Laser Tattoo Removal
Laser tattoo removal is usually expensive, costing about ten times more than getting a tattoo. Aesthetic Beauty Care Laser Cosmetic Spa recommends having a clear pricing structure and advertising the minimum price on their website. The minimum treatment session price for an extra-small tattoo can range from $75 to $125. Multiple sessions are required to remove a tattoo, and treatment packages are available to save money and lock in repeat visits.
The tattoo removal process can take over a year because the body needs time to eliminate ink from the skin. A minimum of six weeks between laser sessions is recommended for healing and ink elimination. Waiting three months between treatments is ideal for best results. The number of treatments required varies based on the unique factors of the tattoo, and the Kirby-Desai scale is used to assess where a patient stands on the bell curve.
Laser tattoo removal can be painful, but most patients say it is comparable to having a tattoo applied. The pain is manageable and tolerable, and most tattoo removal providers offer some form of skin numbing during the procedure.
Scarring from tattoo removal is uncommon, but pre-existing scarring from the original tattooing process may remain. Improper aftercare or incorrect protocols may also pose a risk for scarring. It is important to take a detailed medical history, as some patients may be predisposed to scarring due to a history of keloids.
Yes, tattoo removal practitioners can help patients looking for tattoo revision. Practitioners should not judge patients for their tattoos and should be sensitive to their intentions.
Side effects such as redness, tenderness, swelling, blistering, scabs, bruising, hyperpigmentation, and hypopigmentation are common during the tattoo removal process. Practitioners should inform patients about these side effects during the initial consultation.
Laser tattoo removal involves using different wavelengths of laser light to treat the different colors of ink in the tattoo. The laser sends light energy into the skin, which is absorbed by the tattoo ink particles in the dermis. This energy causes the ink particles to shatter into tiny fragments, which are then removed by the body’s immune system over the following weeks. Each subsequent laser treatment breaks down more ink until the tattoo can no longer be seen.
During a laser tattoo removal session, the practitioner will apply a topical anesthetic cream to the treatment area to reduce discomfort. Protective eye shields will also be placed to shield the patient’s eyes from the laser light. The practitioner will then use a hand-held device to administer the laser pulses to the tattooed area. Patients may feel a slight sting or heat sensation during the procedure, and a cooling device may be used to help alleviate discomfort.
Not all tattoos can be removed with laser. Amateur tattoos, tattoos with less ink, and tattoos with black ink usually respond best to laser treatment. However, tattoos with more ink, especially those with colorful ink or ink that contains white or yellow pigments, may require more sessions or may not be completely removable. The practitioner should assess each patient’s tattoo and provide realistic expectations for their tattoo removal outcome.
Before a laser tattoo removal session, patients should avoid sun exposure and tanning beds and apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen to the treatment area. It is also recommended to avoid alcohol consumption and taking blood thinners, as they may increase the risk of bleeding and bruising. After a session, patients should follow the practitioner’s aftercare instructions carefully, which may include applying ice to the area, keeping it clean and dry, and avoiding sun exposure and strenuous exercise.
Laser tattoo removal is generally considered safe when performed by a qualified practitioner. However, there is always a risk of side effects such as scarring, infection, and changes in skin color. Patients should ensure that their practitioner is properly trained, licensed, and follows proper safety protocols. They should also disclose any medical conditions or medications they are taking that may affect their skin’s healing or response to laser treatment.
Yes, patients can get a new tattoo after laser tattoo removal once the treated area has healed. It is recommended to wait at least six months to a year after the last laser treatment to ensure that the skin has fully healed and any residual ink has been eliminated from the body. Patients should also consult with their practitioner to determine if the area is suitable for a new tattoo and discuss any additional aftercare steps that may be necessary.