Tattoo Removal

An Overview

Tattoos are supposed to be permanent aesthetic statements about who you are and what you care about. Of course, this can become a bit of a problem over time, when a person's interests change, but their tattoos don't. Fortunately, technological advances have made tattoo removal a much more viable option than it may have been in years past. In particular, laser tattoo removal has risen to prominence as a safe and quick method of erasing some of that unwanted ink, surpassing more traditional methods like chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and the surgical removal of the tattooed skin.

Laser tattoo removal offers a level of quickness, safety, and precision not present in earlier techniques for getting rid of tattoos. Plus, laser procedures leave very little, if any, scarring of the skin.

Removing tattoos is quite simple with lasers, but the length of the procedure, as well as the number of treatments and healing time, depend on the size and complexity of the tattoo itself. During the procedure, the intense light energy of the laser (usually Alexandrite, Nd:Yag, or Ruby) attacks the pigment of the dye in the targeted tattoo. This gradually causes the tattoo's colors to harmlessly dissolve away as the body's natural scavenger cells remove the areas treated by the laser. Tattoo removal lasers range from a single wavelength of light to a broad spectrum, as particular colors of light are absorbed better by particular colors within the tattoo. This explains why laser tattoo removal is easier with black or blue tattoos than green or yellow tattoos. Still, regardless of the colors or composition of a particular work of body art, laser removal is still a proven, effective technique for removing tattoos of all kinds.

Anywhere from 3-12 treatments may be necessary to thoroughly erase tattoos. To help you find the best option for your tattoo removal work, we can set up a consultation with a knowledgeable skincare specialist.

How Long Does this Procedure Take?

Depends on size and complexity of tattoo. Sessions can last from 15 to 90 minutes.

Tattoo Removal Side Effects:

Minor swelling, tenderness, itching, and reddening of the skin can occur.

Length of Tattoo Removal Results:

Can vary based on the type of ink being removed, but the tattoo is generally gone for good.

Tattoo Removal Recovery Time:

No down time required, although skin will need 5-10 days to heal. Patient can engage in regular daily activities immediately, however.

Typical Minimum Cost:

$150 - $500 per session

Typical Maximum Cost:

$1000 - $10000 (it can take anywhere from 5 to 20 treatments to completely remove unwanted tattoos)

Can Insurance Cover Tattoo Removal?

Insurance cannot cover cosmetic procedures such as this.

Will I feel pain or discomfort after treatment?

Tattoo removal can be somewhat painful, like a mild burning sensation. Many patients do not even require an anesthetic, however.

Tattoo Removal can be Combined with:

Another skin rejuvenation treatment of choice, in order to keep the skin smooth and tight.

Other Names for Tattoo Removal:

Tat removal, Laser Tattoo Removal

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