Last reviewed June 2025 by Vlad, Founder & SMP / Laser Tattoo Removal Specialist at Rico Clinic.
If you are searching for laser tattoo removal reviews in Montreal, you are almost certainly doing your homework before you commit. Good. Removing a tattoo is a real decision, and the clinic you choose matters more than the machine. This page is here to give you honest answers: what our clients actually experience, what it costs, how many sessions you should expect, and what the process feels like from the first consultation to the last pass of the laser.
At Rico Clinic, we have been removing tattoos in Montreal since 2017 — that is roughly 8 years at the same address in Côte-des-Neiges, with 546+ treatments performed and 135+ Google reviews at a 5.0 rating. Our founder, Vlad, came to this work through his own journey with hair loss and micropigmentation, and that experience-first mindset shapes how we treat every client: patiently, safely, and without overpromising.
What our clients say
Our reputation is built one session at a time. Across our 135+ five-star Google reviews, a few themes come up again and again, and they tell you more about what to expect than any marketing line could.
“Professional and reassuring.” The single most common thing clients mention is how calm the experience feels. First-timers walk in nervous and leave surprised it was that manageable. We explain every step before it happens, and we never rush you through the door.
“Real, visible fading.” Clients consistently highlight that the results show. Tattoo removal is gradual by design — your body does the clearing — but our clients see steady, honest progress between sessions, and we show you photos so you can track it yourself.
“Honest pricing, no surprises.” Because we quote you in a free consultation before anything starts, the number you hear is the number you pay. Several reviews specifically thank us for not upselling.
Reviews are a starting point, not the whole story. The best way to judge a clinic is to sit down with the person who would actually treat you. That is exactly what our free consultation is for.
How laser tattoo removal actually works
Laser tattoo removal is not magic, and understanding the mechanism makes the timeline make sense. The science behind it dates back to a landmark 1983 paper by Anderson and Parrish on selective photothermolysis — the principle that a precisely tuned pulse of light can shatter a target (here, tattoo ink) without damaging the surrounding skin.
Here is what happens in plain terms. The laser fires extremely short pulses of light that the ink absorbs. That energy breaks the large ink particles into fragments small enough for your immune system to carry away over the following weeks. Different ink colours absorb different wavelengths, which is why we work with more than one. A 1064 nm wavelength handles dark inks like black and dark blue; a 532 nm wavelength targets warmer colours like red and orange. Greens and bright blues are the stubborn ones and may need more patience.
We use modern, non-invasive laser technology and tune the settings to your skin type and your specific ink. We do not chase speed by cranking the intensity — pushing the laser too hard is how people end up with burns or scarring, and we will not do it no matter how much you want faster results. The right approach is steady and safe. You can read more about our full range of treatments on our services overview.
What a session actually feels like
Most clients describe the sensation as a series of quick, hot snaps — often compared to an elastic band flicked against the skin, or tiny splatters of hot oil. It is uncomfortable, but it is brief, and the pulses move quickly.
A typical session unfolds like this. We start by applying a numbing cream and giving it 10 to 15 minutes to take effect. We clean the area, hand you protective goggles, and select the right wavelength and settings for your tattoo. Then we begin the passes. Sensitive areas — the head, neck, ribs, ankles, fingers — feel more than fleshier spots like the outer arm or thigh. We can run a cold-air blower alongside the laser to take the edge off, and we take short breaks between passes whenever you need one. A small tattoo can be done in a few minutes; a larger piece takes longer.
Healing and aftercare, step by step
Aftercare is where good results are protected, and it is genuinely simple if you follow it.
The first few hours: the area will be red, slightly swollen, and warm — similar to a mild sunburn. We apply a healing ointment and a dressing before you leave.
Days 1 to 7: keep the area clean and dry, and apply the healing cream we recommend. You may see blistering or scabbing — this is normal and part of the process. Do not pick or pop anything; let it resolve on its own to avoid scarring.
Throughout healing: stay hydrated, skip hot baths, saunas, and intense workouts for a few days, and — this is the big one — keep the treated area out of the sun until it is fully healed. Sun exposure on fresh treatment is the fastest way to cause pigment problems. When you are back outdoors, use a high-SPF sunscreen over the area.
How many sessions you’ll need — and what it costs
This is the question everyone asks, and the honest answer is: it depends. Most tattoos need somewhere between 6 and 12 sessions, spaced 6 to 8 weeks apart to give your skin time to heal and your body time to clear the broken-down ink. The exact number depends on the tattoo’s size, the colours used, how deep and how dense the ink is, where it sits on your body, and your skin type.
On price, sessions at our Montreal clinic range from $50 to $800 depending on size and complexity, and we offer multi-session packages that bring the per-session cost down. We will never quote you blind — you get a clear, personalized number in your free consultation, with no surprises afterward.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does laser tattoo removal cost in Montreal?
At Rico Clinic, sessions range from $50 to $800 depending on the size, colour, and complexity of your tattoo. Small tattoos sit at the lower end; large, dense, or multi-coloured pieces cost more per session and take more sessions. We offer multi-session packages that reduce the per-session price, and you receive an exact quote during your free consultation.
How many sessions will I need to remove my tattoo?
Most tattoos take 6 to 12 sessions, spaced 6 to 8 weeks apart. The total depends on size, ink colours (black clears faster than greens and bright blues), ink depth and density, placement, and your skin type. We give you a realistic estimate after seeing your tattoo in person.
Does laser tattoo removal hurt?
Most people find it moderately painful — like an elastic band snapping against the skin. We apply numbing cream beforehand, can use a cold-air blower during the session, and take breaks as needed. Sensitive areas such as the head, neck, and ribs feel more than the arms or thighs, but the pulses are quick.
Will laser tattoo removal leave a scar?
When done correctly, laser tattoo removal does not scar. Scarring risk comes from overly aggressive settings or poor aftercare — which is exactly why we refuse to over-power the laser for faster results and why we walk you through aftercare carefully. Following the healing instructions, especially not picking scabs and staying out of the sun, keeps your skin safe.
How long until I see results?
You will notice fading after the first few sessions, but full clearing is gradual because your body does the work of flushing the ink between visits. Expect the complete process to span several months to over a year, depending on your tattoo and how it responds. Steady progress is the goal — rushing it risks your skin.
Why should I trust Rico Clinic’s reviews?
Our 135+ Google reviews at a 5.0 rating are public and verifiable on Google Maps. We have operated at one Montreal address since 2017 and performed 546+ treatments. We would rather you read those reviews and then come judge us in person at a free consultation than take our word for it.
Book your free consultation
The best decision you can make is the easiest: come in and talk to us. Your consultation is free, there is no pressure, and you will leave knowing exactly what your tattoo will take to remove and what it will cost. Book your free consultation online or call us at (514) 346-8044. We are at 4934 Chemin de la Côte-des-Neiges, Montréal, open Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM. You can also browse more guides on our blog.
Reviewed and written by Vlad, Founder & SMP / Laser Tattoo Removal Specialist at Rico Clinic. Last reviewed June 2025.