventual tattoo cover up — Large cat design for tattoo cover up

3 factors that effect laser tattoo removal results for a tattoo cover up:

Health of the person: Your health plays a large role when you get laser tattoo removal- blood flow is everything! This means that underlying health problems or those that smoke may cause laser tattoo removal to be a slower process. After all, laser tattoo removal blasts the ink in your skin, so that it can be broken down by your body and then processed out. Any extra burden like smoking can slow this process down.
Age of the tattoo: Tattoos that are 10 years or older are prime candidates for laser tattoo removal. The sun and time have already lightened up the tattoo for us. This isn’t to say we can’t remove newer tattoos, because it’s definitely possible. The process may take a little longer, but results depend on multiple factors. Our buddy the cat here is a 20+ year old tattoo, which ensures we will see great results within the first 2-3 lightening sessions. Lots of us have made questionable ink choices- if you have a really old tattoo you hate, it’s typically easier to get rid of those. Many of my clients didn’t consider laser tattoo removal until they learned they could lighten up their old tattoos to get a tattoo cover up. This has now become the go to option for many people who desire to renew their canvas. Tattoos are no longer permanent, and our technology ensures the integrity of your skin so it can be covered with something you love.
Ink Density: The heaviness of the ink can speed up or slow down the process. As you can see, we have some pretty heavy ink on the cat’s head, as well as some thick line work throughout this tattoo. If you notice how “fuzzy” the tattoo looks, that gives the impression of broken down ink, which definitely plays in our favor when we’re looking to laser this old tattoo. Time and sun exposure can cause this process to accelerate, and if you have a tattoo that you hate looking like this, you’re in a good position to be considering laser tattoo removal.

As we work on this tattoo removal process I’ll be updating you with new posts to show you the progress each month on as we laser it away, to monitor how well the tattoo removal treatments are working. You’ll also get to see the coverup process including the drawing, stencil and tattoo progress as it goes. I’m excited to see how this one turns out. Stay tuned!

Cheers!

-Jim

August 11, 2022November 15, 2022

Gain awesome new ink with a tattoo cover up

Tattoo removal for tattoo coverup Denver Colorado

Laser tattoo removal can help achieve a long lasting, quality tattoo cover up

Have you ever seen someone with a tattoo cover up, and you can clearly tell it’s a cover up because of the dark lines showing through? This typically happens a couple years after getting a cover up when the ink settles into the skin. For those with the patience and interest in a long term tattoo cover up solution that will look great for years to come, laser tattoo removal is a great choice.

It’s so tempting to want to cover up a bad tattoo immediately, especially one with emotional bonds connected to it. Sometimes this can work, but especially for larger cover ups, this can be disastrous. Tattoo removal for cover ups can work wonders for those looking to upgrade their skin’s canvas, because it allows you to ultimately choose almost any artist, instead of just the ones willing to throw on a dark cover up just to get it covered fast. Does it take some time and patience? Absolutely, but the results are worth waiting for.

Don’t rush into a tattoo cover up

If you’ve already rushed into getting a tattoo you dislike enough to cover it up, don’t rush into getting it covered with just anything. I’ve worked with many people who have quickly covered up an old tattoo, only to come to me later regretting the black blob they now have in its place. It’s also much more difficult to remove what is now essentially a double layer of tattoos. We’ve all made these rash decisions, but there are now other options for us!

You have choices, and you can choose to renew your canvas so that you can choose most any artist and artwork after lightening your tattoo through laser tattoo removal. Typically, our goal with tattoo cover ups is to lighten the existing tattoo to a “gray wash” look. This allows it to easily be covered by the tattoo artist of your choice. Here’s a great example of this:

Tattoo cover up results after lightening an old tattoo with laser tattoo removal — A beautiful end result for a cover up after laser tattoo removal

We work with all tattoo shops

We work with all Colorado tattoo shops for cover ups, so we can help you consult with your artist on how light we want to get the tattoo depending on your goals. A lot of our new clients are referred to us directly from local tattoo shops, where they’ve chatted with an artist about their tattoo ideas. It’s much easier for an artist to work out a cover up when it’s already been lightened- it allows more creative freedom and lets you choose the artist you really want.

How long does it take?

People ask all the time how many sessions will be required to get a tattoo in shape to be covered with another piece of art. The answer is: it depends. The age of the tattoo, how much ink was put in (tribal, anyone?), and how much color the tattoo has all dictate how many sessions it will take to lighten enough. For a regular black & gray tattoo, I’d estimate 4-8 sessions, but again, this depends on a lot of different variables. Your health, whether or not you smoke, and how old the tattoo all also dictate how easy the ink will lift out of your skin.

Each tattoo removal situation is unique to the individual. To find out more information that’s specific to you, it’s best to book a free, no pressure consultation where you can talk directly to a laser tattoo removal specialist about your options and get their opinion on how the process will go depending on your specific ink. It’s a time to ask questions and get a professional assessment of the tattoo you’re interested in removing- hit me up.

Cheers,
Jim