What to Expect During Your First Laser Tattoo Removal
Tattoos don’t always turn out as expected. You might break up with someone after you’ve had their initials tattooed in a prominent place on your body. Or you might end up hating the look of a tattoo you got years ago. Some people may even be allergic to the ink in tattoos and experience unwanted symptoms as a result. If you ever regret your skin art, consider getting laser tattoo removal.
There haven’t always been good options for tattoo removal. In the past, tattoos were truly permanent unless you were willing to have them physically cut out of your skin. Surgical removal is an invasive process that leaves noticeable scarring behind. Today, advanced laser technology makes it possible to significantly lighten or completely remove tattoos with minimal to no scarring. If this sounds like something you’d like to do, here are some things you should know about your first tattoo removal treatment.
How Tattoo Removal Works
You can use various methods to remove tattoos. For example, you could receive surgical removal, ablation, dermabrasion, or tattooing over the top of an inked design you don’t like. However, these methods can cause complications like skin discoloration, noticeable scars, and lasting pain. Many of these methods don’t offer satisfactory tattoo fading or removal results, either.
Laser tattoo removal continues to rise in popularity because it’s effective, works particularly well on dark-colored tattoos, and leaves minimal scarring behind. Plus, laser tattoo removal pain is tolerable for most people. This tattoo removal method works by heating the targeted ink particles with bursts of intense laser light. The heat causes the ink particles to break down. Then, the body’s immune system can target and remove them more easily. You may need multiple laser treatment sessions to adequately lighten or remove your unwanted ink.
What to Expect During Your First Laser Tattoo Removal Session
It’s natural to be nervous about a procedure you’ve never received before. To put your mind at ease, it helps to know what the initial laser tattoo removal process is like and what happens in a tattoo removal session.
When you first show up for your appointment, your provider will go over the treatment plan with you. They’ll let you know what to expect and give you an opportunity to ask questions about your upcoming session. When you’re ready, they’ll clean the skin on and around the tattoo to ensure they’re working with a sterile surface. This will reduce your likelihood of an infection.
Next, your provider will place an ice pack or numbing cream on the treatment area. They may also expose the treatment site to very cold air. These steps help numb the area and make the treatment more tolerable. You may think the actual treatment feels a lot like getting a tattoo. Many describe it as a stinging or pinching sensation. At the end of your session, your provider will give you aftercare instructions to facilitate optimal recovery.
How Long Does a Tattoo Removal Session Take?
Wondering how long a typical laser tattoo removal session takes? This is a common “what to expect tattoo removal” question. The answer varies based on the size of the tattoo. However, most treatment sessions last around 20 minutes per treatment area.
How Painful Is Laser Tattoo Removal?
“Does tattoo removal hurt more than getting a tattoo?” This is one of the most common questions people ask when exploring their tattoo removal options. The good news is that most people find that removal is about as uncomfortable as getting their initial tattoo. Most people say the sensation feels a lot like someone snapping a rubber band repeatedly against their skin.
When asking “How painful is laser tattoo removal?” it’s also important to consider the short treatment times. Unlike getting a tattoo, which can subject you to hours of pain at a time, most tattoo removal sessions take less than 30 minutes.
How to Prepare for Tattoo Removal
Managing your expectations is the most important thing you can do to prepare for your upcoming tattoo removal session. Too often, people expect laser removal to be a miracle solution. In reality, there’s no guarantee that you’ll be able to completely remove your ink without surgery. However, if you go into the treatment with the realization that total removal is not ensured, you’re more likely to be happy with your results. Here are some additional tips before your first laser tattoo removal session:
Stay Hydrated
Your immune system needs optimal hydration to function properly. Therefore, it’s important to stay hydrated in the days leading up to your removal session. Proper hydration can also decrease skin sensitivity, making the treatment more tolerable for you.
Avoid Sun Exposure
Avoid prolonged sun exposure for at least a month prior to your appointment. Tanned or sunburned skin makes it harder for the laser to properly target ink pigments. Therefore, getting too much sunlight exposure in the weeks leading up to your session can negatively impact your results.
Stop Taking Blood-Thinning Medications
Blood-thinning medications increase your risk of bruising and bleeding during and after tattoo removal. It’s best to avoid these types of medications and supplements for at least two weeks before your session. If you’re taking prescription blood thinners, let your provider know before your tattoo removal appointment.
Ask About Numbing Options
While most tattoo removal providers offer some sort of numbing solution, some may not. Be sure to discuss your options with your provider beforehand. If they don’t offer numbing options, consider applying lidocaine cream to the treatment area approximately 30-60 minutes before your appointment.
Stop Smoking
Stop smoking for the two weeks leading up to your treatment. The nicotine in cigarettes slows blood and lymph flow. Therefore, if you smoke in the days leading up to your session, you may have a harder time healing afterward.
Prepare the Treatment Area
To prepare your skin for laser tattoo removal, it’s best to avoid products that can cause irritation and inflammation for at least one week. These include chemical peels, benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, and glycolic acid. Instead, opt for gentle, fragrance-free cleansing and moisturizing products.
On the day of your treatment, wash and shave the tattooed area. Don’t apply any lotions or moisturizers to the treatment site immediately before your treatment. Wear loose-fitting clothing in case your skin swells and becomes uncomfortable after treatment.
Eat Before You Arrive
It’s best to eat a meal before your appointment to prevent blood sugar crashes. Eating may also help you avoid feeling nauseous due to nervousness. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, since these substances can make your skin feel even more sensitive than usual. Consider taking Tylenol before your treatment to help ease discomfort.
Tips for Laser Tattoo Removal Aftercare
After your laser session, it’s important to be patient with your body as it heals. Your healing process may be similar to what you experienced after you first received your tattoo. It’s important to keep the skin clean and do your best to care for it so it heals well with minimal scarring. Here are some tips for laser tattoo removal aftercare:
- Keep the treated area dry and clean
- Avoid exposing the treated area to hot temperatures for 48 hours
- Don’t engage in vigorous exercise for at least 24 hours after your session
- Don’t swim for at least 48 hours after treatment
- Avoid sun exposure and protect the treated area with zinc oxide
- Do not scratch, pick, or rub the treated area
- Apply a cream containing 1% hydrocortisone once a day for up to five days
- Poke small holes in large blisters using a sterilized lancet so they can drain
- Apply vitamin E oil to the area for optimal hydration
If you have another laser tattoo removal session scheduled, be sure to avoid antibiotics and other photo-sensitizing medications for at least two weeks beforehand.
What Are Laser Tattoo Removal Side Effects?
Possible side effects of laser tattoo removal include:
- Temporary swelling, redness, and discomfort
- Changes in skin pigmentation
- Blistering and scabbing
Rarely, patients may experience allergic reactions to the laser treatment. If this occurs, seek prompt medical care.
How Many Laser Tattoo Removal Sessions Do I Need?
Depending on the color, size, and placement of your tattoo, you may need anywhere between 6 and 12 sessions for the best results. You’ll need to wait up to 8 weeks between sessions to give your skin time to adequately heal. You may improve your tattoo removal outcome by following your provider’s aftercare instructions and taking steps to improve your immune response.
Schedule Laser Tattoo Removal
Laser tattoo removal is a popular service for those who want to get rid of their tattoos for aesthetic or health reasons. If your goal is to minimize or eliminate tattoos with a low risk of scarring and other unwanted side effects, laser removal in El Paso, Texas, at Azul Medspa is arguably the best option. To schedule your laser tattoo removal consultation, contact Azul Medspa at (915) 317-5212 (Medspa East) or (915) 584-2985 (Medspa West).
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About the Author
I’m Dr. Lyle D. Weeks, MD, FACS, founder and Medical Director of Azul Medspa in El Paso, Texas. Board Certified in Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery and Laser Surgery, I’m a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. In 1997, I founded El Paso’s first Laser Center. After years of surgical training, I narrowed my focus to Facial Plastic Surgery and medical aesthetics. I established Azul Medspa in 2013, and over the past 12+ years, my team and I have provided exceptional aesthetic care. We’re an Allergan Top 250 provider and 7-time award-winning medspa. I specialize in CoolSculpting, Emsculpt, Botox, dermal fillers, and advanced laser treatments, helping patients achieve their aesthetic goals.
