Posted: Laser Tattoo Removal
You’ve finally done it! You’ve made the decision to get that tattoo removed. What you used to think was the greatest thing going has now become an annoyance or worse yet, a real embarrassment. Or perhaps it’s time to remove the association it gives you with a past you’d rather forget. Or…
Regardless of how you feel about your tattoo, you’re at a place where you want to remove it so you’re checking out your options.
Laser Tattoo removal is the most common method of tattoo removal used today. Other than the Intense Pulsed Light Therapy (IPL) it is the most effective way to remove a tattoo without surgery. (The IPL is often too costly for most people.)
Laser tattoo removal is often chosen not only for its effectiveness but also because it is a bloodless, low risk, method with minimal side effects. It is done on an outpatient basis usually requiring several visits depending on the person’s individual health status, the size, color and age of the tattoo and the type of ink used. The color of ink used is the most important determining factor. A different laser is needed for each color used and certain colors are much harder to remove than others. Black is the easiest and turquoise the most difficult because there isn’t a laser that targets that color very effectively.
Are you a good candidate for laser tattoo removal?
That depends on a couple of things, the color of your skin and where your tattoos are located. Individuals with fair skin and superficially placed tattoos on the arms, chest, buttocks or legs are the best candidates. People with dark skin and/or tattoos on their ankles, fingers or areas where there is less body fat will most likely have more difficulty and the results will be far harder to predict.
It is highly recommended that before you begin any laser tattoo removal procedure that has the potential risks (even though minimal) and uncertainties that tattoo removal does, you consult a professional and reputable tattoo removal specialist (preferably a dermatologist). The more you understand the process and the probable outcome, based on your specific circumstances, the more likely you are to know what to expect and thus be satisfied with the results.
How does laser tattoo removal work?
Laser tattoo removal (Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation) works by focusing the pulsing laser energy directly on the tattoo to break up the pigment (color) in the tattoo. Once the pigment is broken up, the body’s own immune system takes over and works to carry those broken up particles out of the body. Each session can last anywhere from 5-30 minutes, depending again on the specifics of the tattoo. The sessions are scheduled from 6-12 weeks apart to give the body plenty of time to remove the particles safely and successfully. It may take several months to a year to completely remove a tattoo using the laser tattoo removal method.
Is it painful? Will I have scars?
No one is likely to tell you that the process of laser tattoo removal is not painful. Most people describe the process as feeling like they’re being splattered with grease! Local anesthetic (either an ointment or an injection) is an option for those who think they may need more than a bullet to bite on. Just keep in mind using anesthetic could up the cost of each session anywhere from $60 – $100 dollars.
The more treatments you need the greater the chances you have of seeing more damage to your skin as a result of painful blisters and scabs that can eventually lead to scarring. Following the procedure, the doctor will apply an antibacterial ointment and dressing to the area to minimize risk of infection.
(Some tattoo removal specialists highly recommend you lighten your tattoo as much as possible with tattoo removal cream prior to laser tattoo removal in order to increase the effectiveness and minimize the negative effects of the laser treatment.)
Is laser tattoo removal expensive?
The pain of laser tattoo removal can often go beyond the physical for most people. For some, the pain might be felt in the pocketbook as well. Each session can range anywhere from $150 – $850 per session depending on the tattoo. A large tattoo with lots of colors may cost thousands of dollars to remove and it is highly unlikely that even at that price, the service will come with a 100% money back guarantee.
Once the decision is made to get a tattoo, there is never an easy or inexpensive way to remove it completely. However, laser tattoo removal is an option used by many, often with a high level of satisfaction at the outcome.