LASER TATTOO REMOVAL
Benefits of laser tattoo removal
Laser treatments can safely and effectively remove unwanted tattoos. Most laser treatments take less than an hour and there is limited recovery time. Unlike other tattoo removal methods, laser treatments offer superior ink removal with less risk of damaging the surrounding skin.
How does laser tattoo removal work?
Laser treatments offer a safe, non-surgical method for removing unwanted tattoo ink.
Tattoo Background: The reason tattoos are permanent and always visible is because large pockets of ink ‘pool’ beneath the skin’s surface in cells that are too large for the body's defense system to carry away.
During a laser treatment, therapeutic light passes harmlessly through the skin, targeting the large 'ink-pools' located beneath the surface. As the laser light reaches the ink, it creates a sort of ‘shockwave’ that breaks the large pools into smaller particles which your body can begin removing. Laser tattoo removal is safe, gentle and effective for men and women.
What does a laser tattoo removal treatment cost?
Laser tattoo removal pricing is dependent on the size and number of areas being treated. Prices start from $149 and UP per session. A consultation is required for a definitive price quote. All consultations are FREE.
How do I prepare for a laser tattoo removal treatment?
Clients scheduled for laser tattoo removal treatment should make certain the skin is thoroughly cleansed and dried, removing any cosmetics, oils, creams or self-tanning lotions before treatment. Comfortable, loose fitting clothing that allows easy access to the treatment area should be worn. Prior to laser tattoo removal treatment please AVOID the following:
- direct sun exposure or sun tanning booths for 21 days, or more, prior to treatment
- use of sunless tanning creams for 5-7 days prior to treatment
- use of tattoo "fading creams" for 4-6 weeks prior to a laser treatment
Inform your laser practitioner if you are currently using, or have used, any of the following:
- oral acne medications such as Accutane or similar for at least six months prior to laser treatment
- Retin-A, certain topical antibiotics ("the "mycin" family) and some oral antibiotics (tetracycline)
- use of tattoo fading creams for four or more weeks prior to laser treatment
- any photosensitizing medications.
What can I expect during a laser tattoo removal treatment?
Laser tattoo removal treatment will take place in our office. You will wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from the laser light. The laser practitioner will apply the laser to the treatment areas with a small hand piece. Following each laser pulse, you may hear a slight ‘popping’ sound. This sound represents the larger ink- pools being broken into smaller sized particles.
Does laser tattoo removal hurt?
Our advanced technology allows for comfortable laser application that is tolerated very well by most people. The discomfort associated with laser tattoo removal is minimal. You may feel a slight 'pinch' during treatment. Anesthesia is usually not required. A topical 'numbing' cream may be available for purchase upon request.
How long does laser tattoo removal treatment take?
Laser tattoo removal treatments can last several minutes to two or more hours, depending on the size and number or areas being treated.
What can I expect after a laser tattoo removal treatment?
Following laser treatment, a ‘normal’ treatment response may include localized redness, mild swelling and pinpoint bleeding. Ice is often applied to the treated area. A topical ointment and bandage will be applied by the laser practitioner. Until skin healing is complete, it is recommended that you keep the tattoo covered and clean. Avoid direct sun exposure and sun-tanning booths for 14 days after treatment. An SPF of 30 or above should be worn over the treated areas. A post-treatment instruction sheet is given to each person.
Are there any side effects associated with laser tattoo removal treatments?
Laser tattoo removal treatments are safe and effective. Most people experience little downtime, few side effects and resume daily activities immediately. Following treatment, it is normal to experience temporary redness and mild swelling. Occasionally, pinpoint bleeding is noted. These effects usually resolve in a short amount of time. A small percentage of people may experience prolonged skin discolorations, blistering, scabbing and crusting. Permanent side effects are rare.
How many treatments will I need?
Multiple sessions are required to achieve permanent reduction in ink color. Black, blue and dark-green inks will respond the best to laser treatments. All colors will fade but not be removed completely. Most professional tattoos require an average of six to ten treatments, or more, for acceptable reduction. Amateur tattoos often require fewer visits to remove. There is gradual fading with each laser session. Treatments are generally scheduled six to eight weeks apart and depend on ink clearance and individual skin-healing time.
What type of lasers are used for tattoo removal?
Raya MedSpa is proud to partner with both the Candela® and Lumenis® corporations in offering two unique laser technologies for tattoo removal. The Lumenis® Nd:YAG laser (Q-switch, 1064nm) and the Candela® Alexandrite laser (Q-Switch, 755nm) offer unparalleled ink removal capabilities. These two lasers are considered ideal for tattoo removal because of their overall effectiveness in removing most colors and their low risk of post-treatment scarring or skin discoloration.
Precautions
- Avoid direct sun exposure or sun tanning booths for a minimum of 14-21 days before and after laser treatments
- Laser treatments will NOT be performed on pregnant women
- Previous use of tattoo fading creams or similar products may prolong the start of laser treatments
- Inform the laser practitioner if you have a history of scarring easily or keloids.
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