How Soon Can You Laser A Tattoo

Find A Reputable Doctor

To ensure you get proper treatment and care, find a reputable dermatologist or cosmetic surgery center. If possible, get a recommendation from your primary care physician for a dermatologist or skin surgery center that specializes in tattoo removal.

Since tattoo removal is a personal option in most cases, most insurance carriers wonât cover the process unless it is medically necessary. Physicians or surgery centers practicing tattoo removal may also require payment in full on the day of the procedure. If you are considering tattoo removal, be sure to discuss associated costs up front and obtain all charges in writing before you undergo any treatment.

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Answer: Your Early Treatment

Perhaps the worst part of laser-treating a fresh tattoo is the waste of money. When a tattoo is fresh, the epidermis is still full of ink, giving the tattoo that vibrant, sharp, colorful appearance. Lasering a tattoo at this stage targets only this ink in the epidermis–which will be gone on its own in a few weeks’ time–and none of the ink in the dermis. That’s the ink you’re really after.If your practitioner knew the tattoo was only ten days old, I’m a bit surprised they started treatment knowing it would be ineffective. As always, my advice is to seek out a practitioner on the basis of tattoo removal experience and not just credentials.

Eat And Hydrate Before Your Appointment

Coming on an empty stomach, or dehydrated, will probably result in light-headedness or vertigo. Remember, there will be some discomfort involved. It will feel something like having multiple rubber bands snapped against your skin for several minutes.

To avoid any risk of faintness or swooning, just make sure youve got some calories in your system when you come in for your appointment.

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Initial Laser Tattoo Results In As Little As 18 Weeks

The amount of time it takes for you to see your laser tattoo removal process starts to fade depends on how your body responds to the treatment. The kind of ink used is also a major factor. Getting rid of a tattoo completely takes multiple sessions, but the results accumulate with each one. The sessions are spaced six to eight weeks apart, which allows your skin to process the treatment. Many people start to see their ink fade after three appointments. Given six to eight weeks between each session, you can expect the results to start showing a few months after the process starts.

Once The Tattoo Is Gone It’s Gone Forever If You Don’t Like Your Tattoo It’s A Worthwhile Expense

For many practices, the minimum treatment session price for an extra-small tattoo is somewhere in the $75 – $125 range. Any price in this range is considered a normal minimum price for a single treatment. By having the minimum price stated, it allows patients to have a rough idea of the expected cost before they come into your clinic for their consultation.

Before starting any treatments, it’s important to set clear expectations and inform patients that tattoos do take multiple sessions to remove. Doing so eliminates any illusions or confusion they may have about per session pricing being the same as the total cost for complete removal. One way to communicate this effectively and to give patients an opportunity to save money is to sell treatment packages. Selling packages allows your practice to receive revenue upfront and also locks the patient into repeat visits to your practice.

If you’re still looking to determine the right pricing structure for your practice, check out our blog post: Pricing for Laser Tattoo Removal Treatments.

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What Will My Laser Treatments Be Like

Laser treatments are a gentle, easy way to target an unwanted tattoo. In fact, you are likely to feel more comfortable during your laser treatment than you did when you initially received your tattoo. That said, if you are feeling nervous about the removal process, we can administer local anesthetic to your target area. This anesthetic will numb your skin, and help you relax during the treatment process.

After the anesthetic has taken effect, we will administer the laser energy to your treatment area. We will monitor your skin to ensure that you remain safe and comfortable throughout your appointment.

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How Much Does It Cost To Remove A Tattoo

Cost can depend on the size of your tattoo, how colorful it is and where you live. The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery puts the average price tag of removing a tattoo at $463 per session. Other estimates range from $200-$400 per session, depending on your location.

Healthcare providers that remove tattoos might ask you to pay the full amount at the time of the procedure. If you are considering tattoo removal, be sure to talk to the provider about all related costs before having the procedure.

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Are There Any Promising New Methods On The Horizon

In 2020, the FDA approved a new device that uses rapid pulses of acoustic shock waves to remove tattoos. It will be used as an accessory to laser surgery.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

The old saying think before you ink remains good advice for anyone considering getting a tattoo because body art is more permanent than perhaps you might realize at first. But modern laser surgery methods, when overseen by qualified medical professionals, are safer and better than previous alternatives.

• American Academy of Dermatology. Tattoo Removal: Lasers outshine other methods. Accessed 9/25/2020.
• American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. Laser Therapy for Unwanted Tattoos. Accessed 9/25/2020.
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Tattoo Removal: Options and Results. Accessed 9/25/2020.
• Adatto M. Laser Tattoo Removal: Benefits and Caveats. Medical Laser Application 2004 19: 175-185.
• Bernstein, EF. Laser treatment of tattoos. Clinics in Dermatology 2006 24:43-55.
• Laumann A. Body art. In: Wolff K, Goldsmith LA, Katz SI et al, editors. Fitzpatrick’s Dermatology in General Medicine. 7th ed. New York, NY: McGraw Hill Medical 2008:Chap 100.

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services.Policy

Try Hard To Manage Expectations

Laser tattoo removal is successful most of the time. There are circumstances that could change that, and sometimes a tattoo cannot be removed entirely. In those cases, it will be faded to something much less visible, but you will have a remaining image on your skin.

Before committing to even the most state-of-the-art tattoo removal, make sure that you have a conversation with your expert. Any professional tattoo removal provider should be able to give you a clear idea of what to expect, help you to feel confident and well-informed before setting off on this journey.

Youll have to know what your likely outcome will be, and then consider whether the procedure is going to work for you. You should also ask to see before and after treatments. Make sure youre seeing before and after photosfrom the expert youre talking to, not from the laser manufacturer or just Google results. The very best and very worst outcomes in the world can be found online, and that wide spectrum of effects wont help you make an informed decision.

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It Is Easier To Remove A Fresh New Tattoo How Long Should One Wait To Remove A New Tattoo

I have been putting aquaphor on it 2 times a day and making sure it is healing the best possible way to ensure no scarring or complications during removal. Is it easier to remove a fresh new tattoo? I feel like its so lightly done I can see my skin under neath it. I am praying for quick removal. Its only 4 days old and I have already booked back to back consults for pricing. Please help.

Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent

Laser hair removal is one of the most effective options for dramatic, long-lasting hair reduction. Most patients need about 4 5 treatment sessions spaced out about 3 4 weeks apart to achieve an optimal outcome. This ensures that hairs are treated during their active growth cycle, rather than the dormant phase. While some treated hair follicles may be permanently destroyed, others may be stubborn and require more treatments. In some cases, patients may have a few follicles that are never fully destroyed. For the most part, though, laser hair removal patients are able to achieve a significant reduction in the thickness, growth rate, and density of their hair that can be enjoyed for many years to come.

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Related Questions For Laser Tattoo Removal

I’ve had 33 treatments. The laser isn’t working, what else can I try?2 answersWhy do I still have bumps 5 weeks after my first laser tattoo removal session?3 answersMy small wrist tattoo has been treated 8 times, is the ink too deep to be removed?3 answersHow long does the ink stay in the body?4 answersI developed 3 enormous blisters after having the Picosure laser tattoo removal procedure. Is this normal?3 answersLaser removal turned eyebrows red.4 answersIs swelling a common side effect of laser tattoo removal?3 answersHow long does it take to see results from laser tattoo removal?1 answerIs this ‘brown smudge’ that my tattoo turned into after my third laser removal session temporary? 3 answersCan very densily pigmented black tattoos be completely removed?3 answersWhat happens to the ink during laser tattoo removal?3 answersMy skin turned dark red after the laser tattoo removal. Will the redness go away? It’s been 3 months and it’s still dark brownish red.1 answerWill laser tattoo removal get rid of hair near the tattoo?2 answersWhat is the best type of laser to use for laser tattoo removal?2 answers3 treatments and faded, but…2 answersWhy is laser tattoo removal causing my black tattoo to fade into a brown hue?2 answers

Answer: Yes You Can Have Laser Tattoo Removal To Remove The Remaining Ink Over Scar Tissue

Thank you for your question. Yes, you can have laser tattoo removal to remove the remaining ink over scar tissue. I recommend having treatment with the Picosure laser as it is effective in removing 70-90% of a tattoo and works best on dark colors. I recommend having a consultation with an expert to determine the best treatment plan for you. Best of Luck!

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How Long Does It Take For A Tattoo Removal To Heal

The total healing time after laser treatment is about 4 to 8 weeks. But, what you do during those weeks can increase or decrease the healing process.

Healing times vary depending on the type of treatment, the strength of your immune system, and how closely you follow your aftercare plan.

Your post treatment efforts are as important a part of the process as the laser itself.

Just by staying hydrated and keeping your immune system healthy, for example, you can speed up the process by several weeks.

And by protecting your wound, youll avoid opening the scab, which helps it heal without interruption.

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Patient Evaluation And Pre

A thorough history and examination are essential in establishing the type of tattoo and the skin type of patient prior to treatment. Previous isotretinoin treatment, systemic gold therapy, herpes infection, keloidal tendencies, and sun exposure habits should be considered, as additional precautionary measures may be needed. Standardized digital photography is helpful in recording the baseline appearance, and any subsequent improvement. The patient’s treatment objective and expectation should be counseled, and treatment options, expected outcome, potential risks, downtime, and postoperative care should be discussed. There should be adequate opportunity for patients to have all their questions answered. Obtaining informed consent with a clear outline of risks and benefits prior to tattoo removal is essential, and protects both the clinician and patient. Establishing realistic patient expectations through good rapport is helpful in achieving a satisfactory outcome.

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What Colors Can A Laser Remove From The Skin

The laser we use affects different colors differently because it is an incredibly concentrated light beam. Brighter pigmentations will reflect more of the lasers light. Thus, if your tattoo comprises bright colors, you will need more removal sessions than you would if you had a dark tattoo that absorbed more of the light beam.

Answer: Wait 3 Months Before Treatment To Remove New Tattoo

Hello and thank you for your question. Tattoo regret is not uncommon, but we always recommend that a patient wait at least 3 months before beginning tattoo removal treatments. Your body needs time to fully recover from the “trauma” of a new tattoo and you also want to minimize any potential side effects such as hyper or hypo pigmentation as a result of attempting removal too soon after application of new tattoo ink. Taking good care of the tattooed area to ensure optimal healing will be beneficial when you begin treatments, you are on the right track. In our practice, we use the PicoSure tattoo removal laser by CynoSure, which shatters the ink into tiny micro-particles which are then naturally eliminated by your body over time. PicoSure is usually more expensive than other laser treatments, but typically requires fewer treatments and is more comfortable for the patient, so keep that in mind as you consult with practitioners.Stay healthy! All the best to you!

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Let Us Help You Be Rid Of The Ink

Whether you want to get rid of an exs name that you regret marking permanently on your skin, or theres an old lyric or design that no longer resonates with you, you shouldnt have to live with the past written on your skin. With laser tattoo removal at Still Waters Day & Medical Spa, you can erase your unwanted tattoos and free yourself from the past.

You deserve to feel the confidence that clear skin can give you you deserve to move forward with your life without being held back by your past choices and old ink. For any questions, or to schedule a laser tattoo removal consultation, give us a call at Still Waters Day & Medical Spa, located in Pensacola, FL.

Enjoy Your Fun In The Sun

During your first visit, a professional medical laser technician will create a customized treatment plan for your specific skin type, color, and sensitivity level, but they will also tell you the importance of staying out of the sun for several weeks before and after each treatment. Tanned or burned skin can alter your laser tattoo removal results. For example, having a tan or sunburn will change the sensitivity to your skin, meaning you will more than likely experience irritation during and after your treatments. In addition, exposure to the sun increases your bodys melanin production, making your skin more susceptible to burns during laser tattoo removal. Exposure to the sun during the healing process in between treatments can also cause peeling and blistering, leading to scarring.

There is also a risk of hyperpigmentation which is the permanent removal of skin pigment. In order to prevent the risk of hyperpigmentation, it is important to avoid the sun for several weeks after a treatment to give the skin time to heal.

It is much easier to avoid the sun during the colder months because you are not spending as much time outdoors and your skin is almost completely covered when you are. When you choose to have your tattoo removed in the winter, you can rest easy knowing you will be able to fully enjoy your summer the way you want to and feel comfortable not forcibly covering up your freshly cleaned skin.

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Next Does Laser Hair Removal Work For Everyone

People with light skin and dark hair are the ideal candidates for laser hair removal.

Keep in mind that its not recommended for areas on the body with tattoos. Since the laser is used on the skin, it gets attracted to the ink.

It may lead to damaging consequences through excessive heat production.

People with tattoos can experience burns, blisters, fading, or even distortion of their body art. If you want to take the risk, the practitioners would have to approach the area cautiously and avoid any direct reaction with the ink.

Does Tattoo Removal Hurt

Laser tattoo removal typically does involve some level of pain. That said, many say that it hurts less than they expected.

Itâs a common belief that tattoo removal is excruciating, yet most patients say that the sensation of removal is comparable to having a tattoo applied. Common descriptions include the sensation of a rubber band snapping against the skin or bacon grease basically itâs uncomfortable but bearable.

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What Are The Possible Side Effects

If you go to a reputable professional referred by your doctor, there are minimal side effects to laser tattoo removal. However, you should consider the following factors in your decision:

• The tattoo removal site can become infected.
• There is a slight chance that the treatment can leave a permanent scar. In some cases, they have been known to develop three to six months after the procedure.
• Some degree of skin discoloration is possible. The treated skin may either be paler than the surrounding skin or darker than the surrounding skin .
• Cosmetic tattoos, such as lip liner, eyeliner and eyebrows may get darker after initial laser treatments. You might have to have additional treatment to achieve fading.

You should never try to remove your tattoo yourself or use any form of home remedy for removing tattoos. At best, they will be ineffective. At worst, they could be dangerous to your health.

Tattoo removal at a tattoo parlor or spa, while perhaps safer than home remedies, still carries some risks. A trained dermatologist can better consider your overall health and more responsibly guide you on the safest treatment plan.