A Detailed Guide to Laser Tattoo Removal: Costs and Risks

Laser tattoo removal is one of the most current topics among tattoo enthusiasts. Often, people get tattoos that they regret after a while. In this situation, laser tattoo removal comes to the rescue, removing the old tattoo and giving people the opportunity to start a new tattoo story. Naturally, everyone is interested in how much this procedure costs or how painful it is. We have addressed the answers to these and other similar questions in our article, trying to give full and comprehensive answers to all the questions that concern our readers about laser tattoo removal.

What Is Laser Tattoo Removal and How Does It Work?

No matter how long we think before getting a tattoo and are sure that we will never regret it, sometimes there comes a time when we want to get rid of a tattoo. There are different ways to get rid of unwanted tattoos: laser surgery, surgical removal and dermabrasion. Laser Tattoo Removal is the most effective and preferred option for many professionals and clients. Getting rid of a tattoo with this option is more free from side effects and negative consequences than any other option.

Laser tattoo removal is a rather complex and responsible procedure. It is no less complicated than getting a tattoo. This is a treatment during which a specialist directs high-intensity pulses of laser light to the ink. The ink is located under the upper layer of the skin. Under the influence of light pulses, the ink heats up, breaks into small particles and gradually fades and disappears. It is interesting to know that tattoos made in black are the easiest to remove. Black ink successfully absorbs all laser wavelengths, therefore, removing a tattoo made in this colour is quite easy. As for other shades, for the removal of each of them you need to choose the appropriate laser, based on the pigment shade.

The first step in tattoo removal is to consult with a specialist. A qualified specialist can give you solid information about how long it will take to remove the tattoo, how much it will cost, and what aftercare will be required. The number of treatments is usually determined by both the colour of the tattoo ink and your skin colour. It is also important how deep the ink is embedded under your skin.

Laser tattoo removal includes the following:

• A meeting with the doctor, during which you will get answers to all your questions and express your concerns

• Taking a photo of the tattoo by the doctor, so that you can then see the result and compare

• You will be provided with sunglasses during the procedure to protect your eyes

• Before starting the procedure, the specialist will cleanse your skin. And if you have dark skin, the doctor may apply a cold compress to the area.

• The doctor will also numb the area of ​​skin with an injection or a special cream.

• To find out which type of laser is most effective in your case, the doctor will do a quick test.

• The process of passing pulses of laser light through your skin can be repeated several times, sometimes with short breaks. If you experience severe pain during this procedure, you should inform the specialist.

• Although small tattoos are easier to remove, even one visit is not enough. You will need to make several visits, during which the tattoo will gradually become lighter in colour and then disappear.

Is Laser Tattoo Removal Painful?

Laser tattoo removal would, of course, be painful if you don’t use appropriate painkillers. This could be an injection into the area of ​​the skin where the tattoo is. Or the doctor may use a cream to reduce the pain. Before applying the pain medicine, the doctor will do a test to see if the medicine has had the expected effect.

After the treatment, the skin may be swollen. You can use ice to soothe the skin. Also, the doctor may advise you to use painkillers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, before or after the tattoo removal.

The intensity of the pain depends on various factors, such as the location of the tattoo, the type of laser used, etc. In addition, everyone has a different ability to tolerate pain. In any case, if you experience severe pain during or after the tattoo removal, you should definitely inform your doctor.

Aftercare

Aftercare is one of the most important stages of both tattooing and removal. The right actions at this stage will ensure the perfect appearance of your skin. Your doctor, of course, will give you detailed instructions for tattoo removal aftercare. You, in turn, should discuss anything you don’t understand with your doctor. No question should be left unanswered so that the process of your skin’s recovery after removal proceeds as quickly and without complications as possible. We have prepared a guide to the most important aftercare actions for tattoo removal, which will help you get a general idea of ​​this stage. And you will, of course, receive more detailed and individual information from your doctor. So:

• Ice is a great way to quickly heal the skin, avoid swelling and pain. Using ice packs is a great help for your skin.

• Using an antibiotic cream or ointment will help you fight infections, and will also soothe the skin.

• To keep your skin clean and dry, it would be a good idea to cover it with a bandage. The bandage should be changed often.

• It is not recommended to use scrubs or other bath products on the affected area. You should only wash the skin with soap, dry it carefully, and cover it with a cloth until it heals.

• You can use petroleum jelly to keep the affected area moist. This will prevent dry skin particles from touching the bandage.

• It is important not to wear tight clothing until the skin has fully healed. This can make the pain worse. Tight clothing also prevents the skin from breathing, which will make healing more difficult.

• You should definitely use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, and avoid direct sunlight. Remember that sunlight, interacting with laser treatment, reduces its effectiveness. It is also advisable that in addition to sunscreen, you also protect the affected area from the sun with appropriate clothing.

• Do not pick or scratch at scabs or blisters. Ice packs will help you to combat the itching.

What are the side effects of Laser Tattoo Removal?

Of all the known tattoo removal options, laser treatment is the safest. However, even with this treatment, certain complications are possible, which it would be good to know about in advance.

If bacteria suddenly enter the treated area, infection will be inevitable. That is why it is recommended to keep the area as clean as possible and use antibiotics. And if you still notice swelling, redness or pus, then immediately inform your doctor about it.

Tattoos usually do not disappear completely. Especially depending on the shade of the tattoo material, their traces can remain on the skin with different darkness. As for cosmetic tattoos, after treatment they can even become darker, which will pass over time.

After tattoo removal, your skin tone may be lighter in the treated area than in other areas. This is called hyperpigmentation.

If scars develop after tattoo removal, they may be with you for the rest of your life. However, you should know that scars are most likely to occur when you damage your skin during the healing process.

In very rare cases, an allergic reaction is possible. To prevent this, your doctor may prescribe anti-allergic drugs.

Insurance companies, as a rule, do not pay for tattoo removal. According to their approach, tattoo removal is not an intervention that is important for your health from a medical point of view. Therefore, if you decide to get rid of a tattoo, you should also be financially prepared for it.

Laser Tattoo Removal Cost in USA

Before we get into the actual costs of tattoo removal, we want to remind you that it is much more convenient to pay for a complete tattoo removal in one package than to pay separately for each visit. The thing is that it is difficult to determine the exact number of visits in advance. And paying for each visit is much more expensive. As for the money itself, in the United States the tattoo removal process is estimated at $200-500, depending on various factors. In general, the price of a tattoo is determined based on, first of all, the size of the tattoo, and then also on the location and other factors. Click here if you want to see the exact prices for tattoos of various sizes at Removery. By the way, there are very convenient packages for complete tattoo removal there.