Research has found that 25% of people who get tattoos regret them later. In fact, one in six people with tattoos consider surgical removal. 

Tattoos are notoriously difficult to remove because of the layers of ink penetrating deep beneath the skin.

However, here at Elite Body and Laser Center in Columbus, Ohio, we can remove tattoos on all areas of the body, easily and comfortably.

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How Does Laser Tattoo Removal Work?

Tattoo needles or guns deposit ink pigments into the dermis, the outermost layer of the skin. Over time, your immune system attempts to get rid of the ink, breaking the ink into particles. 

The immune system cannot break down all of the ink particles (just the small ones), which is why tattoos fade over time.

Laser tattoo removal uses specialized wavelengths of light to target the larger remaining ink particles and break them down into smaller pieces the immune system can flush out as waste.

How Many Laser Tattoo Removal Treatments Will I Need?

Your body won’t get rid of the entire tattoo after your first treatment. Complete removal requires multiple treatment sessions in order to be successful.

The best way to find out how many laser treatments you need is to contact us for a free consultation.

How Can I Speed Up the Tattoo Removal Process?

The time laser tattoo removal take can vary, but there are steps you can take to reduce the number of treatments needed.

Wear Sunscreen and Apply Ointment

Protecting your skin from the sun and other elements is one of the simplest things you can do to speed up the tattoo removal process and help your body heal. Wear sunscreen and apply recommended ointments and/or lotions as directed by your laser tattoo removal technician.

Drink More Water and Cut Back on Alcohol

Staying hydrated does wonders for your immune system, which does most of the heavy lifting for healing and recovery between removal sessions.

Alcohol, on the other hand, can dehydrate you and negatively impact your immune system.

If you keep your immune system in peak condition, you might end up needing fewer sessions to remove the tattoo for good.

Quit Smoking and/or Vaping

Smoking and vaping affect more than just your lungs; they also slow down blood circulation and flow, which are key to flushing out ink particles.

What Laser is Used for Tattoo Removal?

There are several types of lasers we can use for tattoo removal. Elite Body and Laser Center, we use Picosure Laser Technology as well as Cutera Enlighten.

This is a unique process because it uses a combination of both nanosecond and picosecond laser delivery. 

By offering both delivery systems, patients experience faster tattoo removal in fewer treatments on most tattoo colors.

Contact our office today to learn more about our effective tattoo removal process.

What are the Possible Side Effects of Laser Tattoo Removal Treatments?

Laser tattoo removal is generally a safe procedure, though there are some side effects you may experience, such as:

  • Bleeding
  • Blisters
  • Discomfort and/or mild pain
  • Itching
  • Swelling

More serious risks of laser tattoo removal include:

  • Hyperpigmentation (pigmentation changes or discoloration of the skin)
  • Infection
  • Scarring

Am I a Good Candidate for Laser Tattoo Removal?

While the laser technology to remove tattoos has improved over the last several years, it may not effectively treat everyone, particularly tattoo removal patients with darker skin.

Pigment is not just what gives your tattoo its vibrant colors; it’s also what gives your skin color. Skin pigment is also referred to as melanin. People with darker skin have more pigment (melanin) than those with lighter skin.

Unfortunately, it’s difficult to remove certain colors of ink from dark skin because pico lasers often have trouble distinguishing the difference between ink and skin pigments when more melanin is present. 

As a result, dark skin is more likely to get a blister, discolor, and/or scar from the removal of a tattoo.

Laser tattoo removal tends to be most effective in treating dark tattoos on lighter skin. However, it may not be an option for removing certain cosmetic tattoos, which require other treatments.

Most of these factors can be determined on a case-by-case basis, so it’s a good idea to reach out to the Columbus tattoo removal experts at Elite Body and Laser with any questions and concerns you may have.

How Much Does Laser Tattoo Removal Cost in Columbus, Ohio?

The cost of laser tattoo removal varies based on several factors, such as:

  • Size of the tattoo
  • Tattoo location
  • Tattoo ink colors
  • Brand or kind of ink
  • Skin type and tone

Contact Elite Body and Laser today to book an appointment and get an estimate for the cost of removing your tattoo.

Contact Us to Schedule a Consultation Today

Whatever your reasons for choosing to have your tattoo removed, our job is to ensure you can look towards a future free of the tattoos you want to forget.

Take the first step toward that future: contact us today to schedule a consultation.