Most people get a tattoo because they feel very deeply about something, or conversely, they make a spur-of-the-moment decision they later regret! What once was a thrilling or meaningful experience may have left you worrying about covering the tattoo and feeling uncomfortable in your own skin.
We love being able to help our patients remove elements of — or completely eliminate — their unwanted designs, especially when they previously thought the tattoo was permanent. While you have your own unique circumstances that will determine how many sessions you need, we have successfully helped thousands of people get the results they are seeking!
We hope that this information helps you feel confident about removing your tattoo and what you can expect if you move forward with the process.
1. How does laser tattoo removal work?
When you get a tattoo, the artist mixes the colors with alcohol and other chemicals to achieve the desired aesthetic. Once they inject the insoluble ink into your skin’s middle layer, the chemicals bind the ink colors to your skin.
You have a few options when it comes to tattoo removal, but at WIFH, we believe that the RevLite Q-Switched Yag laser is the most effective and least painful way to get the best results.
To safely remove your tattoo, our highly-experienced providers use the RevLite Q-Switched Yag, which delivers continuous power instead of varying levels, so there isn’t a spike in speed that would make it more uncomfortable. The laser breaks up the tattoo ink into particles. Then, your body sends special cells that carry the ink particles away, fading the image over time.
2. How long will the process take?
You may have a long list of concerns about removing your tattoo, including how many treatments you will need!
If you are wanting to have your tattoo removed for an event, like a wedding or joining the military, be sure to start the process as soon as possible. Our team will conduct a pre-laser skin analysis to see how your skin will respond to the therapy as well as estimate the number of treatments you may need in order to completely remove the image.
Most laser tattoo removal patients need a series of sessions over the course of a few months to a year to effectively remove the imagery.
3. Am I a good candidate for laser tattoo removal?
As we mentioned earlier, all patients have a variety of circumstances that impact their process, but most people are able to go through the process with impressive results.
The most important factors on whether you’ll be able to see a full tattoo removal or simply fading are (1) the type of tattoo application and (2) ink colors vs. black and blues.
If your tattoo has just a few shades of black and blue, it could be a very simple set of sessions. However, multi-colored tattoos done in a professional setting can be the most challenging to get rid of because the colors are typically more concentrated and deeply placed.
Thankfully, our highly advanced lasers can safely remove or fade most tattoos without injuring your skin!
Tattoo Colors that Impact Removal
- Black tattoos see the best results on all skin types.
- Multi-colored tattoos are easier to remove on patients with lighter skin tones but can be faded (not completely removed) on people with darker skin tones.
- White and pink tattoo colors may fade, but they cannot be completely removed.
- We never recommend trying to remove microblading or permanent makeup.
4. I’m hoping my skin will look natural. Are there any side effects or risks?
Laser tattoo removal is safe for all skin types. It is very uncommon for patients to have any scarring or permanent side effects from the procedure, but you may have some short-lived reactions, including redness, itching, blistering, or irritation that typically fade within 24 hours. We will provide you with specific instructions to care for your skin and encourage healing.
You can rest assured that with the latest technology, combined with our professional and experienced staff, your side effect risks are minimal. Your health and comfort are our top priority throughout the entire process.
5. Does laser tattoo therapy hurt?
Getting your tattoo removed is not painless, but the treatments are fast.
Most people describe the sensation as a rubber band snapping against the skin; some have said it feels similar to getting a tattoo. We will provide options for numbing to help ease the discomfort if needed.
While it may be uncomfortable, you can rest assured that WIFH’s resident doctor, Dr. Cox, and our licensed laser practitioners have over 60 years of combined experience. We take the utmost care of every patient and have seen incredible results.
If you are ready to move forward, don’t wait any longer. Laser tattoo removal provides a great solution, and we can help you achieve the look you want!
For more information or to start the process, set up a consultation today.