Pittsburgh's Premier Laser Tattoo Fading and Removal Treatment Center · 724-259-TAT2 (8282)

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How It Works

Understanding laser tattoo fading & removal

The Science

When a tattoo is applied, ink pigment is embedded in the dermis, the deepest layer of skin. Your body's natural immune system detects the ink as a foreign substance and sends white cells to try and remove it. The reason tattoos are considered permanent is because the pigment particles are too big to be removed by the white cells, so they remain trapped in the dermis.

Laser tattoo removal speeds up the fading of a tattoo by emitting light energy into your skin and breaking the ink particles into tiny fragments. These tinier fragments are small enough to be eliminated by the body's white cells and are flushed away by your body's immune system.

Learn about the importance of a healthy immune system
Three-panel diagram of laser tattoo removal. 1: a skin cross-section labelling the surface, epidermis, dermis and hypodermis. 2: a needle depositing tattoo ink into the dermis. 3: a laser breaking that ink into tiny vaporized particles.

Following your treatment, you will see your tattoo gradually fade and lighten. This is your immune system naturally flushing out the shattered ink particles. After a series of treatments, nothing but clear, flawless, ink-free skin will be seen in the spot where your tattoo previously was. Laser tattoo removal is the only procedure that can penetrate deep enough into the skin to destroy ink without harming the surrounding dermal tissue.

At Elimination Station, we offer complete removal and partial removal for those wanting to remove just a portion of their tattoo. We can also prepare you for a cover-up tattoo by lightening the existing tattoo ink. By fading your existing tattoo, you eliminate the chance of the old tattoo coming through the new one after a few months. All Elimination Station clients are provided free consultations and full tattoo assessments. We understand that tattoo removal is a big decision, so we will answer any questions you have about laser tattoo removal to make sure you feel as comfortable and familiar with the procedure before going forward.

Microscopic comparison of ink shattering: competitor's laser versus the Astanza Duality laser used at Elimination Station.
Competition's Laser  VS.  Our Laser

Treatment Process

The treatment process is very short. Depending on the size of the tattoo it can take anywhere from 90 seconds to 5 minutes. Before the laser treatment actually begins, we'll treat your tattoo area with a cool compress to numb the skin as well as a topical numbing agent to try to relieve any discomfort that you may experience. When the laser treatment itself begins, you will hear a rapid snapping sound as the laser emits the beam. As the snapping occurs and the laser moves over your tattoo, the ink will become white on the surface of your skin. This lasts for about ten minutes after the process is complete. When the whole tattoo has been treated we will supply you with a topical cream for aftercare. Use this cream during the after care period to ensure that your skin heals thoroughly and you get the best results. We offer a couple different choices of creams so you can pick the one that fits your lifestyle best.

Why are we the industry leaders? YES! I'm ready to schedule my FREE consultation!
Close-up of a laser tattoo removal treatment in progress on a client's forearm.
Tattoo ink turning white on the skin's surface during laser treatment.

Our Industry Leading Technology

The Astanza Duality

At Elimination Station, we use the latest laser tattoo removal technology to help you remove your tattoo in the fewest number of treatments possible. All of our treatments are performed with the state-of-the-art Astanza Duality laser. This industry-leading laser delivers high peak power and has an ultra-short pulse duration for better ink shattering. This means our patients will see significant results after each treatment session and need fewer treatment sessions overall. The Duality generates two wavelengths that are able to remove a wide range of tattoo ink colors on all skin types.

Our Duality is trusted by leading practices worldwide, including the top two tattoo removal providers in the tattoo removal field. Elimination Station, of Tarentum, is the ONLY specialty clinic to offer this advanced technology in the Pittsburgh area.

Our passion and dedication to this procedure makes us the leading experts in tattoo removal for the greater area of Pittsburgh!

The Astanza Duality laser tattoo removal machine, shown in full on a plain studio background.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you're wondering about

A lot of people have the misconception that laser tattoo removal is very painful, but most people describe the experience as bearable. Laser tattoo removal is most often compared to having the tattoo applied, but we've heard people say it feels similar to having a rubber band snap against your skin. Fortunately, laser tattoo removal is a quick procedure that is much faster than having a tattoo applied.

We can recommend an over the counter numbing cream to use before your session. We offer ice packs during the session to help with discomfort.

Laser tattoo removal is a process and requires commitment but we're able to make it as fast as possible with our Duality laser. Treatment sessions are generally short and can take anywhere from 1 to 20 minutes, depending on the size and colors of the tattoo being treated. However, about 8 weeks are needed in between each treatment session in order to let your immune system and skin completely heal before receiving another treatment. Patients will experience their ink fading at different rates, some may take a few months while others may even take a year. It all depends on different elements of your tattoo. Our Duality laser is specially designed to eliminate ink faster and better in as few treatments possible.

The number of treatments needed are specific to each individual tattoo and rely on many factors including size, location of tattoo, ink colors, age of tattoo, and patient's health. Most tattoos need between 8 to 12 treatments for complete removal. Some tattoos may only need 5 to 7 treatments, and dark tattoos with preexisting scarring may require more than 10.

The most common side effects patients experience are redness, scabbing, temporary lightening or darkening of the surrounding skin, and blistering. All of these are your body's natural response to the procedure and heal over time.

Many patients are most afraid when they see a scab or blister form. These are normal responses and form in order to protect the underlying skin tissue from any damage during the healing process. We highly advise patients to not pick any scabs or pop any blisters that form. These are signs that your body is healing and that your tattoo is fading.

Pricing quotes are customized for each patient and are based on the size of the tattoo(s) being treated. Our team of experts can discuss pricing for your unique tattoo during your free consultation. We also offer Unlimited Sessions Packages, since tattoo removal isn't a one-and-done process. With this option, there's no guessing how many sessions you'll need or stressing over per-visit pricing, and you get as many treatments as it takes to reach your goal, whether that's full removal or fading enough for a clean cover-up. We offer competitive pricing and attractive discounts, so just call today to get started!

Elimination Station is a specialty clinic dedicated solely to tattoo removal. Our knowledge and experience makes us the leading expert of laser tattoo removal in the Pittsburgh area of Pennsylvania. Our facility provides the highest quality care to make sure each patient's individual needs are addressed. We use only the best and most advanced technology on the market. By choosing Elimination Station, you are choosing better care for your tattoo and better results for your skin.

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Reviews

Alissa J.

Rochelle is wonderful. She is the type of person that you'd want to do this for you. My tattoo has caused me some severe anxiety and depression and not because it's a bad tattoo but just because of how much I am growing and changing now that I am almost 25 years old. When I was researching who I wanted to start the process she was one of the only ones that was brutally honest and very kind. She had reassured me and still kept it honest. This is 100% a judgement free zone. She didn't sugar coat anything, it was painful. The pain was the worst part, everything else was great.

Danielle W

Rochelle is AMAZING!! My first session she made me feel comfortable. She is very knowledgeable and completely honest when explaining the process of how it feels and what to expect after! Reasonably priced with different deals running every month and very clean!!! Would definitely recommend!!!

Tyler

Rochelle is awesome! Very professional and great attention to detail. Very thorough and knowledgeable through every step of the process. Highly recommend!

Katelyn S

Rochelle is wonderful!! She was so kind and judgement-free, very knowledgeable and explained everything entirely before my session. She really set my expectations and I had a very positive experience. Looking forward to my future fading sessions.

Kelsy B

Rochelle is fantastic. I've been going to her for a few years now, on and off with some breaks in between. Each and every time I go, she is super friendly and makes me feel like I'm talking to a friend that I've known for a while (no matter how long it's been since my last treatment). She doesn't judge my poor tattoo decisions, and makes me feel very comfortable. Let's be honest; laser treatment isn't fun. It never will be. But Rochelle makes the laser process seamless, tolerable, quick, and easy. Her space is clean and professional, and her rates are very fair and reasonable. I highly recommend Elimination Station.

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