Tattoo Removal FAQ

Tattoo removal is the process of removing unwanted tattoo pigment from the skin. There are several methods for removal, each with varying degrees of effectiveness, cost, and potential side effects. We offer two different types of removal, which are:

• Angel Removal uses a gentle natural acid solution and a point injection technique to lift pigment from previous tattoo work. It Lifts up to 10-15% of pigment per session. Quantity of treatments may vary depending on age, saturation of pigment, and desired future PMU service. If multiple sessions are needed, they must be done 6-8 weeks apart. It involves minimal pain, light peeling and only 24 hours of downtime before you can go back to a normal routine.
• Alkaline removal is a tattoo removal technique that uses an alkaline solution to break down and remove unwanted permanent makeup pigments from the skin. During the procedure, the alkaline solution is applied to the treated area by using a tattoo machine and needle, which causes the pigments to lift and fade gradually. Alkaline removal is stronger than Angel Removal and can lift up to 50% or more of pigment per session. However, heavy scabbing will occur the first 2 weeks. If multiple sessions are needed, it is required to wait 12 weeks between sessions.

The Angel removal takes about 45 minutes to complete and the Alkaline removal can take roughly 1hr and 30 minutes. This includes a thorough in person consultation, before & after photos, examination of the treatment needing removal, the procedure, and instructions on how to care for your treated area after the appointment.

While alkaline and Angel removal may involve some discomfort, such as a stinging or burning sensation during the procedure, it is typically less painful than laser tattoo removal. We do offer numbing gel for the Alkaline removal, but not the Angel removal. The discomfort experienced during these removals is often compared to the sensation of getting a tattoo or undergoing a mild chemical peel.

While Alkaline and Angel removal can be a suitable option for many individuals, there are certain situations where it may not be recommended or appropriate. Here are some groups of people who may want to avoid removal:

• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: It’s generally not recommended to undergo cosmetic tattooing procedures while pregnant or breastfeeding. The effects of this procedure on the fetus or infant are not well-studied, and there may be potential risks involved. 
• Recent tattoos or skin trauma: Tattoo removal may not be suitable for individuals with recently tattooed skin or skin that is still healing from trauma, such as cuts, burns, or abrasions. It’s essential to allow the skin to fully heal before undergoing any tattoo removal procedure to minimize the risk of complications. 
• Allergy to ingredients: Some people may have allergies or sensitivities to the ingredients used in alkaline or Angel tattoo removal solutions, such as saline solution or other chemicals. It’s essential to inform your tattoo removal specialist of any known allergies or sensitivities to ensure that the procedure is safe for you.

Please see our Pre Care & After Care page for all questions & info on the Pre Care & After Care for Angel or Alkaline removal services. 

Please see our Pre Care & After Care page for all questions & info on the Pre Care & After Care for Angel or Alkaline removal services.

The healing process for Angel Removal is more gentle, and has very minimal downtime with roughly 24hrs, and will lift up to 10-15% of pigment, so this option may need multiple sessions depending on skin type, and the depth of the ink, in which will need to come back for another session within 6-8 weeks. 

Healing process for alkaline removal has a longer downtime, roughly up to 2 weeks, but can remove more pigment within one session. The area may appear red, swollen, and irritated right after your appointment, but this is normal and typically subsides within a few hours to a few days. As the skin begins to heal, you may notice scabbing or crusting forming over the treated area. This is the body’s natural response to the removal process and is a sign that the skin is regenerating. Over the following weeks, you may notice that the tattoo gradually fades as the ink particles break down and are eliminated by the body’s immune system. If more sessions are needed to lift desired results, your scheduled sessions must be 12 weeks apart to allow full healing.

• Skin irritation: You may experience temporary skin irritation, redness, swelling, or discomfort at the treatment site. These symptoms are usually mild and subside within a few days.
• Hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation: Changes in skin pigmentation, such as darkening (hyperpigmentation) or lightening (hypopigmentation), may occur after alkaline tattoo removal. These changes are usually temporary but may be more pronounced in individuals with darker skin tones.
• Infection or allergic reaction, although rare, can occur if aftercare instructions are not followed.

During the consultation, the PMU artist will assess your skin type, discuss your desired outcome, and explain the procedure, including potential risks and aftercare. This is also a good time to ask any questions you may have.

If the previous work is more than 50% saturated with pigment, it is recommended to proceed with removal to lift the color out of the skin before getting a new treatment.  When the color is too dark and implanted deeply in the skin, it will not accept the new pigment and will reject the color.  Therefore the client will experience poor healed results and it will completely fade away without covering the previous pigment.  If you are unsure if you need removal or if the previous work is light enough to work over, please send us a photo.