Laser tattoo removal is typically done because people have regrets about the tattoo they've gotten or because the tattoo was poorly or incorrectly done. The Tattoo Health website states that, as of 2007, some 10 million Americans had gotten tattoos, and that more than 50% of tattoo owners later regret getting them and want to have them removed. In prior decades, this was just wishful thinking; get a tattoo and you were stuck with it forever. Modern technology has changed that. It may or may not be worth the pain and cost, but you can get a tattoo removed.
How Much Pain Will I Feel?
Laser tattoo removal involves high-energy lasers, known as Q-switched lasers, that direct a powerful beam of colored light at the tattoo, advises the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics website. The beam penetrates the ink and breaks it up into small particles that are then essentially digested by your body's scavenging cells and removed by the body's waste disposal systems. Because the laser pulsates over the skin and uses heat to break up the tattoo ink, expect to feel some pain--something approximating a very severe sunburn. Larger and older tattoos are proportionally more painful to remove because the laser has to contact the skin for a longer period of time. The cosmetic surgeon may use a local anesthetic to reduce the amount of pain you experience.
What Does Laser Tattoo Removal Cost?
The cost of your tattoo removal depends largely on the number of sessions needed. The number of colors present in the tattoo, the age of the tattoo and its size all affect this number. According to DocShop.com, one session can cost $200 to $500, and your entire removal process can cost anywhere from $1000 to $10,000 to complete.
Are Multiple Sessions Needed?
Multiple sessions may be needed to remove your tattoo completely, advises the Tattoo Health website. Typically you'll experience a waiting period of four to eight weeks between sessions while the removal site heals. The more colors present in the tattoo, the more sessions are required to remove it; each session typically removes one color. The older your tattoo is, the harder it is to remove because the ink has essentially stained your skin cells; large-sized tattoos also take more sessions to remove than small tattoos.
How Long Does Laser Tattoo Removal Take to Heal?
The healing process after laser tattoo removal can take a week or more because the removal process often causes blistering and subsequent scabbing. You may also experience slight bleeding around the blisters as they heal. Use any prescription ointments or medications as prescribed by your cosmetic surgeon; failure to do so may prolong the healing process.
How Do I Take Care of the Removal Site?
It is important to follow the instructions of your cosmetic surgeon for aftercare procedures. Once the session is complete, ice will be applied to the affected area to reduce swelling, followed by an ointment and a sterile dressing. Do not pick at the removal site, and keep it clean at all times. Treat the site like a sunburn and avoid direct sunlight while it is healing. Change any bandages as directed by your doctor. Contact your surgeon if any excessive swelling or pus-like liquid develops, as this may be a sign of infection.
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