Warnings After Laser Tattoo Removal
After the application, the treated area is covered. The application area should remain closed for 24 hours and should not come into contact with water. The application area should be moistened daily and the crusts should not be torn off.
The application area should not be exposed to direct sunlight and excessive hot environments should be avoided during crusting and shedding for 2-3 weeks. No other procedure should be done until the wound completely heals
Consider A Doctor Or A Tattoo Removal Specialist
I’d previously had one tattoo zapped at a spa , where an aesthetician used an outdated heat laser that ended up burning and scarring my skin. This time around, I got my treatments done by John F. Adams, M.D., at the New York Dermatology Group, where everything is done under medical supervision. I suggest you find your own removal expert by asking friends, influencers, or even by stopping people that you see with removal in processwhich, yes, I have done.
How Laser Tattoo Removal Works
How laser tattoo removal works is a mystery to some. However, its not magic, its science! Laser tattoo removal is an exciting procedure for both patients and practitioners alike, but few people understand the science behind the procedure. This section of our website is an introduction to the physics of laser tattoo removal and explains why laser tattoo removal is the most effective option for unwanted ink.
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How Does It Work
The skin has three layers: the epidermis , the dermis , and the hypodermis . When you received your tattoo, the ink was placed in the dermis. Lasers send energy through the epidermis with so much energy and heat it fragments the ink into tiny little pieces small enough that they are able to penetrate through the hypodermis. Once through the hypodermis it is seen as a foreign object. Macrophages, your large cells that remove foreign bodies, encapsulate the ink and it is eliminated from the body by your lymphatic system.
The healthier your immune system, the better your results will be. Studies have shown that those who exercise regularly and drink large amounts of water will see more positive results, over those who smoke or ingest other toxins.
How Will You Assess My Skin For Treatment
At Goodbye Tattoos, we will conduct a skin assessment, which helps us estimate how many treatments you may need for complete removal.
SKIN TYPEThe Fitzpatrick Skin Scale ranges from Type I to Type VI:skin types that range from fair skin that burns and never tans to very dark skin that never burns and tans very easily.
LOCATIONWe look at where on the body the tattoo is located. Different parts of the body will see result in quicker ink elimination than others. Tattoos on hands, arms, legs and ankles may take longer to removal. Why? Because the further you are away from the heart, the lower the rate of circulation. Tattoos closer to the heart tend to fade quicker.
COLOURS:Tattoo ink is made from a mixture of varying compounds. Professional inks are different to inks used by amateur tattoos. The colour of the pigment differs in the size of the granules. Black ink is the easiest to remove due to small size and lacks metallic elements and absorbs the laser wavelength. Red is the next easiest then green, yellow and orange.
AMOUNT OF INKWe look at how much ink has been applied in the tattoo design. There are 4 groups that tattoo ink is divided into Amateur/Minimal/Moderate/Significant ranging from letters and small symbols to multicoloured, complex designs
SCARRING AND TISSUE CHANGEGetting a tattoo can cause scarring and this can sometimes result in the effectiveness of tattoo removal. Important to note that pre-existing scars will remain after treatment
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How Many Sessions Does It Take
Due to the differences among tattoosincluding the colors and the densitythere is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of how many laser sessions it will take for your tattoo to completely disappear. However, any tattoo will begin to show signs of fading after just a single treatment.
For those with tattoos featuring darker pigmentations, it is likely to take fewer sessions than for those with fluorescent hues in their tattoos. As explained above, this is because darker pigmentations absorb more energy from the laser, making them more susceptible to the lasers destructive effects. However, fluorescent colors absorb less and reflect back more of that light, meaning it takes more work to get them to break down.
Laser Removal Is a Process
Your now-unwanted tattoo didnt magically appear instantly on its own, and removing it wont happen by magic, either. Removing some tattoos can be a process involving multiple treatments and some patience, but rest assured that using a laser is the safest, least invasive, most effective way for you to finally get rid of that embarrassing ink.
Are you tired of choosing your wardrobe based on not wanting to reveal that embarrassing tattoo that somehow seemed like a good idea those many years ago? If you are truly dedicated to removing that unwanted ink, then a laser treatment might be the best option for you.
Is Laser Tattoo Removal Safe
Unlike other tattoo removal methods, laser technology is completely safe, extremely effective, and noninvasive. Our lasers gently penetrate through the skin into the dermis to specifically target the unwanted ink without causing harm to the surrounding skin tissue.
For more information on this procedure, visit our FAQs page.
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A Quick Discussion Of The Alternatives
Laser tattoo removal is the only effective, non-invasive solution to unwanted ink. In decades past, people with unwanted tattoos had very few options they could either undergo expensive excision surgery , use a damaging CO2 laser , or they would simply have to live with the tattoo.
Nowadays, there are a variety of tattoo removal creams or injections on the market, but these should all be avoided. The creams are simply ineffective they have simply repackaged bleaching creams that cannot penetrate the dermis, which is where the tattoo ink is located. Injection methods are also highly suspect and often cause significant scarring.
Tattoos are popular, rates of tattoo regret are high, and laser tattoo removal is the only true solution to unwanted tattoos.
Note: All of the topics mentioned on this page will be discussed much more thoroughly during the New Look Laser College course.
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Some People Might Want To Get A Cover
One method of removing tattoos that doesn’t get talked about as much is semi-removal. Rather than completely taking your tattoo off, you can lighten it enough to cover up with good cover-up work. I have a friend who had her bird tattoo lightened up enough to add the design of a lit lightbulb over the top. It’s brilliant because it meant that she could get her new ink done without having an in-your-face, heavy-handed tattoo on her arm for life!
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All Patients Should Expect Some Level Of Side Effects
We encourage practitioners to not gloss over side effects during the initial consultation explain the various side effects in full detail. This way, when your patients commit to the tattoo removal process, they’re informed and aren’t shocked the next day when their skin is sensitive and they are potentially limited from their normal activities or clothing.
The most common side effects are:
- Redness
- Hyperpigmentation
- Hypopigmentation
If all of the proper protocols are used based on the tattoo and the patient’s skin tone, all of these side effects are temporary. Redness, tenderness, and swelling typically subside within a day or two following treatment. Blisters usually appear within 24 hours of treatment sometimes the blisters are very large and may look alarming this is completely normal. Scabs, bruising, and blistering may take up to a week or longer to heal.
For patients with pigmentation issues, do not treat at the regular treatment intervals wait until the area has returned to its normal skin tone before treating again. The main risk for permanent pigmentation changes is if the practitioner continues to treat an affected area too aggressively. Even from the start, it is important to treat darker skin tones conservatively using wavelengths that have less absorption by melanin and reduced fluence levels.
The Future Of Tattoo Removal
Its tricky to predict exactly how tattoo removal will advance and change over the years, but with tattooing ever-growing in popularity, and newer low energy lasers making ink removal easier than ever, its bound to become far more common. When laser tattoo removal first came to market, it targeted hardcore tattoo regretters who hated their ink – thats simply not the case today. As the technology, and whole experience, of laser tattoo removal evolves, more people are likely to consider it an option. Not necessarily because more people will suddenly want to remove or change their body art, but because it will be so much easier to do so.
With new businesses launching with game-changing technology, combined with a personalised and premium tattoo removal experience, the global demand for tattoo removal in a safe and fuss-free space will likely grow.
New creations such as removable ink, for example, may even impact the frequency in which we turn to tattoo removal. New York startup Ephemeral aims to develop an ink which will fade within a year, giving a whole new meaning to semi-permanent tattoos. Companies such as this play into the belief that for many of us, our taste and experiences will shape the tattoos we want on our bodies over the years, and make the possibility of change and evolution possible.
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Can You Remove A Tattoo Right After You Get It
We are not able to treat the new tattoo with our laser technology until it has completely healed from the tattoo application process, which typically takes 6 to 8 weeks. And youll want to take very good care of your tattoo during this time so that your skin heals smoothly with no scarring.
So, the bad news is that you will have to put up with your unwanted, brand new tattoo for a couple of months. But the good news is that we can certainly remove it for you once it is healed.
What Do I Do After The Laser Tattoo Removal Treatment
After the treatment, we will apply ointment and a dressing. An ice pack can be applied to reduce swelling and discomfort. If you treated an arm or a leg, you can elevate it to reduce swelling. Do not get the area wet until it has healed. Do not swim in an ocean or pool, or use a sauna or steam room. Avoid sun exposure and do not tan. Apply ointment as directed. Do not pick at the area, or remove scabs. After 24 hours, you can resume your usual activities, except for swimming. For swimming, you must be fully healed.
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Erase Your Ink With Laser Tattoo Removal
Getting rid of your unwanted tattoos has never been faster or easier. Depending on how you respond to the treatment, our lasers can deliver visible results within a few months. After one or two years, most people are clear of their unwanted ink for good. Thats all the time it takes to achieve a lifetime of freedom from your old tattoo.
What Is Laser Tattoo Removal
Laser tattoo removal is a non-invasive process that removes tattoo ink while leaving the surrounding tissue unharmed. Essentially, the laser will break apart ink particles from the dermis into tiny fragments for the white blood cells to carry away through the immune system. With time and continued laser sessions, a tattoo will fade enough for an artist to cover it up.
This is a great option for those who want to redo their tattoos. We recommend working with a tattoo artist to fade the tattoo to the point where it can be covered up with a new tattoo design. Getting a tattoo faded allows the artist more opportunity and canvas to create the best possible cover up.
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During The Tattoo Removal Session It Might Hurt
Cirlin’s warning is straightforward: “pain can be completely individualized.” Cirlin offers a topical numbing cream that helps take away some of the anticipation surrounding tattoo removal procedures in their office. “Just know that even with a numbing cream, though, your experience may not be pain-free,” says Cirlin. “We also use a piece of equipment called a chiller that uses cold air to help keep our clients comfortable,” she explains and continues telling me how it’s definitely worth asking for some extra preparation ahead if you’re worried about the pain.
Start Using Sunscreen Before Your Tattoo Removal Session
Cirlin recommends using a zinc oxide sunscreen on any tattooed area exposed to the sun so laser treatments can more easily remove tattoos. Cirlin says, “Once you know you’re unhappy with a tattoo and want it removed from your body, immediately start applying a zinc-based sunscreen because of how quickly skin pigment fades when exposed to UV rays.”
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Why Is Pico Genesis Considered A Great Solution For Tattoo Removal
PICO Genesis is one of the best options available for laser tattoo removal. The PICO Genesis laser uses a unique mechanism that delivers picosecond pulses, which are incredibly short energy pulses that break up the pigment in your skin and remove the tattoo ink.
PICO Genesis laser treatment for tattoo removal is a revolutionary technology as it offers faster and more effective response than traditional laser tattoo removal approaches. The tattoo removal sessions vary in duration, depending on the size of the tattoo. Usually, at least five sessions are required to remove the tattoo. Each session is scheduled about two weeks apart to allow your skin to heal. However, you can see visible results from the very first session.
What Can I Do To Speed Up The Tattoo Removal Process
There are a few useful things you can do to speed up the tattoo removal process. First and foremost a healthy immune system will definitely help with the ink elimination and the skin healing process.
Some people will see quicker results than others. And one of the main reasons is because everyone is different. No two immune systems are the same. Everyones health is different.
If you want to speed up the tattoo removal process, be sure to drink plenty of water. Very important to stay hydrated. Eat a healthy balanced diet. Make sure you can fit in some moderate exercise. Get a good nights sleep.
Basically, we want to try and rid the body of any toxins. So try and refrain from smoking and drinking.
For more information on what you can do, read our blog here
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Why Does The Tattoo Determine The Total Cost
Well, the laser removal studios do have an established hourly rate. But, if a tattoo is small and of a certain color, it can be removed quickly, so you only have to pay for several sessions, often between 8 and 12.
However, other types of tattoos affect the pricing differently. For example, it will require more sessions if the tattoo is
- Large
- Located somewhere difficult to approach
- Located somewhere far from active blood flow
- Colored in colors other than green, brown, black, and dark blue
- Dense and has thick ink
If a tattoo is small, black, and located, lets say in the bicep area, and has low density, you will require up to 12 sessions, which could cost up to $7000, on an estimate. But, if a tattoo is large, colored, has a high ink density, and comprises a full sleeve, for example, then you can expect up to 25 sessions and a final cost of up to $15,000, on an estimate.
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Ink Retention And Paradoxical Ink Darkening
Black and blue pigments are often the easiest tattoo pigments to remove, while moderate success is seen with green. A poorer outcome is specifically seen with white, purple, turquoise, yellow, orange, and flesh-toned colours. Sometimes, instead of a QS laser, a pulsed dye laser can be used to treat pigment on the red-yellow spectrum, with good results described however, it is not the first-line choice since its pulse duration is considerably longer .
Fig. 2
Paradoxical ink darkening to the left. Treated successfully with QS Nd:YAG laser 1,064 nm to the right. Photos: Dr A Troilius Rubin.
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Final Results After One Or Two Years
The timeline of this treatment varies greatly from person to person, but most patients need between six and twelve sessions to completely remove a tattoo. Given the time in between each appointment, this means that you can see your final results within one or two years. That said, some people can be done after only four sessions while others will require as many as fifteen.
While the process does not provide immediate final results, most patients enjoy seeing the gradual progression. With each session, you will experience cumulative improvements. By sticking with this treatment, you can watch your tattoo fade into oblivion for good.
How Many Treatments Will I Need
Every individual is different and so is every tattoo. And everyones health and immune system is different.
There is no specific science. However, we will consider the many variables before we can estimate the number of treatments you might need:
Tattoo colour Skin tone Layering of tattoos Tattoo location Health/Lifestyle of individual Amount of ink
On average, youll need between 6 to 12 treatments but everyone reacts and heals differently. Some people might need more, some people need less.
And certain colours take longer than others. For example, black ink is the easiest to eliminate whereas colours like blues, greens and reds may require more sessions.
At Goodbye Tattoos, we refer to the Kirby-Desai Scale. This scale was developed by two dermatologists specialising in tattoo removal techniques. The scale helps us assess how many treatments you will need and the potential success we can achieve.
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