What is Laser
and IPL Tattoo Removal?
Since
the early 90's lasers and
pulsed light systems have
been developed that can
selectively treat tattoo
pigment,
often without leaving any scar
in its place. This is because
they do not actually burn the
ink out; rather it is
fractured into tiny pieces
that are then removed from the
skin by your immune system.
The
advantage of the new
technology is that there is
less chance of scarring.
How many treatments will it take to remove my tattoo?
On average, professional tattoos require 5-6 treatments, while amateur tattoos may require 3-4 treatments, spaced approximately 6-8 weeks apart. The number of treatments depends on the amount and type of ink used and the depth of the ink in the skin. Occasionally technicians have needed to treat a tattoo 10-20 times.
What should I charge for the procedure?
The fee depends on the size of each tattoo, and how many treatments it takes to lighten or remove it to your satisfaction. Each tattoo treatment generally costs $135 for the 1st square inch and $25 for each additional inch. If more than one tattoo is being treated at the same time, you may offer pricing alternatives. A consultation fee of $40-$60 should be assessed for this quote.
What will the treatment be like?
It is less painful to have a tattoo removed than getting it put on. A numbing cream should be applied an hour or two before the procedure as well as our cooling spray. After the procedure the treated area may blister, swell, crust, scab, or bleed slightly. You will need to care for the area daily in order to prevent infection and get the best possible healing results. Your tattoo will then gradually fade for 6-8 weeks when we can again treat the area with our lasers. You may see additional fading for as long as several months so you can space the treatments farther apart but not closer than 2 weeks.
What colors can be removed?
-
Black ink absorbs all wavelengths of light and responds very well to diode laser
and pulsed light treatments.
-
Green
and
Blue ink absorbs
670-890nm light best and responds very well to diode laser and IPL treatments.
-
Red, Orange,
and
Purple inks absorb
500-700nm light best and will only show marginal improvement with diode laser treatments
but respond well to IPL.
-
Turquoise
responds variably, depending on the pigments in the ink.
-
Yellow
tends to reflect light and does not respond well to diode laser treatments
but does respond to IPL.
Important Considerations for Safe Laser Treatment
-
Treatment Around or Near the Eyes: Great care must be exercised when working near the eyes. The laser emission is powerful enough to actually penetrate the eyelid and permanently damage the eye. Having the patient close their eyes is not satisfactory protection. The use of a dark-colored damp wash cloth which is folded over four times will deflect the harmful radiation; however, only laser protective eyewear is recommended.
-
Treatment Around or Near Mucus Membranes: Laser radiation will severely damage the tissues inside the nose and ear canal. Treatment should be avoided in these areas altogether.
-
Treatment Around or Near the Genitals: Laser hair removal is safe for application to the pubic regions including the reproductive organs of both sexes. Care must be taken into consideration in these areas due to the increased level of neural sensitivity. The patient may find the process uncomfortable without a topical desensitizing spray.
-
Treatment Around or Near the Areola (nipple): Laser hair removal is safe and effective on hair growth which occurs from the areola of both sexes.
-
Post-Treatment: The skin surrounding the treatment area will experience short-term
eurythmia (reddening) which will subside within 12-24 hours. Should the treatment area show signs of excess scabbing you may wish to reduce the overall treatment time or intensity. The application of a post-treatment cooling and healing gel (such as Aloe) is encouraged to speed healing and reduce sensitivity. Instruct the patient to refrain from applying cosmetics or sunbathing for at least 24 hours.
Laser Tattoo Clinical Results
Patient
Group |
Treatment
Area |
Clearance
(Average) |
Notes |
20 Patients |
Arms |
30% after
3 mos. |
1 treatment only. |
50 Patients |
full-face |
90% after
3 - 12 mos. |
3 treatment average |
120 Patients |
lip |
90% after
3 - 12 mos. |
3 treatment average |
110 Patients |
chin |
85% after
3 - 8 mos. |
4 treatment average |
400 Patients |
various |
89% after
3 - 8 mos. |
Includes above data
3 treatment average |
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