Frequently Asked Questions
Considering tattoo removal often comes with many questions. From how the process works and how many sessions are needed to what results you can expect, it’s important to have clear and reliable information. Below you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions about tattoo removal to help you understand the procedure, the recovery process, and what to expect throughout your treatment journey.
How much does laser tattoo removal cost in the Gold Coast area?
Laser tattoo removal pricing depends on tattoo size, ink colour, and skin type. Small tattoos start from $80, medium tattoos can vary depending on the colours, and large tattoos or full sleeves are quoted individually. We offer pay-as-you-go with no lock-in contracts, plus Afterpay, Zip Pay, and flexible payment plans. We recommend booking an initial consultation with one of our technicians in Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast for an accurate quote.
Can a tattoo be completely removed?
In many cases, yes. ERAZE has achieved complete removal on all types of tattoos including coloured inks and complex designs using our laser tattoo removal process. Outcomes depend on ink depth, colours used, and skin type. We aim for at least 90% removal which most clients consider visually successful. At Eraze, we use the PicoWay Q-Switch laser, known for breaking down even hard-to-fade colours with minimal skin trauma. We’ve successfully removed everything from faded amateur tattoos to tribal tattoo and multi-colour designs.
Your best option is to book a free consultation. We’ll assess your tattoo properly and let you know what kind of results you can expect, based on your individual case.
Your best option is to book a free consultation. We’ll assess your tattoo properly and let you know what kind of results you can expect, based on your individual case.
Is laser tattoo removal painful?
Some discomfort is expected, comparable to a rubber band snap or mild sunburn. ERAZE uses advanced PicoWay laser technology with ultra-short pulses that make laser treatments more tolerable than older laser systems. We also use a Zimmer cooling system during treatment to keep skin comfortable, plus numbing cream for clients who prefer additional comfort during their treatment session. With the latest laser technology machines we have at our Gold Coast clinic, having your tattoo removed isn’t as big a deal as it once was.”
What laser does ERAZE use for tattoo removal?
ERAZE uses the PicoWay laser alongside the Italian Quanta Q Plus C laser. This combination provides picosecond and Q-Switch laser technology for effective removal of all ink colours on all skin types. ERAZE is the only laser tattoo removal clinic in Australia housing both of these premium lasers, making us the Gold Coast’s premier laser tattoo removal specialists.
How many sessions will I need to remove my tattoo?
The number of sessions depends on tattoo size, colour, depth, and skin type. Most clients see noticeable fading in 1-3 treatment sessions, with full clearance typically requiring 6-10 removal sessions. A free consultation provides a personalised treatment plan for your laser tattoo removal journey.
Can laser tattoo removal cause scarring or skin damage?
When performed correctly with medical-grade lasers like PicoWay, scarring is very unlikely. ERAZE’s laser treatments are precise and minimise trauma to surrounding skin. Some clients may experience temporary blistering, redness, or swelling which typically resolves within 1-2 weeks. Applying a cold compress or ice pack helps reduce swelling. Proper aftercare is essential for optimal healing after each laser tattoo removal treatment.
Is laser tattoo removal safe for darker skin tones?
Yes. PicoWay laser is suitable for all skin types, including Fitzpatrick types IV-VI. ERAZE adjusts laser settings carefully to avoid pigment changes or skin damage on darker skin tones during the laser tattoo removal process.
Can you remove stubborn coloured tattoos like green, blue, or red?
Yes. ERAZE specialises in removing stubborn colours including blue, green, purple, and yellow using our advanced laser technology. The PicoWay’s 730nm laser wavelength is particularly effective on these harder-to-fade inks, delivering complete removal twice as effectively as older ruby lasers.
How many sessions to fade a tattoo for cover-up?
Most tattoos require around 2 to 4 fading sessions to reach a workable canvas for a cover up, however this can range from 1 to 6 depending on the tattoo.
For comparison, full removal typically requires 6 to 10 plus sessions over a longer period of time.
Grey wash and older tattoos tend to fade faster, while dense black work, heavy colour or newer tattoos may require additional sessions.
For comparison, full removal typically requires 6 to 10 plus sessions over a longer period of time.
Grey wash and older tattoos tend to fade faster, while dense black work, heavy colour or newer tattoos may require additional sessions.
How long does tattoo fading take?
With sessions spaced 4 to 8 weeks apart, some clients are ready for a cover up in as little as 4 to 6 months.
This timeframe includes both the treatment sessions and the healing period after your final fading session before new ink is applied.
Plan ahead if you have a specific date in mind for your cover-up.
This timeframe includes both the treatment sessions and the healing period after your final fading session before new ink is applied.
Plan ahead if you have a specific date in mind for your cover-up.
Is fading cheaper than full removal?
Yes. Because fading typically requires fewer sessions, the total cost is usually significantly lower than full removal.
Each session is priced the same, however fewer sessions are needed to achieve a suitable level of fading for a cover up compared to complete removal.
Each session is priced the same, however fewer sessions are needed to achieve a suitable level of fading for a cover up compared to complete removal.
Can my tattoo artist tell me how much fading I need?
You don’t need to decide this before starting treatment.
Many clients begin with one or two fading sessions, then show their tattoo artist the progress to see if it’s at a workable level. From there, your artist can advise if more fading is needed for the design they have in mind.
Ultimately, it comes down to when your artist feels they can achieve the result they want over the existing ink. Once you’ve reached that point, you don’t need to continue with further laser sessions
Many clients begin with one or two fading sessions, then show their tattoo artist the progress to see if it’s at a workable level. From there, your artist can advise if more fading is needed for the design they have in mind.
Ultimately, it comes down to when your artist feels they can achieve the result they want over the existing ink. Once you’ve reached that point, you don’t need to continue with further laser sessions
Can you fade just part of my tattoo?
Yes. If your tattoo artist only needs specific areas lightened for their design, we can target those sections precisely. This is commonly used when incorporating existing elements into a new design or when only certain areas need to be softened.
In some cases, treating the full tattoo can create a more even and predictable result, giving your artist a cleaner overall canvas to work with and often producing a better final outcome.
Before starting treatment, we ensure you have all the information you need so you can make an informed decision. We can also have a chat with you in person when you come in for your first session to confirm the most effective approach.
In some cases, treating the full tattoo can create a more even and predictable result, giving your artist a cleaner overall canvas to work with and often producing a better final outcome.
Before starting treatment, we ensure you have all the information you need so you can make an informed decision. We can also have a chat with you in person when you come in for your first session to confirm the most effective approach.
How many sessions does cosmetic tattoo removal take?
The number of sessions needed depends on your goal and the individual nature of the cosmetic tattoo.
If you are planning a cover up or new brows, often only a small amount of lightening is required before your brow artist can work over the area. In these cases, most of the darker pigment is targeted first, with any remaining softer tones usually manageable by your brow technician.
For clients wanting more complete fading, additional sessions are required over time as the pigment continues to break down and clear gradually between treatments.
If you are planning a cover up or new brows, often only a small amount of lightening is required before your brow artist can work over the area. In these cases, most of the darker pigment is targeted first, with any remaining softer tones usually manageable by your brow technician.
For clients wanting more complete fading, additional sessions are required over time as the pigment continues to break down and clear gradually between treatments.
Will laser removal affect my natural eyebrow hair?
The PicoWay laser targets pigment only and is not a hair removal laser, so permanent eyebrow hair loss is extremely rare.
In some cases, there may be a temporary change in the hair growth cycle or slight lightening of the brow hairs during the treatment process. However, this is not permanent and normal growth typically resumes over time.
If desired, brow tinting can usually be done once the skin has settled after treatment.
In some cases, there may be a temporary change in the hair growth cycle or slight lightening of the brow hairs during the treatment process. However, this is not permanent and normal growth typically resumes over time.
If desired, brow tinting can usually be done once the skin has settled after treatment.
Why did my eyebrow tattoo turn orange, grey, or blue?
Cosmetic tattoo pigments are typically made from iron oxide blends that contain multiple colour components. As these pigments break down at different rates during fading or removal, underlying tones can become visible.
Brown pigments often contain a mix of red, yellow, and blue. As the tattoo fades, remaining red and yellow components can become more noticeable, which may appear as orange, red, or pink tones.
This colour shift is a normal part of how cosmetic tattoo pigments break down over time.
Brown pigments often contain a mix of red, yellow, and blue. As the tattoo fades, remaining red and yellow components can become more noticeable, which may appear as orange, red, or pink tones.
This colour shift is a normal part of how cosmetic tattoo pigments break down over time.
What's the difference between laser and saline cosmetic tattoo removal?
Laser removal uses photoacoustic energy to break pigment particles down into fine fragments, which are then gradually cleared by the body’s natural processes over time.
Saline removal works by creating a skin injury technique that draws pigment out through the healing process. Because it relies on wound healing rather than direct pigment targeting, results can be less predictable and are more dependent on how the skin responds.
Laser is generally more precise, suitable for a wider range of pigment colours, and more effective for older or more saturated cosmetic tattoos. Saline may have a place in very fresh or shallow pigment cases, but is less effective on deeper or more established work.
Saline removal works by creating a skin injury technique that draws pigment out through the healing process. Because it relies on wound healing rather than direct pigment targeting, results can be less predictable and are more dependent on how the skin responds.
Laser is generally more precise, suitable for a wider range of pigment colours, and more effective for older or more saturated cosmetic tattoos. Saline may have a place in very fresh or shallow pigment cases, but is less effective on deeper or more established work.
Can you fix a cosmetic tattoo that another clinic couldn't remove?
Often, yes. We regularly see clients who have had limited results elsewhere.
Our PicoWay laser uses multiple wavelengths, allowing us to target a wider range of pigment colours, including those that have shifted during previous treatments. This can be particularly effective for more stubborn tones that other systems may struggle to treat.
While every case is different, we have successfully treated many cosmetic tattoos that were previously considered difficult or unable to be removed further.
Our PicoWay laser uses multiple wavelengths, allowing us to target a wider range of pigment colours, including those that have shifted during previous treatments. This can be particularly effective for more stubborn tones that other systems may struggle to treat.
While every case is different, we have successfully treated many cosmetic tattoos that were previously considered difficult or unable to be removed further.
How long should I wait after getting a cosmetic tattoo before removal?
We recommend waiting at least 6 weeks after a cosmetic tattoo before starting laser removal. This allows the pigment to fully settle and the skin to properly heal from the initial tattooing process.
Beginning treatment too early can affect how the pigment responds and may impact the overall fading process.
Beginning treatment too early can affect how the pigment responds and may impact the overall fading process.
Can I get new cosmetic tattoos after removal?
Yes, absolutely. This is a very common reason clients choose to have their cosmetic tattoos removed.
We recommend waiting at least 12 weeks after your final laser session before having new cosmetic tattooing done. This allows the skin to fully settle and provides a clean, even base for your new brows.
Many clients go on to have fresh cosmetic brows created by their chosen tattoo artist once the area has healed and faded appropriately.
We recommend waiting at least 12 weeks after your final laser session before having new cosmetic tattooing done. This allows the skin to fully settle and provides a clean, even base for your new brows.
Many clients go on to have fresh cosmetic brows created by their chosen tattoo artist once the area has healed and faded appropriately.
Is cosmetic tattoo removal painful?
Most clients find the sensation very tolerable, often describing it as similar to a rubber band snap against the skin.
The treatment is also very quick, which makes it easier to manage overall. We use a Zimmer cryo-cooling system during treatment to help keep the skin comfortable throughout.
PicoWay picosecond technology produces less heat than older laser systems, which generally makes the experience more comfortable for most people.
The treatment is also very quick, which makes it easier to manage overall. We use a Zimmer cryo-cooling system during treatment to help keep the skin comfortable throughout.
PicoWay picosecond technology produces less heat than older laser systems, which generally makes the experience more comfortable for most people.
What if I change my mind and want full removal?
No problem. Fading sessions contribute toward full removal if you decide to continue the process. You will already have made progress, so the remaining sessions required will typically be fewer than starting from the beginning.
We can reassess your goals at any stage and adjust the treatment plan accordingly.
We can reassess your goals at any stage and adjust the treatment plan accordingly.
How soon after fading can I get my cover-up?
We recommend waiting around 12 weeks after your final fading session before getting your cover up tattoo. This allows the skin to fully heal and settle, ensuring your tattoo artist is working on a stable, healthy canvas.
Rushing this stage can compromise healing and may affect the quality and longevity of the final result.
Rushing this stage can compromise healing and may affect the quality and longevity of the final result.
Will fading damage my skin for the new tattoo?
When performed correctly using medical grade picosecond technology like PicoWay, tattoo fading does not damage the skin or affect its ability to hold new ink.
We also use our unique dual laser approach including CO2, which supports overall skin renewal between sessions.
With proper aftercare and adequate healing time between treatments, the skin remains healthy and suitable for fresh tattoo application once fully recovered.
We regularly receive feedback from tattoo artists noting that skin treated at ERAZE is in excellent condition for re-tattooing compared to what they typically see after laser elsewhere.
We also use our unique dual laser approach including CO2, which supports overall skin renewal between sessions.
With proper aftercare and adequate healing time between treatments, the skin remains healthy and suitable for fresh tattoo application once fully recovered.
We regularly receive feedback from tattoo artists noting that skin treated at ERAZE is in excellent condition for re-tattooing compared to what they typically see after laser elsewhere.
Do you work with tattoo artists?
Yes. We have trade relationships with cover-up artists across the Gold Coast, Brisbane and Australia wide.
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