Tattoo Removal in Queens: Bared Monkey Long Island City Breaks Down the Cost and Process
You have a tattoo you regret. Maybe it is an ex's name on your wrist. A faded dragon from your twenties. A cover‑up that did not work. You live in Astoria, Sunnyside, or right in Long Island City. You do not want to take the subway into Manhattan for every session. You want a local option that is honest about pricing and realistic about results.
Bared Monkey Long Island City offers laser tattoo removal with medical‑grade picosecond lasers. Here is exactly how much it costs, how many sessions you will need, and why Queens residents are staying in the borough for treatment.
How Laser Tattoo Removal Works: PiQo4 and Hollywood Spectra
Bared Monkey LIC uses two devices. The PiQo4 is a picosecond laser. It delivers energy in one trillionth of a second. That ultra‑short pulse shatters ink into dust particles so small your body can flush them out faster. The Hollywood Spectra is a Q‑switched nanosecond laser. It is excellent for black ink and works well on darker skin tones.
Your technician will choose the device based on your tattoo's colors, depth, and your Fitzpatrick skin type.
- Black ink: responds well to both devices. Often clears in 6 to 10 sessions.
- Blue, green, purple: need the PiQo4 because of its specific wavelengths (532nm, 585nm, 650nm, 1064nm). These colors are harder to treat.
- Red, orange: respond to 532nm wavelength. The PiQo4 handles these well.
- Yellow, white: the hardest. Some white inks darken when hit with a laser. Your technician will test a small spot first.
The laser breaks the ink into fragments. Your immune system carries those fragments away through your lymphatic system. That is why you wait 6 to 8 weeks between sessions. Your body needs time to clear the debris.
Per‑Square‑Inch Pricing: You Pay Only for What You Treat
Bared Monkey charges by the square inch, not a flat fee per session. This model is fair because a tiny name on your wrist costs less than a full back piece.
A typical small tattoo (1 to 2 square inches, like a name or small symbol) costs $80 to $120 per session at Bared Monkey LIC. A medium tattoo (4 to 6 square inches, like a palm‑sized design) costs $150 to $250 per session. A large tattoo (8+ square inches) costs more, and you will get a custom quote.
Packages of 3 or 6 sessions bring the per‑session cost down by 10% to 20%. You do not have to buy a package. You can pay per session. But most clients buy a package after their first session because they see results and want to save money.
Compare this to flat‑fee clinics that charge $200 per session regardless of size. If you have a small tattoo, you overpay. If you have a large tattoo, you might get a deal, but large tattoos need more sessions anyway.
Tattoo removal services pricing is transparent. The consultation includes a written quote.
How Many Sessions for Complete Removal?
No one can give you an exact number, but experienced technicians can give you a realistic range.
Black ink: 6 to 10 sessions. The denser and darker the ink, the more sessions. Amateur tattoos (stick‑and‑poke) often clear faster because the ink is less dense.
Blue and green: 10 to 15 sessions. These colors absorb less laser energy. The PiQo4 at 650nm or 1064nm is your best option.
Red and orange: 8 to 12 sessions. The 532nm wavelength targets red well.
Yellow and white: 12+ sessions, and even then, they may only lighten, not disappear. Your technician will be honest during the consultation.
Other factors:
- Tattoo age: Older tattoos have already faded from sun exposure and natural skin turnover. They usually need fewer sessions.
- Location: Tattoos on the hands and feet have slower lymphatic drainage. They take longer. Tattoos on the chest, back, and outer arms clear faster.
- Your immune system: Exercise, hydration, and not smoking help your body clear ink faster.
Most clients come in every 6 to 8 weeks. A full course takes 9 to 18 months.
What Does Tattoo Removal Feel Like? Pain, Healing, and Aftercare
The sensation is often compared to a rubber band snapping against the skin, followed by a cold spray. Some areas hurt more. The ribs, inner wrist, and spine are more sensitive. The outer arm and calf are milder.
Each laser pulse lasts a fraction of a second. A small tattoo takes 30 to 60 seconds of active lasering. A medium tattoo takes 2 to 4 minutes. The pain stops when the laser stops.
Immediately after the session, the treated area turns frosty white. That is nitrogen gas bubbles from the cooling spray. It fades within 30 minutes. You may see pinpoint bleeding or small blisters. That is normal. Do not pop them.
For the next week, keep the area clean. Apply antibiotic ointment twice a day. Cover it with a non‑stick bandage. Avoid sun exposure. No swimming, saunas, or heavy sweating for 48 hours.
The tattoo will look darker and cloudier for the first few weeks. That is the ink rising to the surface. By week 6, you will see the true fading.
Why Queens Residents Are Choosing Bared Monkey LIC for Tattoo Removal
The LIC location is at 46‑70 Center Blvd, Long Island City, NY 11109. That is a five‑minute walk from the 7 train at Vernon Blvd‑Jackson Ave. The G train stops at Court Square. The East River Ferry docks at LIC Landing. Free street parking is available on Center Blvd.
You do not have to cross the river. You do not have to pay for parking in a Manhattan garage. Your time and money stay in Queens.
Bared Monkey has the same medical‑grade lasers and experienced technicians as the Manhattan locations. The team has treated thousands of tattoos. They know how to adjust settings for darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick IV–VI) and for sensitive areas.
Find our LIC location on Google Maps for directions. The spa is clean, private, and designed for Queens residents who want professional results without the Manhattan commute.
Honest Advice About What Laser Tattoo Removal Cannot Do
Some ink colors will never fully disappear. Yellow and white often remain as a faint stain. Your technician will do a test spot on a small area before your first full session. If the test spot does not lighten after 8 weeks, they will tell you.
Older tattoos with scar tissue from a poor artist may retain texture even after the ink is gone. The laser removes ink, not scar tissue.
If you have a dark skin tone (Fitzpatrick V or VI), the technician will use the 1064nm wavelength on the PiQo4 or the Nd:YAG on the Hollywood Spectra. They will start with low energy and do a test spot. Hypopigmentation (light spots) is possible but usually temporary.
Cost Breakdown for a Real Queens Client
Let us run numbers for a 2‑square‑inch black ink tattoo on your forearm.
- Single session at Bared Monkey LIC: $100
- Sessions needed: 8 (conservative estimate)
- Total if paying per session: $800
- Package of 6 sessions: $510 ($85 per session) + 2 single sessions at $100 each = $710 total
That is a 11% savings with the package. If you need 10 sessions, the savings grow.
Compare to a Manhattan clinic charging $150 per session for the same size. That same 8 sessions would cost $1,200 plus parking or subway fare. You save nearly $500 by staying in Queens.
FAQs
Q: Does Bared Monkey LIC offer free consultations?
A: Yes. The technician will examine your tattoo, measure it, and give you a written quote. No obligation.
Q: Can I remove only part of a tattoo?
A: Yes. The technician will mask off the area you want to keep with opaque tape. You pay only for the square inches treated.
Q: How long do I have to wait between sessions?
A: 6 to 8 weeks. Your body needs time to flush out the shattered ink. Shorter intervals waste your money.
Q: Is picosecond laser better than Q‑switched for all tattoos?
A: Picosecond is generally faster for black ink and color, but a good Q‑switched device (Hollywood Spectra) still works well. Bared Monkey has both and will choose the right tool for your tattoo.
You have a tattoo you regret. Maybe it is an ex's name on your wrist. A faded dragon from your twenties. A cover‑up that did not work. You live in Astoria, Sunnyside, or right in Long Island City. You do not want to take the subway into Manhattan for every session. You want a local option that is honest about pricing and realistic about results.
Bared Monkey Long Island City offers laser tattoo removal with medical‑grade picosecond lasers. Here is exactly how much it costs, how many sessions you will need, and why Queens residents are staying in the borough for treatment.
How Laser Tattoo Removal Works: PiQo4 and Hollywood Spectra
Bared Monkey LIC uses two devices. The PiQo4 is a picosecond laser. It delivers energy in one trillionth of a second. That ultra‑short pulse shatters ink into dust particles so small your body can flush them out faster. The Hollywood Spectra is a Q‑switched nanosecond laser. It is excellent for black ink and works well on darker skin tones.
Your technician will choose the device based on your tattoo's colors, depth, and your Fitzpatrick skin type.
- Black ink: responds well to both devices. Often clears in 6 to 10 sessions.
- Blue, green, purple: need the PiQo4 because of its specific wavelengths (532nm, 585nm, 650nm, 1064nm). These colors are harder to treat.
- Red, orange: respond to 532nm wavelength. The PiQo4 handles these well.
- Yellow, white: the hardest. Some white inks darken when hit with a laser. Your technician will test a small spot first.
The laser breaks the ink into fragments. Your immune system carries those fragments away through your lymphatic system. That is why you wait 6 to 8 weeks between sessions. Your body needs time to clear the debris.
Per‑Square‑Inch Pricing: You Pay Only for What You Treat
Bared Monkey charges by the square inch, not a flat fee per session. This model is fair because a tiny name on your wrist costs less than a full back piece.
A typical small tattoo (1 to 2 square inches, like a name or small symbol) costs $80 to $120 per session at Bared Monkey LIC. A medium tattoo (4 to 6 square inches, like a palm‑sized design) costs $150 to $250 per session. A large tattoo (8+ square inches) costs more, and you will get a custom quote.
Packages of 3 or 6 sessions bring the per‑session cost down by 10% to 20%. You do not have to buy a package. You can pay per session. But most clients buy a package after their first session because they see results and want to save money.
Compare this to flat‑fee clinics that charge $200 per session regardless of size. If you have a small tattoo, you overpay. If you have a large tattoo, you might get a deal, but large tattoos need more sessions anyway.
Tattoo removal services pricing is transparent. The consultation includes a written quote.
How Many Sessions for Complete Removal?
No one can give you an exact number, but experienced technicians can give you a realistic range.
Black ink: 6 to 10 sessions. The denser and darker the ink, the more sessions. Amateur tattoos (stick‑and‑poke) often clear faster because the ink is less dense.
Blue and green: 10 to 15 sessions. These colors absorb less laser energy. The PiQo4 at 650nm or 1064nm is your best option.
Red and orange: 8 to 12 sessions. The 532nm wavelength targets red well.
Yellow and white: 12+ sessions, and even then, they may only lighten, not disappear. Your technician will be honest during the consultation.
Other factors:
- Tattoo age: Older tattoos have already faded from sun exposure and natural skin turnover. They usually need fewer sessions.
- Location: Tattoos on the hands and feet have slower lymphatic drainage. They take longer. Tattoos on the chest, back, and outer arms clear faster.
- Your immune system: Exercise, hydration, and not smoking help your body clear ink faster.
Most clients come in every 6 to 8 weeks. A full course takes 9 to 18 months.
What Does Tattoo Removal Feel Like? Pain, Healing, and Aftercare
The sensation is often compared to a rubber band snapping against the skin, followed by a cold spray. Some areas hurt more. The ribs, inner wrist, and spine are more sensitive. The outer arm and calf are milder.
Each laser pulse lasts a fraction of a second. A small tattoo takes 30 to 60 seconds of active lasering. A medium tattoo takes 2 to 4 minutes. The pain stops when the laser stops.
Immediately after the session, the treated area turns frosty white. That is nitrogen gas bubbles from the cooling spray. It fades within 30 minutes. You may see pinpoint bleeding or small blisters. That is normal. Do not pop them.
For the next week, keep the area clean. Apply antibiotic ointment twice a day. Cover it with a non‑stick bandage. Avoid sun exposure. No swimming, saunas, or heavy sweating for 48 hours.
The tattoo will look darker and cloudier for the first few weeks. That is the ink rising to the surface. By week 6, you will see the true fading.
Why Queens Residents Are Choosing Bared Monkey LIC for Tattoo Removal
The LIC location is at 46‑70 Center Blvd, Long Island City, NY 11109. That is a five‑minute walk from the 7 train at Vernon Blvd‑Jackson Ave. The G train stops at Court Square. The East River Ferry docks at LIC Landing. Free street parking is available on Center Blvd.
You do not have to cross the river. You do not have to pay for parking in a Manhattan garage. Your time and money stay in Queens.
Bared Monkey has the same medical‑grade lasers and experienced technicians as the Manhattan locations. The team has treated thousands of tattoos. They know how to adjust settings for darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick IV–VI) and for sensitive areas.
Find our LIC location on Google Maps for directions. The spa is clean, private, and designed for Queens residents who want professional results without the Manhattan commute.
Honest Advice About What Laser Tattoo Removal Cannot Do
Some ink colors will never fully disappear. Yellow and white often remain as a faint stain. Your technician will do a test spot on a small area before your first full session. If the test spot does not lighten after 8 weeks, they will tell you.
Older tattoos with scar tissue from a poor artist may retain texture even after the ink is gone. The laser removes ink, not scar tissue.
If you have a dark skin tone (Fitzpatrick V or VI), the technician will use the 1064nm wavelength on the PiQo4 or the Nd:YAG on the Hollywood Spectra. They will start with low energy and do a test spot. Hypopigmentation (light spots) is possible but usually temporary.
Cost Breakdown for a Real Queens Client
Let us run numbers for a 2‑square‑inch black ink tattoo on your forearm.
- Single session at Bared Monkey LIC: $100
- Sessions needed: 8 (conservative estimate)
- Total if paying per session: $800
- Package of 6 sessions: $510 ($85 per session) + 2 single sessions at $100 each = $710 total
That is a 11% savings with the package. If you need 10 sessions, the savings grow.
Compare to a Manhattan clinic charging $150 per session for the same size. That same 8 sessions would cost $1,200 plus parking or subway fare. You save nearly $500 by staying in Queens.
FAQs
Q: Does Bared Monkey LIC offer free consultations?
A: Yes. The technician will examine your tattoo, measure it, and give you a written quote. No obligation.
Q: Can I remove only part of a tattoo?
A: Yes. The technician will mask off the area you want to keep with opaque tape. You pay only for the square inches treated.
Q: How long do I have to wait between sessions?
A: 6 to 8 weeks. Your body needs time to flush out the shattered ink. Shorter intervals waste your money.
Q: Is picosecond laser better than Q‑switched for all tattoos?
A: Picosecond is generally faster for black ink and color, but a good Q‑switched device (Hollywood Spectra) still works well. Bared Monkey has both and will choose the right tool for your tattoo.
