111-29 Queens Blvd, Forest Hills, NY 11375
111-29 Queens Blvd, Forest Hills, NY 11375
Nothing lasts forever— not even ink. Life changes, careers evolve, relationships shift, and what was once meaningful on your skin can start to feel like baggage. At Medex Diagnostic & Treatment Center in Forest Hills, Queens, we meet people every week who love their tattoos but no longer want to live with them. Whether you’re clearing space for a new design or erasing a reminder of the past, our physician-led laser program is built to give you a fresh start safely, efficiently, and with compassion.
A tattoo sits deep in the dermis, the living layer beneath the epidermis. Each ink droplet is big enough that your immune system can’t carry it away, so the color stays put—sometimes for life. Laser tattoo removal changes that balance of power. High-energy light pulses pass harmlessly through the top skin and shatter ink into dust-like fragments your macrophages can finally sweep up. Over the following weeks your lymphatic system does the quiet cleanup work, and the pigment gradually fades out of sight.
Early lasers fired in the “nanosecond” range, but today’s picosecond systems deliver the same energy in a fraction of the time, creating pressure waves that break ink apart more efficiently and with less heat. Black and dark blue inks respond to the 1064 nm wavelength; reds, oranges, and some yellows clear faster with 532 nm; stubborn greens and sky-blues often need a 694 nm ruby or 755 nm alexandrite beam. We keep the full set in-house so you never have to worry about “un-removable” colors.
Imagine two painters holding the same fine-tip brush. One is a seasoned muralist, the other is picking up paint for the first time. The difference in the finished wall speaks for itself. Tattoo removal works the same way: great tools are vital, yet technique makes or breaks the outcome. At Medex every session is overseen by a board-certified dermatologist who calibrates fluence (energy), pulse width, and spot size for your exact skin tone and ink chemistry. Too little power leaves shadows; too much risks blisters, pigment loss, or scarring. Precision protects you.
We also pace your appointments deliberately. After each pass the treated area needs roughly six to eight weeks to re-pigment, settle inflammation, and clear debris. Rushing sessions—like trying to run a marathon on a sprained ankle—only raises the chance of complications. Very small or lightly packed micro-tattoos may vanish in three or four visits, while multi-layer watercolor sleeves can take a dozen or more. From day one we outline a realistic timeline so you can plan around vacations, weddings, and beach season.
Suppose you have a palm-sized amateur tattoo filled with iron-oxide pigment that lasers just won’t budge. In selected cases we may offer a different route. Surgical excision removes the inked skin in a single visit under local anesthesia. The trade-off is a linear scar; however, for certain patients that fine white line is far preferable to a stubborn dark blotch. Dermabrasion—buffing away the epidermis with a diamond fraise—is rarely used today but can be an adjunct for residual haze after laser work. These options are always discussed frankly so you can weigh the cosmetic pros and cons.
Transparency is our default. If you are not an ideal candidate today, we design a skincare roadmap so you can become one later.
Most clients leave with mild redness and pinpoint swelling—similar to a mosquito bite cluster. Over 24 hours tiny blisters may form; these are part of the clearing process. Resist the urge to pop them. A breathable bandage, fragrance-free moisturizer, and strict SPF 50 are your friends. Darker skin can temporarily lighten (hypopigmentation) while very fair complexions may tan in small speckles (hyperpigmentation). Both usually normalize within three to six months, faster with the help of vitamin-C serum and retinoids prescribed by our dermatologist.
Picture Laura, a 32-year-old executive from Astoria. Ten years ago, she got an infinity symbol tattooed on her forearm with her college roommate—a symbol of their friendship at the time. Fast forward to today, she’s leading client meetings and presenting in boardrooms, and the tattoo no longer aligns with her professional image. So, she decides it’s time to start the tattoo removal process.
At her initial consultation, the specialist photographs the tattoo, reviews her medical history, and conducts a small patch test—typically behind the ear—to ensure her skin responds well to the laser. She receives detailed information about the treatment plan, including expected results, the number of sessions (in her case, about seven), aftercare guidelines, and a breakdown of costs.
On the day of her first session, a topical numbing cream is applied and left to absorb under plastic wrap for about 30 minutes. At the same time, a skin-cooling system—often using chilled air—is used to reduce discomfort and minimize swelling by cooling the area to just above freezing.
During the laser treatment, Laura hears a sharp snapping sound with each pulse—similar to the snap of a rubber band against the skin—followed by a brief cooling sensation. The process for her small tattoo takes just a few minutes. There’s no bleeding, only a temporary whitening effect on the skin known as “frosting,” which fades within an hour.
After the session, the treated area is covered with a thin layer of healing ointment, a non-stick bandage, and a breathable wrap. She’s advised to keep the area clean, avoid sun exposure, hot tubs, and intense workouts for a few days, and to apply moisturizer regularly. She’s also instructed to wait about seven weeks before her next session to allow the skin to fully heal and for the body’s immune system to process the broken-down ink particles.
By her third session, Laura notices real progress—the loop of the infinity symbol on one side has faded to a soft gray, while the other half is becoming less distinct. Session by session, the ink fades further. Nine months later, her forearm is clear, and she feels more confident presenting herself both personally and professionally.
The average cost of laser tattoo removal in Queens ranges from $250 to $1,000 per session, depending on the size, ink colors, and number of sessions required. Most people need 5 to 10 sessions, spaced 6–8 weeks apart. Some clinics offer package pricing or financing plans to make treatments more affordable.
Yes, there is some discomfort during the procedure. Most patients describe it as similar to a rubber band snapping against the skin. However, numbing creams and cooling devices are typically used to reduce pain during and after the treatment.
The number of sessions depends on several factors, including tattoo size, location, ink depth, skin type, and the colors used. On average, 5 to 10 sessions are needed for complete removal, while some multicolored or older tattoos may require more.
In most cases, yes—especially black or dark blue tattoos. However, some colors (like green, yellow, and white) can be harder to remove completely. While many tattoos fade entirely, some may leave a faint shadow or “ghost image,” especially if treated with outdated lasers or in non-medical settings.
Yes. Common side effects include redness, swelling, blistering, scabbing, and temporary changes in skin pigmentation. Serious complications like scarring or infection are rare when the procedure is performed by a qualified professional and proper aftercare is followed.
You should wait 6 to 8 weeks between sessions to allow your skin to fully heal and your body to flush out the fragmented ink. Rushing treatments can increase the risk of complications and slow down results.
Yes, but it must be done with care. People with darker skin tones should be treated with specific laser wavelengths, such as the 1064 nm Nd:YAG, which targets ink without affecting melanin. Always choose a provider experienced with diverse skin types to reduce risks like hypopigmentation.
No. Tattoo removal is not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding due to limited research on how laser-affected ink and the body’s immune response could impact the baby. It’s best to wait until after this period to begin treatment.
No. Over-the-counter tattoo removal creams and at-home devices are ineffective and potentially dangerous. They can cause burns, scarring, allergic reactions, and skin damage. Only FDA-cleared laser treatments performed by trained professionals are proven safe and effective.
Look for a licensed medical clinic or dermatology center in Queens with experience in laser tattoo removal, certified equipment, and board-certified physicians. Choosing a local clinic near areas like Forest Hills, Astoria, or Flushing ensures convenience, continuity of care, and expert-level safety for long-term results.
Laser tattoo removal, when performed correctly, usually does not cause scarring. However, poor aftercare, underlying skin conditions, or treatment at non-medical facilities can increase the risk. Following all aftercare instructions is essential to minimize complications.
Yes. Many people choose to lighten a tattoo with a few laser sessions to prepare the area for a new design. Fading the original ink can help your tattoo artist apply cleaner lines, brighter colors, and more detailed designs for better long-term results.
You should wait at least 8–12 weeks after getting a tattoo before starting removal. The skin must fully heal and stabilize, as treating a fresh tattoo can lead to complications and poor results.
Avoid direct sun exposure, tanning beds, swimming, hot tubs, saunas, and intense workouts for at least 48–72 hours after treatment. Keep the area clean and moisturized, and don’t pick at scabs or blisters.
In most cases, no. Tattoo removal is considered an elective cosmetic procedure, so it’s typically not covered by health insurance. However, flexible payment plans and financing options are often available at professional clinics.
Medex is a multi-specialty clinic with 24-hour urgent care, primary care, and more than 30 board-certified specialists, including podiatry, cardiology, dermatology, pain management, gynecology, and physical therapy. Each department works under one roof for seamless referrals.
Yes. Every Medex doctor is board-certified in their specialty, undergoes peer review, and participates in ongoing CME (continuing medical education). Credentials are listed on our Meet the Doctors page.
Absolutely. Our Queens urgent care clinic is open for walk-in patients with minor injuries or sudden illnesses. You can also save time by reserving a same-day slot online.
Medex accepts all major commercial carriers plus Medicare, Medicaid, HIP, EmblemHealth, MetroPlus, Fidelis, and GHI. For specific coverage questions, call (718) 275-8900 or visit our Insurance page.
Use our secure online booking portal, call (718) 275-8900, or log in to the Patient Portal to reschedule.
Yes—most primary care and follow-up visits can be conducted via HIPAA-compliant video. Sign the Telemedicine Consent Form and choose “Virtual” when booking.
Yes. Our No-Fault Doctor Queens team handles car- accident injuries, and our Workers’ Comp Clinic manages job-related injuries and paperwork.
We’re at 111-29 Queens Blvd, Forest Hills, NY 11375—steps from the Forest Hills–71 Av subway station (E, F, M, R lines). A paid garage is next door and metered street parking surrounds the building.
We follow HIPAA privacy rules, store EHR data on encrypted servers, and require two-factor authentication for staff access. You may request records through our ChartRequest portal.
Adults in good health should schedule an annual physical. Patients managing chronic conditions may need follow-ups every 3–6 months; your doctor will advise a personalized schedule.
For safety, we require an active chart and a visit within the past 12 months (3 months for controlled substances). Ask your pharmacy to send an electronic refill request or message us through the Patient Portal.
Last reviewed: June 1, 2025.
Medex Diagnostic and Treatment Center
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