Where To Get A Tattoo Removed

Tattoo Removal Salary And Job Outlook

The average salary for a laser tattoo removal technician in the United States is $54,534 per year.

The tattoo removal industry is growing fast to meet the demand for the procedure. Every year, the market continues to grow as people embrace laser tattoo removal as an effective solution to restore control over skin appearance. The average tattoo removal patients are young females who have small and easy-to-remove black tattoos. There is also a significant crossover between tattoo removal patients and clients of other esthetic procedures.

It Depends On The Part Of Your Body

Tattoo removal pain also depends on which body part is being treated. Some areas, such as hands and feet, have more touch receptors and nerve endings. The more receptors in the area, the more sensitive that part of the skin will be to the laser.

The armpits, for example, are among the most sensitive parts of your body. So, getting a tattoo lasered off your armpit will hurt a lot more than getting one removed from your back.

It can also be a bit more painful if your tattoo is close to a bone or in an area where there is very little fat. The leaner the area, the more sensitive it is.

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Factors Determining The Price Of Laser Removal

If the price of laser removal is determined by the number of sessions required, how do we figure out how many sessions will be needed?

There are a range of factors that technicians use to determine a course of action, and to gain a rough idea about the number of treatments that will be required to eliminate unwanted tattoos.

First, is the Fitzpatrick Skin Type Scale that is used to determine skin type based on skin tone before sun exposure, hair and eye color.

The next determining factor is whether the ink is layered, meaning if it is a cover up of another tattoo.

The location on the body is also important since skin reacts differently to the laser depending on exposure to the sun.

Ink colors are also important when considering laser removal. Different colors react differently to the laser process: turquoise is notoriously difficult to remove because the wavelengths of the laser light can often miss these tones.

The amount of ink applied is usually characterized by vividness in a piece the denser the ink the more sessions required to break it up.

Any existing scarring will also need to be taken into account, as this damaged skin can react differently to laser treatments.

Finally, the size of the piece is an obvious determining factor.

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Does Treatment For Different Tattoos Vary

Some tattoos take longer to treat than others. Here are a few reasons:

• Everybody has a unique immune system that responds to the laser treatment and tattoo removal differently.
• The location of your tattoo will affect how long the treatment process takes. Color fading takes much longer for tattoos on the lower extremities, since the furthest points on your arms and legs are far away from your heart. The closer your tattoo is to your heart, the better the circulation in the skin, leading to better healing results. By contrast, areas with poor circulation heal very poorly throughout the tattoo removal process. For example, the ankle is a particular difficult body part to treat.
• Different skin tones and the different types of inks and colors used will also have an effect on the duration of the removal process.
• Finally, the depth of the tattoo will factor in to how long it takes for laser treatment to remove your tattoo. This means that professional tattoos can be more difficult to remove than amateur tattoos since the ink penetrates the skin more deeply and more uniformly.

Is There Anything That I Can Do To Improve My Results

Yes, you play a key role in the results you see. Doing the following will help you to achieve the best results and reduce your risk of side effects:

You want to cover your treated skin with clothing that completely blocks light

The white and yellow shirts in this picture let light shine through.

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Tattoo Removal Aftercare Tips

Although laser tattoo removal is non-invasive, there are sometimes side effects. Redness, swelling, and discomfort are pretty common but you may also have some light scabs or blisters that form.

Thankfully, scarring from laser tattoo removal is almost unheard of nowadays. Laser technology has evolved a lot, so you dont need to worry about any permanent scars once the tattoo is removed. If you are concerned about scarring at all, check with the clinic or professional doing the tattoo removal. Find out what laser they use and do some research if its a modern laser, you have nothing to worry about.

Once your tattoo removal session is over, you can follow these steps for the aftercare.

• Days 1 to 3 keep the area sterilized with antibiotic ointments and covered with medical gauze.
• Days 3 to 7 remove the gauze and keep the area clean and dry. Dont soak the area instead gently dampen it and clean with mild soap. Pat dry.
• Days 7+ continue to keep the area clean and dry. Dont soak it in water until it has completely healed. Ointments with vitamin E can help the healing process.

Throughout the healing process, you shouldnt expose the area to the sun. UV rays are not good for your skin as it heals. So, cover up the area with gauze and bandages when you go outside, and once youve passed the first week, you can apply sunscreen protection instead.

Once your skin has healed completely, its time for another session under the laser.

It Gets Easier Over Time

Most patients say that their first laser tattoo removal sessions are the most painful. The more you undergo, the higher your pain threshold increases.

In most cases, it takes at least four sessions for the tattoo ink to disappear completely. By the third or fourth session, youll feel far less pain than you did in the beginning.

Learn more about how laser removal works in our Tattoo Removal FAQs article!

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Tattoo Age And Ink Quality

A tattoos pigment tends to fade over time, meaning an older tattoo is easier to remove. A newer tattoo will usually be bolder and brighter, which means it takes more sessions to break up the pigment. This affects the cost of laser tattoo removal.

The ink quality also plays a role in determining tattoo removal costs. High-quality ink is made to last longer, so it takes longer to break up and flush out of the skin during removal than low-quality ink. This can also affect tattoo removal prices.

Additionally, the strength of your individual immune system influences how quickly your tattoo fades once you begin laser tattoo removal, and thus, your tattoo removal price. A stronger immune system typically eliminates the ink from the skin faster after treatments, which could influence the total charge for your treatments.

Pain And Side Effects Of Laser Tattoo Removal

Does tattoo removal hurt? That depends on a persons pain threshold, Kosoglu says. Some people compare the sensation of laser removal to being spattered with drops of hot bacon grease or snapping a thin rubber band against the skin. A trained dermatologist will be able to adjust the treatment to the patients comfort level.

Some side effects may include pinpoint bleeding, redness, or soreness, none of which should last for long. Another possible side effect of tattoo removal is scarring.

Luke says that these laser devices are cleared for use by, or under the supervision of, a health care professional. The removal procedure requires using the correct type of laser, understanding the reaction of tissue to laser, and knowing how to treat the area after the procedure.

If you have any concerns about having a tattoo removed, its a good idea to consult your dermatologist, who is knowledgeable about laser treatments, Luke concludes.

The ASDS has a list of dermatological surgeons who specialize in tattoo removal.

Consumers are asked to report adverse reactions from tattoos, as well as problems with tattoo removal, to FDAs MedWatch.

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What Happens If Laser Tattoo Removal Doesnt Work

If a tattoo isnt responding well to treatment, an inexperienced or poorly trained technician may keep treating the same spot for too long. This wont remove the tattoo any faster or more efficiently it is actually highly dangerous as it causes heat to build up in the skin, resulting in burns and scars.

Expectations For Tattoo Removal Treatment

Each laser tattoo removal session lasts only a few minutes. You can expect to come in for several sessions before you can no longer see any traces of your tattoo. Tattoos containing only black ink disappear the fastest because black absorbs all wavelengths coming from the laser. Every other color absorbs the laser wavelengths differently, which makes it harder to predict how long it will take to remove a colored tattoo. Blue and green tend to be easier while fluorescent colors like green and purple tend to be more difficult.

We advise you to wait approximately six weeks between each tattoo removal session. This allows enough time for your skin to heal and for your body to absorb and eliminate the tiny ink particles. Please contact us to learn more about having your tattoo removed at the Dermatologic SurgiCenter in the Philadelphia area.

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Why Diy Methods Of Removing Tattoos Are Dangerous

Weve been in the business of helping people remove old tattoos long enough to understand that some people may be desperate to remove their ink. However, doing it at home or without the supervision of a professional will certainly cause more harm than good. Common complications from at-home removal methods can include infection, permanent scarring, hyperpigmentation, and hypopigmentation.

Over a decade ago, there were very different tattoo removal methods that were popular, like infrared treatments. We still have patients who come in that are hoping to clean up the damage caused by the other treatments theyve tried over the years. In particular, we still get a lot of patients who attempted infrared tattoo removal in the past and encountered side effects, like burning, infections, and extended recovery times. This treatment looked like someone had applied a cigarette multiple times to the tattoo.

We dont share these stories to shock or scare you, but to warn you of the real danger in choosing the wrong tattoo removal method.

How Do Lasers Get Rid Of A Tattoo

In order to understand exactly how lasers are used to fade away those embarrassing tattoos from a previous life, we first need to take a moment to talk about what a tattoo is and how it leaves a permanent mark in the skin.

Archaeological evidence shows that tattooing has been a part of human cultures going back thousands of years. While the methods may have changed to incorporate high-tech electronic tools, the essence of tattooing has remained largely the same: using some sort of needle or other implement to implant pigmentation permanently into the skin.

More Like a Fountain Pen Than a Syringe

While many people envision a modern tattoo artist using something akin to a needle and syringe to inject tattoo pigmentation in the skin, in fact, a tattoo needle is more similar to a fountain pen. The tattoo artist dips the tip of the tattoo needle into the ink, which then dangles from the tip as the needle is used to pierce the epidermis and dermis layers of the skin. A physical process known as capillary action then settles the ink into the dermis, meaning your skin actually sucks up the ink.

Lasers Break Up the Pigmentation

So how do lasers clear up unwanted tattoos? First, the process utilizes a specially designed laser that targets the ink but leaves the skin unphased. As the laser passes over the tattoo, it penetrates the skin, finding and fracturing the tattoos pigmentation. All the while, the laser has no effect on the surrounding skin.

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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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Can You Remove A Tattoo Naturally

If you are prepared to scrub off layers and layers of skin until you have removed the tattoo, this can be a successful home tattoo removal method. Just keep in mind that youll also have removed a large chunk of skin and will have a scar in its place.

When it comes to tattoo removal creams, whether natural or chemical, completely removing a tattoo is a lot less likely than just fading it. This is because its extremely difficult for any topical substance to penetrate the skin deep enough to reach the dermal layer where the tattoo pigments are housed.

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Learn How To Become A Tattoo Removal Technician

Tattoo removal businesses are on the rise as more individuals have tattoos and might need removal services. In the United States, about 36% of people between the ages of 18 to 29 have at least one tattoo. The rising demand for tattoo removal services could be a great and new career choice. In this article, we explore how you can become a tattoo removal technician and the skills you need to succeed.

Laser Tattoo Removal Cost Guide Of 2019

Considering your tattoo removal options?

Throughout our experiences here at Ink Revoke, weve been asked just about every question immaginable relating to this procedure.

How Much Does Tattoo Removal Cost is by far the most frequently asked question weve been asked.

Pricing has become MUCH more affordable, with results nothing short of amazing.

Below, you can learn the exact cost of removal, along with the 11 most important factors that determine prices.

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Nothing Is Forever: Steps To Tattoo Removal

So how do you know if laser removal is for you? The first step is to find a clinic in your area and make contact with their office. They will either schedule an appointment or you can send photos that will help them to formulate a game plan that is specific you and your ink. It is important to follow laser removal specialists directions regarding preparation and post-treatment care, as skin conditionboth before and afterare important in order to ensure an effective procedure.

As we can see, tattoos are no longer the permanent reminders to past mistakes that they once were. Thanks to the continued development of laser removal technology, no one has to live with ugly tattoos that commemorate memories that are better forgotten. While laser tattoo removal isnt cheap, it is permanent, so once the tattoo is gone, it is gone for good.

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How Tattoo Removal Cost Is Calculated

The cost of tattoo removal varies based on size, color, tattoo age, and other factors. Tattoo removal cost is calculated by size and desired tattoo removal result. What that means is that the number of sessions, which is dependent on protocol and technology used, accounts for tattoo age, color, depth, and density. Your tattoo removal price will most strongly depend on the number of sessions required. Typically, tattoo removal takes Eight to ten sessions, and the total tattoo removal cost will depend on the total number of sessions required.

Regardless of the details of your situation, Removery is well equipped to handle any type of tattoo removal. Now, lets take a closer look at each of the main factors that determine the cost of tattoo removal to give you a better sense of what your tattoo removal journey might look like. Keep in mind that the specific price will vary by region depending on factors like the cost of living in your area.

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How Are The Results Of Laser Tattoo Removal

Pigment absorbs the laser light, and the light energy turns into heat energy in the cell the cell hosting pigment is destroyed, blows out and the pigment goes out of the cell. Defense cells of the body called macrophage take or digest the pigment outside the cell, and removes from that region via the lymphatic system. This process is a kind of wound healing process, and shows personal differences. And for applying laser tattoo removal in the same area again, it is required the wound healing to get over in that area. In each application, the tattoo color whitens after laser session, and then a red wound situation occurs. After 3 days a transparent scab occurs. This scab is as the same scab when you got the tattoo. And after 15 days, this scab peels, and some part of the tattoo will be removed, some part lightened and some part left. Tattoo will remove more in time and you will be required to wait for the next session.