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Laser tattoo removal is highly effective and the only permanent solution for tattoo removal. Lasers emit light pulses to target ink molecules in the second layer of skin. The beams reduce ink to digestible particles that are later flushed through the body’s immune system. Most tattoos visibly fade within 3-5 treatments. However, total removal takes an average of 8-12 sessions over at least a year or more. Several factors can impact laser tattoo removal results, including the tattoo’s size, color, and placement.
Laser tattoo removal is the only procedure that will completely erase tattoo ink from the skin, but it requires up to 18 months of consistent treatments. As a result, this removal option is an excellent solution for people who:
As with any cosmetic medical procedure, several side effects are associated with laser tattoo removal. Most are temporary and easily managed with diligent aftercare. However, it is crucial to understand the potential side effects and outcomes of laser tattoo removal before beginning your treatment journey.
Choosing a clinic with experienced laser technicians and state-of-the-art equipment minimizes laser tattoo removal risks. However, the skin is the largest organ in the body, and its response to laser treatments is unique to each individual. Potential long-term consequences of undergoing laser tattoo removal are:
Serious complications are rare. Adverse side effects of laser tattoo removal are usually a consequence of inexperience and can be avoided by consulting a qualified professional. Before beginning laser tattoo removal, diligently research the clinic and their equipment. Schedule a consultation with a treatment specialist to review your goals and learn what to expect. For example, certain skin tones are more susceptible to discoloration, and the potential for damage is exacerbated on tanned or sunburned skin. The clinician will evaluate your risk level and inform you of any concerns. A dermatology consult is advised for anyone with existing skin conditions or dyspigmentation.
There are several potential side effects of laser tattoo removal that don’t have long-term consequences, such as discomfort, blistering, and frosting. Learn how to determine what a normal response to laser tattoo removal is and what complications warrant more concern.
Pain can be minimized during laser tattoo removal through ice and cooling machines. However, everyone’s pain tolerance is different. Like when getting a tattoo, certain areas of the body are more sensitive to laser treatments than others. Laser tattoo removal is generally compared to the feeling of an elastic band snapping against the skin. For most people, it is manageable and less painful than getting a tattoo. Fortunately, most treatments last less than 15 minutes, so while you may feel some discomfort, the procedure is over quickly.
In addition, it is expected to experience tenderness after the procedure. This feeling usually subsides within a few days, but wearing loose-fitting and soft clothing will help mitigate irritation. Over-the-counter pain relief like acetaminophen or ibuprofen will also help manage residual discomfort following a laser tattoo removal treatment.
Blistering is a common but temporary side effect of laser tattoo removal treatments. It is a natural response to your body’s immune system filtering degraded ink particles. As a result, blistering is a positive reaction and leads to more favorable results. Treatment areas tend to blister more during the first few sessions when the tattoo ink is denser. As you progress in your laser tattoo removal journey, blistering will occur less often or not all.
There are no permanent consequences of blisters if you allow them to heal on their own. However, popping blisters can cause scarring. If a blister develops larger than a dime, contact the laser removal clinic. It may need to be medically lanced to heal correctly.
It is called hyperpigmentation when treated skin becomes darker than the non-treated areas. This side effect is usually temporary and fades over time. There are several reasons why hyperpigmentation can occur, including skin tone, skin health, and lack of proper aftercare. During the initial treatment consultation, professional laser tattoo removal technicians should advise whether you are at higher risk for hyperpigmentation. Generally, hyperpigmentation is gone within 6-12 months, thanks to the body’s immune system. However, in extremely rare cases, hyperpigmentation can be permanent.
Hypopigmentation is the lightening of skin at or around treatment areas. Permanent hypopigmentation is incredibly rare. Most cases are a consequence of poor aftercare, like sun exposure. Mild tattoo removal hypopigmentation is usually treatable, but it is best to avoid this complication by following the aftercare instructions provided by the laser tattoo removal specialist.
Scarring from tattoo removal is completely avoidable. Popping blisters, picking off scabs, and applying cosmetics or lotions too soon after treatment will cause permanent texture changes to the skin.
In addition, it is common for tattoo artists to cause scarring while tattooing, especially in areas of heavily saturated ink. These scars are hidden by ink pigments and are only noticeable when the tattoo is removed. However, experienced laser tattoo removal experts will diagnose tattoo scarring during consultations and warn you of this possible complication before starting treatment.
During laser tattoo removal treatments, the skin may become white. This is called frosting. Frosting is a natural and expected response to laser tattoo removal and dissipates quickly. There are no long-term consequences of frosting.
While undesirable, scarring, hyperpigmentation, and hypopigmentation could be cosmetic side effects of laser tattoo removal, there is also a risk of more severe reactions, including infection and allergic reactions. These types of side effects are based on individual health behaviors, immune system health, diet, and other important health factors. Learn more about our tattoo removal aftercare.
Laser tattoo removal causes wounds in the skin. A healthy immune system and diligent cleaning help to avoid infection in treatment areas. To boost your immune system, eat well, stay hydrated, and avoid smoking. Signs of an infected laser tattoo removal site are prolonged redness, swelling, intense itchiness, and pus. Unexplained fevers are another sign of infection. Anyone with these symptoms after the procedure should seek medical treatment immediately.
Some people are allergic to tattoo ink. The most common color that causes reactions is red. The least common is black. Symptoms can occur immediately after getting the tattoo or up to a year later. While rare, laser tattoo removal can invoke an allergic reaction as the ink molecules are fragmented into particles. These reactions are usually systemic and localized to the treatment area. In extreme cases, you may require a topical steroid. If you experienced an allergic reaction after getting the tattoo, you are at higher risk for an allergic reaction during removal. Communicate these concerns during the laser tattoo removal consultation.
Severe tattoo removal side effects like these occur in less than 2% of cases and should not deter you from getting laser tattoo removal. Life-threatening complications are even rarer. For example, per FDA studies, tattoo removal and cancer are not a concern at all. You are more likely to develop skin cancer from the sun or microwaves than laser tattoo removal treatments.
Following recommended aftercare procedures and selecting an experienced tattoo removal clinic like Removery will reduce the possibility of adverse outcomes. However, understanding potential concerns is vital to your overall health and should not be overlooked.
There are several ways to speed up your tattoo removal recovery. These ways include:
Desirable tattoo removal results directly correlate to the body’s ability to heal. The most crucial factor is the immune system. Scheduling laser tattoo removal sessions when you are healthy reduces your risk for side effects. In addition, properly caring for the laser tattoo treatment area encourages better results and faster healing. Learn more about these factors below.
Following tattoo removal aftercare procedures is essential. These recommendations will reduce the chances of scarring, skin discoloration, and infection.
After the procedure, protect the skin from damage and infection by covering the area with a waterproof bandage. Clean with antibacterial, fragrance-free soap. Wash lightly with your hand and avoid scrubbing. Rinse with room temperature or cool water. Wear comfortable, loose clothing to prevent irritation from rubbing or chaffing.
Heat exacerbates discomfort, including swelling and irritation. Hot water can be painful, especially over the first few days after the procedure. Keep the laser tattoo removal area cool and dry to promote healing and reduce pain.
Sweat may irritate the treatment site. In addition, rigorous exercise generates heat that may cause discomfort or pain to the laser tattoo removal skin.
UV rays are dangerous to the skin in general. After tattoo laser removal treatment, the skin is even more vulnerable. Sun exposure puts you at risk for scarring, blistering, and hyperpigmentation. Always wear mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide and a minimum 50 SPF rating.
Blistering and scabbing are natural parts of the laser tattoo removal healing process. Allow these irritations to resolve on their own. Picking or itching at the skin will cause permanent scarring and undesirable skin texture changes.
Most blisters heal on their own. While rare, larger skin pockets can develop. If blisters are larger than a dime, return to the laser tattoo removal clinic to be medically lanced. Do not attempt to pop or cut the blister at home, as that increases the risk of permanent scarring.
Your immune system should be in peak health when getting laser tattoo removal. As a result, you must be off antibiotics for at least two weeks before a laser tattoo removal session. To boost your immune system, stay hydrated, eat healthy, nutrient-dense foods, exercise regularly, and quit smoking.
There are no serious risks and complications with tattoo removal. Disregarding recommended aftercare procedures will result in serious complications, including skin discoloration, scarring, and infection. While most side effects of laser tattoo removal are cosmetic, untreated infections can result in serious illness and even death. Understanding the possible consequences of laser tattoo removal is vital to protecting your health and attaining the desired results.
As tattoos become more popular, the practice of removing them is increasingly common. Laser tattoo removal is considered a cosmetic medical procedure. Consequently, laser tattoo removal is offered by various providers, including spas and makeup studios. For optimal results, choose a clinic that exclusively provides laser tattoo removal. These niche facilities have the best quality equipment and expert staff.
How do you find a reputable laser tattoo removal provider? Start by researching the company’s service offerings and results. Reputable laser tattoo removal clinics will have a library of before and after photos and resource guides on the procedure. Check the studio’s customer ratings on Google and social media to ensure patients have been pleased with their experience. Finally, schedule a consultation. This in-person meeting allows the laser technician to evaluate your tattoo and skin to offer predictable treatment results. During the consultation, ask critical questions like:
Some pain and discomfort are inevitable regardless of which type of laser is used for tattoo removal treatments. However, PicoWay is a much more precise and powerful laser. This means the ink is broken down faster, reducing treatment times. In addition, the PicoWay pulses beams of light extremely fast, making pain more manageable.
The PicoWay has several different settings and light beam options. As a result, every ink color can be safely removed. In addition, PicoWay lasers produce faster results, meaning fewer treatment sessions and fewer chances for permanent scarring.
Blistering and swelling are necessary and risk-free complications of laser tattoo removal. However, the unmatched effectiveness of PicoWay lasers means less irritation. Swelling and redness usually disappear within 36 hours.
PicoWay lasers have several light beam settings that can be adjusted mid-treatment based on ink colors and tattoo response. Clinics with older lasers require multiple devices, and the downtime rotating between lasers increases treatment time and pain and negatively impacts results. Low-quality lasers leave behind “ghost” images of old tattoos and spotty patches of ink. In comparison, PicoWay lasers are a fast and effective solution to remove all types and styles of tattoos with minimal complications or residual pigmentation.
PicoWay lasers are the gold standard for tattoo removal. These ground-breaking devices produce the best results and remove tattoos faster and with less risk than other lasers.
Removery is the highest-rated laser tattoo removal clinic in the US, Canada, and Australia. Their facilities extend across the United States and feature ground-breaking PicoWay lasers. The experienced staff at Removery have successfully removed the most stubborn tattoos on the head, neck, hands, and more! No matter the color or style of your unwanted ink, Removery has an effective treatment plan for you. Consultations are free, and Removery’s flexible scheduling and payment options make tattoo-free skin accessible to everyone. So, if you are ready to say goodbye to an old tattoo, visit your local Removery studio and learn how their safe laser tattoo removal process can change your life!
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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 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.
Every tattoo is different, from the size and age to the inks and colors used. All of this affects how long full tattoo removal will take, or if it’s possible at all. We can easily quote you the cost of your tattoo removal at a complimentary consultation.Please fill in this form and we’ll call you to set up your appointment.
