Frequently Asked Questions

One ART®️ typically gets the same results in 12 weeks that takes one year of 5-6 conventional Pico treatments to achieve. 3-6 ART®️s will remove most tattoos in 24-48 weeks. That would take competitors 12-15 treatments is 2-3 years. Not only does ART®️ remove tattoos faster, it also saves you time (fewer visits).

ART®️ is a fast removal technique we developed in 2012 and began offering it in 2014. Our R&D was a collaboration with Dr. Rox Anderson, the inventor of the Principle of Selective Photo Thermolysis “SPM”. Simply put, SPM is a combination of laser pulse duration, wavelength and energy. The right combination will selectively heat and damage pigments without harming surrounding tissue. Tattoo removal is SPM on steroids!

In 2013, we met with Dr. Anderson and discussed collaborating on fast tattoo removal. We decided on a non-destructive study. Zapatat was the ideal research partner. We could do parallel testing that compressed the equivalent of 6 years R&D into 11 months in less than one year, had documented test treatments on 60 subjects, 10 for each skin type. The results were safe and effective fast removal for all skin types.

In 2014, we commercially debuted “Accelerate Removal Technique, ART” , treated 94 clients and routinely achieved more than 50% clearance without increased side effects. By 2025, we have performed over 6000 ARTs and continually improve. Today, one ART session routinely achieves 30-80% clearance after 12-14 weeks. 3-6 ARTs will usually remove most tattoos.

Things to Keep in Mind
The success of your ART® results depends on more than just the treatment itself. Your body’s ability to clear away fractured ink is closely tied to your immune system, which can be influenced by factors like diet, exercise, and lifestyle.

That’s why following our aftercare instructions is so important — they’re designed to keep you safe and help you get the best results possible. Still, every tattoo and every client is unique, so while we can promise expert care, we can’t predict exact outcomes.

Zapatat®️ has been doing tattoo removals for 15 years.  We have continually explored ways of removing tattoo faster and with minimal side effects.The difference is our breakthrough Accelerated Removal Technique (ART®). With over 6,000 ART® treatments performed right here in Arlington, we’ve perfected the world’s fastest tattoo removal process. Most clients see 30–80% clearance in just 12 weeks after their first ART® session, particularly Fitzpatrick Skin Type I-IV. Complete removal is usually achieved in 3–6 sessions in 1-2 years— compared to the 2–3 years or more required with conventional Pico laser treatments.

There are no true Pico lasers on the market. The fasted is 450 pico seconds which is 50% of a nano second. That’s barely sub-nano. We tested nearly every “pico” laser and saw minimal or no advantage over ndYAG nano second lasers on conventional (single pass treatments). So the number of sessions is the same or just one less. Lastly, there was too much skin disturbance from “pico” to do multi–pass treatments. Our ART®️ has faster results than any sub nano laser. 

No two people or two tattoos are the same.  While there is no way to accurately tell, we estimate and guarantee the passes we think will be required.  Zapatat®️’s techniques produce the fastest results with the fewest possible treatments. Conventional, even Pico, treatments require 8-20 treatments (1.5 -3 years). The ART®️, in most cases, requires only 3-6 visits spaced 12 weeks apart. The number of treatments your tattoo will require depends on several factors including its age, quality, placement, density, as well as your age, physical condition, and lifestyle. 

Our photos are real — no filters, no tricks.
Every image you see comes directly from our clients. Most are taken before the very last session, since many people don’t return for a “final” photo once their tattoo is completely gone. That’s why you won’t always see a perfect end shot.

When clients remove more than one tattoo, one usually clears first — and that’s when we capture those “perfect picture” results. It’s real progress, real skin, and real freedom from unwanted ink.

Laser tattoo removal works on the Principle of Selective Photo Thermolysis. The laser generates high-energy, nanosecond bursts of single frequency light energy that is highly absorbed by ink particles. The ink heats and cools rapidly causing expand and contract (vibrate) and shatter. The ink fragments are then small enough to be absorbed and removed by your immune system. The surrounding skin is left unharmed. Lasers don’t remove ink, your body does most of the work. That’s why your health is important!

We use Lutronic, Spectra Laser System, nd:YAG-Q switch approved by FDA for use of tattoo removal including most colored tattoos in addition to Hollywood laser peels to treat acne, hyperpigmentation and other skin care treatments. For more info, check out this FDA article. 

Choosing the Best Option for You

We encourage every client to learn about the tattoo removal process before deciding which approach is best. If your goal is to speed up removal and minimize the number of visits, our ART® (Accelerated Removal Technique) is usually the better choice compared to conventional single-pass treatments.

Here’s a simple example for an Extra Small (XS) tattoo — about 1 square inch (see picture above):

• Conventional single-pass: $175 per visit (spaced 6–8 weeks apart)
• ART® (four passes in one visit): $650 per session (spaced 12 weeks apart)

Every tattoo is unique, and pricing can vary depending on the size, ink, and your goals. The best way to know what’s right for you is to schedule a consultation.

Paying per session can be a great choice if you’re new to tattoo removal or if your tattoo includes colors other than black, since colored ink is typically treated with conventional single-pass methods.

With conventional treatments, results build gradually. Sessions are spaced about 6–8 weeks apart, and while you won’t see full fading right away, steady progress happens over time.

Whenever possible, we recommend our signature ART® (Accelerated Removal Technique). In a single visit, you’ll receive four laser passes, delivering results equal to five or six conventional sessions. ART® sessions are scheduled about 12 weeks apart to give your body time to clear the ink.

Remember — tattoo removal is a gradual process that requires patience and commitment. While we can provide an estimate of how many sessions you may need, every tattoo and every client is unique. That’s why we start with a free consultation to map out the best treatment plan for you.

One client says it best on Yelp:

“Clean office, knowledgeable and friendly staff, GREAT pricing. Was quoted almost TRIPLE the cost at Centers for Laser Surgery in DC. I got some work done there before and they scarred me and the tats barely faded. I can already see results on my arm from Zapatat. Been to a bunch of laser centers in the area, this one is the best. Great deal for great service. The laser was quicker than others I’ve experienced as well which is always nice since it’s pretty much agony. People who don’t say they see any results, GIVE IT TIME! It’s not going to happen in a day or a week. I’ve been through this several times, the first shot is to open it up. You will not see a lot of fading. The second time you will notice more. This is a major process, takes a good 10 times to get stuff out for most average tats. Give your skin time to adjust, it’ll work. It’s not like everything else in your life that you can just give a quick fix to and be done with it.” – C.L.

Yes, if the right laser is used by a good operator. About half our clients have darker skin-types so we have a lot of experience. African-Americans, Asians, Hispanics, and people of Mediterranean descent or others with pigmented skin need to be careful about choosing the right laser and operator. For those with darker skin types only the nd:YAG 1064nm laser is completely safe because that frequency isn’t well absorbed by skin pigmentation (melanin). Lasers with other frequencies such as the Alexandrite (755nm) and Ruby (650nm) destroy melanin and can cause bleaching or darkening of your skin that can be permanent. Here is Yelp feedback on this topic:

“I’ve visited the Arlington location for 4 treatments. My initial fear was my skin complexion. Being African American I thought it would cause scabbing that would look worse and appear darker than the tattoo I was removing but actually it turned out very well. The most damage was some swelling. I love them! S.M.

No laser can give a pain free treatment because what you feel is the ink heating and breaking. We don’t offer “painless” tattoo removal for several reasons. Painless tattoo removal requires many small injections that you may find worse than the treatment itself. There is evidence that injected anesthetics lessen the laser’s effectiveness by reflecting or scattering the laser beam. Finally, injected anesthetics are long lasting and lessen the likelihood that you will do the immediate aftercare that is necessary in minimizing side effects.

Skin damage is highly unlikely at Zapatat®️. Our side effect rate is extremely low even though we treat the most challenging skin-types and tattoos. Our goal is to remove your tattoo and keep your skin undamaged. Some people worry about getting scars, or about having their skin whitened or darkened. Zapatat®️ never scars and skin whitening or darkening is rare and/or transient. We accomplish this through our skin expertise, our in-house training, our experienced laser techs and by using the right lasers. We use up to date nd:YAG lasers and a 1064nm frequency. That is the safest most gentle frequency and can be used on all skin colors with very low risk of side effects. Because dark ink responds to 1064nm we think it should always be the “go-to” laser frequency. We switch frequencies only as needed to remove colored ink. Even then we take care to minimize side effects. People who are African-American, Asian, Hispanic or of Mediterranean descent should avoid Alexandrite and Ruby lasers.

Most clients describe laser treatments like rubber bands slapping against the skin. The sensation and intensity can vary from person to person and can depend on the tattoo’s location. Thanks to our advanced lasers and skilled specialists, the treatment is usually 3 to 10 seconds of laser time. Inferior lasers take 20-30 minutes and cause a lot of pain and skin injury. The laser sensation lessens as treatments progress. We use cryo-cooled air to reduce sensation by half and provide topical numbing for very sensitive clients or large tattoos.

ART^®️  is exclusively offered by us. ART^®️  took time and testing to develop the treatment protocols and to do it right. We have completed over 6,000 fast removal ART^®️ and have refined it to a very high level. Our ART^®️  fast removal technique removes tattoos in half of the time and treatments compared to conventional treatments.

We will talk about after care several times because it’s so important. After the treatment we will cover the tattoo site with Aquaphor, a breathable dressing and will give you some cold packs. You won’t feel pain but will feel heat and then sunburn for a day or two. Some people will experience itching. Only some people will get blistering or scabbing. Either way is normal. It’s important that you leave blisters and scabs alone. Do not pop or pick them. We will gladly drain a blister if it is bothering you. Do not be concerned if you do not get blistering or scabbing. You may or may not see immediate results but the fading will mostly happen over time. Heavily inked tattoos may not show visible fading after the first one or two conventional treatments even though it is working.

Good aftercare minimizes side effects and boosts treatment effectiveness. That’s why we give you so many verbal and written instructions and are always available to answer your questions anytime after your treatments. It’s one reason we ask if we can call you a day or two after your first treatment. You want to eliminate skin irritation and enhance recovery from the laser treatment. You also want to eliminate any chance of infection. Since the laser is sterile you should neither need or should not use antibiotic ointments. Neosporin and Bacitracin can cause unwanted skin reactions! Our specialists will instruct you about aftercare and will provide written instructions. We can provide you with an aftercare kit for a nominal charge. Please follow our aftercare instructions exactly.

We recommend intervals that will minimize cost, while maintaining safety and effectiveness. Conventional treatments are generally at 6-8 week intervals between treatments and 12 weeks for ART®️ . Shortening the time will not result in faster removal and will increase risk of side effects. We will specify the waiting period after each treatment depending on how you are responding.

Your first appointment will generally be one hour including paperwork, consultation and treatment. Follow-up treatment appointments will take 15 minutes or less. The ART®️  will take between 45-90 mins depending on the size of your tattoo. We do not double book appointments so there is seldom any waiting.

We don’t ask you to pre-pay for anything at Zapatat®️. We do ask for $50 deposits to reserve your appointment which will go towards your treatment.

Until 2016, our center only offered tattoo removal, completing well over 11,000 treatments. By popular request, we have begun performing laser facials and skin pigmentation correction treatments. We are constantly looking for improvements in laser technologies and techniques to always give the best service for every treatment type we offer.