Laser Tattoo Removal

Most people say that laser tattoo removal feels like a rubber band snapping against the skin. Others say it feels like splashing bacon grease on the skin. In other words, it’s not that bad.

If you could withstand the pain of getting a tattoo, you should have no problem bearing the minor discomfort of tattoo removal. Most people agree that laser tattoo removal hurts less than they expected.

It is common for laser clinics to use cold air, numbing creams, or lidocaine to prep the skin prior to the laser.

At Elevate, the first step of the tattoo removal process is applying a numbing cream. This method greatly minimizes discomfort making the treatment tolerable for most clients.

Depending on the size of your tattoo, the appointment could be anywhere from 15 minutes to 45 minutes. This gives us enough time to let the numbing cream start working and begin the process. 

Following laser tattoo removal treatment, it is common to see redness and swelling on the surrounding skin. This usually subsides within a few hours of treatment.

It is also common to see hypopigmentation, or temporary lightening, of the skin. Skin color usually returns to normal within about two weeks.

If you don’t follow the proper aftercare instructions, you could see some scarring. If your skin develops burns or blisters, resist the urge to pick or pop them, as this is the easiest way to create a scar.

Most people see no scars after treatment.

The better the body’s immune system, the faster you’ll heal and the less likely you are to have any scars.

The cost of laser tattoo removal varies, depending on the size of the tattoo. At Elevate, small tattoos start at $125 per treatment session.

Financing options are available for packages. You can save money by purchasing multiple tattoo removal sessions up front.

It is common to see some bruising within the hours immediately following treatment, but that usually subsides quickly.

As the skin starts to heal, you may also see blistering. Do not pop them. Popping blisters can cause scabs, cause scarring, and increase the likelihood of infection.

Laser tattoo removal can be performed on any tattoo on any part of the body, with the exception of some small areas around the eyes.

The first step in the process is to have a consultation with a licensed and certified laser technician. If your tattoo is near the eye where it is not safe to apply the laser, your technician will let you know during your initial consultation.

Laser tattoo removal can be done on any tattoo, regardless of how big or small it is. The larger the tattoo, the longer each session will take.

The number of laser treatments you need depends on a couple factors:

• Tattoo size
• Tattoo location
• Ink colors
• Type of tattoo ink used
• Age of the tattoo
• Your skin type

Most tattoos require between four and twelve treatment sessions to completely disappear.

Laser tattoo removal treatment can be used for a complete removal or to lighten your ink in preparation for a cover-up tattoo. It is easier to remove certain ink types and certain ink colors (such as black inks).

With multiple sessions, most people see nearly 100% tattoo removal.

It is important to stay out of the sun and avoid all sorts of tanning in the weeks leading up to treatment. You should also avoid shaving, waxing, and exfoliating prior to laser treatment.

If you are a smoker, you should quit smoking, as non-smokers tend to heal faster.

It is important to follow a strict aftercare plan. After treatment you’ll need to avoid sun exposure and minimize your exercise routine for several days. It’s also important to decrease alcohol consumption and drink lots of water.

Lack of water and excess alcohol can cause dehydration, which will slow down the healing process and increase your risk of getting an infection.

You’ll also need to avoid hot tubs, long baths, high water pressure, and shaving the treated area for several days.

It’s common for laser tattoo removal to cause some swelling in the treated area. Exercising increases blood flow, which can cause additional swelling and tenderness.

For small tattoos, avoid exercise for one or two days post-treatment. For larger treatment areas, avoid exercise for four days.

Do not get laser tattoo removal while you are pregnant. There aren’t enough studies for us to know the effects of the laser on an unborn fetus. For this reason, it’s always best to wait until after you have given birth and finished breastfeeding to start the tattoo removal process.