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Laser Tattoo Removal in Chicago

The tattoo made sense then. If it doesn't now, our FDA-approved picosecond laser removes every ink color, on every skin tone, right in Streeterville.

Treats

Removal that actually clears the ink

Laser tattoo removal works by breaking ink into particles small enough for your body to carry away. The machine doing the breaking matters enormously. Our Pico Laser by Rohrer Aesthetics fires ultra-short pulses measured in picoseconds, trillionths of a second, creating a photoacoustic effect that shatters ink mechanically instead of cooking it with heat the way older Q-switched lasers do.

That difference shows up three ways: fewer sessions to clear the same tattoo, far less damage to the skin around it, and reliable clearance of the stubborn greens and blues that older systems leave behind. Professional or amateur, fresh or decades old, dense blackwork or a faded line piece, the approach is the same: shatter the ink, let your body flush it, repeat until it's gone.

Full removal or cover-up fading

Not everyone wants their tattoo gone entirely. If you're planning a cover-up, lightening the old piece usually takes just 3 to 5 sessions, and we'll coordinate the level of fading with what your tattoo artist needs for the new design. Full removal typically runs 6 to 12 sessions depending on ink density, depth, colors, age, and where the tattoo sits on your body.

Your timeline, honestly

Sessions are spaced 6 to 8 weeks apart because the fading happens between visits, as your immune system clears the fragmented ink. A dense professional piece can take a year or more start to finish. We'd rather tell you that at your free consultation than surprise you at session five, so you'll leave your first visit with a per-session price and a realistic session estimate for your specific tattoo.

Safe for every skin tone

Older tattoo removal lasers carry a real risk of hyperpigmentation and scarring on darker complexions because they dump heat into the skin. Picosecond pulses are too short for that heat buildup, which makes removal dramatically safer across the full range of skin tones. Settings are calibrated to your skin at every session. We also remove microblading and eyebrow tattoos, and the same laser handles pigmentation concerns like sun spots and melasma.

What we remove

All Ink Colors Stubborn Greens & Blues Professional Tattoos Amateur & Stick-and-Poke Cover-Up Fading Eyebrow & Microblading Faded & Aged Ink All Skin Tones
What to Expect

Your tattoo removal journey

01

Free Consultation

We look at your tattoo in person, ask whether the goal is full removal or cover-up fading, and give you a per-session price and an honest session estimate. Every tattoo is different, and your plan reflects that.

02

Treatment Session

The Pico Laser shatters ink with ultra-short picosecond pulses. Sessions are quick, often just minutes for smaller pieces, and most patients find them very tolerable.

03

Recovery

Minimal downtime. The treated area may show mild redness that settles quickly, and simple aftercare keeps it protected while your body starts flushing the shattered ink.

04

Progressive Results

Sessions run 6 to 8 weeks apart because the fading happens between visits as your immune system clears the fragments. Each session, there's visibly less ink than the last.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Tattoo Removal

How does laser tattoo removal work?

Our Pico Laser delivers ultra-short energy pulses measured in picoseconds (trillionths of a second) that shatter tattoo ink into fragments small enough for your body's lymphatic system to flush away naturally. Unlike older nanosecond Q-switched lasers, picosecond technology breaks ink down mechanically rather than with heat, which means fewer sessions, less damage to surrounding skin, and better clearance of stubborn colors.

How many sessions does tattoo removal take?

Full removal typically takes 6 to 12 sessions depending on ink density, depth, colors, tattoo age, and location on the body. Fading a tattoo for a cover-up usually needs only 3 to 5 sessions. Sessions are spaced 6 to 8 weeks apart so your immune system can clear the fragmented ink between visits.

Can all tattoo colors be removed?

Yes. The Pico Laser's multiple wavelengths target the full spectrum of tattoo pigments, including greens, blues, and reds that older laser systems struggle to clear. Both professional and amateur tattoos respond well.

Is laser tattoo removal safe for darker skin tones?

Yes. Picosecond pulses are so short that they shatter ink with minimal heat, which greatly reduces the risk of hyperpigmentation and scarring that older lasers carry on darker complexions. Treatment settings are tailored to your skin tone at every session.

How much does tattoo removal cost in Chicago?

Tattoo removal is priced by the size of the piece and the number of sessions it needs, so we quote it at a free consultation after seeing your tattoo in person. You'll leave with a per-session price and an honest session estimate before committing to anything.

Can you fade a tattoo for a cover-up instead of removing it?

Yes. Lightening a tattoo enough for a clean cover-up usually takes 3 to 5 sessions rather than the 6 to 12 needed for full removal. We coordinate the target level of fading with what your tattoo artist needs for the new design.

Start Your Journey

Ready for clear skin?

Bring us the tattoo, and leave with a per-session price and an honest session estimate. Free consultation, no obligation.

Book Free Consultation →
Get Started

Ready to start your journey?

Schedule a consultation and let us create a personalized treatment plan designed around your goals.

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Location

Optima Signature Building

220 E Illinois St, Suite 703

Chicago, IL 60611

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Hours

MondayClosed
Tuesday10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Wednesday10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Thursday10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Friday10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday10:00 am - 3:00 pm
SundayClosed