Tattoo Removal

Skinfolio’s laser tattoo-removal treatment for small unwanted tattoos. Using Q-switched laser technology, the treatment delivers short pulses of energy that break tattoo pigment into smaller fragments, allowing the body to gradually process them.

Black and dark-blue inks generally respond most predictably. Other colours require specific wavelengths and may only partially fade. Every tattoo requires an assessment before treatment because complete removal cannot be guaranteed.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Amanda Lau, MD CCFP

What it treats

Designed for these concerns.

Small Black or Dark-Blue Tattoos

What you can expect

Gradually fades unwanted tattoo pigment
Works most predictably on black and dark-blue ink
Can target an entire small tattoo or selected sections
May prepare an existing tattoo for a cover-up
Requires no surgical removal of the tattooed skin

A suitable option for:

Clients wanting to fade or remove a small tattoo
Individuals with black or dark-blue tattoo ink
Clients preparing an old tattoo for a cover-up
People able to commit to multiple treatments

The essentials

Before & after care.

A simple checklist so you arrive prepared and recover comfortably. Your clinician will tailor this to you.

Before your visit

Preparing

Avoid sun exposure on the tattoo for 4-6 weeks before treatment
Do not use self-tanners on the area
Arrive with clean skin, free of lotions or products
Shave the area if there is hair over the tattoo
Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, and blood thinners for 24-48 hours prior (to reduce bruising risk)
Stay hydrated to support your lymphatic system

After your treatment

Recovering

Keep the area clean and dry
Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment and cover with a sterile bandage for the first few days
Do not pick at blisters or scabs
Avoid sun exposure and apply SPF 30+ once healed
Skip hot baths, saunas, swimming pools, and intense exercise for 48-72 hours
Stay hydrated to help your body flush ink particles
Avoid smoking, which slows healing and reduces treatment efficacy

In detail

Everything about Tattoo Removal.

Downtime

1 week

Sessions

Varies considerably

Comfort

Sharp heat or repeated snapping

Treatment time

Based on tattoo size

Numbing

Topical anesthesia

How Q-Switch Laser Tattoo Removal Works

Q-switched lasers deliver short, high-energy pulses that are absorbed by selected tattoo pigments. The rapid energy creates a photoacoustic effect that fragments the ink while limiting prolonged heat exposure.

Immune cells gradually process some of these fragments over the following weeks. Each treatment targets remaining pigment, producing progressive fading rather than immediate removal.

Tattoo Assessment and Expected Results

Before beginning treatment, we evaluate your tattoo to determine:

Size and location
Ink colours present
Estimated number of sessions required
Any factors that may affect treatment (scarring, layered ink, skin type)

This assessment helps us create a realistic treatment plan and ensures RethINK is the right option for your tattoo. We only treat small tattoos at Skinfolio.

Complete tattoo removal is possible for many clients, but results vary based on several factors:

Ink colour and density
Tattoo age (older tattoos often fade more easily)
Professional vs. amateur application
Tattoo location on the body
Your skin tone and immune response
Whether the tattoo is layered or a cover-up

Some tattoos fade significantly but may leave a faint shadow or ghost image. Others can be removed almost entirely. During your consultation, we'll assess your specific tattoo and provide an honest evaluation of expected outcomes.

Treatable Ink Colours

Black and dark-blue pigments generally respond best because they absorb commonly used tattoo-removal wavelengths effectively. Red, orange, green, light blue, yellow and white inks can be more difficult or may require wavelengths Skinfolio’s device does not provide.

The Treatment Experience

The area is cleansed, and everyone in the treatment room wears device-specific protective eyewear. The laser is applied precisely across the selected tattoo, creating rapid snapping sounds and brief sensations of heat.

Temporary white “frosting” may appear as the laser interacts with the pigment. Sessions for small tattoos are generally brief, although preparation and numbing may add to the total appointment time.

FAQ

Everything you need to know.

Most tattoos can be significantly faded or removed, but results vary. Black and dark blue inks respond best. Lighter colours and certain pigments may only partially fade. We assess each tattoo individually during consultation.

When performed correctly with proper aftercare, laser tattoo removal has a low risk of scarring. Pre-existing scarring in the tattoo may become more visible as ink fades. Following aftercare instructions carefully minimizes scarring risk.

Yes, we can target specific areas of a tattoo while leaving other sections intact.

Absolutely. Many clients use RethINK to fade an existing tattoo before getting new ink. Lightening a tattoo typically requires fewer sessions than complete removal and gives your tattoo artist a better canvas to work with.

No, we specialize in small tattoos only. During your consultation, we'll confirm whether your tattoo qualifies for treatment at Skinfolio.

Permanent makeup requires a specialized assessment because some pigments may darken or change colour. Treatment should not be assumed appropriate without confirming the ink and device capabilities.

Wait until the skin has completely healed and the fading process has stabilized. Your laser provider and tattoo artist should confirm appropriate timing.