Frequently Asked Questions – Laser Tattoo Removal
With so many people now considering having laser tattoo removal of the ink they regret, we here at Laser Skin Therapy have complied a list of our most asked questions from clients considering laser tattoo removal.
Will laser tattoo removal hurt?
This differs from person to person, some clients can sit and have a large piece lasered no problem but others find it difficult to sit for a small tattoo to be covered, there is a degree of discomfort with laser tattoo removal for everyone, but the discomfort is bearable.
Other factors effecting the discomfort of a laser tattoo removal include colour, dark colours like black absorb the laser wavelengths easily therefore they are easier and less uncomfortable to remove unlike greens or pinks which are more difficult to remove.
The location of your tattoo can also contribute to discomfort levels, as with getting a tattoo, areas over joints or skin close to the bone, like fingers, ribs or feet will be much less comfortable than say your upper arm which typically have more fat allowing for a more comfortable treatment.
The feeling of having a laser treatment has been described as feeling like being repeatedly snapped with a rubber band.
How many sessions will it take?
This is definitely a million dollar question as there is no specific right answer. Results vary from person to person and there are a number of factors that effect the results that can be achieved.
These include:
Colour – some colours respond to the laser better than others such as black, lighter colours like pinks can be treated but are usually more stubborn and require more treatments.
Age – older tattoos can be removed more easily than newer pieces, this is due to the body having the ability to eliminate some of the ink over time.
Artist – amateur tattoos use typically less ink than professional tattoos and often the ink is deposited at differing depths.
Location – the closer your tattoo is to your heart the better results you can quickly achieve. This is due to the circulation in these areas allow quicker removal of the cells which ingest the broken ink particles from your body. Areas like feet, hands or lower legs may require more sessions to achieve similar results to other areas.
Immune System – Your body’s immune system is one of the most important factors which effects how well your tattoo reacts to the laser. The laser works by breaking down the ink particles which are then removed via your lymphatic system, staying hydrated and keeping healthy will help particles move quickly from the body.
Will the tattoo be completely gone?
Laser tattoo removal is by far the safest method with the best results, once you finish your course of laser tattoo removal treatments your skin will most like return to normal, some pigment in the skin can be lost during the tattoo removal process this may return after a few months following completion.
How often can sessions be done?
As laser tattoo removal works using the body’s immune system it is best to have at least 6 week intervals between sessions to allow the body time to heal after each session. It can be beneficial to leave longer intervals between sessions.
How much will it cost?
Laser tattoo removal can be expensive, it is a highly skilled treatment that require specialist training and if used by untrained or uncertified hands side effects can be particularly detrimental for clients. At Laser Skin Therapy we have invested in a high quality medical grade device for all our treatments. Both our technicians are fully trained and certified providing our clients with the safest highest quality treatments available, this is reflected in our pricing.
Our pricing starts at £45 and increases depending on the size of the tattoo. Before having laser tattoo removal with us we always require a picture of the tattoo with measurements to establish a clear price per session, this is often as individual as the tattoo.
Can anyone have laser tattoo removal?
Unfortunately not. There are significant risks with laser treatments and certain conditions and medicines can mean that you may not be suitable for laser tattoo removal.