Portland Tattoo Removal You Can Trust — Since 2015

📰  Portland’s Best Laser Tattoo Removal featured in Willamette Week

Thousands of tattoo removals. One mission: real results without the hassle.

At Cascade Medical Spa & Tattoo Removal Center, we’ve helped Portland clients erase regret and start fresh for nearly a decade.
We use the Quanta Q Plus C — the Italian-engineered powerhouse known as the Ferrari of tattoo removal — to target even stubborn colors safely and effectively.

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Portland’s Original Tattoo Removal Specialists

Over the last decade, tattoo removal has come a long way — and we have upgraded our Laser Tattoo Removal Technology along the way.

Many people come to us after wasting time and money on treatments that didn’t deliver. That’s why, since 2015, Cascade Medical Spa & Tattoo Removal Center has focused on one thing: providing safe, effective tattoo removal with honest pricing and realistic results.

We started as Cascade Tattoo Removal, Portland’s first dedicated tattoo removal clinic. After testing every major device on the market, we chose the Quanta Q-Plus C Evo — an Italian-engineered powerhouse often called the Ferrari of tattoo removal.

With its three precise wavelengths, the Q-Plus C Evo clears even stubborn colors like blue, green, and red (and even permanent makeup) — all while staying gentle on skin.

Whether you’re ready to remove your tattoo completely or just fade it for a future cover-up, our goal is simple: fewer sessions, faster fading, and real skin recovery — delivered by a Portland team that’s been doing it right for over a decade.

💪 Best Laser Tattoo Removal Technology w/ Q Plus C Evo

👩‍⚕️ Qualified & Certified Laser Tattoo Removal Providers

💰 Real & Transparent Tattoo Removal Costs

👩‍⚕️ Medically Overseen & In-House Physician

Why Choose Cascade Medical Spa and Tattoo Removal Center in Portland?

When it comes to laser tattoo removal, experience and trust matter.

At Cascade, every treatment is customized to your skin, your ink, and your goals — so you see faster fading with less discomfort.

Our team combines medical expertise with next-generation laser technology, post-treatment tattoo removal gel, numbing solutions,  delivering clearer skin and confident results Portland has trusted since 2015.

You’ll never get cookie-cutter settings or sales pressure — just honest advice, proven tattoo removal methods, and care that puts your results first.

“I am seeing huge progress, and for almost nothing compared to what I paid before. The tech who worked on me was professional, pleasant, and the environment was laid-back.”

Chris F.

Laser tattoo removal expert in portland with great reviews

What is the Best Laser For Tattoo Removal in Portland?

Don’t be misled by tattoo removal shortcuts that can cause permanent skin damage or ineffective results. At Cascade Medical Spa & Tattoo Removal Center in Portland, we use advanced laser technology and a medically guided approach to ensure safe, effective, and skin-friendly tattoo removal.

Every client receives a comprehensive free consultation before starting treatment. We take the time to assess your skin type, tattoo ink composition, and removal goals, ensuring a customized treatment plan for the best possible results.

As part of our commitment to superior care, we provide:
✔ Personalized aftercare instructions for faster healing
✔ Cooling ice packs to reduce discomfort and inflammation
✔ Medical-grade removal gel to help restore your skin as quickly and safely as possible

At Cascade Medical Spa, our expert providers are dedicated to helping you achieve clear, ink-free skin with minimal treatments and maximum results.

Laser Tattoo removal before and after photo in portland after just one treatment

Why We Use the Q-Plus C Evo For Tattoo Removal (and Not a Pico Laser)?

You’ve probably seen the hype around Pico lasers — but newer doesn’t always mean better. The Quanta Q-Plus C Evo is the upgraded evolution of one of the most trusted tattoo-removal systems in the world. It’s built for power, precision, and faster results — not marketing buzz. Here’s why it outperforms most Pico systems:

  • 🎯 More Power, Deeper Clearance – The Evo delivers higher peak energy per pulse, breaking up stubborn ink particles faster and more completely.

  • 🎨 True Three-Wavelength System – 1064 nm, 532 nm, and 694 nm (Ruby) target every ink color, including difficult blues and greens, on all skin types.

  • 🩹 Safer on Skin – Its controlled nanosecond pulses minimize heat buildup, reducing the risk of hypopigmentation or blistering.

  • ⏱️ Fewer Sessions, Faster Results – Stronger energy and precise targeting mean tattoos fade noticeably in fewer treatments.

  • 🇮🇹 Italian-Engineered Excellence – Built by Quanta System Italy, known globally as the “Ferrari of tattoo removal,” for unmatched reliability and performance.

Bottom line: The Q-Plus C Evo gives you better results in fewer sessions — safely treating more colors and skin types than most Pico lasers ever could.

Precision Matters: Why Laser Maintenance is Key for Tattoo Removal

Many tattoo removal clinics skip regular laser maintenance, and that can cost you more than you think. When a laser isn’t properly calibrated, it loses power and precision, leading to slower fading, extra sessions, and a higher risk of skin irritation or scarring.

At Cascade Medical Spa & Tattoo Removal Center in Portland, we take laser performance seriously. Our Quanta Q-Plus C Evo is professionally serviced and calibrated regularly to ensure it operates at full power and accuracy — delivering faster, safer, and more effective tattoo removal every time.

Well-calibrated lasers mean:

  • Fewer sessions for complete removal

  • 🩹 Lower risk of scarring or skin damage

  • 🎯 Consistent, predictable results for every client

Before you choose a provider, ask to see their laser service records — because your skin deserves the best technology, maintained by experts who care about your results as much as you do.

Laser tattoo removal calibration in Portland cascade best results

How Much Does Laser Tattoo Removal Cost in Portland? 

Our average pricing for laser tattoo removal is typically between $75 to $150 per session for average size tattoos. Watch this video below to have one of our tattoo removal experts talk about our laser tattoo removal process.

“Cascade Medical Spa has transformed my skin! Christina Lee is delightful to work with, she has helped me address various concerns and is great about explaining what to expect with each treatment. I always look forward to my next visit. Highly recommend!”

Kaylee R.

Laser Tattoo Removal Before and After Photos: Real People, Real Results!

Before and after laser tattoo removal on neck in Portland at Cascade Medical Spa – safe and effective ink removal.

The number of tattoo removal treatments often depends on factors like ink density, skin tone, and ink color. Lighter skin tones and tattoos with all black ink generally respond better to laser removal, often requiring fewer treatments for effective results.

Before and after laser tattoo removal on back in Portland at Cascade Medical Spa – safe and effective ink removal.

Older black ink tattoos often appear blue over time, but they are typically the easiest tattoos to remove. In many cases, older tattoos require fewer treatments for effective removal. For example, this tattoo removal was completed in just 4 laser treatments, showcasing the effectiveness of our advanced technology.

Before and after laser tattoo removal on black ink wedding ring band tattoo in Portland at Cascade Medical Spa – safe and effective ink removal.

Finger tattoo removal results can vary depending on factors such as ink density and the circulation in your fingers. Tattoos on areas with less circulation, like the fingers, may take longer to remove compared to other body parts.

Before and after laser tattoo removal on black ink foot tattoo in Portland at Cascade Medical Spa – safe and effective ink removal.
The number of tattoo removal treatments often depends on ink density, and foot tattoos may take longer to remove due to the reduced circulation in the extremities. With additional healing time, this person’s skin should heal and return to its normal appearance.
Before and after laser tattoo removal on black ink lip tattoo in Portland at Cascade Medical Spa – safe and effective ink removal.

Lip tattoos are ill advised, but can still be removed. Areas of the head typically do get better results due to better circulation.

Denser inks in tattoos typically require more laser treatments for effective removal. With additional healing time, this person’s skin should heal and return to its normal appearance.

Removing Red, Blue & Multicolored Ink Just Got Easier

Before and after laser tattoo removal on red and black ink neck tattoo in Portland at Cascade Medical Spa – safe and effective ink removal.

Neck tattoos often have good circulation. This person needs a little more healing time for complete removal.

Before and after laser tattoo removal on blue ink back tattoo in Portland at Cascade Medical Spa – safe and effective ink removal.

When removing colored tattoos, we remove all the black ink first before switching over to our special 694 Ruby Wave length that attacks the blues.

Before and after laser tattoo removal on multi-colored ink arm tattoo in Portland at Cascade Medical Spa – safe and effective ink removal.

Removing the dark colors of a tattoo can often give the new tattoo artist enough clarity for a cover up.

When considering what laser for your laser tattoo removal treatment, it is important to understand that not all lasers are the same! The type of laser you choose for your removal will make a huge difference in the number of overall treatments needed. What really separates our laser from others is the Square Spot Opti-Beam technology that distributes energy effectively over the whole spot size. This technology will remove your tattoo faster and will significantly decrease your chance of scarring and also decrease the overall cost.

Our goal is to bring your skin back to normal as possible. We like to be as honest and straightforward as possible with our customers regarding the overall number of treatments needed and the overall cost. Although we offer the latest technology in Portland, we still believe tattoo removal should not break the bank. Give us a chance to exceed your expectations!

At Cascade Medical Spa & Tattoo Removal Center we try to be as straightforward and honest as possible in regards to the total cost associated with your removal. Our goal is to remove your tattoo in the fewest treatments possible and your results are our number one priority so we often use the “time is your friend” approach to remove your tattoo. That business model is not the best for our profits, but it is the best for your skin and your pocket book.

Our Practitioners will quote you a specific price in person. We also have a pricing page on this website to give our customers a general idea of the overall cost. Most of our customers pay between as low as $60 for tiny tattoos but typically $75-300 per session for their tattoo removal treatments.

At Cascade Medical Spa in Portland, we use advanced laser technology to break down tattoo ink through two key processes. The pigment in your tattoo absorbs the energy from the laser, causing it to break apart. Additionally, the laser’s incredibly fast pulse (6-billionths of a second!) and energy cause the ink to shatter, similar to a sugar cube breaking apart. Once the ink is fragmented, your body will naturally move fluid to the area to help flush the ink away. This immune response is often visible as swelling and redness. Over the next days and weeks, your body will continue to flush away the ink. Tattoo removal takes several sessions, so we recommend taking a patient, “time is your friend” approach to start the fading process.

Not all lasers are equal. At Cascade Medical Spa in Portland, our Q Plus C laser features a specialized Ruby wavelength (untouched by dye handpieces), designed to effectively remove even the most difficult ink colors. We set realistic expectations for multi-colored ink tattoos to ensure you know what to expect during the process.

Blue ink tattoo removal, in particular, is often one of the most challenging to remove. While it remains a process, the Q Plus C laser will optimize your results, offering a more efficient solution for removing stubborn tattoo colors.

Laser tattoo removal at Cascade Medical Spa in Portland usually takes only a few minutes, depending on the complexity and color(s) of your tattoo. On average, you can expect to be in and out in just 15 minutes, making it a quick and efficient treatment for your tattoo removal needs.

Removing a tattoo is a fading process that requires a series of treatments, typically scheduled six weeks apart, but healing time may require longer intervals between sessions. Black ink tattoos generally respond more quickly than bright colors because they absorb the laser light more effectively. The depth, color, and amount of ink, along with the location of the tattoo on your body, all play a role in how quickly and efficiently your tattoo can be removed. On average, most tattoos can be removed in four to twelve treatments at Cascade Medical Spa in Portland.

In most cases tattoos are completely removed. The depth, density and colors are the biggest determining factors. After each treatment a little bit more ink is fragmented a little deeper into your skin. Some people have some pigmentation concerns from when the tattoo artist scrubbed the ink into their skin. We have some nifty tricks to help your skin, but you still may have some pigmentation or scarring from when the tattoo was administered.

Most patients report that laser tattoo removal feels similar to being snapped by a rubber band, with discomfort comparable to the sensation of getting a tattoo. At Cascade Medical Spa in Portland, we prioritize your comfort during the procedure. To help reduce discomfort, we use the Zimmer chiller unit and offer numbing creams. We provide lidocaine numbing cream for $20 to $40 and numbing injections for $50 to $100 per session. Please let us know in advance if you’d like to use one of these options to make your treatment more comfortable.

To remove a tattoo without scarring, a Q-switched laser must be used. This type of laser pulses incredibly quickly (6-billionths of a second!), allowing it to dissolve the ink without damaging surrounding skin tissue. It’s similar to running your hand over a candle flame quickly—there’s not enough time for the skin to burn. While redness, swelling, blistering, and scabbing can occur after laser tattoo removal, most scarring is typically caused by the original tattoo application when the ink was scrubbed into the skin. At Cascade Medical Spa in Portland, our Q-switched laser features a square spot, making it one of the best options for your skin. Our certified practitioners prioritize your skin’s health, ensuring optimal results and minimal risk.

Many tattoo artists encourage customers to lighten an existing tattoo before covering it with a new one. This dramatically reduces any chance of the old tattoo appearing through the new one. In most cases, a minimum of three to six treatments is all that’s required to lighten an existing tattoo.

Laser treatment is a safe and effective method of removal of tattoos. It is performed by a certified laser skin technician skilled in the use of lasers.

Currently this procedure is not included as a health insurance benefit. Insurance companies consider this a cosmetic or aesthetic procedure.

Does Tattoo Removal Cause Scarring?

In some cases, scarring is caused by the tattooing process itself when ink is embedded too deeply. Once most of the ink is removed, we can use microneedling to break up scar tissue, further fading the tattoo and improving skin texture.

This treatment is not always necessary, but it can enhance results by both stimulating collagen production and breaking up remaining ink particles. It’s also a great option for those interested in overall skin rejuvenation.

Ask us about adding microneedling to your tattoo removal plan!

Take A Virtual Tour of Cascade Medical Spa & Tattoo Removal Center

Hoe to Prepare For Your Laser Tattoo Removal?

At Cascade Medical Spa and Tattoo Removal Center in Portland, we prioritize your safety and results. Please follow these pre-treatment instructions to ensure an effective and comfortable laser tattoo removal experience:

  1. Avoid Sun Exposure: Protect the treatment area from direct sun exposure for at least two weeks before your appointment. Sunburned or tanned skin increases the risk of side effects. Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher if sun exposure is unavoidable.
  2. Stop Self-Tanning Products: Discontinue the use of self-tanners on the treatment area at least two weeks before your session to avoid pigmentation issues.
  3. Keep the Area Clean: Ensure the tattooed area is clean and free of lotions, creams, or makeup on the day of your treatment.
  4. Avoid Hair Removal: Do not wax, pluck, or shave the treatment area for at least one week before your appointment to prevent skin irritation.
  5. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water leading up to your session. Hydrated skin responds better to laser treatment.
  6. Avoid Blood Thinners: Refrain from taking aspirin, ibuprofen, or other blood-thinning medications for 24 hours before your appointment unless directed otherwise by your doctor.
  7. Consult About Medications: Inform your provider about any medications or supplements you are taking, as some can increase skin sensitivity.
  8. Avoid Alcohol and Smoking: Reduce or avoid alcohol and smoking 24 hours before your session to improve skin healing.
  9. Wear Comfortable Clothing: Choose loose-fitting clothes that allow easy access to the tattooed area to prevent irritation after treatment.
  10. Prepare for Sensation: While laser tattoo removal is tolerable, some clients describe the sensation as similar to a rubber band snap. Numbing creams are available upon request—discuss this with your provider ahead of time.

Why Pre-Treatment Instructions Matter

Following these guidelines ensures optimal laser penetration, minimizes risks of complications, and helps you achieve the best results from your tattoo removal sessions.

If you have any questions or concerns, contact our team at Cascade Medical Spa and Tattoo Removal Center in Portland. We’re here to help you every step of the way!

Post Treatment Instructions Laser Tattoo Removal

At Cascade Medical Spa and Tattoo Removal Center in Portland, your safety and comfort are our priorities. Follow these post-treatment instructions to care for your skin after laser tattoo removal and ensure the best possible results.

Immediate Aftercare

  1. Keep the Area Clean and Dry: Gently cleanse the treated area with mild soap and water. Pat dry with a clean towel—do not rub.
  2. Apply Ointment: Use a healing ointment, such as Aquaphor or a doctor-recommended product, to keep the area moisturized and protect against infection.
  3. Cover the Area: Use a sterile, non-stick bandage to protect the skin during the initial healing phase. Change the bandage daily or as directed by your provider.

Things to Avoid

  1. Avoid Sun Exposure: Protect the treated area from direct sunlight for at least four weeks. Use a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher when outdoors.
  2. No Picking or Scratching: Allow any blisters, scabs, or crusting to heal naturally. Picking at them can cause scarring.
  3. Avoid Harsh Products: Do not apply makeup, perfumes, or any products with strong chemicals to the treated area for at least 48 hours.
  4. Skip Heat and Water Exposure: Avoid hot tubs, saunas, and swimming pools for at least 48 hours to prevent irritation or infection.

Healing Process

  1. Expect Redness and Swelling: Mild redness, swelling, or tenderness is normal and should subside within a few days.
  2. Blistering is Normal: Small blisters may form. Do not pop them; let them heal naturally.
  3. Skin Discoloration: The treated area may appear lighter or darker during the healing process. This will even out over time.

Long-Term Care

  1. Stay Hydrated: Drinking water supports your body’s healing process.
  2. Avoid Smoking and Alcohol: Both can slow healing and reduce the effectiveness of tattoo removal.
  3. Schedule Follow-Up Sessions: Most tattoos require multiple sessions for complete removal. Follow the schedule recommended by your provider.

When to Contact Us

Call us immediately if you experience severe pain, excessive swelling, signs of infection (like pus, redness, or warmth), or other concerns.


Why Post-Treatment Instructions Are Important

Following these post-treatment instructions ensures your skin heals properly, minimizes risks of complications, and helps you achieve the best results from your laser tattoo removal sessions at Cascade Medical Spa and Tattoo Removal Center in Portland.

Have questions or need assistance? Contact our team today—we’re here to help!

Best Laser for Tattoo Removal? Here’s How They Compare

Technology Type
Quanta Q Plus C
Q-switched nanosecond laser, specifically designed for tattoo removal.
PicoSure / PicoWay
Picosecond lasers, more often used for pigment and skin resurfacing.
Wavelengths
Quanta Q Plus C
1064nm, 532nm, and 694nm Ruby — treats black, red, green, blue, and purple ink.
PicoSure / PicoWay
PicoSure: 755nm. PicoWay: 532nm, 1064nm, 730nm (some models).
Color Range
Quanta Q Plus C
Best for full-spectrum tattoos, including deep black and multicolor designs.
PicoSure / PicoWay
Good for black and red; struggles with greens, blues, and purples.
Pulse Duration
Quanta Q Plus C
Nanosecond pulses — better at breaking down dense or deep ink particles.
PicoSure / PicoWay
Picosecond pulses — better for shallow pigment but less effective on deeper ink.
Spot Shape & Beam
Quanta Q Plus C
Flat-top square beam = safer, more even energy, fewer hotspots, better skin protection.
PicoSure / PicoWay
Round beam = less consistent energy delivery and higher risk of uneven fading.
Treatment Depth
Quanta Q Plus C
Larger spot size penetrates deeper — ideal for professional or layered tattoos.
PicoSure / PicoWay
Smaller spot size = better for cosmetic pigment, not deep ink.
FDA Clearance
Quanta Q Plus C
FDA-cleared for tattoo removal, pigment lesions, and vascular lesions.
PicoSure / PicoWay
FDA-cleared for tattoo removal, acne scars, melasma; PicoSure also for skin resurfacing.
Cost to Client
Quanta Q Plus C
More affordable per session, with fewer treatments for multicolor tattoos.
PicoSure / PicoWay
Often higher cost due to brand hype and more sessions required for results.

Free Consultations Recommended!