Laser Tattoo Removal - The Vein Center at GBMC
Laser Tattoo Removal
Why choose The Vein Center at GBMC for your laser tattoo removal?
All of our practitioners are certified as Laser Safety Officers and Laser Tattoo Removal Specialists. Our safety protocol is regularly reviewed by the GBMC Quality and Safety Board to ensure the best patient experience and outcomes. Every procedure is performed in a hospital outpatient setting, so you can be sure that best medical practices are being used.
How are tattoos removed?
Laser tattoo removal is a safe and effective procedure that uses rapid bursts of laser energy to break down the tattoo ink. Our state-of-the-art Q-Switch lasers target the pigment in tattoo ink that resides below the skin’s surface and fragments it into small pieces. Your body’s natural immune system then absorbs, breaks down, and disposes of the ink particles during the natural healing process.
What results can I expect?
Within a few weeks, you should notice a change in the appearance of the tattoo. As the ink begins to fade, clear areas will begin to appear in the tattoo. The speed of tattoo fading may vary based on your immune system as well as the amount of ink, ink colors, layers, location of tattoo, the presence of scarring, and skin type. Each subsequent treatment will show a lightening of the tattoo. On occasion, the normal skin surrounding the tattoo will be slightly lighter. The natural skin tone almost always returns to normal a few weeks following laser treatment.
Is there a consultation fee?
No, we do not charge a consultation fee and can often do a portion of the consultation over the phone if you are not local.
How much will laser tattoo removal cost?
This will be discussed in detail at your free consultation. The cost of laser tattoo removal depends on the colors of ink, age of the tattoo, and your immune system. We charge per square inch or by location on the body.
Is laser tattoo removal painful?
Each person perceives pain differently, so there is no definitive answer. Patients often describe the treatment as having their skin snapped with a hot rubber band. Every patient gets to experience a “test spot” before starting therapy and breaks can be taken if needed. Cooling methods will be used to reduce the pain considerably and also to protect the surface of your skin from injury. Within minutes of the procedure being finished, most clients report little to no discomfort at all.
How long are the treatments?
Treatment time depends on the size of your tattoo and the number of ink colors. The majority of treatments are completed in less than five minutes for a small to medium, single-color tattoo, and 10 to 30 minutes for a medium-sized multi-color tattoo.
How long do I have to wait between treatments?
Laser treatments will be scheduled at a minimum of 4 weeks apart for the lymphatic system to clean up broken up ink particles.
Will my tattoo be completely removed?
In most cases, yes. However, there are no FDA regulations on tattoo ink and several hundred different colors, manufacturers and formulas exist, so each tattoo fades at a different rate. Some colors may require more treatments to remove. There is also a possibility that a small amount of pigment may remain in the skin. Typically we call this ghosting and for most clients, this is considered a removed tattoo.
What’s involved with aftercare?
Complete aftercare instructions will be given at the time of removal, including a take home care sheet.
How many sessions are needed?
Tattoos are designed to be permanent. For effective removal, it is necessary to undergo a series of treatments. Each laser treatment is typically spaced 4 weeks apart to allow for the skin to heal. Depending on a variety of factors (see below), virtually all tattoos can be removed to completion with our Q-Switch laser. These factors include:
- Amount of Ink — The density of the tattoo ink and if it was applied professionally or not.
- Ink Colors — Multicolored tattoos will typically require more treatments than a single dark blue or black tattoo.
- Layers — If the tattoo has been covered by another, it may take more treatment to remove.
- Location of Tattoo — Body areas with better circulation, such as the head and neck, require fewer treatments than an extremity such as a hand or foot.
- Presence of Scarring — The presence of pre-existing scarring within the tattoo can increase the number of treatments needed.
- Skin Type — Darker skin types may require more treatments.
What if I only want to lighten my tattoo/get it covered?
Choosing to have your tattoo lightened prior to a cover up will result in a much better quality final tattoo, and is often suggested by tattoo artists. We can stop treatments when your tattoo artist is happy with the results and confident they can give you the tattoo you desire.
Will there be any scarring?
The chances of scaring with laser tattoo removal are very low; however, scarring is possible if the aftercare instructions are not followed. There is also a slight possibility of hyper-pigmentation or hypo-pigmentation, which will be covered during your initial consultation. Preexisting scars present prior to laser tattoo removal will still be there after treatments; only the inks of the tattoo will be targeted and affected, not previous scars.
Can I have only part of my tattoo removed?
Yes. If there is a portion of a tattoo that you would like removed and/or covered, we can target just those areas of your tattoo.
Will I see changes after each treatment?
Because of the inconsistency in tattoo ink and each client being different, you may not see a change after each session. Most clients, however, do see some change after the very first treatment. It is not uncommon for the tattoo to become darker and bolder within the first 72 hours of treatment, and then to start showing signs of fading 14 to 21 days later. We photograph and record each tattoo prior to treatment so we can plot progress for you and make necessary adjustments specific to your response to the treatment.
What should I do before my treatment?
Wash and clean the skin, shave any hair the night before or morning of and avoid any lotions or body glitter prior to treatment. When you come into the office, wear comfortable clothing so we can easily access the tattoo. You may also eat a few hours prior to treatment.
What types of payment do you accept?
We accept all major credit cards and cash. Sorry, we do not accept checks of any kind.
Do you offer financing?
Currently, we do not offer financing for laser tattoo removal.
View laser tattoo removal prices here
Learn more about laser tattoo removal. Schedule your free consultation at The Vein Center at GBMC today. Call us at 443-849-6123.