Laser Tattoo Removal with Fotona StarWalker MaQX
Advanced Multicolor Tattoo Removal with Fotona StarWalker MaQX
Unwanted Ink? Make Room for a Fresh Start.
Whether you’re ready to remove an unwanted tattoo, lighten existing ink for a cover-up, or correct permanent makeup, New Image Works Medical Spa offers advanced laser tattoo removal with Fotona StarWalker MaQX.
Featuring four specialized laser wavelengths, powerful photoacoustic technology, and Fotona’s innovative FracTAT® fractional tattoo removal technique, StarWalker MaQX provides a versatile approach to treating tattoos of different colors, depths, and complexities.
Our providers customize each treatment according to your tattoo characteristics, skin type, and individual goals.
How Does Laser Tattoo Removal Work?
Laser tattoo removal uses concentrated pulses of light to target ink particles embedded within the skin.
Fotona StarWalker MaQX utilizes advanced Modulated Acoustics Q-Switched (MaQX) technology to deliver powerful, ultra-short pulses that generate photoacoustic shockwaves.
These shockwaves fragment tattoo pigment into smaller particles, which the body’s natural clearance processes gradually remove over the following weeks.
Unlike traditional methods that rely on surgical removal, laser tattoo removal allows progressive fading without cutting out the tattooed skin.
Courtesy of Fotona
Courtesy of Dr. J. Kozarev
Courtesy of Dr. U. Ahcan
Courtesy of L. Marini
Four Wavelengths. More Tattoo Colors.
Different tattoo pigments absorb different wavelengths of laser energy. The Fotona StarWalker MaQX system features four specialized wavelengths to target a broad spectrum of colors.
- 1064 nm: Black, dark blue, brown, and gray pigments.
- 650 nm: Green pigments.
- 585 nm: Light blue and sky-blue pigments.
- 532 nm: Red, orange, tan, and selected purple pigments.
This versatility allows our providers to customize treatments for multicolored tattoos and pigments at different depths.
Not all pigments respond equally, and complete removal cannot be guaranteed.
Advanced FracTAT® Tattoo Removal Technology
A Specialized Approach to Stubborn Tattoo Pigment
At New Image Works, we also offer Fotona’s innovative FracTAT® technology, an advanced technique combining fractional laser treatment with Q-switched laser energy.
During conventional laser tattoo removal, rapid pigment fragmentation can create tiny gas bubbles within the skin, producing a temporary whitening effect known as frosting. This can prevent subsequent laser pulses from effectively reaching deeper tattoo pigment.
FracTAT addresses this challenge by creating microscopic channels in the treated skin before delivering full-beam laser energy.
These channels help release trapped gas and reduce the frosting effect, allowing laser energy to reach deeper pigment during additional passes.
Advantages of FracTAT technology include:
- Enhanced photoacoustic pigment fragmentation
- Reduced frosting that can block subsequent laser pulses
- Improved access to deeper tattoo pigment
- The ability to perform multiple MaQX laser passes during selected treatment sessions
- An additional method of pigment removal through fractional skin treatment and healing
FracTAT may be recommended for selected tattoos based on pigment characteristics, skin type, and treatment history.
Permanent Makeup Removal & Correction
Refresh, Correct, or Remove Unwanted Cosmetic Pigment
Permanent makeup trends change, and cosmetic tattoos may fade unevenly, shift in color, or no longer match your desired appearance.
At New Image Works, we offer laser treatment for selected permanent makeup pigments, including:
- Eyebrow microblading
- Powder brows and ombré brows
- Older eyebrow tattoos
- Unwanted or discolored cosmetic pigment
- Selected lip blush and lip liner tattoos
Because cosmetic pigments may contain compounds that react unpredictably to laser energy, treatment requires careful evaluation.
Certain pigments can become darker after laser exposure, and some may not respond adequately to treatment. A test spot may be recommended before proceeding.
Treatment eligibility depends on pigment composition, location, skin type, and safety considerations. Permanent eyeliner and tattoos close to the eyes require specialized ocular protection and may need referral to an appropriately equipped specialist.
Why Choose Fotona StarWalker MaQX?
- Advanced Multicolor Technology — Four laser wavelengths allow treatment of a wide range of tattoo pigments.
- Powerful Photoacoustic Energy — Ultra-short, structured laser pulses help break ink into smaller particles for gradual clearance.
- ASP Technology — Adaptive Structured Pulse technology allows controlled energy delivery and adjustable treatment modes.
- Precision Beam Delivery — Fotona’s OPTOflex technology creates a uniform laser beam to support consistent energy distribution across the treatment area.
- FracTAT Fractional Technology — An additional treatment option for selected tattoos, designed to improve pigment access during laser treatment.
- Personalized Treatment Plans — Each session is tailored to tattoo color, density, location, skin type, healing response, and removal goals.
What to Expect During Your Appointment
Consultation
Your provider evaluates your tattoo, medical history, skin type, and previous treatments to determine an appropriate removal plan.
Treatment
Protective eyewear is provided, and laser energy is delivered to the tattooed area. You may experience a snapping, stinging, or warm sensation during the procedure.
Comfort measures may be used depending on the treatment area.
Immediately After Treatment
Temporary whitening, redness, swelling, and tenderness are common. Some patients develop pinpoint bleeding, blistering, or crusting.
Recovery
The skin gradually heals as the body continues clearing fragmented tattoo pigment. Your provider will explain wound care, sun protection, and when to resume normal activities.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
Most tattoos require multiple sessions for meaningful fading or removal.
The number of treatments depends on:
- Tattoo size and location
- Ink color and composition
- Professional versus amateur tattoo application
- Pigment depth and density
- Age of the tattoo
- Skin type
- Individual immune response
- Previous tattoo removal treatments
Treatments are commonly spaced approximately 6–8 weeks or longer apart, allowing the skin to heal and pigment clearance to continue.
Some tattoos may require substantially more sessions, and complete removal is not always possible.
Recovery & Aftercare
Following treatment, mild to moderate swelling, redness, and tenderness may occur. Blistering, crusting, and temporary skin discoloration are also possible.
Patients should protect the treated area, avoid picking or scratching, and follow the individualized wound care instructions provided by their clinician.
Potential complications include burns, infection, prolonged pigment changes, scarring, allergic reactions to released tattoo pigment, and incomplete tattoo removal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can all tattoo colors be removed?
Fotona StarWalker MaQX offers four wavelengths (1064, 532, 585, and 650 nm) to target a broad spectrum of tattoo pigments, including black, red, blue, and green. However, some colors and ink formulations are more resistant to treatment, and complete removal is not always possible.
Is laser tattoo removal painful?
Most patients describe a snapping or stinging sensation during treatment. Cooling and other comfort measures can help improve tolerability. Depending on individual needs and medical evaluation, medication-assisted pain control options may be available, including injectable lidocaine or oral medication such as Journavx, when clinically appropriate.
Will my tattoo disappear completely?
Some tattoos can be substantially faded or completely removed, but complete removal cannot be guaranteed. Results depend on ink composition, pigment depth, tattoo age, skin type, and individual response to treatment.
What is the difference between traditional laser tattoo removal and FracTAT?
Conventional laser tattoo removal uses Q-switched laser pulses to fragment ink particles. FracTAT adds fractional laser treatment to create microscopic channels that help reduce the temporary whitening effect known as frosting. This may improve access to deeper pigment during additional laser passes and provide another approach for treating selected tattoos.
Can microblading, eyebrow tattoos, and permanent makeup be removed?
Selected cosmetic tattoos, including microblading, eyebrow tattoos, and certain permanent makeup pigments, may be treated with laser technology. However, some cosmetic pigments can darken after laser exposure or respond unpredictably. A consultation and possible test spot may be recommended. Permanent eyeliner and tattoos near the eyes require specialized eye protection and additional safety precautions.
Can I get a new tattoo over the treated area?
Yes. Many patients choose laser tattoo removal to lighten existing ink before getting a cover-up tattoo. Your provider will evaluate the treated area and advise when the skin has healed sufficiently for new tattooing.
Will laser tattoo removal leave scars?
Scarring is a possible complication, particularly with aggressive treatment, infection, or improper aftercare. Appropriate laser settings, careful patient selection, and proper wound care help reduce this risk. Patients with a history of keloids or abnormal wound healing may require additional evaluation before treatment.
Can I remove a tattoo in one session?
Most tattoos require multiple treatment sessions for meaningful fading or removal. The number of sessions depends on tattoo size, color, ink density, location, skin type, and individual healing response. Treatments are commonly spaced approximately 6–8 weeks or longer apart. The exact number of sessions cannot be guaranteed in advance.
What should I expect after laser tattoo removal?
Temporary redness, swelling, tenderness, and whitening of the treated area are common immediately after treatment. Some patients may experience blistering, crusting, or temporary pigment changes. Following your provider’s aftercare instructions, protecting the area from sun exposure, and avoiding picking or scratching can help support proper healing.
Ready for a Fresh Start?
Whether your goal is complete tattoo removal, fading for a cover-up, or correcting unwanted permanent makeup, our team at New Image Works Medical Spa in Aventura, Florida, is here to help you explore your options.
Schedule Your Laser Tattoo Removal Consultation Today.
