Laser tattoo removal is a fairly safe procedure, but it’s still important to know that there are some risks involved. The main risk of laser tattoo removal is the chance of scarring. If the laser is set too high or too low on your skin, it can burn your skin and create a scar.
If you have any questions about what kind of laser treatment would be best for you, your doctor can help you figure out what’s right for you.
Read on to learn more about Is Cost Of Laser Tattoo Removal Safe, is laser tattoo removal painful, is laser removal of tattoo safe
Is Cost Of Laser Tattoo Removal Safe
Are you the not-so-proud owner of some regrettable ink and considering tattoo removal? Welcome to the club. I have four (five, if you count the one on my back as two) tattoos from my late teens and early twenties that I could probably definitely do without. So I set out to finally part ways.
If you’ve heard anything about laser tattoo removal, it’s probably along the lines of it being insanely painful, like maybe even more than getting the tattoo in the first place. But while there’s plenty of info on what to consider before getting a tattoo (and pages on pages of enticing inspo), there still isn’t a whole lot of discussion surrounding the dark side of ink jobs: What happens if you grow to no longer love that little shooting star or random Latin phrase (ahem, see below)?
While going through the process, I picked up a handful of tips along the way that I wish I’d known going into it. So to do you all a solid, I put together a list of everything I’ve learned. From the costs associated to the potential side effects, here’s what you need to know about tattoo removal.
1. Consider a doctor or a tattoo removal specialist.
I’d previously had one tattoo zapped at a spa (I was living in small-town Canada where there weren’t plastic surgery offices or dermatologists), where an aesthetician used an outdated heat laser that ended up burning and scarring my skin. This time around, I got my treatments done by John F. Adams, M.D., at the New York Dermatology Group, where everything is done under medical supervision. I suggest you find your own removal expert by asking friends, influencers, or even by stopping people that you see with removal in process—which, yes, I have done.
2. It will take months—if not a year or more.
Tattoos don’t just disappear after a once-over with the laser. (I wish!) “A complete tattoo removal takes a minimum of 2 1/2 years on average,” says Bethany Cirlin, tattoo removal specialist and owner of Clean Canvas More Art. “Laser treatments should be scheduled three months apart from one another so you get the most out of each treatment. This allows your body to break down as much of the tattoo as it can while also giving your body the opportunity to heal completely before your next session.”
As of writing this, I’ve had six sessions, and I’d wager that I need about five more, despite the fact that my initial estimate was six to eight sessions. It takes a long time to complete because each time the tattoo is lasered, particles are broken down and digested by the body’s immune system. The regeneration period is up to eight weeks, and the next time you go, the laser breaks down new particles of pigment. And so on and so forth.
3. It’s expensive.
If you have your procedures done by a doctor, the bill for each visit can run you hundreds of dollars. Brace yourself: The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery estimates the average cost per session at $463. But see point number one for why it’s worth it. Your tattoo removal cost can also will vary based on the size, color, and age of your tattoo.
4. All ink can be taken out.
Contrary to the old belief that light, colored ink was hard to remove, Adams assured me that all hues will now disappear—no matter your skin tone. (FYI: The previous explanation was that, similar to laser hair removal, the laser would solely be attracted toward dark colors, like black.) With PicoSure technology, he says you can even get out yellows and greens, which were previously the most stubborn.
5. Lather up on the sunscreen prior to your sessions.
“Once you know you’re unhappy with a tattoo on your body, immediately start using a zinc oxide sunscreen on it,” says Cirlin. “The most common reason people can’t get lasered is because their tattoo has had sun exposure. By using a zinc oxide anytime you’re outside, you’ll help protect your tattoo, which will allow you to get lasered regardless of the season.”
6. Make sure to block out your schedule.
While some laser sessions are quick and easy, not all are. Mine have been taking about 45 minutes because we take before photos, clean the areas, inject them with lidocaine for freezing, laser them, ice them, and then bandage them. Oh, and sometimes a weird side effect happens where I taste metal when the laser hits my skin. Adams says it’s a sensation that some people experience when the lidocaine is hit by the laser and that it’s totally normal.
7. There might be some pain during the session.
But consider this warning from Cirlin first: “Pain is completely individualized, and if you tell someone that something is going to hurt, they go into it with that expectation. That said at my practive, we offer a topical numbing cream, which helps to take the edge off the procedure.” Just know that even with a numbing cream though, your experience may not be totally pain-free. “We also use a piece of equipment called a chiller that uses cold air to help keep our clients comfortable,” she says. It’s definitely worth asking for a consultation with your practitioner ahead of time if you’re worried about pain.
8. There might be some slight discomfort after your tattoo removal procedure too.
I would advise that you budget for discomfort for about a week. For me, the sites blister and need to be covered in a salve and bandaged for a few days; then they start to depuff, scab, peel, and regenerate. There is good news though: The more treatments you have, the less after care there is (since there’s less ink reacting to the laser).
9. Prepare for your tattoo after care in advance.
You’ll need things like Aquaphor, bandages, and even clothes that don’t rest on your tattoo. Yes, I actually bought shirts that didn’t have material where my neck/back tattoo is. At first, I was cutting tags out, but when tagless cotton tees still made the spot hurt and itch, I figured keyhole backs were a good investment. If you have tattoos on your ribs or feet (and like to wear bras and shoes) it might be best to plan your sessions accordingly.
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It also helps to apply a thin coating of antibiotic ointment or healing moisturizer three times a day, like from Aquaphor or Kiehl’s, for the first three days of the healing process.
10. It might be worth getting a cover up tattoo instead of a full tattoo removal.
One tattoo removal method that isn’t talked about as much is semi-removal—i.e. If you don’t want to take your tattoos all the way off, you can simply lighten them enough to get some good cover-up work done. I have a friend who had a bird piece lightened enough to have a tattoo artist ink a lightbulb over the top. I thought it was smart because it meant her new tattoo didn’t have to be heavy-handed.
11. Know that the process could leave scarring.
If, like me, you want your ink completely removed, you should know that the skin that is left might not be flawless. While the risks are nowhere near as big when you are treated by a removal specialist or medical professional, your skin pigment can be lightened. Which, again, is all the more reason to refer back to the first point on this list—go to a qualified doctor or specialist.
Is Laser Tattoo Removal Painful
Laser hair removal is a safe, fast and effective medical grade procedure for reducing unwanted hair permanently from almost all part of the body. It has been approved as “permanent hair reduction” in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since 1997. The efficacy and safety of laser hair removal is now generally accepted in dermatology communities and is widely practiced in clinics all around the world.
How does laser hair removal work?
Laser hair removal is a treatment utilising the concept of “photothermolysis” in which a specific wavelength of light is emitted to the skin tissue and after being absorbed by melanin (the pigment that gives colour to our hair and skin) in the hair root, is transformed to heat. The heat then destroys the hair follicle, preventing the follicle from producing further hair growth. Since the laser can only target hair that is in its active growth cycle, a course of 8-10 sessions are required to get the best results. Treatment intervals could vary from 4-8 weeks apart and depends on the area being treated.
Who can get Brazilian laser hair removal?
It’s suitable for almost all skin types and hair colours. Putting it in simple terms, as long as your hair has enough colour to absorb the light, you can get laser hair removal. People who have fair skin and dark hair are the best candidates and will get the best results, since laser doesn’t work on blond, red, grey and white hair. The results on fine hair may also not be as good as those on thick hair. The darker and thicker the hair, the better the result will be. Brazilian laser hair removal is not just for females – men can also get laser hair removal on any part of their body. Laser hair removal is hygienic, effective and yields permanent results.
Benefits of Brazilian laser hair removal
Laser hair removal has been the most popular hair removal method in last decade due to its speed and efficacy. It gives permanent hair reduction results of up to 70% without causing any damage to your skin and surrounding tissue. To compare with other permanent hair removal method such as electrolysis, laser hair removal is less painful, much faster and more cost effective and has fewer side effects. Skin irritation and ingrown hair are common side effects of temporary hair removal such as waxing, plucking, shaving and depilatory creams, on the other hand Brazilian laser hair removal not only is the best solution for ingrown hair but it also does not irritate the skin. In addition, it’s more time and cost effective due to its efficacy and permanent results. You can also experience clean and hairless skin during your treatment session intervals as you don’t need to wait for the hair to grow back to get your next appointment and can shave whenever you want.
Brazilian laser hair removal side effects
Laser hair removal is a safe treatment for almost all skin types and no down time is required. It’s a walk-in walk-out treatment and you can resume your everyday activity immediately afterward. Temporary itching, redness, and swelling around the treatment area or swelling of the hair follicles (follicular edema) are all quite normal after Brazilian hair removal. Applying cool compresses and an aloe-vera gel may relieve the side effects. If you have darker skin, you may experience pigment changes such as hyper-pigmentation or hypo-pigmentation on the treated area which may last for a few weeks or so.
Is Brazilian laser hair removal painful?
You may expect to feel minimal pain during your treatment. The degree of discomfort depends on your skin and hair colour and also the treatment area. Laser hair removal might be more painful for people with darker skin because they have darker hair and more pigments in their skin which leads to light absorption at a higher level. For those who have more sensitive skin, we apply an anaesthetic cream to numb the area, especially on the more sensitive areas, to reduce the discomfort.
Thinking about getting Brazilian laser hair removal?
If you are looking for a permanent result with fewer side effects and want to enjoy smooth skin everyday with no ingrown hairs, the laser hair removal treatment is the best option for you, as with only 8 to 10 sessions it will permanently inhibit your hair growth and after a course of treatments, you will only need to get maintenance treatments once or twice a year for those few stubborn hairs that remain.
What is a full Brazilian laser hair removal?
Full Brazilian hair removal, also known as Hollywood, includes removing all hair from the pubic area (front and back). Some women like to leave a triangle or a line in the front which is all possible to do with laser hair removal treatment.
Is Laser Removal Of Tattoo Safe
Laser hair removal prices vary based on the size of the area to be treated, the quality of the machine used and also the location of the clinic you choose to go to. Brazilian laser hair removal cost could be from $100-$250 per session. You can check all the details regarding the cost of your laser hair removal with us at: www.medixskincare.com.au
How long does laser hair removal last
Do you want to get rid of your unwanted hair for good? If so, then you’re likely at least considering laser hair removal. This method of removing hair offers the most permanent results because it does not just target the hair you can see. It actually goes down to the root of the problem and disables your hair follicles themselves. This long-term solution is available at Radiant Divine Medical Spa in Avon, OH.
FAQ About Laser Hair Removal
How Long Does It Take?
The amount of time it takes to remove your hair will depend on your unique situation, but in general, this is a fast treatment. We can typically treat a small area like the upper lip or the chin in five minutes or less. If you’re having a larger area done, such as the legs or back, it may take up to 30 minutes.
The larger question is how many sessions will be needed to completely remove your hair. This question can only be answered after a consultation to determine your unique needs. Most people get good results with anywhere from four to eight treatments, but some people need more to get their final results.
Understanding why multiple treatments are needed involves learning about the removal process and what lasers do.
How Do Laser Hair Treatments Work?
The lasers work to remove hair by sending light down the hair shaft to damage the follicle. This light is emitted in very brief but intense pulses, and the light generates heat that disables the follicle.
Follicles can only be effectively damaged when they are in the active growing stage because in this stage the hair is still tightly connected to the follicle, so the heat is effectively delivered.
Our hair is always going through cycles, including dormant, shedding, and growing. Not all of our hair is in the same stage at the same time, so a laser treatment will only be able to target the hairs that are actively growing. The hairs that are in other stages will need to be treated later. This is the first reason it requires multiple sessions to get rid of your unwanted hair.
How Sessions Work
At any given treatment session, you can expect the laser to effectively target somewhere between 25% and 70% of your hair. The exact percentage will depend on how much of your hair is in the act of growing stage at the time. After your session, these hairs will shed, and the damaged follicles will be unable to grow hair as thickly and quickly as before.
Imagine that you have 1,000 hairs in your target area and that your first treatment gets 35% of them. After treatment, you will only have 650 hairs. At your next treatment, if the laser gets another 35%, you will only have 423 hairs. After just two sessions, the hair in your target area will be half as thick as before!
After three treatments at this rate, you would have fewer than 150 hairs left in the target area. You would be seeing a dramatic difference; but it is also clear that it will take multiple treatments to reach your final goal.
Do Any Other Factors Help Determine How Long It Will Take?
Other than the growing stage of your hair, the other most important factor is the difference in color between your hair and your skin. Because this method of removing hair works by targeting the color in your hair, the greater the contrast between hair and skin color, the more efficiently it will work.
It’s important to note that the laser we use can effectively target hair of almost any color and even skin that is quite dark. The different wavelengths our laser uses are effective for almost everyone. However, it will take a few more treatments to destroy the follicle if there is not a strong contrast between your hair and skin color.
Are the Follicles Damaged or Are They Destroyed?
The terminology surrounding laser treatments can sometimes be confusing. The follicles will definitely be damaged by the heat energy generated by the laser. Some of these follicles will be destroyed and never grow hair again, but those that are simply damaged will eventually grow hair again.
The new hair will be thinner than what you remember and will not grow nearly as quickly. The more maintenance treatments you have to keep up your new look, the more likely it is that follicles will be completely destroyed by the laser, and the greater the chance of permanent removal.
How Long Does Laser Hair Removal Last?
As mentioned, there is a chance that your results will be permanent. Most people only need occasional and infrequent touch-up treatments to keep their results. Most people can expect at least six to 12 months of smooth, hairless skin.
The biggest factor in determining the longevity of your results is your hormones. Hormones control hair growth, and even if you achieve completely smooth skin, a big change in your hormone levels may cause your hair to grow back.
Am I a Candidate?
In the early days of laser treatments only those with very light skin and very dark hair were suitable candidates for treatment. This is because the lasers were not able to target the hair without also damaging the skin, so there had to be an extreme contrast between skin and hair in order to safely avoid burns while accomplishing hair removal.
Today’s lasers are advanced and sophisticated and able to work on those with both light hair and dark skin. This treatment is safe for almost anyone who wants it. The best way to find out if you are a candidate is to set up a consultation with us, however, there are really only a few minor things that could prevent you from having treatment.
If you have a condition that makes you especially sensitive to light, you may not be able to receive treatment. The same is true if you are taking any medications that make you photosensitive and you are not able to pause those medications for a few weeks as you seek treatment. Finally, if you have an active infection or rash in the target area, you’ll need to wait until it clears before seeking treatment.
What Laser Do You Use?
At Radiant Divine Medical Spa, we use the Aerolase because we believe it’s the most sophisticated and comfortable way to get you the results you’re looking for. This laser has been proven effective on nearly all skin and hair types.
Does This Treatment Hurt?
Older lasers had a reputation for being quite uncomfortable, but we have come a long way in learning how to make these treatments pain-free. Lasers are now much faster, which means they accomplish their job with less wasted energy hitting your skin.
They also come with cooling technologies to counteract the laser light and keep you comfortable. If you’re worried, talk to us about the ways we can make you more comfortable.
What Kind of Recovery Is There With This Treatment?
There is really no actual recovery time needed. This is not an invasive procedure, and there are no incisions and nothing the body needs to do to heal itself. All you need to do is treat your skin carefully for a few days, almost as if you had spent a little too much time in the sun. Baby your skin with extra moisturizers and avoid using any skincare products that contain harsh ingredients.
You’ll also enjoy the best results if you keep yourself well hydrated and eat healthfully. Hydration and good eating habits are crucial for skin health at all times, and giving your body the nutrients it needs will help you feel and look your best, whether you just had a removal treatment or not.
How Long Do I Have to Wait Between Treatments?
Remember that your body needs a little time for hair that was not treated to cycle into the active growing stage so it can be effectively targeted by the laser. We usually suggest one-week intervals between each treatment.
So, for example, if you want to treat the hair on your upper lip, you would likely need about four treatments at one-week intervals, meaning that you will see your final results after one month. If you’re targeting the hair on your legs, it’s not uncommon to need between six and eight treatments, meaning that you will see your final results in no more than two months.
Is It Worth It?
When you understand that it will take some weeks to see your final results, it’s natural to wonder if it’s worth it to go through laser hair removal. After all, you could buy a can of shaving cream and razor at your local drugstore very cheaply and make that hair disappear–at least for a day–in just a few moments.
But there are some very good reasons to consider this treatment, and especially when you compare it to your other options.
Shaving and Depilatory Creams
There are a couple of problems with shaving and depilatory creams. The most obvious ones are that they must be repeated endlessly. Some people even need to use them every day in order to be rid of the hair they don’t want.
The more often you shave, the more irritation you cause your skin. Meanwhile, depilatory creams contain harsh chemicals that can burn the skin. They are not healthy or comfortable when applied regularly.
Not only must these solutions be applied constantly over and over again, but they are also expensive. While it may seem that one can of shaving gel and a couple of razors isn’t all that expensive, over time it adds up. The average woman will spend over $10,000 on shaving products in her life, not counting what her time is worth.
Waxing and Plucking
The results of waxing and plucking last longer than shaving because you’re removing the entire hair instead of just the part that can be seen about the skin. This can allow you as much as a week or two of smooth skin before any stubble starts to show. Yet there are some downsides to consider.
The first major downside is the pain. It hurts to have your hair ripped out! Plucking is also very inefficient as a way of removing hair from a large part of the body, and waxing can get expensive, especially if you are visiting a spa for your treatments.
Perhaps worst of all, both of these methods require you to allow your hair to grow to a certain length before it can be removed. This means that there will always be a time when you have to cover up and feel uncomfortable while waiting for your hair to grow.