Everything you need to know about before getting laser tattoo removal

WHEN YOU GET A TATTOO, YOU SOMETIMES FORGET THAT IT'S PERMANENT... OVER TIME, THE TATTOO CAN SMUDGE, BECOME DEFORMED AND BECOME A REAL HANDICAP IN EVERYDAY LIFE. TO REMEDY THIS PROBLEM, WE TELL YOU EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT LASER TATTOO REMOVAL.

How does laser tattoo removal work?

The laser used for tattoo removal works as a concentrated beam of light that the dermatologist passes over the tattoo. The light beam is then absorbed by the ink present in the skin and it is this same light which will cause the ink pigments to burst as the sessions progress and gradually disappear from the epidermis. Once the ink is fragmented by the laser, it is eliminated by our white blood cells. Dermatologist Marie Jordan explains laser tattoo removal through the image of a rock on which we would strike repeatedly to break it into small particles. An image that speaks for itself with the tiktoker @laugh_of_the_moon who shares her tattoo removal experience over several sessions.

How is a tattoo removal session?

Tattoo removal sessions are held once a month, on average, to completely remove the tattoo. The sessions are spaced out to allow time for the ink to be eliminated and to rise to the surface. A session lasts between 5 minutes and 1 hour depending on the size of the tattoo. You can see the lines of his tattoo fade after the 3rd or 4th session.

How is the skin after tattoo removal?

Generally, tattoo removal does not leave a scar on the skin. If the healing cream has been regularly applied and the patient has taken good care of her skin, she should not be harmed. On the other hand, in some people, the laser may not work effectively over the entire area where it is used; some people keep a partially erased tattoo whose shadow lingers. On the other hand, the results remain very satisfactory especially when the tattoo is black, the green and yellow colors are the most difficult to remove. The darker the tattoo, the better it can be removed or faded.

How much does it cost to remove a tattoo?

Again, it all depends on the size of the tattoo, but it is important to remember that laser tattoo removal is quite expensive and generally costs more than the tattoo itself. It takes between 100 and 400 euros per session. The quality of the laser is also to be taken into account in the price of the treatment.

How many sessions does it take to remove my tattoo? 

It all depends on each tattoo if it was done by a professional or an amateur, if the ink is deep and if the ink is colored. As a general rule, we know from the first meeting, what will be approximately the number of sessions necessary to have it removed. An average of 6 sessions is recorded to permanently remove a tattoo.

Does tattoo removal hurt?

According to patients, laser tattoo removal is less painful than the tattoo itself. On the other hand, dermatologists generally prescribe an anesthetic cream (Emla type) to minimize the pain and the uncomfortable sensation caused by the laser. It should be applied one to two hours before the tattoo removal session. Additionally, while the laser is operating, some dermatologists also use cryotherapy to further reduce pain by sending a jet of cold air over the skin. Once the session is over, the dermatologist applies a dressing and a healing cream (fucidin type). 

How to treat a tattoo removal?

After the tattoo removal session, the skin may react and blister. It is a completely normal reaction of the skin, to treat the blisters, one applies a moisturizing and healing cream prescribed by the dermatologist. The application is repeated for a week, several times a day.

Can you expose yourself to the sun after tattoo removal?

Tattoo removal and the sun don't mix. Throughout the treatment, you should not expose your skin to the sun or have tanned skin during the treatment. In the event of sessions during the summer, it is strongly recommended to protect your skin with 50+ sunscreen and to fully protect the skin during tattoo removal from UV rays.

Who can do tattoo removal?

Today, anyone can get a tattoo removed. Laser technologies allow matte and dark skin to be removed as effectively as light skin. The laser very precisely targets the ink of the tattoo and spares the dark skin pigment all around.

Who can remove tattoos?

It is always necessary to make sure to have a tattoo removed at a medical center or a dermatologist with an engaged medical responsibility. The laser is a precise technology that requires expertise and medical training, if the laser is incorrectly adjusted the skin can be damaged and cause scars. 

What is the best laser for tattoo removal?

Lasers for stain removal can be more or less effective. On the market there are two very efficient and powerful lasers in the treatment of tattoo removal without leaving scars: the Q-Switch Revlite laser which emits an extremely powerful light in a very short time is expressed in nanoseconds, it explodes the pigments of ink in record time. Just like the Picosure laser which also emits strong light but over an even shorter pulse duration since, as its name suggests, it is expressed in picoseconds. Do not hesitate to ask your dermatologist which laser technology is used before the sessions. 

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