Everything you need to know about laser tattoo removal

Everything you need to know about laser tattoo removal

Nobody makes it through life without an ill-advised decision or two. But when one of those mistakes is immortalized in a tattoo, it can make it a whole lot harder to forget! Whether it’s an ex’s name, an image that hasn’t held up well over time, or a symbol for something you’d rather not be reminded of, some tattoos simply don’t make the cut. Fortunately, you don’t have to spend a lifetime with an unwanted tattoo you hate!

What is laser tattoo removal?

In order to understand how tattoo removal works, it is important to understand why tattoos are permanent. When you get a tattoo, the needle places tattoo ink particles into your second layer of skin. Your immune system's white blood cells are tiny compared to the larger ink particles and are unable to break them down and remove them from your body.

Those particles are clearly tough stuff, and that’s why we have to use something as strong as a laser to remove them. Not just any laser will do, however. Tattoo removal requires a specialized ultrashort pulse laser, which works by emitting very hot blasts in quick bursts to heat up and break apart the ink particles.

Once the laser breaks the  tattoo ink down into small enough particles, the white blood cells are able to seize them and carry them to the liver, where they will be flushed out along with any other foreign objects or toxins.

Laser tattoo treatment is a very effective procedure, and will work for almost anyone. Be aware, though, that it is not a “one and done” procedure. It will generally take multiple sessions to completely remove any tattoo.

How Does Laser Tattoo Removal Work?

In the past, tattoos were considered a permanent decision—but thanks to new laser treatments and technology, you can get a tattoo you’ve always regretted removed for good. Our laser tattoo removal in NYC works by breaking up the ink pigment colors in your skin. When you first got your tattoo, the tattoo ink was applied with a needle deep in the skin, where the coloring was absorbed by skin cells permanently.

Laser tattoo removal treatments attack the tattoo ink coloring absorbed in your skin cells, breaking it up with a high-intensity light beam. After the laser energy has broken up the pigment, your cells will naturally remove the particles from your skin, and your tattoo will be gone. Depending on the size and location of your tattoo, several treatments may be required to fully remove the pigment from your skin.

Side Effects laser treatment is often safer than many other tattoo removal methods, such as excision, dermabrasion , or salabrasion because laser treatment  electively treats the pigment in the tattoo. And there are very few side effects. However, you should consider these factors in your decision: Your tattoo removal site is at risk for infection. A common problem with other laser technology is scarring. 

How many treatments of Laser tattoo removal  will I need?

If done correctly, that risk of scarring is minimised - but it can take any where from 8 to 15 treatments of laser tattoo removal, which are a minimum of 8 weeks apart. Obviously it varies - some take less than 8, some take more than 15. Sometimes the treatments need to be left longer than 8 weeks between treatments for the optimum results, depending on the individual and tattoo.

There are a few factors that will determine how many laser tattoo removal sessions you need in total.

The color of your tattoo will play a big role in how effective laser removal will be. Darker pigments take fewer sessions to break down than lighter ones. Laser is basically amplified light, and like any black surface, dark or black ink will absorb the most light. That means the laser will be at its most effective on tattoos that are primarily black or dark ink colors.

Tattoos that are composed of lighter colored inks are more reflective, so the light bounces off them. When less light is absorbed, the laser becomes less effective. For example, yellow and purple ink are notoriously difficult to remove and may require a few extra sessions for the best results.

The parts of your body with the most blood circulation are where tattoos will fade the fastest. That’s why tattoos that are further away from your heart, like those on your hands or feet, will look more vibrant for a longer period of time. Removing a tattoo from somewhere on your torso will be easier than removing one from your arms or legs.

How frequently can I return for more treatments? Tattoo fading is a slow process and depends on participation by your body's immune system to work. We recommend that you wait at least 4-6 weeks to get the greatest value from each laser treatment.

What is the aftercare like? During laser treatment, your tattoo may turn white briefly. It then swells somewhat and may turn red, but this usually lasts only a few hours. It is important to keep that tattoo covered with ointment and a bandage for the first day.

Is laser tatto removal sessions painful?

Laser tattoo removal hurts. It involves applying extremely hot, concentrated light to your skin, it feels like oil splatter on your skin without the nagging pain after. Tattoo removal needs to be kept clean as it is susceptible to infection. Areas such as lower arms and hands are specially difficult to keep clean and often infect.

But everyone’s tolerance for pain is different. Some people who have undergone laser removal have experienced significant discomfort, while others say it’s comparable to getting the tattoo in the first place. There can also be some lingering soreness after each session. This is usually similar to what you’d feel with a small burn or blister.

Laser tattoo removal is uncomfortable, but it does not damage the skin or leave a scar. You’ll be given a pair of protective eye shields during the tattoo removal treatment, and we recommend soothing the area with an ice pack afterward.

Infinity Laser Spa offers top technology when it comes to laser tattoo removal in NYC. Not all lasers are created equal when it comes to tattoo removal: some lasers can’t penetrate the deepest layers of skin, or are only effective on dark links. Our Vertex Lasers penetrate your skin to break up the deepest inks and can be used to remove any number of pigment colors—including red, green, and sky blue—without permanently altering your skin’s natural coloring.

We promise you the best in customer care, personalized service and consultations, and promotions and deals throughout the year. 

Laser tattoo removal cost:

The best way for us to give you an estimate of Laser tattoo removal cost is to schedule a free consultation with our tattoo removal specialist. If you would rather get onto it as fast as possible, you can also send us a photo of your tattoo at info@23.23.96.200. Remember to include your tattoo history as well: age, pigments used, etc.

Since tattoo removal is a personal option in most cases, most insurance carriers won't cover the process unless it is medically necessary. Physicians or surgery centers practicing tattoo removal may also require payment in full on the day of the procedure. If you are considering tattoo removal, be sure to discuss associated costs up front and obtain all charges in writing before you undergo any treatment. 

Are you ready to get rid of your ink? Contact us today to schedule a consultation for tattoo removal in NYC and get the best laser tattoo removal in NYC. We make the process of fading or complete removal as safe, painless and as affordable as possible.