How Many Laser Sessions Are Required To Remove A Tattoo
The Kirby-Desai scale is often used to assess the potential success and number of treatments necessary for laser tattoo removal. Patients often receive a poorly defined assessment of the number of treatments and often engage in the process without full awareness of the potential success. In the Kirby-Desai scale, numerical values are assigned to six parameters: skin type, location, color, amount of ink, scarring or tissue change, and layering.
The average number of tattoo removal treatments required using laser was 10 treatments, with a range of 3 to 20 treatments. Treatments must be spaced out 6 weeks apart. So, on average, the total procedure will take 1 to 2 years to complete.
Skin type: Patients higher on the Fitzpatrick scale, are not ideal for laser tattoo removal. They often require longer wait times between treatments due to using the laser on lower settings to try to avoid unwanted side effects such as hypopigmentation.
Location: Blood and lymphatic supply vary anatomic regions. After the laser treatment, the micro-particles are taken by the macrophages travelling to the lymph node, where filtering occurs. The head and neck area maintain the largest amount of regional lymph nodes and have a large vascular supply thus, they are able to mount an increased immune response to phagocytose the ink particles.
How Long Will It Take To Remove My Tattoo
The duration of the tattoo removal process is a concern for virtually all patients.
Some patients may wish to remove a visible tattoo before an event such as their wedding or enlisting in the military. It’s important to establish upfront that tattoo removal is a process that relies on the body’s ability to eliminate ink from the skin.
It’s not unusual for the body to take over a year to completely eliminate ink. Setting expectations clearly upfront allows patients to be satisfied throughout the experience rather than feeling as if they were misled.
To allow the skin enough time to heal between treatments and the body’s immune system to flush away ink, we recommend a minimum of six weeks between laser sessions and eight weeks for darker complexions. Stacking the treatments too close together can cause damage and permanent side effects to the skin and doesn’t allow the body enough time to remove the ink that was shattered at the most recent session. For ideal results, we recommend waiting three months between treatments.
Ultimately, as a tattoo removal practitioner, you cannot know precisely how many treatments a tattoo will need to be fully removed. However, you should assess the patient’s tattoo for how easily it should remove.
What Is A Tattoo
A tattoo is a cosmetic procedure where the pigment is injected into the skin using needles, creating a change of color on the surface of the skin. A tattoo involves multiple layers of skin, including deeper layers that do not slough off as part of the normal skin turnover process.
This makes the color permanent. As the skin changes with age, the lines and color may appear less sharp, but it will not fade or disappear completely without a specific intervention to do so.
An estimated 10% of the population in the United States has a tattoo, and eventually, as many as 50% of them may choose to have a tattoo removed.
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What Type Of Tattoos Can Be Removed With Lasers
Virtually all tattoos can be treated. Both amateur and professional tattoos are treatable, however, professional tattoos require more treatments to achieve similar results. All colours can be treated, however, some may be difficult and require more treatments and have a lower chance of complete removal.
Traumatic tattoos, or those caused by dirt or debris being embedded in the skin, e.g after motorbike accidents, can also be removed in the same manner as conventional tattoos.
Cosmetic tattoos, such as those used on the lips, eyelids and eyebrows can also be removed with laser, and generally take fewer sessions than other tattoos. We do not provide cosmetic tattoo removal treatments at Victorian Cosmetic Institute.
What Will My Tattoo Removal Treatment Be Like
Before your treatment you will have a one on one consultation with Dr. Schwarzburg to evaluate your tattoo and choose the appropriate laser to effectively remove it, based on the colors of the ink and your skin tone.
On the day of your procedure, your tattoo will be sterilized and a topical numbing cream will be applied to reduce discomfort during the lasering process.
Once the area is numb, you will be provided with protective glasses to avoid any damage to your eyes during the treatment. Dr. Schwarzburg will then use the selected laser to target the ink in the tattoo without affecting the surrounding areas. At this time you may experience some discomfort, similar to the feeling of a rubber band snapping against your skin. This process typically takes 5 15 minutes depending on the size of your tattoo.
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Cons Of Laser Tattoo Removal
Q-switched lasers have now become the standard for removal of tattoos. However, complications can occur, with an incidence of about 5%.
FOR THE PROS AND CONS OF NON-LASER TATTOO REMOVAL
FOR QUANTA VS PICOSURE Q-SWITCH VS PICO
Laser Tattoo Removal Price In Lucknow
Each person has different stocks as well as the size and density of their tattoos. Similarly, the laser tattoo removal price is different. So our prices are determined by the size of the tattoo because we know that the same price will not fit everyone.
We assure our customers that we provide the best treatment in the least amount of pain. At the same time, we make customer results and satisfaction our top priority.
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Important Factors To Consider
Much like buying a new laptop or mobile phone, you need to spend some time looking at the features of the device rather than just admiring how it looks! These are the factors you should pay attention to when shopping for a laser tattoo removal machine.
1. Single and multi-purpose machines you might come across many machines that advertise different functions. This isnt necessarily a sign that the tattoo removal machine is a fake. In fact, the laser technology that removes tattoos can also be very effective on other types of skin conditions and pigmentation. Regardless, its always best to choose a tattoo removal machine thats designed and/or tested for removing tattoos, so you know that it is effective.
2. Laser Technology
There are two types of laser technology thats effective at removing tattoos. If a tattoo removal machine doesnt clearly state which it uses, then avoid it!
Q-switched laser technology is the older of the two. The most common type is the Nd: YAG laser, which usually offers wavelengths of 1064nm, which is perfect for removing black and blue tattoo inks. Nd: YAG Lasers can also have settings that switch the wavelengths to 532nm, which is better for red ink and other warm color shades.
3. Wavelengths, pulses, and energy
Pulses are the shots of light. If you have a 3-pulse setting, every time you fire the laser it will fire 3 shots. The Hz of the machine refers to the speed at which it can fire pulses.
4. Other Considerations
Tattoos Can Cover Up Scars
Many of us carry scars from surgeries, attacks, and accidents on our bodies. And while not everybody minds having scars, and some even cherish them as reminders of things theyve survived or overcome, others suffer every time they see themselves in a mirror. Tattoos can be used to cover up scars, and there are various artists and foundations who specialize in this art and help people in need of a cover-up tattoo who otherwise wouldnt be able to afford one.
A tattoo can do more than simply hide a scar. It can help a person feel beautiful again, and even enable them to love the formerly hated spot on their body once more. This way, a tattoo can drastically improve a persons mental and emotional well-being or even change their life.
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Overview: Tattoo Removal Treatments
For a permanent tattoo removal procedure, laser treatment is the best option. Laser tattoo removal is not a quick process, usually requiring 2-10 treatment sessions to begin seeing a true improvement in the lessening of the tattoo pigments. This is partly because tattooed skin contains many pigments that are solid particles in need of fragmentation. This laser assisted fragmentation is done via laser technology that utilizes different heat frequencies and pulse types to create a breakdown, and eventual removal, of the colors that make the tattoo.
There are several treatments available using different lasers, however, they all share the same goal of breaking down larger pigment particles which the body then eliminates naturally by way of the lymphatic system. The laser frequency required for the pigment to respond to the laser energy will vary according to the tattoos colors. The most popular laser technology available for tattoo removal is the Q-switch laser technology. Highly effective methods include the Picosure and Enlighten tattoo removal lasers, however, different lasers are utilized based on individual needs. Black tattoos, red ink tattoos, tattoos comprised of different colors, the size of the tattoo, the type of ink and the skin tone make a difference in the laser method selected for tattoo removal.
Does Laser Tattoo Removal Hurt
Laser tattoo removal is typically well tolerated by patients with the application of a topical numbing cream before starting the procedure. As the laser is delivered you will feel something similar to what it would feel like if a rubber band was being snapped against your skin. Cooling units or a Zimmer Chiller are often used to cool the area being treated to relieve discomfort.
In some cases or in patients more sensitive to heat or pain in general, the feeling has also been compared to that of getting the tattoo in the first place.
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Laser Tattoo Removal Or Modification Quick Facts
- Laser tattoo removal or fading with q-switched nanosecond lasers and picosecond lasers are currently the most effective means of removing or fading tattoos with the lowest chance of scarring in comparison to other methods.
- Q-switched nanosecond lasers and picosecond lasers emit extremely high energy, short-lived pulses of laser that shatter tattoo ink particles to allow them to be removed by the bodys immune system.
- Different laser wavelengths are required to remove different tattoo colours.
- Laser can completely remove a tattoo or fade it for future modification or correction.
- Usually, 10 to 20 sessions are required to completely remove a professional tattoo. Fewer sessions are required for amateur tattoos or to just fade a tattoo rather than remove it.
- There are various factors that determine how many sessions a tattoo will take to remove.
- Cosmetic tattooing of the eyelids, eyebrows, or lips can also be removed.
- Anaesthetic creams/injections are used to numb the skin prior to laser treatment.
- At Victorian Cosmetic Institute, we have three lasers, the PiQo4 laser, the Medlite laser and the Sinon Ruby laser that are used for tattoo removal, and between them have wavelengths that are able to remove any colour tattoo.
- Our preferred laser is the PiQo4 laser which is the most powerful laser tattoo machine currently on the market, with both nanosecond and picosecond pulses and 4 wavelengths to remove any colour.
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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Picosure Tattoo Removal Laser By Cynosure
- Price Range: $$$$$
- Best For: tattoos and stubborn skin conditions
- Home Use: No, commercial buyers only
We couldnt write this guide without including the PicoSure, which is one of the few aesthetic picosecond lasers with an amazing track record. According to Cynosure, clinical data shows better tattoo clearance in fewer treatments.
The PicoSure uses a Focus Lens Array to treat a range of pigmentary conditions, including tattoos. The 755nm wavelength tackles blacks, blues and greens, while the 532nm wavelength will work on reds, oranges and yellows.
Unfortunately, you need to be a professional with a clinic to buy this machine. You also need up to $100,000 spare to buy it second hand. Yep, thats crazy expensive! But this does make sense, as its designed for professionals to use regularly on their clients, not just one-off use at home.
Important Note: you cannot buy this laser tattoo removal machine unless youre a professional with a clinic but you can still find those professional who do own it and book sessions with them! This will give you the assurance that the machine is top-quality, even if it does cost more for you that way.
What Is Undo Removal
UNDO Removal is another non-laser tattoo removal method that promises great results without the negative aspects of laser tattoo removal.
It is made of natural ingredients. Most other tattoo removal methods utilize saline, acids, lasers, or other harmful chemicals. UNDO is made of natural ingredients and has gone through EU testing in a medical lab.
UNDO was developed by Estetique International. Seif Sidky and Candice Piroli brought their efforts together due to the need for effective removal of botched permanent makeup and scalp micropigmentation. They worked tirelessly on the development of UNDO to meet the industry standards and to become the best non laser tattoo removal company. The product line are made of the highest quality natural ingredients in South Korea, the world leader in skincare and mask technologies. The technology and the ingredients behind Korean research and technology are hailed as the most innovative and advanced around, much more so than Western brands. Theyre said to be around 12-14 years ahead of the U.S. in terms of skincare technology Grazia Magazine
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Good Tattoos Are Expensive
Obviously, expensive is a relative term. What may be close to unattainable for one person may be a bargain for the next. But generally speaking, good tattoos arent cheap. It takes great skill and experience to create a work of art on a human body. Working on skin isnt as straightforward as drawing on paper, and a good tattoo artist also has to be able to take the shape of the particular body part into account. For all of these reasons, good tattoos can be quite expensive, setting you back multiple hundred or even thousands of dollars, depending on the size, style and intricacy of your chosen design. Plus, tattoos fade over time, so you might have to come back after a few years to get your tattoo refreshed, spending even more money on it.
Scarring From Tattoo Removal Is Highly Unusual
Reassure your patients that you use proper protocols and a professional-grade system that is safe for their skin. Ultimately, as a practitioner, you’ll still want the patient to sign a consent form addressing the risks of the procedure and promote a strong emphasis on personal aftercare outside your practice.
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What Is Tattoo Removal
The idea of removing tattoos has been around a long time, about the same time that tattoos have been around. In that time, various means have been applied for removing body ink. As time has gone on, our tools have only improved, making the process of removing permanent tattoos all the more effective. There are now four main ways a tattoo can be permanently removed.
R20 Method For Tattoo Removal
R20 method of tattoo removal is based on principle of repeated exposure of laser light in a single session.
Frosting created by application of Q switched laser prevents penetration of further laser light in the dermis. If we wait for sometime the frosting usually subsides and laser can penetrate again.
Using this principle, Kossida et al. used a novel technique in which they delivered four laser passes in a single session, after waiting for 20 min between each pass .
The laser energy is delivered using same parameter and a gap of 20 min is given in between each pass. The frosting observed after first pass may not be evident during subsequent passes, still it is recommended to wait for 20 min because there may be intracellular steam formation.
They reported higher efficacy of this method at the end of 3 months in tattoo clearance when compared to standard method. Bunert et al. showed similar results in professional tattoos and Zawar et al. in amateur tattoo .
R20 methods in an army recruit with rapid clearing of treatment post 1-month. Parameters used: 1064 wavelength, 5 ns pulse duration, 4 mm spot 4.6 J/cm2 fluence, four passes
The exact mechanism of action is not known. It was postulated that the after subsidence of frosting if we deliver laser, then it can penetrate deeper in the dermis thus targeting more dermal ink. It can also fragment the ink particle into smaller pieces thus allowing faster clearance of ink by macrophages.
R20 method-scarring
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