Laser Tattoo Removal FAQs

Am I a candidate for Laser Tattoo Removal?
If you are in good health (no serious health concerns), have realistic expectations and do not have hypo-/hyper- pigmentation or Keloid scarring in your family or personal history, you may be a good candidate for Laser Tattoo Removal.

What is Laser Tattoo Removal?
Laser Tattoo Removal is the penetration and break up of the ink articles that were implanted into your skin. This procedure uses an Alexandrite laser. This procedure can take about 2 years to fully remove a a tattoo ad even then it is not guaranteed.

When is Laser Tattoo Removal usually performed?
Whenever a person chooses to undergo the procedure. There is no time limit or specifications.

What does a typical Laser Tattoo Removal consultation entail?
Your laser technician or doctor will discuss the prices, details, explain he laser function and take before photos at the consultation. You may even watch a video of this procedure being performed (I did). A regimen will be set and the risks will be discussed as well.

How is Laser Tattoo Removal performed?
The laser is applied with pulses lasting micro-seconds. Sometimes it is accompanied by a short burst of Freon type substance or other freezing agent shortly before to minimize pain. It takes about 180 pulses for a small tattoo the size of a box of matches. You will wear glasses protect your eyes. It is really quite simple.

What are the differences in the machines that perform Laser Tattoo Removal?
There really isn't. It is the type of crystal that is used within the machine that emits certain types of lasers to remove certain colors or pigments.

What should I expect after Laser Tattoo Removal?
The treatment area will be swollen, red and very tender. It is really like a burn. Blisters may form. Do not pick at the skin, let it heal naturally. You will ice it down for the first 24 hours and thereafter for comfort. It will crust up and eventually fall off. In the months ahead your body will dispose of the cracked ink by its normal waste disposal protocol.

Does Laser Tattoo Removal hurt?
Yes, although some doctors offer anesthetic. Local injections can be given but more than likely a topical anesthetic agent is given which takes a long time to penetrate anyway. Most patients go without, as did I. It feels like hot popping grease.

How long does Laser Tattoo Removal take?
Too long. It may take up to approximately 2 years for the tattoo to disappear (with treatments anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks to every 4 months).

Is there a lot of swelling involved with Laser Tattoo Removal?
There is moderate swelling of the treatment site, mine lasted 3 days. It remained tender for 4 days. However, the swelling can be alleviated with with proper icing of the treatment area..

When can I return to work?
You may return to work immediately. There is no down time for this procedure.

When will I be able to see the results?
You will notice some gradual fading over the course of anywhere from a few weeks to 8 months. It took several months for me as I have had that particular tattoo re-inked a FEW TIMES. It is so gradual that you may not think that it was a waste of time and money. That is the purpose of the before photos. I was told by a few laser techs that one really shouldn't have an alexandrite treatment more than every 4 months or you will be wasting time and money. It takes the body time to dispose of the broken ink particles.

What are the risks of Laser Tattoo Removal?
Severe burns from defective machinery and/or unskilled technicians are possible as well as infection (although very unlikely) of the scabbed areas.

Can I go in the sun after Laser Tattoo Removal?
You can go out in the sun after a treatment as long as it is covered from the sun. This could severely damage your skin. Do not expose your treatment area to the sun for at least 2 weeks, and even then, apply sun block. The laser literally evaporated some of the layers of skin in the process so you will have little natural protection.