Laser tattoo removal FAQs

Your Full List of Tattoo Removal FAQs

Tired of looking at that unwanted ink on your body? Thinking about having it removed?

Whether you’re regretting that bachelor party tattoo or that tat you got with your friends back in college, you don’t have to live it with forever. Laser removal is a safe and viable way to get rid of it.

If you’re considering laser tattoo removal, you probably have lots of questions. Below, we’ll answer them to help you decide if it’s the right option for you.

Table of Contents

  1. How Does Laser Tattoo Removal Work?
  2. Does Laser Tattoo Removal Hurt?
  3. How Long Does it Take to Remove a Tattoo?
  4. What Are the Side Effects of Laser Tattoo Removal?
  5. Does Laser Tattoo Removal Leave a Scar?
  6. How Much Does Laser Tattoo Removal Cost?
  7. Does Laser Tattoo Removal Cause Blistering or Bruising?
  8. Does the Location of the Tattoo Matter?
  9. Does the Size of the Tattoo Matter?
  10. How Many Laser Tattoo Removal Treatments Will I Need?
  11. Can the Laser Remove My Tattoo Completely?
  12. How Do I Prepare for Laser Tattoo Removal?
  13. What Should I Do After Treatment?
  14. How Active Can I Be After My Tattoo Removal?
  15. Is Tattoo Removal Safe?
  16. Can You Get Laser Tattoo Removal While Pregnant?
  17. Are There Any Alternatives to Laser Tattoo Removal?


How Does Laser Tattoo Removal Work?

Laser tattoo removal works by emitting short pulses of laser light into the tattoo. With laser technology, the light is absorbed by the ink particles in the skin, making those ink particles shatter into tiny fragments.

The body has the ability to flush out those tiny particles, permanently removing your tattoo forever.


Does Laser Tattoo Removal Hurt?

Most people say that laser tattoo removal feels like a rubber band snapping against the skin. Others say it feels like splashing bacon grease on the skin. In other words, it’s not that bad.

If you could withstand the pain of getting a tattoo, you should have no problem bearing the minor discomfort of tattoo removal. Most people agree that laser tattoo removal hurts less than they expected.

It is common for laser clinics to use cold air, numbing creams, or lidocaine to prep the skin prior to the laser.

At LaserAll, the first step in the process is numbing the skin with the Zimmer Cryo Cooling System. This method greatly minimizes the discomfort, making it tolerable for most clients. The first treatment, when you don’t know what to expect, is always the worst.

Further reading: Does Laser Tattoo Removal Hurt?


How Long Does it Take to Remove a Tattoo?tattoo removal timeline 1024x683

Treatment sessions vary in length, depending on the size of the tattoo. For example, a small tattoo only takes a few seconds per treatment session. Even large tattoos that took hours to apply, can be treated in just a few minutes.

Learn more in this article: How Fast Are Laser Tattoo Removal Treatments?


What Are the Side Effects of Laser Tattoo Removal?

Following laser tattoo removal treatment, it is common to see redness and swelling on the surrounding skin. This usually subsides within a few hours of treatment.

It is also common to see hypopigmentation, or temporary lightening, of the skin. Skin color usually returns to normal within about two weeks.


Does Laser Tattoo Removal Leave a Scar?

If you don’t follow the proper aftercare instructions, you could see some scarring. If your skin develops burns or blisters, resist the urge to pick or pop them, as this is the easiest way to create a scar.

Most people see no scars after treatment.

The better the body’s immune system, the faster you’ll heal and the less likely you are to have any scars.


How Much Does Laser Tattoo Removal Cost?

The cost of laser tattoo removal varies, depending on the size of the tattoo. At LaserAll, small tattoos start at $75 per treatment session.

Financing options are available, as are discount packages. You can save money by purchasing multiple tattoo removal sessions up front.

Learn more about our laser tattoo removal services and pricing plans.


Does Laser Tattoo Removal Cause Blistering or Bruising?laser tattoo removal blister 1024x684

It is common to see some bruising within the hours immediately following treatment, but that usually subsides quickly.

As the skin starts to heal, you may also see blistering. Do not pop them. Popping blisters can cause scabs, cause scarring, and increase the likelihood of infection.


Does the Location of the Tattoo Matter?

Laser tattoo removal can be performed on any tattoo on any part of the body, with the exception of some small areas around the eyes. (You can get eyebrow tattoos removed, however.)

The first step in the process is to have a consultation with a licensed and certified laser technician. If your tattoo is near the eye where it is not safe to apply the laser, your technician will let you know during your initial consultation.


Does the Size of the Tattoo Matter?

Laser tattoo removal can be done on any tattoo, regardless of how big or small it is. The larger the tattoo, the longer each session will take.


How Many Laser Tattoo Removal Treatments Will I Need?

The number of laser treatments you need depends on a couple factors:

  • Tattoo size
  • Tattoo location
  • Ink colors
  • Type of tattoo ink used
  • Age of the tattoo
  • Your skin type


Most tattoos require between four and twelve treatment sessions to completely disappear.


Can the Laser Remove My Tattoo Completely?complete tattoo removal 1024x683

Laser tattoo removal treatment can be used for a complete removal or to lighten your ink in preparation for a cover-up tattoo. It is easier to remove certain ink types and certain ink colors (such as black inks).

With multiple sessions, most people see nearly 100% tattoo removal.


How Do I Prepare for Laser Tattoo Removal?

It is important to stay out of the sun and avoid all sorts of tanning in the weeks leading up to treatment. You should also avoid shaving, waxing, and exfoliating prior to laser treatment.

If you are a smoker, you should quit smoking, as non-smokers tend to heal faster.


What Should I Do After Treatment?

It is important to follow a strict aftercare plan. After treatment you’ll need to avoid sun exposure and minimize your exercise routine for several days. It’s also important to decrease alcohol consumption and drink lots of water.

Lack of water and excess alcohol can cause dehydration, which will slow down the healing process and increase your risk of getting an infection.

You’ll also need to avoid hot tubs, long baths, high water pressure, and shaving the treated area for several days.


How Active Can I Be After My Tattoo Removal?

It’s common for laser tattoo removal to cause some swelling in the treated area. Exercising increases blood flow, which can cause additional swelling and tenderness.

For small tattoos, avoid exercise for one or two days post-treatment. For larger treatment areas, avoid exercise for four days.

Read more: Why You Shouldn’t Be Too Active After Laser Tattoo Removal


Is Tattoo Removal Safe?

Laser tattoo removal is safe if performed by a licensed, certified laser technician.

If you have concerns, speak to your dermatologist and have a consultation with a laser technician before undergoing your first laser treatment.


Can You Get Laser Tattoo Removal While Pregnant?

Do not get laser tattoo removal while you are pregnant. There aren’t enough studies for us to know the effects of the laser on an unborn fetus. For this reason, it’s always best to wait until after you have given birth and finished breastfeeding to start the tattoo removal process.

The risk of infection with laser tattoo removal is low, but it’s not worth risking your child’s health.


Are There Any Alternatives to Laser Tattoo Removal?

Laser tattoo removal is the best solution for permanent results. There are some effective methods, such as tattoo removal creams, that you can do at home, but they don’t work for everyone.


Laser tattoo removal is a safe and effective way to get rid of your unwanted tattoos. Looking for laser tattoo removal services in Colorado? We have locations in Fort Collins, Lakewood, Westminster, and Colorado Springs!

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