Laser Tattoo Removal
What To Expect:
Trust me everyone wants a miracle one step and vanish! Truth is, laser tattoo removal is a process which depends largely on your tattoo’s location, depth, density and ink colors. Black ink is the easiest to target, where as colored ink can be a bit more complicated. Laser tattoo removal works by firing laser light into the tattoo, which breaks the ink into microscopic fragments. It’s only when the ink particles are in the smallest of pieces that the body can remove them. Some tattoos are able to be removed in as little as two sessions, but that is all depending on the circumstance (age, size, color).
What Does Laser Tattoo Removal Feel Like?
Laser pulses are so fast that they shatter the pigment of the skin with an acoustic shockwave, not with absorption of heat. This ultra-fast pulse feels similar to a rubber band snap. Although, not pain-free, with newer more advanced technology (unlike older tattoo removal machines) the process is considerably less painful than it has ever been! To make the process even smoother, Ilka puts ice on the area and uses cold air (a zimmer) to minimize any sensation.
Why Laser Tattoo Removal or Permanent Makeup Removal VS Other Methods?
Non-laser tattoo removal is still out there. There is plenty of people still using creams, acids, and methods like a physical excision of a tattoo…
Truth is, they are rarely effective or can leave a scar (with a method like tattoo excision).
How Does Laser Tattoo Removal Work?
Glad you asked! Laser tattoo removal works by firing laser light energy into the tattoo, which breaks the ink into microscopic fragments, targeting pigment colors in the skin’s dermis (the deepest layer of the skin). It’s only when the ink particles are in the smallest of pieces, that the body can remove them by allowing your immune system to flush it out (a process called selective photothermolysis). When multiple sessions are required they are spaced 6-8 weeks apart to get all the ink out.
To improve results, we recommend maintaining a healthy lifestyle and that starts with a hydrated body. DRINK LOTS OF WATER! Drink at least a gallon of water each day for the week leading up to your appointment for best results. Just like getting a tattoo or permanent makeup in the first place, your body must heal. A healthy lifestyle is most important. Adding an exercise regimen, a healthy diet, and water intake as well as increasing circulation to the area is very important.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
It really depends on a lot of factors. The density of the ink, what type of ink was used, how old the ink is, and where the tattoo is located. Anything far from the heart such as fingers, toes, ankles and lower legs can take longer since there is less circulation of blood and tattoo ink is broken up into your blood stream. If your tattoo is raised and thick the laser will have to break through many layers and the ink will start dissolving over the series of laser treatments.
Generally, amateur or homemade tattoos may be removed within 1 to 3 sessions, while professional tattoos can require anywhere from 8 to 15 treatments. It is possible for some tattoos to require more than 20 laser treatments. If the tattoo is very dark and large.
Light Ink – For this type of ink we recommend 1-3 sessions.
Medium Ink – For this type of ink we recommend 3-6 sessions.
Dark & Dense Ink – For this type of ink we recommend 6-12 sessions.
Extremely Dark Ink – For this type of ink we recommend 8-20 sessions.
Pre-Appointment Care:
Ready to laser remove your tattoo? Before your appointment you need to make sure you read/understand/follow everything on this list!
2 WEEKS BEFORE YOUR TREATMENT...
Stay Out Of The Sun
Sun exposure makes you very sensitive so avoid any incidental or direct sun! Please avoid artificial sun also just like tanning beds, spray-tans and self-tanners on your tattoo. When you are outside, protect your tattoo by applying sunblock (SPF 50 and higher) plus using barrier protection such as protective clothing or an adhesive bandage.
THE DAY OF YOUR TREATMENT...
Prep Your Skin
Wash off any cover-up makeup, lotion, sunscreen or anything else you might put on the area being treated before your appointment.
Please arrive 10 minutes before your appointment, that will give us time to ice and numb the area! If you’re more than 5 minutes late, we may have to reschedule or not be able to treat all the areas planned.
Any changes to your medical history NEED TO BE DISCLOSED.
Please let us know if anything like a new pregnancy or diagnosis come up! Some medical conditions and medications are not compatible with laser treatments. This will lead to a reschedule of your appointment. Your health and safety is top priority!
After Care
Thank you so much for coming in! You’re on your journey to removing your unwanted tattoo or permanent makeup. To achieve your best results it begins with you! Following laser tattoo removal treatment, the affected area will be red. Small blisters may develop after 48 hours and the skin will gently peel a few days later. Complete recovery can vary from 1-2 weeks depending on the location and size of the tattoo. Laser tattoo removal recovery is pain-free.
STEP ONE: STAY AWAY FROM HEAT, SUN, OR ANYTHING THAT CAN MAKE YOU SWEAT
Please avoid sun as much as possible. Any artificial tanners like tanning beds, spray-tans and self-tanners on your tattoo are a no go. When you are outside, protect your tattoo by applying sunblock (SPF 50+) and using barrier protection such as protective clothing or an adhesive bandage.
STEP TWO: KEEP THE AREA DRY
That means no saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs or swimming. Again, anything that can make you sweat excessively.
STEP THREE: CLEANS AND MOISTURIZE-
Take lukewarm or cold showers and do not scrub/ shave the area. Always use a non-scented, non- foaming clenser. After, pat dry with a clean towel. Finish off by moisturizing the treated area. I recommend Aquaphor® or Vaseline®, just enough for the skin not to dry out.
AVOID ANY IRRITANTS & RUBBING OF THE AREA:
This means no tight clothing or any rubbing against the tattoo. After your treatment you can get a little itchy but DO NOT scratch or pick the area at all. Avoid any irritants like medicated washes, harsh soaps, scrubs, peels, hydrogen peroxide, Neosporin®, Polysporin®, Bacitracin®, and Aloe Vera. This can prolong your results or can cause side effects!
I only recommend applying Vaseline, Aquaphor, hydrocortisone 1%, or sunscreen as needed.
If you have additional questions, give me a call! (520)600-8482
COMMON SIDE EFFECTS AND WHAT TO DO:
Dont panic! Side effects are normal!
ITCHING/ IRRITATION:
Itching and irritation is a very common side effect. This can happen can when your skin is getting treated or, even once the tattoo is healed. Its normal for your tattoo to have minimum to moderate redness, petechiae (tiny broken blood vessels under the skin), pinpoint bleeding or bruising. For any itching you can always take over the counter allergy medicine like liquid Benadryl®, Allegra® or Clartin® as needed. Applying Vaseline® or Aquaphor® will also help soothe any irritation and itching as well!
SWELLING & BLISTERING:
Swelling and blistering happen and can be reduces by icing and elevating the tattoo area that was treated. If your tattoo or permanent makeup develops any small blisters, do not touch them at all (No popping, scratching, or peeling). They will naturally heal on their own, usually in 7-10 days. To soothe any discomfort you can apply a thick layer of Aquaphor® or Vaseline®. If your blister is extremely large or uncomfortable, please contact me.
*Results and patient experience may vary.
Once the pigment in the ink is shattered by the laser, we allow time for your body to dispose of the shattered ink particles – this takes about 6 weeks. By giving those pigment particles time to get out of the way, we have a clearer field and can get rid of more ink the next time, and the next. You can then watch your tattoo progressively fade away within weeks after your treatment. Ideal spacing between treatments is 4-6 weeks.
Questions? Experiencing anything not covered here? Give me a call or text at 520-600-8482. Also, don’t forget to book your next appointment in 6-8 weeks!
Pricing
Small- $80+ per session*
Medium- $90+ per session*
Large- $150+ per session*
Extra Large- 250+ per session*
Packages are always available here at Delete Ink Laser Aesthetics.
Schedule your Consult today!
*Prices Listed are per session