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4 Frequently Asked Questions About Laser Tattoo Removal

4 minute read

By Heather Fishel

Do you have a tattoo, or maybe even a few tattoos, that you wish you’d never gotten? Plenty of young adults get tattoos – but too often, they wind up regretting those tattoos later on in life. Fortunately, laser tattoo removal makes getting rid of your tattoos easier than ever before.

If you’re experiencing tattoo regret, you can easily have your tattoos removed. Laser tattoo removal can take of your tattoos. Laser tattoo removal has been gaining popularity since the early 2000s. But still today, few people understand the science behind the process. 

Here are some of the most common questions asked about this process.

1. How Does Laser Tattoo Removal Work?

Most people who consider laser tattoo removal to get rid of their tattoos are concerned with how long the process will take and how effective it can be. But it’s also important to understand how this process works. 

And laser tattoo removal might sound complicated, but the process is pretty simple.

Here’s how it works. The laser is directed at a tattoo, and it “zaps” the tattoo’s colored ink with pulses of laser light. Each pulse sends light energy into the skin. That light energy gets absorbed by the tattoo’s ink particles within your skin, which shatters the ink into tiny pieces. 

Then, the laser’s work is done. Your body takes care of the rest. Your immune system removes the ink from your body, flushing it away from the tattoo. And after each laser treatment, you’ll notice your tattoo increasingly fades in color until it’s completely gone.

2. How Long Will It Take to Remove a Tattoo?

Laser tattoo removal can vary in length. The amount of time it takes to completely remove a tattoo depends on a few different factors. 

Your body’s ability to remove ink, the size and location of your tattoo, and even the colors present in your tattoo will all affect how long it takes to remove a single tattoo via laser tattoo removal.

Typically, you need 5 to 8 sessions to remove a tattoo. Some can see their tattoos disappear in as few as 3 to 4 sessions, while larger or more intensive tattoos may take as many as 12 sessions. Between each session, you’ll need a four to six week recovery period.

Fortunately, each laser tattoo removal session is short and fast. You’ll spend very little time at the doctor’s office, and you’ll be in and out in mere minutes.

3. Does Laser Tattoo Removal Hurt?

Many believe laser tattoo removal is excruciatingly painful. But there’s good news for anyone experiencing tattoo regret: it isn’t as painful or uncomfortable as you might expect.

Although laser tattoo removal can hurt, it isn’t very different from the pain you experience when you get a tattoo. And fortunately, each laser removal session is incredibly short – as short as 30 seconds in some cases.

Most people who’ve experienced laser tattoo removal say that sessions are uncomfortable, but definitely bearable. It’s commonly described as the same sensation as a rubber band being snapped against your skin. 

Additionally, most laser tattoo removal professionals include numbing for each session. You can even ask to have numbing cream or another skin cooling option done before, during, or after your treatment.

4. How Much Does Tattoo Removal Cost?

Laser tattoo removal does come with a cost – and many people worry that it’ll be far too expensive to afford. But fortunately, the process can be quite affordable.

In general, having a tattoo removed is more expensive than having the tattoo done in the first place. But you can get your tattoo removed for a price that’s within your budget.

The cost of laser tattoo removal depends on the size of your tattoo. Removing a small tattoo typically costs between $75 and $125 per session. 

Many removal specialists will offer packages or special pricing, so don’t let the initial price scare you away. Reach out to specialists in your area for quotes and consultations so you can find out what options and offers might be available for your tattoo.

And ultimately, once your unwanted or regretful tattoo is gone, it’ll be well worth the cost.

Is Laser Tattoo Removal Right for You?

Choosing to have a tattoo removed doesn’t have to be painful or expensive. With laser tattoo removal, you can make your unwanted tattoos disappear and restore your skin. 

And as laser tattoo removal has become a more popular, common option, competition has increased. This means laser tattoo removal is readily available – and you can find many professionals offering this service. You should reach out to laser tattoo removal specialists in your area to get accurate pricing quotes and estimates for your unique tattoo.

Africa Studio / Shutterstock

Heather Fishel

Contributor

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