What is Laser Tattoo Removal Recovery Like?
- March 14, 2022
In the past, you had to live with your unwanted tattoo or tolerate a series of painful treatments to remove it. Today’s laser tattoo removal works on more skin tones and ink colors than ever before. It causes far less discomfort, and recovery can take as little as a week or two.
How Does Laser Tattoo Removal Work?
We use the Picoway® laser system for tattoo removal. This laser uses picosecond pulses to protect the skin while targeting pigment molecules in your tattoo ink. Tattoo ink stays in place because the particles are too big for the body to carry away. The laser pulses strike the pigment molecules and break them into small pieces. The body can filter these small pieces out, removing the color from the tattoo.
What Does Laser Tattoo Removal Feel Like?
Laser tattoo removal may cause a sensation of heat or stinging as the laser moves over your tattoo. Most people find this tolerable. Our laser specialist can apply a numbing cream before the treatment so you feel even more comfortable. With numbing cream, you may feel some minor tingling sensations. Most people have no concerns about returning for their future treatments.
What is Laser Tattoo Removal Recovery Like?
When the laser strikes a pigment molecule, it generates heat. The picosecond pulses minimize recovery time, but you will have some redness and soreness lasting about a week. You can go back to work or do regular activities, but we recommend avoiding any strenuous activity for the first few days. In the days after treatment, you may also notice some blisters. Leave these alone, and avoid picking at any scabs that form. We recommend applying ice packs after treatment and keeping the area as dry as possible. You will have ointment to apply to the treated area, and you will keep it covered with a bandage. You can go back to work or do regular activities, but we recommend avoiding any strenuous activity for the first few days.
In the following weeks, you may see some changes in your skin color in the treated area. People with darker skin may see more changes than lighter skin, but this will usually fade back to your normal skin tone over time. Wearing sunscreen and avoiding sun exposure can decrease the risk of pigmentation changes and help your skin heal more quickly. Use gentle skincare products and only the recommended ointment while the tattoo removal site heals.
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Simply fill out the form on this page, and one of our highly trained staff at Luminesse will reach out to you promptly to schedule your appointment.
How Many Sessions of Laser Tattoo Removal Do I Need?
You will probably need several laser tattoo removal sessions to achieve the best results. Most people need between seven and ten treatments. Each treatment session lasts 15 to 45 minutes, depending on the size of the tattoo. We will space your treatments about eight weeks apart, so the skin has time to heal between sessions.
You need multiple treatments to remove all the layers and colors of pigment. Colors like blue and black respond best to the laser and will usually fade first. Brighter colors can take longer to remove, but the Picoway® laser can remove all tattoo colors, even difficult ones. People considering laser tattoo removal should consider the length of treatment and recovery times, so they have reasonable expectations.
Benefits of Laser Tattoo Removal
Laser tattoo removal can have significant mental and emotional benefits. An unwanted tattoo can feel like a very visible burden, especially in a location where others can see it. Removing an unwanted tattoo can provide benefits such as:
- Confidence at job interviews and in other important situations
- Freedom from a past mistake or the reminder of an event you want to forget
- A clear new canvas for your next tattoo
- Achieving a look that expresses who you are today
How Effective is Laser Tattoo Removal?
Laser tattoo removal can eliminate most tattoos to the point where no one will notice them. Some tattoos may leave some shadows or areas of uneven pigmentation. With the total number of sessions, most people should achieve their goals as long as they have reasonable expectations about their results.
Am I a Good Candidate for Laser Tattoo Removal?
Most people make good candidates for laser tattoo removal. The ideal candidate is in overall good health with no medical problems. They should also be prepared for a week or two of recovery after each laser tattoo removal session.
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Ready for dermaplaning? Schedule a consultation with Luminesse Laser & Skin Clinic. To reach us, kindly complete our online contact form or call (613) 727-0714. We provide the best laser and skin treatments in the entire Ottawa/Gatineau area.
