Laser tattoo removal is a simple cosmetic procedure that allows unwanted tattoos to be removed through a series of laser treatments. Extremely short pulses of highly-focused light energy are directed at tattoo ink in the skin. When the correct wavelength of light and sufficient fluence (energy) is used, the tattoo ink will rapidly heat up and break into smaller pieces. The body’s immune system will then remove these shattered particles and allow the tattoo to fade.
FAQs
What to expect after Laser Tattoo Removal?
Will the laser treatment cause scarring or other permanent alterations to the treated area?
Will the laser treatment cause an infection?
What is the downtime after a laser treatment?
How many treatments will it take to completely remove a tattoo?
How far apart are treatments?
How long after each treatment does it take for the treated area to completely heal?
During which treatment(s) will most of the lightening of the tattoo occur?
How much will Laser Tattoo Removal cost?
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER LASER TATTOO REMOVAL?
The laser treatment may create a superficial burn wound. There is immediate whitening of the treated area, which lasts for several minutes. Patients may then develop blisters, crusts or scabs within 24-72 hours, which may last for 1-2 weeks. Some patients may experience bruising or swelling. The treated area may be pink or pale after the scab separates. Loss of skin pigment in the treated area (usually temporary) is common.
WILL THE LASER TREATMENT CAUSE SCARRING OR OTHER PERMANENT ALTERATIONS TO THE TREATED AREA?
Irregular pigmentation and mild texture changes can occur as a result of laser treatment, but these changes usually return back to “normal” over a few months. Rarely these changes are permanent.
True scarring with the newest, most advanced lasers is rare.
WILL THE LASER TREATMENT CAUSE AN INFECTION?
With each treatment, some redness, bruising, swelling, blistering and crusting is common, but wound infection is rare.
WHAT IS THE DOWNTIME AFTER A LASER TREATMENT?
Most patients are able to resume normal activity and work the same day. Showering and bathing are usually not a problem, but sun exposure should be avoided in the treated area.
HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL IT TAKE TO COMPLETELY REMOVE A TATTOO?
Most patients are able to resume normal activity and work the same day. Showering and bathing are usually not a problem, but sun exposure should be avoided in the treated area.
How many treatments will it take to completely remove a tattoo?
We can only ESTIMATE the number of treatments it will take to completely remove a tattoo for several reasons:
1. The wide variation of inks and pigmented materials used for tattooing
2. The inks themselves are made up of a combination of different chemical substances
3. The amount of ink placed in the tattoo, as well as the depth of pigment placement varies from one tattoo to another
4. The ability of your white blood cells to “gobble up and drag away” different pigment particles varies
5. Other unknown factors
As a result of these many issues we cannot be absolutely certain how a particular tattoo will respond. Most “amateur or homemade” tattoos will generally require anywhere from 3-7 laser treatments. “Professional” tattoos, “Coverups” and those done with harder inks, tend to be more variable in response, and average about 8-20 laser treatments. Some stubborn tattoo inks may require even more treatments.
HOW FAR APART ARE TREATMENTS?
After your first treatment, you will typically schedule each additional treatment 4-8 weeks apart, depending on the rate at which the previous treatment healed.
HOW LONG AFTER EACH TREATMENT DOES IT TAKE FOR THE TREATED AREA TO COMPLETELY HEAL?
Complete healing is usually seen within 4-6 weeks, but can vary (shorter or longer) based on each individual.
DURING WHICH TREATMENT(S) WILL MOST OF THE LIGHTNING OF THE TATTOO OCCUR?
While the most noticeable lightening of the tattoo usually occurs after the first treatment, continued lightening occurs with each subsequent treatment, although it may not be as easily seen. Before and after photos have been taken of thousands of patients demonstrating that every patient will fade to some degree after every treatment.
HOW MUCH WILL LASER TATTOO REMOVAL COST?
The cost for Laser Tattoo Removal varies by the size of the tattoo, how many treatments are needed, the colors in the tattoo and the type of ink used. For more information, call Paradise Med Spas of Texas and schedule a free consultation to get more specific pricing on the treatment package that will suit your particular tattoo removal needs.
