Update: I have been coming here for almost a year and have had 6 treatments. I have had a great experience. Getting close to done. This place is super clean, they are truthful and not exaggerating when you ask questions and the staff is great. Gretchen is fantastic and Monica also is great. I almost wish I had more to remove! read more

Getting a tattoo removed would seem like the expensive inconvenient kind of thing that you'd have to get done in a sketchy basement but at Zap a Tat the experience was both professional and easy. The interior looks like a salon (so it's not intimidating) with the cleanliness of a doctors office. The staff is amazing (especially Dani!) and always accommodated me even when I came in late. Once I came on completely the wrong day and get still saw me with a smile. There seems to always be a buy 2 get 1 free sale and they have a very generous military discount. The owner is very friendly and makes you feel like he genuinely cares. There is no doubt in my mind that they want your treatment to work as far as possible. Anyone that has anything bad to say about this place just wants to complain. I hope they open a store in Philly so I don't have to keep driving down to by my treatments ;) haha read more

I love this place!! I went for my initial consultation and treatment last Friday and was very happy. From the time you walk in the door, to the consultation, to the treatment, you feel like you in good hands. It doesn't hurt that the female staff is HOTTTTTT!!!! Not to be rude to the dudes, I just love the women.. I will tell everyone about this place that's thinking about tattoo removal. I have my 2nd appointment in 6 weeks. I look forward to going back. Sevice, atmosphere, price and staff get 2 thumbs up. I wish I was a Harvard grad and thought of this idea before he did!! Darn it! read more

I had my first R20 session at ZapATat last Friday, a day after my consultation. I've had an excellent experience so far. I was quite hesitant/nervous to get started but Gretchen was able to walk me through the entire process end-to-end, being truthful about the process (good and bad) and expectations. Things are healing up nicely over my ink (with some noticeable fading already), because I was so prepared by Gretchen to ensure a healthy recovery with the right bandaging, cleaning, etc. I'll provide more updates as things progress... For reference, my ink is about 4" all black. read more

Great experience overall! To start things off I entered at the side of building, go to the front! I landed the first appointment on Sunday which works best for me my schedule and well DMV traffic! Bonus Free parking on Sundays! I was greeted immediately and then assisted by Gretchen, she was great! Did an awesome job explaining the entire process, giving me an idea of what to expect and what not to expect. She was also able to take care of two tattoos when I originally was only booked to discuss one that was awesome because I really needed treatment on both. So far so good... My larger back tattoo we did the R20 laser treatment and its currently blistering as I was told would happen. I did end up with a surprise nose bleed twice the day of treatment but not really sure if that was due to the treatment and my body type. Haven't been able to confirm as they are closed on Mondays, but no biggie cause I'm fine today. I already have a follow up appointment set for August and can't wait to see the results in the near future. By the way folks keep in mind everyone's body is different and responds differently. The pain wasn't bad at all and it was quick, Gretchen is a great support as well. Looking forward to August and thanks Zapatat! read more

I wanted to update this review, since I've now gone through a bunch of sessions with Zapatat. I stopped going for about a year and a half because I moved out of the country, but I've since resumed my treatment with appointments every 6-8 weeks. I have to say that this place is the best and has exceeded my expectations. The people are super friendly, caring, knowledgeable, and helpful. I've been getting treatments mostly from Dani and she's such a warm person to be around! She always makes me feel comfortable and clearly explains which lasers she's using, tells me what the effects will be, assures me I can take a break at any time, and reminds me of the after-care procedure. I highly recommend Zapatat! read more

I don't live in the area anymore but I make sure to make an appointment when I am there. Great prices, and so far effective! My first appointment had slight fading (even without blistering/scabbing ~ no epidermal damage/reaction at all), second appointment had very thin (paper-thin) scabbing, and a little more fading! Hopefully all future treatments will consistently show progress. Aftercare has been a breeze and no issues so far. Hope they offer deals for current customers as I have several I want gone ;) read more

I've gone to a couple other places in the area, the first had a decent result at first visit then not much fade so I tried a second place which was kind of far and they really zapped it like crazy so it bled and took a while to heal, but not much fade in result - so I decided to try Zapatat, and I'm so glad I did! Now I regret not going there first, but at least I found them now. Dani was awesome, very professional. The treatment went by so fast I couldn't believe she was already done and I barely felt it - healing was quick, slight swelling and pink for a day or two - no big deal, and I've had more fading from the one treatment than all the others I had combined. Plus, lots of parking around and a good location. I can't wait for my next treatment, this tat should be gone soon at this rate! Big thumbs up! read more

Great place, clean office, friendly staff I got to say I liked the environment. I got my 1st treatment, I'm not sure how to feel looks like nothing happened my tattoo is intact, my ankle is red and sore., and it hurt a lot. I know blue is hard to get rid off, but I seen friends that in the 1st treatment had improvement. so I was expecting something similar. not sure what to think or how to feel read more

Those folks at Zapatat are thieves. At first, they told me it would take five or six treatments. I purchased a package of six treatments. When the tattoo was not gone after six, they told me that if I bought a package for six more, then I would get a guarantee that when those six treatments had been done that they would continue for free until the tattoo was gone. Now, at the end of twelve, they are telling me that they originally estimated that the tattoo would require fourteen treatments. So they are saying that I have to pay for treatments number thirteen and fourteen, before I start to get the free treatments. They have me over a barrel and they know it. I have already invested so much in removing this one very small tattoo that I have to keep paying, or find another tattoo removal place and pay them. They are a total rip-off and I assume that this is something that the owner learned at Harvard Business School. Now they are telling me (below) that I signed a document estimating fourteen treatments. When I walked in there, if they had told me that it would take fourteen treatments, over a thousand dollars, and more than two years, I would have walked back out and kept my little tattoo. They also only sold me a package of five or six treatments. So that "estimate" is part of a standard practice of bait and switch, and it was never pointed out to me and I certainly never saw it. Speaking of bait and switch, at one treatment I was told that I could get an extra pass of the laser if I paid for it, i.e. beyond my package. So, this is what they do. They train their staff to "upsell." It is a very friendly place, very nice ambiance, they sell you one thing. And in the end, you end up paying three or four times as much. Avoid this place like the plague. Bottom Line. What proves my point in all of this is that there really is only one response that a business should take here, and that is this: They should say, "We are sorry that you paid over a thousand dollars and spent over two years and your feel you were deceived, and that your tattoo is not nearly gone, so you will get the rest of your treatments for free." Their defensiveness and cheapness in all this proves my point. Zapatat sold me a six treatment package, telling me that I would only need five or six treatments. When those did not work, Zapatat sold me another six treatment package, this time with a guarantee to treat me until the tattoo was gone. They also sold me an additional treatment within that second six, because they "got a new laser." Then when my "guarantee" was to kick in at the end of my twelfth treatment, only then was I told that the "estimate" had been fourteen treatments, and the guarantee I had been sold with my six treatment package would not kick in until I paid for two more treatments. That is rip-off behavior, to the max. Over two years and over a thousand dollars later and I am sill looking at tattoo that started out very small and very faint. If you really want to know what jerks these people are, read the exchange below. Read how that owner acts, and ask yourself if he even remotely has pleasing his customers in mind. read more

Zapatat - After over one thousand dollars and over two years and over twelve treatments, this is what I am still looking at. - Tattoo Removal Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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I went back for my second treatment after 6 weeks. My tattoo had faded dramatically since the first laser treatment. More so then I had anticipated which has me extremely pleased. My tattoo had everything going for it in terms of seeing great results. It was old (40 years), amateur applied & black India ink. So I was hopeful but kept my expectations low. This is better then what I had hoped for. I am believing this second treatment will almost completely remove it. Any residual spots will be tolerable and I will live with them. I am SUPER HAPPY :) read more

I've been to zapatat a couple years ago and they did an amazing job, everyone is nice and the studio is very clean. I've been calling for the past 3 days and no one has answered the phone. The mailbox is full also. Sadly I had to schedule somewhere else for my tattoo removal because I can't get a hold of anyone here ! I'm giving 5 stars because of the service I received when I was there. read more

This place is the worst to deal with! I've been going to zapatat since the end of 2014, and within the past year they closed down their Richmond location and their Newport News location. I have tried to schedule appointments continuesly, with no luck. Every time I went in for treatments there was new employees which makes me question the business. Why is there such a bizarre turn over rate...... I was told I could travel from Richmond to Newport News and would receive a discount for my inconvenience. Now what happens? I called their Arlington location repeatedly to get information, Finally someone answered and I could barely understand the employee. She mentioned that she was new and the old manager wasn't working there any more. What the heck is going on with this place. I still need to remove my tattoo! FYI the employees at Newport News asked me to write a good review on Yelp and said that the owner would give me a free treatment if I did. That makes me question how many of these 5star reviews are fake. Zapatat is very UNRELIABLE. Do your research and make sure a company has credibility before starting a loooooong process, like tattoo removal. read more

Zapatat is very well run offering outstanding service at a very reasonable cost. I have had 4 treatments so far with the first one being the first treatment session as the R20 process (4 passes). The technicians are very knowleadgeable, very professional, and are extremely courteous. I get text and phone call reminders of my appointment which I find very helpful for me as well as for them in the event I had to reschedule. The establishment is clean and I mean completely clean! The resting area, which has music and comfortable chairs, creates a very relaxing atmosphere. Before choosing Zapatat, I looked at other places and researched them extensively. I don't think you can find a better service at a cheaper or a higher price. Zapatat is providing a great service so anybody and everybody that wants to remove a tattoo can do it. I do recommend a person get the numbing cream no matter what your pain threshold is. While I have a high threshhold for pain, there is no sense in pushing it. Make the experience as pleasant as it can be. The staff have and always do their part. I fully recommend Zapatat. read more

Honestly I hate to write a bad review but I feel it's the only way to get the owners attention. I came for treatment from Texas in March, I was certain this was the right place since I had three ripoff sessions in Texas, I did my research and felt I was in good hands.....and then I received the ART from here, it was very intense and painful (have two tattoos removed). The lady that did it seemed unskilled and the owner kept coming in and out...my result? Barely a difference at all!! This was supposed to be the best and I paid 600.00 for what? The black wasn't even faded! I sent a message to the owner who never responded...now 5 months later I am in the area again from Texas and I called him, he said to come in Saturday morning at 9, I explained I had to catch a flight and he said come on in. So at 1000 he was still not there, 1030 still didn't show! If it wasn't for Dani this place would go under, she is the one who made it right, she is the one who carefully explained the procedure and aftercare, nothing that I received in March! Business is business and if your going to offer/provide a service DO it, don't just take our money.... Dani you ROCK! read more

I did a ton of research before going into my consultation. I chose ZapTat because of it's location and its specialty in just tattoo removal. I was ready to do my first session when I booked my consolation. Unfortunately, the consolation went horribly. It was quite awkward actually. When I asked how many sessions for my 15 year old, faded, 1.5inch by 1.5inch tattoo? She said 14 (corrected from original comment) sessions over 2 years at $75 a pop. Since there was green in the tattoo she couldn't guarantee any results. Thank god my intuition kicked in and I chose to walk out. I did two more consultations the same day and they all thought that 15 sessions was ridiculous as well after looking at my tattoo. I am so happy with who I ended up choosing and I did my first session yesterday. I hope I will have great results. Giving their 5 star rating on Yelp and the no bull shit consultation I feel good about my decision. read more

Very laid back but professional, no gimmick consultation. The session was somewhat pain-free but FAST considering the size and depth of my tattoos. They were great and very kind to me and my family from the moment we walked in. Great business with real concern and care for their clients. read more

This place was great. I was so excited to get started on my tattoo removal (I've had a tattoo for five years that I've hated from day 1). I read the online reviews then made it in within a couple of months to get started. The staff (and founder) were smiling, friendly, helpful people, and the removal process was not too bad - it was over quickly! I noticed the tattoo had some fading in places the same day of the treatment, and I did not have any blisters or scabbing afterwards. I will be returning exactly at the 6-week mark so that I can rid myself of this tattoo once and for all in about a year. So grateful to have found this business. read more

They are very sweet, and the place is very clean just like eveyone says but I have been twice and nothing really happens with each treatment. I was getting my tattoo removed at JinxProof with a much better result until DC regulations changed and they are unable to perform removals any more. Its a shame because while it is noce going to a friendly, clean place, what I really want is my tattoo removed. I wont be going back. read more

Clean office, knowledgeable and friendly staff, GREAT pricing. Was quoted almost TRIPLE the cost at Centers for Laser Surgery in DC. I got some work done there before and they scarred me and the tats barely faded. I can already see results on my arm from Zapatat. Been to a bunch of laser centers in the area, this one is the best. Great deal for great service. The laser was quicker than others I've experienced as well which is always nice since it's pretty much agony. People who don't say they see any results, GIVE IT TIME! It's not going to happen in a day or a week. I've been through this several times, the first shot is to open it up. You will not see a lot of fading. The second time you will notice more. This is a major process, takes a good 10 times to get stuff out for most average tats. Give your skin time to adjust, it'll work. It's not like everything else in your life that you can just give a quick fix to and be done with it. read more

Overall this place is the cleanest and the best clinic in town..Had 3 tattoo removal session in Zapatat and this time was the BEST experience ever. The tech was extreme sweet and informative. Damn it! forgot to ask her name. But anyway thank you for your service. read more

Great place for tattoo removal. Pricing is clear and straight forward. The facilities are clean and modern, obviously well cared for. The staff is polite, friendly and enthusiastic about their work. My R20 treatment is very recent, so it's a little soon for me to tell you the results, but I would highly recommend Zapatat for their great service and professionalism. I'll update in 8-12 weeks with my results. read more

Excellent time getting lazer treatment, the staff was one hundred percent up to par on customer service, the owner was friendly, it appears as though I am getting very good results from my treatment. I will be a returning customer, and I highly recommend them. read more

Good service and very nice techs. They took there time to answer my questions and help to try to calm my nerves. If you tell them to stop the laseer, they will immediately stop. i have been getting my tattoo removed for about a year. It is not a short process or a painless one, but that isn't there fault.. I wouldn't go anywhere else. read more

I've been coming here for over a year after going to 3 different places for consults, I couldn't be happier with my decision! The staff is friendly and caring and my tattoo is almost completely gone after 8 sessions! It was hands down the cleanest place I've been to, and I can recognize a proper sterile environment as I am a healthcare professional myself. The aftercare instructions and knowledge of the staff is commendable, they are true professionals, and masters of tattoo removal and laser treatment skin care. I have not had an issue once, and they have been more than accommodating to my schedule and concerns. I would recommend this place to anyone who wants their tattoo removed, and only wishes for the best possible service and experience! Thank you zap-a-tat its been an absolute pleasure! read more

TREATING A TATTOO AT ZAPATAT IS LIKE GETTING A CAR LOAN: You would get the car making smaller payments, but it will take you longer to pay it as you will need infinite treatments as interests!!! I had a total of 6 treatments so far. The first one was on mid October 2014 when I had an R-20 treatment as I was very excited to have a 50% to 80% of my tattoo faded. Unfortunately only a 40% of it was gone after having HUGE BLISTERS that left a horrible scar in the tattoo area even when I took a good care of it while healing. PLEASE DON'T DO THEIR R-20 treatment it would only damage your skin. "On January 2015 I had a single treatment overseas and even when I paid a little more than in zapatat, my tattoo faded considerably, healed quicker, and felt better. I was told by the doctor there that I would need one or two more treatments as my tattoo was amateur, old, and the laser seemed to be working well on my skin". Because I live in DC, on March I went back to Zapatat for a 6th treament, and this time not even a 1% faded. I've noticed immediately that I didn't even scared this time so I called them , emailed them and did all I could to tell them that their treatment this time was useless as my skin wasn't even red after the treatment. I requested to talk with the Owner/Supervisor but they wouldn't reply or let me. I have every e-mail I sent as proof of it and also EVERY RECEIPT I got for each treatment I paid. Their only answer was like: "I am so sorry you are not seeing results yet, keep on mind this was only your second treatment so you may need another 8 to have it fully removed. In your next visit we will review your before and after pictures to show your progress" 2ND TREATMENT????!! Wasn't their R-20 supposed to remove 50 to 80% and now I'm only in my 2nd treatment?? NEXT VISIT!??? I will never go back in that place!! Initially they told me I would need a total of 8 to 10 single treatments, or 1 R-20 and 3 or 4 single treatments to FULLY remove my tattoo. Now they are asking for another 8!!!!!!? NO WAY! I feel like they know I only needed 2 more treatments so in order to get my money they used their laser very slightly last time so no ink would be removed and that's why at the end of the session my skin wasn't even red. Waxing hurts more!! I waited about 2 months to see if the tattoo would fade as least a little with the time as I read that tattoos don't always scar after a treatment. Today May 15th, 2015: NO CHANGE!!! Therefore I'M GOING SOME WHERE ELSE AND I RATHER PAY TWICE THE PRICE THAN 8 TIMES WHAT THEY ASK FOR. read more

Very cool idea and stylish space with friendly laser techs, but the treatment itself left much to be desired. I've had laser treatments previously, and those treatments took longer, hurt a lot more, burned my skin a lot more, and removed a lot more tattoo. The Zapatat treatment was over in about two minutes, and my skin was healed up within a couple of days, which suggests to me me that their laser simply isn't powerful enough or the tech took it way too easy on me. It's been about a month, and I see zero fading. Too bad! read more

This is a very convenient place to go to get tattoos removed - long hours, next to metro, appointments taken but not necessary. Although I had an appointment I still waited over 20 minutes to get in, but I believe this has to do with the fact that they were still getting set up. They also give complimentary topical anesthetic, but remember you need to get there an hour in advance to apply it. I didn't find the other numbing option which is the cold air to help overall with pain management. That machine is very loud and between that and the extreme whiteness of the walls the actual removal event seemed more industrial than necessary - I'm not into that but some people are. Be prepared for a long inquisition hollering over the cold air machine before you even get a price. The price is in between Alase ($$$) and tattoo parlors ($) for removal. I'll be back for the convenience since future visits should be short and sweet. read more

Today I made my first visit to Zapatat to remove a tattoo I've only had a year & a half. The first thing I noticed was the modernity of the office and how friendly the staff was. After a quick consultation, I decided to move forward with the R20 treatment as I am trying to have my tattoo removed by a deadline. The initial reaction I had to the laser was surprising, but it hurt no more than the tattoo itself did. After the laser passed through the third time it no longer hurt and the fourth pass I couldn't feel at all. My tattoo is very dark and I am African American, but I definitely saw fading. I will post before and after pictures when I go back in October. Super excited to work with the Zapatat staff. They're very professional, knowledgable and I felt so at ease in their office. I also talked to the owner who was delightful. If you're looking for a clean facility and want to work with people who know what they're doing, I suggest Zapatat! read more