Frequently Asked Questions

Laser tattoo removal works by delivering ultra-short pulses of laser energy into the tattoo ink. This energy breaks the ink into extremely small particles, which are then gradually removed by your body’s natural immune system. Over time, the tattoo fades with each session as the ink is cleared.

NIXX uses two industry-leading laser systems from Cynosure Lutronic:

PicoSure – a picosecond laser known for breaking down stubborn inks, especially blues, greens, and previously treated tattoos.

Hollywood Spectra – a multi-wavelength laser that excels with darker inks, denser tattoos, and specific skin tones.

Having both lasers allows us to choose the right laser for your tattoo, not just the only laser available.

Every tattoo is different. Ink colour, depth, age, placement, and skin type all affect how a tattoo responds to treatment. Using both 

PicoSure and Hollywood Spectra allow our technicians to:

• Match the laser wavelength to your ink colors
• Adjust treatments for different skin tones
• Combine or alternate lasers for safer, faster fading
• Improve results on difficult or previously treated tattoos

This is why NIXX is known for customized laser tattoo removal plans.

Yes. During your consultation and throughout your treatments, we’re happy to explain which laser is being used and why. We believe informed clients make better decisions and feel more confident throughout the process.

Most clients describe the sensation as similar to getting a tattoo, often compared to a quick snap of a rubber band. 

Treatments are brief, and we use a cooling fan throughout the session to help minimize discomfort.

That is the $1M question! Many Vancouver tattoo removal clients ask us how many sessions they will need. 

The answer varies based on:

• Tattoo size and location
• Ink colours and density
• Age of the tattoo
• Skin type and circulation
• Whether the tattoo was previously treated

Whatever your goal is, we'll help you achieve it!

During your free consultation, we assess your tattoo in detail and discuss your end goal, whether that’s fading for a cover-up or more extensive full removal. 

While it’s not possible to predict the exact number of sessions in advance, our experience allows us to provide a realistic estimate and a personalized treatment plan to help you achieve your desired result.

Laser tattoo removal sessions are typically spaced 12 weeks apart. While it may be tempting to treat more frequently, waiting longer between sessions actually improves results.

Laser treatments break tattoo ink into microscopic particles, but your body - not the laser - does the actual removal. The immune system needs time to gradually flush out these particles through natural processes. Treating too soon does not allow enough clearance time and can slow overall progress. 

By waiting 12 weeks:

• Your body clears more ink between sessions
• Each treatment becomes more effective
• Skin has more time to fully heal
• Risk of irritation or side effects is reduced

In many cases, waiting longer between sessions leads to faster overall fading, fewer total treatments and less cost!

Some colours are more stubborn than others, but the short answer is YES!

Most tattoo colours can be significantly faded or removed. Black ink is usually the easiest to treat, while blues, greens, and certain pigments require specialized wavelengths—one of the reasons we use dual-laser technology. 

Some inks may take longer than others, but advanced lasers have made removal more effective than ever.

Yes! Fade-to-cover tattoo removal is one of NIXX’s specialties. Many clients only need partial fading to allow a tattoo artist to successfully cover the existing ink. 

We work closely with tattoo artists and recommend waiting about 3 months after your last session before getting a new tattoo.

Immediately after treatment, you may see temporary whitening (called frosting), mild redness, and swelling. 

These effects usually subside within hours to a few days. Proper aftercare helps minimize side effects and supports healing.

When performed by trained professionals using appropriate technology, laser tattoo removal is considered very safe. 

At NIXX, all treatments are performed by laser-certified technicians with backgrounds in the tattoo industry, ensuring both technical precision and artistic understanding of tattoo ink.

Laser tattoo removal is not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. 

Some medications can affect whether laser treatment is appropriate for you. Certain medications, including photosensitizing drugs, some antibiotics, or topical prescriptions, may require extra caution or a test spot before treatment. 

Other medications may make laser treatment unsafe.

Your technician will review your medical history during your consultation and advise you accordingly. It’s important to inform us of any new medications before each treatment so we can ensure your safety.

Older laser technologies relied more on heat and longer pulse durations. PicoSure and Hollywood Spectra use advanced pulse technology that shatters ink more efficiently. 

Many tattoos that did not respond well in the past now show improved results with modern lasers.

Pricing varies depending on the size of the tattoo, the complexity of the ink, and the number of sessions required. 

Because every tattoo and treatment plan is different, we offer a free consultation to provide accurate pricing and personalized recommendations.

Laser tattoo removal is considered a cosmetic procedure and is not typically covered by insurance. In some cases, individuals working in aesthetic-focused industries such as acting or modelling may be eligible for coverage, depending on their policy. We recommend checking directly with your insurance provider.

Yes. NIXX offers free in-person consultations so we can assess your tattoo, discuss goals, explain laser options, and create a personalized removal or fade plan.

• Dual-laser technology (PicoSure + Hollywood Spectra)
• Tattoo-industry trained, laser-certified technicians
• Custom treatment plans for every tattoo
• Specialists focused exclusively on tattoo removal
• Expertise in fade-to-cover treatments

If you’re looking for professional laser tattoo removal in Vancouver, BC, NIXX provides a tailored, expert-driven approach.

You must wait at least 3 months after getting a tattoo before starting laser removal. This allows your skin to fully heal and ensures it is healthy enough to respond safely and effectively to treatment.