Laser Tattoo Removal

The duration of the tattoo removal process is a concern for virtually all clients.

It’s not unusual for the body to take over a year to completely eliminate ink. Setting expectations clearly upfront allows for clients to be satisfied throughout the experience – rather than feeling as if they were misled. It’s important for us to establish upfront that tattoo removal is a process that relies on the body’s ability to eliminate ink from the skin.

We will help set realistic expectations clearly upfront to allow our clients to be satisfied throughout the experience. 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 eight weeks between laser sessions – and ten 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.

We generally suggest speaking in terms of treatment ranges with clients. Tattoo removal treatments fit along a bell curve – most clients will need between 6 and 12 treatments, some will see complete removal in 5 or 6, and others may need 12 or more treatments if there is significant scarring or layered tattoos. We suggest telling clients where they are likely to fit along the bell curve based on the unique factors of their tattoo.

Not all colors of tattoo ink respond the same way to the laser treatment. Black ink removes the best. Next are red, orange and warmer colors. We can also be effective on many of the green inks.  Some blue and purple inks are more challenging colours to remove but our laser can sometimes remove them although complete removal cannot be guaranteed.  Homemade, and faded tattoos are the easiest to remove. Tattoos with thin lines and shading respond very well to laser treatments and you will often see results after 1-2 treatments.

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 clients 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.

It hurts, but it’s bearable.

We advise clients to use a topical anesthetic such as 5% lidocaine 45 minutes before treatment covered with a plastic film to help the topical absorb into the treatment area. Numbing skin before the procedure helps clients feel more comfortable throughout the treatment process.

The most common side effects are:

• Redness
• Tenderness
• Swelling
• Blistering
• Scabs
• Bruising
• Hyperpigmentation
• Hypopigmentation

If all of the proper protocols are used based on the tattoo and the client’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.

Expect the treated skin to become red and raised immediately after the procedure. We ask our clients to leave the skin alone and let the area breath for the first 30 minutes after the procedure, then soothing Aloe vera or cold pack may be applied to sooth the area. It is important to allow the skin to start the natural healing process. Some redness and crusting may last for 7–14 days.

Clients are asked to apply antibiotic ointment and a Band-Aid if necessary to the treated area for 1–2 weeks only if the skin is broken or weeping otherwise leave the skin to heal naturally. It is important to protect all your skin from the sun every day by using sunscreen with an SPF of 30+, and by wearing sun-protective clothing.

• For the next 24 hours:A cold compress and elevation are recommended to help reduce discomfort and inflammation.
• Avoid for the next 24 hours:  Physical activity, hot showers and saunas.
• Apply for the next 3 days: Aquaphor, Elta MD Post Balm, Neosporin, Polysporin or A&D Oinment with bandage only if the skin is broken or weeping.  Any of these ointments will work. Change the dressing daily.
• Avoid for the next 1-2 weeks: Direct sun exposure, hot tubs, pool water and salt water until tattoo is healed.
• Keep the treated area clean and dry while it is healing. Clean the area with antibacterial soap if needed and then pat the area dry. AVOID HIGH-PRESSURE WATER HITTING THE TREATED AREA.
• Some scabbing, blistering, light bleeding and itching may occur. Immediately after treatment, there may be erythema (redness) and edema (swelling) at the treatment site. This usually lasts 2 hours or longer. The erythema may last up to 10 days.
• Do not pop blisters. If you do blister, continue to apply one of the recommended ointments until the blister has popped naturally.
• Do not pick at the scab or allow the skin to become scraped, as this may result in infection and scarring. Shaving should be avoided in the treated area until it is completely healed
• You may notice that blistering may occur in some treatments and not others. If blistering does not occur, it does not mean that your most recent treatment was less aggressive or your treatment is not working. Sometimes your body will react, while other times it will not. Regardless, the treatment is working.
• You may take only Tylenol to help with discomfort. Please avoid aspirins, ibuprofens and naproxens because they may increase the risk of bruising and/or bleeding.
• Shaving should be avoided in the treated area until it is completely healed (5-10 days).
• Please apply sunscreen everyday to the treated area after the tattoo has completely healed (5-10 days), even if clothing covers the treated area. Sun will travel through your shirt or pants. The use of sunscreen everyday on the area will also help the ink absorb and help with itching.
• No active tan, self-tanner, bronzers or spray tan 4-6 weeks before and after treatment.
• Massage the treated area 5-10 minutes daily after treated area has healed (5-10 days). Daily massage will help ink absorb.
• Remember, not all tattoos will clear 100%. Your tattoo may just fade.
• Please call your primary care physician if an infection occurs.
• If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact our office.
• Remember: Drink lots of water!