What To Expect For Laser Tattoo Removal
Ah, the good old days: You were young, wild, and free, and you got a tattoo that 20-year-old you was stoked about. Maybe its a song lyric you no longer resonate with. Maybe its an exs name. Maybe its simply a tattoo that was not very well done.
Whatever the reason you no longer love your ink, Dr. Lori Scott of Lori Scott Family Care can wipe it away with laser tattoo removal. If youve ever wondered exactly how laser tattoo removal works, youve come to the right place: Here, Dr. Scott explains everything you need to know about getting rid of a permanent tattoo.
Tips For A Speedy Recovery
- A cold compress can be applied to the area for the first 24 hours following treatment to reduce pain and discomfort.
- Avoid physical activity for24 hours.
- Try to keep the area clean and dry.
- Avoid hot water, saunas, hot tubs, high pressure showers, and lakes for 1-2 weeks following treatment.
- Shield the treated area from direct sun exposure while recovering.
- After healing, apply sunscreen to the treated area for 5-10 days regardless of sun exposure. This can help reduce itching and speed up the ink absorption process.
- Only drain blisters if they are very large, instead let them resolve naturally if possible
- Refrain from picking or peeling the scabs or skin at the treatment area.
- Shaving the treated area should be avoided until fully healed.
- Take Tylenol to help with pain. Aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen should be avoided.
- No tanning of any kind for 4-6 weeks following treatment.
- At 5-10 days following treatment, massaging the treated area for 5-10 minutes daily can help speed up ink absorption.
- Stay properly hydrated by drinking lots of water.
Following these tips should help increase the efficacy of your laser treatments and speed the removal process. Contact your provider immediately should you have any questions or concerns.
Informed Patients Are Happy Patients
We’ve seen that if a patient is informed, they’re more likely to continue with treatment until completion, handle side effects properly, and be satisfied with their tattoo removal experience.
When patients understand the basics of laser-skin interaction, they know that you are a knowledgeable practitioner with a powerful tool but not a magician. Expectations are realistic so patients are encouraged by the fading along the way and pleased with the end result.
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What Else Can I Expect Within The First Few Days
Your treated skin will evidently be the most tender the first few days after receiving your procedure of laser tattoo removal in NYC. Your practitioner will have placed a bandage over the treated area, and it is important to not fuss with this as it can irritate the treated skin.
You will want to wait until day 2 or at least 24 hours after you have undergone the procedure before showering or soaking your skin. When you do shower, try to keep the treated skin out of the direct stream of water.
Following the first day of keeping the bandage secured on your skin, you will want to keep the skin uncovered as much as possible during the second day. This will allow the healing area to breathe. Do try to keep the treated area clean to the best of your ability.
Blisters may develop on the treated area between one and three days following your procedure. This is normal. However, do not pick or otherwise irritate these blisters, as they will drain and dry into scabs on their own. Avoiding unnecessary contact with the scabs is recommended as well in order to avoid irritating the skin. These scabs commonly fall off between 10 14 days after your treatment.
Who Can Benefit From Laser Tattoo Removal
Your healthcare provider will work with you to determine how best to remove your tattoo. In the past, tattoos could be removed by several methods, but many of them left scars. Some people felt that the scar was more unattractive than the tattoo itself.
If you have a tattoo that has been treated with other methods, you may benefit from laser therapy. These treated tattoos may respond well to laser therapy as long as there is not a large amount of scarring.
People who have had laser tattoo removal cite these benefits:
- The procedure can be done on an outpatient basis, with no overnight stay.
- It reduces the risk of scarring and infection.
- Its generally safer than other options.
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Post Tattoo Removal: 7 Things To Avoid
While the healing length and process vary from patient to patient, laser tattoo removal generally takes a total of one to two months to fully recover from.
There are, of course, things that patients can do to expedite or slow their healing process. So to ensure that you avoid things that may slow your healing process, here are seven things to avoid during tattoo treatment aftercare.
Your Immune System Cant Get Rid Of Tattoo Ink On Its Own
Your skin is a complex organ that is regulated by your immune system. Your body can detect foreign substances, such as tattoo ink, and works to get rid of them. In most cases, it can clear these elements with special cells called macrophages. Under normal circumstances, the macrophages absorb potentially dangerous particles and dispose of them.
Tattoo ink poses a problem for the macrophages. While they can absorb it, they cant let it go. If a macrophage that contains tattoo ink ruptures, the ink is absorbed by other macrophages. Thats why tattoos stay in your skin permanently unless you seek cosmetic treatment.
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It Might Be Worth Getting A Cover Up Tattoo Instead Of A Full Tattoo Removal
One tattoo removal method that isn’t talked about as much is semi-removali.e. If you don’t want to take your tattoos all the way off, you can simply lighten them enough to get some good cover-up work done. I have a friend who had a bird piece lightened enough to have a tattoo artist ink a lightbulb over the top. I thought it was smart because it meant her new tattoo didn’t have to be heavy-handed.
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.
It’s 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 it’s uncomfortable but bearable.
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It Hurts But It’s Bearable
When discussing pain with patients, it’s important to share that while they may experience some level of discomfort, the pain is relatively manageable and tolerable. It may take some tough love to encourage patients concerned about sensitivity.
The vast majority of tattoo removal providers offer some form of soothing to the skin during the treatment. Offering skin numbing during the procedure allows your practice to stay competitive, provide better patient care, and have higher patient satisfaction.
Discuss Side Effects And Aftercare Together
We encourage practices to discuss aftercare during the consultation, have aftercare posted clearly on the website, and give patients a take-home sheet of aftercare instructions. Much of the aftercare for a tattoo removal treatment are similar to that of aftercare after having a tattoo applied, so patients should be familiar with it.
7. How does laser tattoo removal work?
Honestly, this is one of the least common asked questions on this list. Most patients are concerned about the results not how the laser achieves them. That said, discussing the science behind laser tattoo removal should still be an important part of the patient consultation.
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What About Fake Tan
Again, this is not recommended, as you could be coming back time and time again for multiple sessions when only half a dozen are actually required. Although we want to remove tattoos quickly and effectively, our main concern is your health and well-being. This is more difficult if your skin has absorbed products containing toxins.
Some fake tans contain activators that can react with laser treatment and lead to skin pigmentation. Therefore, do not use fake tan products for at least 2 weeks before or after treatment.
We are here to help, so please contact us if you have any questions!
What Should I Take Note Of After Tattoo Removal
After the laser procedure, the affected skin area will appear inflamed, and scabbing, blistering, or bruising may occur. These effects are normal and often subside after 3 to 7 days. A bandage to protect the tender skin is recommended for the first 3 days, along with some healing ointment. If the discomfort and swelling bother you, you can apply cold compresses to the area. Resist the urge to pick at any scabs that form, as this could contribute to scarring.
As long as there are still scabs and blisters, make it a point to keep the skin area clean and dry. Showers are fine, but make sure to dry off completely afterwards. For the next month or so, sun protection is crucial to protect your skin from pigmentation issues.
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You Can Enjoy A Safe Effective Process
When you choose this treatment, you can rest assured that you will benefit from the highest safety standards and the most effective means of removing ink. Our lasers are FDA approved and have helped many patients get rid of their unwanted tattoos without harmful methods. You will be amazed by the results they offer. In the past, many tattoo removal treatments yielded spotty results. Today, our advanced lasers can treat all colors faster and more completely than ever before.
You Can Alter A Tattoo More Easily
If you just want to change a tattoo instead of removing it, laser treatments can help with that, too. By eliminating the areas that you want to get rid of, you can clear space for your tattoo artist to make updates. In one famous example of tattoo alteration, Angelina Jolie removed the name of her ex from her arm and replaced it with the coordinates of her kids birth locations.
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Does Laser Eyebrow Tattoo Removal Hurt
Its not a pain-free process, but most people only experience minor discomfort. Many people say it feels like a tiny amount of bacon grease splashing on your skin.
One thing to keep in mind with eyebrow tattoo removal is that youll need to wear eye protection.For safety reasons, you should only have your tattoo removed by licensed expert. Certified tattoo removal clinics will always have the proper eye protection for you to wear during treatment.
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How Long After Laser Tattoo Removal Will My Tattoo Fade
Laser tattoo removal is a specialized procedure that utilizes quick pulsing energy to target tattoo pigments and triggers the skin to release these pigments. Upon release, the skin naturally reabsorbs these pigments and disposes of them. Because the treatment targets the pigments and not surrounding skin, it can produce astounding results without scarring. In fact, most patients only experience a few hours of pink, sensitive skin after treatment.
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Why Does It Take More Than One Session To Remove A Tattoo With Lasers
Professional tattoo artists apply ink in layers, so it takes more than one session to remove them. Because lasers break the ink pigment into smaller particles, it then takes some time between sessions for your body to flush out the ink. Your skin also needs time to heal, as laser treatments can sometimes cause swelling, blistering, and can temporarily alter the color of your skin.
Keep Your Immune System Strong Between And After Treatments
The stronger your immune system, the faster your skin heals. A healthy immune system helps your body repair the wound and fight off infection.
There are a few key things you can do to see faster results:
- Drink lots of water. Keeping the body hydrated is key to maintaining a strong immune system. It helps flush out toxins and restore blood cells, which are key to preventing infections.
- Too much alcohol intake can cause dehydration, which slows down the healing process. If possible, avoid alcohol entirely.
- Dont smoke. When you smoke, your immune system has to work harder to remove the pollutants. Your body wont be able to work as hard at healing your skin. Non-smokers see better results and usually need fewer treatments.
- Exercise. Exercising increases blood flow. Increased blood flow actually helps to break down the ink particles in your skin. You should take a few days off exercising immediately after treatment. But once your skin scabs over, physical activity can help the tattoo removal process along.
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Does Skin Go Back To Normal After Laser Tattoo Removal
Yes. Your skin should go back to normal following laser tattoo removal. We can remove most tattoos completely, and following aftercare instructions will help your skin heal and return to a healthy and ink-free state.
Most clients require 4 8 treatments to remove a tattoo, depending on your skin complexion and the size and colouring of the tattoo.
Its important to note that any existing scarring caused when the tattoo was initially applied may become more noticeable as the tattoo ink is removed. The laser technology does not cause scarring, but it can reveal scars covered up by the tattoo ink.
During your free consultation at b clinic, your clinician will examine your tattoo and discuss any existing scarring that could be revealed once the tattoo is removed.
How The Laser Works
This is a process that utilizes your immune system to remove ink in a safe way, says Cooper. Your body already wants to remove the ink particles in your skin, which are deposited into small pockets in the dermis layer of skin when you get a tattoo. In fact, your immune system has been trying to do that since you first got the tattoo. When you get a tattoo, your body is actively trying to remove it. Its a foreign body in the skin that shouldnt be there, says Cooper. However, the ink particles are about 100 to 200 nanometersfar too big for your immune system to process prior to laser treatment.
The laser directs energy to those ink particles so they shatter and break apart into smaller pieces, allowing your bodys immune system to target and eliminate them. Your white blood cells are able to engulf those smaller ink particles, whereas before, the ink particles were too big for them to engulf, Cooper explains. The white blood cells then carry the ink particles into the bodys lymphatic system. Most is then expelled through the digestive system, although some can also come out in sweat or urine.
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Tattoo Removal Feels Different For Different People
Some people say that tattoo removal is incredibly painful while others say that it isnt quite as bad.
This is because tattoo removal experts need to use different techniques and wavelengths depending on the type of tattoo you have and these wavelengths affect the pain intensity.
Here are a few of the top factors that affect tattoo removal pain
How Much Is Laser Tattoo Removal
Laser tattoo removal costs anywhere from $200 to $500. At the end of the day, it depends on various factors such as the size of the tattoo, the ink colors, and the area thats being treated.
The age of the tattoo matters as well. Generally speaking, the newer it is, the easier itll be to removeand thatll be reflected in the cost.
And for those who are wondering, its typically not covered by insurance as its considered to be a cosmetic procedure. Depending on where you go, however, there may be payment plans or financing options available.
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Understanding Laser Tattoo Removal
Laser technology is widely used in skincare. Due to research and development, the latest laser machines are safer than ever. It is now possible to address a variety of skin problems with laser machines of different sorts. The machine emits beams of laser light that enter the skin and destroy the ink particles.
It is done by producing a specific amount of heat, which may negatively affect the tattoo area skin. Moreover, it leads to some minor and temporary side effects that subside in the coming days. However, the skin will become sensitive during the recovery period, so candidates should take care of it properly.
Lets discuss what the recovery after laser tattoo removal is like.
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.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 09/25/2020.
References
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After A Few Laser Tattoo Removal Sessions
As you go through the laser tattoo removal process, you might experience hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation.
These are skin discolourations that occur around the treated area in the form of patches of skin, either lighter or darker than your normal skin tone. They occur because your body overproduces melanin or underproduces it as a response to the laser treatment.
This is normal, and generally, these go away with time over the laser tattoo removal healing process.