Tattoo Removal
Laser tattoo removal is a procedure that uses high-intensity light pulses to break down the pigment in tattoos, making them easier to remove.
How Does Tattoo Removal Work?
The skin is numbed with a local anesthetic before the treatment, and then a powerful pulse of energy heats and shatters the ink. The ink breaks into tiny particles that the immune system can then clear away.
Laser tattoo removal can be safer than other methods because it only treats the pigment, not the skin around it. One laser treatment can remove up to 80% of tattoo pigment.
Is Tattoo Removal Painful?
Tattoo removal can be painful, but the level of pain depends on the type of removal and the part of the body being treated. Some people say the pain feels like getting a tattoo, while others compare it to the feeling of a rubber band being snapped against their skin. The pain can also be comparable to a bad sunburn.
How Fast Does Tattoo Removal Work?
Laser tattoo removal can take a minimum of 12–24 weeks, but the timeline varies from person to person and can take up to two years. The number of sessions required depends on the type of tattoo, with amateur or homemade tattoos typically requiring 3–7 sessions, while professional tattoos with harder inks can take 8–20 or more. Larger tattoos, tattoos with multiple colors, or tattoos with special ink may also require more sessions.
What is the Aftercare for a Tattoo Removal?
Bandage Area
Cover the area with a sterile gauze bandage for the first three days.
Don't Touch the Tattoo
Don't pick, scratch, peel, or rub at any scabs, blisters, or crusting skin.
Keep it Moist
Apply a thick layer of Vaseline, Aquaphor, or Dermol cream 3–4 times a day for the first three days.
