FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW DOES LASER TATTOO REMOVAL REALLY WORK?
The laser searches for color. Different wavelengths pick up on different colors. Once it finds the color in your tattoo, the laser breaks the pigment up into tiny ink fragments. Your body’s lymphatic and immune system then work to flush the particles out of your system. When laser removal is performed correctly with state of the art equipment and proper training all the pieces for success are in place. The fading process works for up to 8 weeks after the treatment.
HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL BE REQUIRED?
Laser removal is a process and a time commitment. It is almost never only one treatment.
No matter what their degree of expertise or experience your laser tattoo removal specialist has, no one can say for certain exactly how many sessions it will take to remove a tattoo. Everyone’s immune system is different and everyone’s skin is different, all we can do is give an educated estimation. Anyone who tells you the exact number of treatments is trying to sell you something based on false promises.
The average number of treatments to remove a tattoo is 6-12 (4-6 for amateur tattoos). Ink density, location of tattoo, the age of ink and the health of the client are all factors that must be considered when estimating how many treatments could be needed. 100% complete removal is not possible in some cases.
HOW LONG SHOULD I WAIT BETWEEN LASER TATTOO REMOVAL TREATMENTS?
Your skin will appear healed within the first 2 weeks after the treatment (with some exceptions). It's best to wait a minimum of 8 weeks between treatments depending on your tattoo, your body needs this time to allow for optimal absorption of the pigment residue.
If a cover-up tattoo is your plan you should wait up to 4 months after your final laser treatment before a tattoo needle enters your skin.
IS TATTOO REMOVAL PAINFUL?
The unfortunate thing about tattoos is that getting them and having them taken off can be uncomfortable. The impact of the energy from the laser's powerful pulse of light has been described as similar to getting hot specks of bacon grease on your skin or being snapped by a thin rubber band.
At Red Tide Laser we use a chilling unit in tandem with our laser treaments and the client will have continual cold air therapy pre- treatment, during treatment and post treatment. In addition to the pain relief, cold air therapy aids with skin healing. The pain of laser tattoo removal is almost always completely managable without injectables, numbing cream and medications. We can discuss these options upon your initial free consultation. At Strictly Laser Tattoo Removal chilling units are Paramount in your service.
WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS AND RISKS OF TATTOO REMOVAL?
It is quite common to experience redness, bruising and swelling after your treatments. These are temporary effects that usually go away within 2-3 days. Some people may experience blistering. Early removal of a blister or scab could increase the chances of developing a scar.
There is a possibility of discoloration of the skin such as hypo pigmentation (white spots, more common in darker skin) and hyper pigmentation (dark spots) as well as textural changes. These issues usually resolve within 2-4 months. Permanent textural changes very rarely ever occur.
Scarring very rarely ever occurs. However, patients with a history of hypertrophic or keloidal scarring do have an increased risk of scarring.
PRICING
Removals can cost anywhere from $100 to $500 for most tattoo removal sessions. However, there are exceptions. Most treatments are priced between $100 to $250.
Estimates can be provided from photos via email correspondence, however, the price will be confirmed at the beginning of your treatment process.
All tattoos are unique so the cost of treatments and number of sessions varies with everybody. We will work with you to provide the best treatment options.
IMPORTANT
You cannot get laser removal while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Some medications may interfere with laser removal. Please inform us of all medications you are currently on.