Laser Tattoo Removal Treatment
Tattoo Removal Procedure
This is a powerful laser device used for tattoo removal of all colors (multi-color) as well as benign pigments of browns and reds in the skin. Think of those deep red capillaries and brown pigments of melasma that are areas of the skin with spreading of “brown” pigment. Because of its varying wavelengths, it allows us to treat a broad range of tattoos and pigmented lesions. Treatments will vary based on the amount of reduction that is required and that you are seeking.
What skin conditions does it treat?
- Tattoo Removal (all colors) including red, brown, blue, black, green, yellow, or orange
- Hard to treat vascular pigments (Deep Capillaries/Cherry Angiomas)
- Deep brown pigments (Melasma, Lentigines, Age Spots, Freckles, Birthmarks)
Can it be used to remove permanent makeup?
We do not use this process for permanent makeup removal. We may, however, be able to offer some suggestions or alternatives.
What is the procedure like?
The area of treatment will be cleansed and wiped free of any oils residing on the skin. From there, we will apply a numbing cream to aid in the discomfort of the laser. Once numbed, we will have you relax and allow us to perform the proper setting of pulses and wavelengths to accomplish your goals of reduction. The treatment itself will last only approximately 30 mins at the most. While this particular laser is known for its gentleness and efficiency, it may feel as if it’s burning you. Please know that this is temporary and simply a part of the process of lifting inks and pigments. That said, we additionally use a chiller during the process that helps dramatically with any feeling of pain during treatment.
What body parts can it be used on?
This device can be utilized on all body parts.
How many treatments are required for tattoo removal?
While we consider an 8-series a typical number of treatments, depending on the ink that we are lifting, it can and will vary. Ink used for tattoos worldwide varies to such great degrees. That said, some will require the full 8 treatments while others will require less and still others will require more than 8 treatments. We will know much more about this number as we go along in the treatment process.
How long before I start to see results from the tattoo removal?
You will start to see results immediately. Please understand that while some tattoos will be lifted entirely, some may not. It is always our goal to get it as light as possible so that worst case you would be able to have another tattoo placed over the top so that you wouldn’t see much residual from the tattoo that was lifted.
How many treatments are required for pigmented lesions of capillaries and melasma, etc.
This is a tougher question but again it depends on your skin’s responsiveness and our proper testing at your first appt. Sometimes pigment such as capillaries and cherry spots require just 1-2 treatments and brown lesions 2-4 but again our best option is to test and start the process and see how best to proceed to get to our desired results as timely as possible.
What can I do to help assist in best results?
Tanning
With this and any laser being utilized on your skin, it is imperative that you have not recently tanned your skin. Tanned skin can be seen by a laser as a pigmented lesion and will alter its effectiveness and may even lift the pigment of your skin that you are not wanting to be lifted. If your skin is too tanned, we may need to wait until it no longer has that extra pigments. Tanning products on your skin are also a contraindication of performing this service.
Pregnancy/Nursing
This is a contraindication for any type of laser. We have to wait.
Infection at the target site
We would have to wait until your infection is fully cleared so as not to interfere with this.
Accutane
We cannot start a procedure until 6 months after you have used this prescription
Medications and Supplements
Daily anticoagulation therapy, iron supplements, herbal supplements such as ginkgo, ginseng or garlic and fish oil supplements may bruise more easily.
History of Seizures and Skin Cancers such as melanoma
This would be a contraindication to this treatment.
Uncontrolled medical conditions
This would require prior approval from your healthcare provider.
What should I expect after my treatment?
During treatment, your skin will turn white and by the time your treatment is over, it will start to darken up. This means that the treatment is working. You will leave with Aquaphor and cellophane on your skin in order to protect it. Within the next 24 hrs, your skin will start to turn red, crust, and scab. This process will take 7-10 days to fully recover. During this time, you will need to keep it clean and disinfected daily. Swimming of any kind or hot tubs or saunas should be avoided during this 7-10 day period. As it pertains to tattoo removal, you should apply the same instructions that were given to you at the time that you initially had the tattoo placed on your skin.
NOTE: The only way that something can go wrong post-treatment is if you don’t comply with keeping your skin from getting infected. Should an infection occur, you would need to reach out to our medical director immediately. And remember that the process for caring for your skin after tattoo removal is identical to the process you took part in at the time of getting your tattoo placed onto your skin.
How many weeks in-between each appt?
Treatment spacing will vary based on the location of the body. This works much like laser hair removal where the lower on the body, the longer the heal time and the further spacing in between appointments.
Neck and up: 4-8 weeks
Back to hips: 6-10 weeks
Legs and lower body: 8-12 weeks
Tattoo Removal Cost
Advanced Skin Therapy of Smokey Point offers this service based on size of area being treated rather than the number of colors and much like Laser Hair Removal.
XS Area: Dime Size or Smaller (Ring Tattoos don’t apply): $100
Small Area: Any size up to a 3×5 index card: $800 Pay-go: $120
Medium Area: ½ sheet of paper size: $1300 Pay-go: $183
Large Area: ½ sleeve or a full sheet of paper: $1700 Pay-go: $233
Extra Large: Full Back, Full Sleeve: $2100 Pay-go: $283
Laser Tattoo Removal: Before and After Results
At Advanced Skin Therapy, one of our proudest moments is showing clients our local Before and After Section Tattoo Removal portfolio. When it comes to laser tattoo removal, before and after pictures show just how effective these treatments can be for any tattoo removal. Before and after face, eyebrow, and many other procedures show that our skilled clinicians produce flawless results.
Do you have unwanted tattoos? Chat with our Smokey Point Tattoo Removal Professionals to find out more.
What To Expect Before and After Tattoo Removal
The Advanced Skin Therapy team’s work is some of the best in the industry. Be sure to flip through our small and big tattoo removal before and after photos to see what we can do for you. Or, peruse our portfolio to look at specific procedures, like:
- Laser Eyebrow Tattoo Removal (before and after pictures show amazing results that do not affect the original hair growth)
- Color Tattoo Removal (before and after results are like the colors were never there)
- Black Tattoo Removal (before and after comparisons show that smaller tattoos are easier to remove, but even larger tattoos offer full removals under the right conditions)
The aesthetics before and after laser tattoo removal treatment vary considerably. Darker, smaller tattoos are easier to remove, but most ink sees a noticeable difference after only a few treatments. Results vary depending on:
- The type of laser
- The tattoo’s size and color
- The ink depth
- How old the tattoo is
- The tattoo’s location
Advanced Skin Therapy will be happy to tell you more as we run through the Before and After Section Tattoo Removal photos to give you a better idea of what to expect.
*Results may vary by individual
Contact Us Today
Do you have any questions regarding tattoo removal? Contact us here or give us a call. We’re glad to help!
Locations We Serve:
Everett
Seattle
Other Services We Offer in Arlington
Botox | Fractional Laser Resurfacing | Cooltone | Dermapen Micro Needling | Laser Hair Removal | PDO Threads | Tattoo Removal | PRP Facials Facelifts | Coolscultping | Leg Vein Treatment