Overview

Coastal Laser Center is Newport News, Virginia’s leading specialized laser tattoo removal provider, opened in February 2023 by Matthew Gular. Located at 720 Thimble Shoals Boulevard Suite 110, the practice utilizes industry-leading Astanza PicoStar® and EternityTSR laser systems alongside Zimmer Cryo cooling technology to deliver fast, effective tattoo removal and aesthetic treatments.

About the Clinic

Founded by Matthew Gular in February 2023, Coastal Laser Center represents a career transition from his 11 years at Newport News Shipbuilding, where he earned a degree in Engineering Technology and was introduced to laser operation. Seeking a career with more flexibility and focus on self-care—and needing tattoo removal for personal reasons—Gular recognized the lack of quality options in the Hampton Roads area and founded Coastal Laser Center to fill this gap. As owner, president, and lead technician, Gular brings engineering precision and laser expertise to aesthetic treatments. The team includes technicians Matt, Destiny, and newer additions who all attended New Look Laser College to earn professional certifications in Laser Tattoo Removal, Laser Safety Officer credentials, and related specializations. The practice philosophy emphasizes that “our bread and butter is tattoo removal,” with additional laser aesthetic services including spider vein removal, pigmentation correction, sunspot removal, laser carbon peels (Hollywood facials), and carbon masks—a unique process where carbon is applied to draw impurities from pores before being removed with laser, leaving skin smooth and bright. Coastal Laser Center may be “one of the only people around here who offer” carbon mask treatments in the Hampton Roads region. The practice uses two FDA-cleared laser systems: the Astanza PicoStar® (picosecond technology) backed by Asclepion, and the Astanza EternityTSR (Q-switched ruby technology), producing a total of three wavelengths (1064nm, 532nm, and 694nm ruby) to eliminate all tattoo colors safely from any skin type. This combination of picosecond and Q-switched technologies provides versatility in treating diverse tattoo types. Services include complete tattoo removal, tattoo lightening/fading for coverup preparation, permanent makeup removal (including eyebrow tattoo removal), spider vein treatments, age spot and sunspot removal, and laser carbon facials. A board-certified Medical Director is always onsite to provide care in rare cases of adverse reactions, demonstrating commitment to safety. Client safety is the top priority, with all necessary aftercare products provided at no extra cost—each kit includes everything needed for proper post-treatment skin care. The practice offers a mobile app (“Coastal Laser Center” in app stores) allowing clients to schedule or reschedule appointments, manage accounts, and access services without making phone calls. Free consultations allow clients to discuss goals, receive tattoo assessments, and understand recommended approaches without financial obligation. Appointments are scheduled via the designated booking application. The practice quickly became “a staple brand in the Newport News aesthetic scene” within its first year, earning recognition for cutting-edge technology, unparalleled customer service, and real results.

What Clients Are Saying

Clients express being “actually amazed at how quick and painless my first visit was,” reporting happiness “with my eyebrows just after one session” and eagerness to “see final results,” with some stating they’re “so grateful I found coastal laser center” for “phenomenal service and expertise.” Reviewers describe being “so impressed with this practice,” calling Matt and Destiny “friendly, informative and very knowledgeable,” with “pricing is fair and reasonable,” leading to recommendations that “if you are in need of a tattoo removal, look no further, this is the place to go.” The Medical Director receives praise as “very kind and informative” with “procedure [that] was painless” in a “facility [that] was spotless,” prompting strong recommendations. Matt specifically earns recognition as “awesome” for his work. The clean, welcoming facility creates an environment where clients feel “valued and at ease,” with “modern, clean facility” and “inviting atmosphere.” The team’s knowledge and expertise stand out, with staff providing “thorough explanations provided during consultations” and “post-treatment care instructions,” demonstrating “attention to detail.” Clients appreciate “quick and efficient service” with “ease of scheduling appointments.” The “noticeable results achieved after just one treatment” showcase effectiveness, with before-and-after photos documenting remarkable single-session fading. First-time clients worried about pain report being pleasantly surprised by the comfortable experience. Owner Matthew Gular’s background removing his own tattoos resonates with clients, as he “understand[s] the incredible feeling of confidence and accomplishment as they fade,” which is “the same feeling I strive to give every person that sits in my chair.” His engineering background and shipbuilding laser experience provide technical expertise that clients trust. The practice’s investment in “the best technology on the market” with “regularly calibrated” equipment demonstrates commitment to optimal outcomes. Team members’ passion for “helping people” and joy in “how happy people are” creates genuine caring environments where clients feel their transformation matters beyond just technical procedure. The life-changing nature of removal for clients with “older tattoos” that “remind them of times that they want to forget” or are “in a place where it doesn’t look as good as it used to” earns appreciation, with staff witnessing “their confidence come back” as clients “get more comfortable in their skin and regain that confidence.”

Laser Type Used

Astanza PicoStar® (Asclepion PicoStar®) and Astanza EternityTSR
Coastal Laser Center utilizes two advanced, FDA-cleared laser systems that together produce three wavelengths for comprehensive tattoo removal. The Astanza PicoStar® (branded by Asclepion) represents cutting-edge picosecond technology, delivering ultra-short pulse durations measured in trillionths of a second that use photoacoustic energy rather than heat to shatter ink particles into smaller fragments the body can eliminate more efficiently, resulting in fewer treatment sessions and reduced risk of thermal damage to surrounding skin. The PicoStar’s high peak power and ultra-short pulses create powerful pressure waves that fragment even stubborn ink colors like blues and greens that traditionally resist treatment, with clinical effectiveness demonstrating significant fading in fewer sessions compared to traditional Q-switched nanosecond lasers. The Astanza EternityTSR utilizes Q-switched ruby technology at 694nm wavelength, which is particularly effective for blue and green tattoo inks that other wavelengths struggle to target. Together with the PicoStar’s multiple wavelengths, this system combination produces a total of three wavelengths (1064nm for black and dark inks, 532nm for red/orange/yellow pigments, and 694nm ruby for blue/green colors), enabling safe and effective treatment of all tattoo colors across all skin types (Fitzpatrick I-VI). The hybrid approach combining picosecond and Q-switched ruby technologies provides Coastal Laser Center with exceptional versatility, allowing technicians to select the optimal laser system and wavelength for each client’s specific tattoo characteristics, potentially achieving superior results compared to single-laser practices.

Business Hours

Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Unique Features

Coastal Laser Center’s founder Matthew Gular brings unique engineering background and 11 years of shipbuilding laser experience to aesthetic treatments, providing technical expertise in laser physics and operation that translates into optimal equipment calibration and treatment parameters for superior outcomes. The practice’s operation of two distinct laser technologies—picosecond PicoStar® and Q-switched ruby EternityTSR—with three wavelengths provides exceptional versatility rarely found in single-laser practices, enabling customized treatment approaches for diverse tattoo characteristics and potentially reducing total sessions needed. The inclusion of all necessary aftercare products at no extra cost demonstrates commitment to client outcomes rather than profit maximization, ensuring proper post-treatment care without financial barriers. The board-certified Medical Director always onsite provides safety oversight uncommon in specialized removal practices, enabling immediate professional response to any adverse reactions. The mobile app for scheduling and account management reflects modern, client-centered service delivery that respects busy schedules and preferences for digital interaction over phone calls. The carbon mask/laser carbon peel treatments position Coastal Laser Center as potentially “one of the only people around here who offer” this unique service in Hampton Roads, differentiating from competitors. The rapid rise to “staple brand” status within the first year of operation (opened February 2023) demonstrates exceptional quality and service that quickly earned community recognition. Gular’s personal tattoo removal journey creates authentic empathy with clients’ emotional experiences, understanding firsthand “the incredible feeling of confidence and accomplishment as they fade.” The engineering precision applied to aesthetic treatments—including regular equipment calibration and investment in “the best tech available on the market”—ensures optimal laser performance. The practice’s participation in National Tattoo Removal Day demonstrates industry engagement and community education efforts. The free consultation policy combined with “fair and reasonable” pricing makes quality removal accessible to Hampton Roads residents who previously lacked local options. The early morning opening (8:00 AM weekdays) accommodates working professionals needing appointments before standard business hours. The team’s New Look Laser College training provides professional certification and standardized education in tattoo removal techniques and safety protocols.