The science

How does tattoo removal work?

Don’t worry -- we’re not going to go all Albert Einstein on you. The video below explains it all in simple English. Would a toddler understand it? No, but we’re hoping there aren’t many toddlers with tattoos. We’re hoping.

Amazing Science For Your Skin

Thanks to modern technology, tattoos are no longer permanent. Laser tattoo removal is a safe and effective procedure. It is the only FDA-approved method to get rid of unwanted ink. Laser tattoo removal has virtually no side effects (aside from ink-free skin!). Learn how tattoo removal works and why laser treatments are the best choice to eliminate unwanted ink.

How Lasers Target Tattoo Ink

Lasers target tattoo ink through a scientific process called selective photothermolysis. The laser targets ink with light energy. Ink molecules absorb the light and heat up. This reaction causes the ink molecules to break into tiny particles. These smaller particles are identified by your immune system as foreign material, prompting your body to flush the disrupted ink through the lymphatic system. Every ink color responds to a different wavelength of light. So, for the most effective results, laser tattoo removal technicians use lasers that emit pulses at varying wavelengths based on your tattoo design.

The Tattoo Application Process

Your skin is composed of multiple layers. Tattoo needles inject ink into the second layer of skin called the dermis. Tattoo guns emit thousands of needle pricks per minute, each distributing ink molecules. Most become embedded in the dermis, creating a permanent design.

Why Tattoos Are Permanent

The dermis skin layer is complex and made up of dense connective tissue, fibers, and collagen. When tattoo ink is injected into the dermis, the body’s immune system releases macrophages, immune cells designed to attack and absorb foreign material. The macrophages do their job by eating the ink molecules, but this process causes them to swell and get trapped in the gelatinous structure of the dermis. Eventually, these immune cells die, but the ink passes to the replacement cells, making a tattoo permanent.

Laser Tattoo Removal Step-by-Step

Your laser tattoo removal starts with a consultation. During this meeting, a professional technician will assess the size, design, and location of your unwanted tattoo and outline the most effective treatment plan. Once you understand what to expect during laser sessions, the approximate cost, and the timeline, it’s time to start getting rid of ink! Most laser tattoo removal sessions are completed within 15-30 minutes. Here is what a typical tattoo removal process looks like:

The skin is treated with ice or chilled air via a cooling machine for several minutes. The cold helps numb the skin and make the laser sessions more comfortable.
The technician begins using the laser to target ink molecules. Throughout the treatment, cold air will blow against the skin to help minimize discomfort. On average, the laser is used for less than 10 minutes per treatment.
Read through aftercare procedures and schedule your next appointment.
Repeat treatments every 6-8 weeks until your tattoo is gone!

Number of Sessions Required

The number of sessions required to erase an unwanted tattoo completely varies depending on size, design (colors, ink density, etc.), and location. On average, it takes 3-5 sessions for noticeable fading and 10-12 sessions for complete removal.

Factors Affecting Tattoo Removal Success

The success of laser tattoo removal is directly linked to your immune system. So, the healthier you are, the faster you can expect results. Staying hydrated, eating healthy, and living an active lifestyle contribute to a stronger immune system. While laser tattoo removal is a safe and low-maintenance procedure, it is important to follow the aftercare guidelines. Following each laser session, avoid hot water and exercise for 48 hours. Protect the skin from the sun by wearing high-SPF sunscreen and protective clothing. It is also essential to appropriately schedule tattoo removal sessions. Removery recommends waiting 6-8 weeks between treatments to allow the skin to heal properly.

Lasers shoot high-intensity light through your top layer of skin, directly hitting the larger pigments of ink

The ink absorbs this energy, shattering it into smaller pieces

These smaller pieces are taken away by your immune system over time

How does tattoo removal work?

Preparing for Your Tattoo Removal

Are you ready to make your dreams of ink-free skin a reality? Before you start your tattoo removal journey, follow these recommendations to ensure you get the best results.

Choosing the Right Tattoo Removal Provider

The three main things to look for in a tattoo removal provider are:

Proof of results (before and after photos)
Advanced technology, preferably the state-of-the-art Picoway laser, designed to target every ink color.
Excellent customer reviews

Laser tattoo removal is technically classified as a cosmetic procedure. As a result, many beauticians have started offering it alongside their typical services, like facials and injectables. For the best results, choose a tattoo removal provider that specializes in laser tattoo removal only.

Pre-Treatment Instructions

Preparing for a laser tattoo removal session is easy! Follow these simple pre-treatment instructions. First, make sure your skin is clean. Avoid using lotions, creams, or other topicals on your appointment day. Drink plenty of water and eat a balanced meal to avoid feeling dizzy or lightheaded. And finally, stay out of the sun! Laser tattoo removal works best when your skin is as natural as possible. That means no UV tanning, spray tanning, or sunless tanning lotions. A common misconception is that laser tattoo removal is excruciating. In reality, treatments are typically described as uncomfortable. Cooling machines and ice help numb the skin, and sessions are really quick, so most people manage fine. However, if you are sensitive to pain, consider taking an over-the-counter pain reliever like Tylenol or Advil 30-60 minutes before your appointment. Wear loose clothing to lessen irritation after laser tattoo removal.

What to Expect During Your Sessions

One of the main reasons people avoid laser tattoo removal is fear of pain. Rest assured, treatments are not nearly as painful as social media makes it out to be. The sensation is compared to a rubber band snapping against the skin. So, while laser tattoo removal is uncomfortable, it’s mostly irritating. The treatment area is also numbed by ice and cold air throughout the laser session. Laser tattoo removal is noninvasive and fast. You can easily schedule a treatment during a lunch break. Each laser session starts with a quick assessment of your skin, followed by ice or cold air treatment. There is virtually no recovery time for laser tattoo removal. So once the treatment is complete, all that is left to do is schedule your next appointment and follow aftercare instructions.

Why Choose Removery For Your Tattoo Removal

Removery has award-winning laser tattoo removal clinics in Canada, the United States, and Australia. As leading tattoo removal providers, their staff is professionally trained, and each studio is equipped with top-of-the-line lasers, ensuring Removery clients get the best results!

Our State-of-the-Art Technology

Removery only uses the best technology, PicoWay lasers. What makes PicoWay lasers so unique?

Speed – PicoWay lasers are the fastest, emitting light at a trillionth of a second. That means quicker and more noticeable results.
Color Efficacy – PicoWay lasers work at three different wavelengths, effectively targeting every ink color, even stubborn pigments like red or green.
Less Pain – PicoWay lasers have exceptional ink-targeting abilities. Not only does that mean better tattoo removal, but it is also less painful because the lasers aren’t hitting the surrounding skin.
Inclusive – PicoWay lasers are the only FDA-approved lasers for all skin tones.

Experienced and Trained Professionals

Every Removery technician receives hundreds of hours of training. Most staff have years of laser tattoo removal experience, so no matter the size, location, or design of your tattoo, Removery has a proven solution for you! Plus, Removery only offers laser tattoo removal. Our technicians are specialized in the field and have dedicated their careers to erasing unwanted ink.

Commitment to Client Satisfaction

Removery’s client reviews speak for themselves. Read through thousands of five-star reviews and browse our extensive before-and-after photo gallery to see actual results from real people. Removery is dedicated to making your tattoo dreams come true. Whether that is fading an old tattoo to prepare for a coverup piece or getting rid of bad ink completely, our customized treatment plans deliver exceptional results every time.

All your questions answered

We advise all of our clients to read up and research as much as possible. The more you know about laser tattoo removal, the more comfortable you’ll be with the whole experience.

It’s all about wavelengths of the laser. Certain wavelengths target certain colored ink. These wavelengths are not focused on the pigmentation of your skin so they avoid it completely. Smart eh and completely safe.

In our hands with our experience it is 100% safe. We have performed over 1.6 million successful treatments, but there’s a reason Bond villains always have a laser, in the wrong hands they can be very dangerous.

How old it is. How big it is. How colorful it is. There are a number of different factors that affect how long it takes to completely remove or fade a tattoo for a cover up. Each tattoo is unique.

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man smiling and showing off tattoo free arm

Get your free estimate

We’re on a mission to give you the most straightforward, easy and efficient laser tattoo removal experience. Your estimate will be entirely bespoke to your tattoo; the size, the colours, the ink. It won’t take long and afterwards you’ll have a plan to finally get rid of your unwanted tattoo and get back to being you.

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