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What to Expect After Laser Tattoo Removal

People change, but not your tattoos. If you have moved on and want to get rid of your tattoo mistake, laser tattoo removal can help. Your tattoo will probably need several treatments, so you might be wondering what you should expect after your removal session. 

What is Laser Tattoo Removal?

When you get a tattoo, your tattoo artist places pigment particles deep in the skin. These pigments stay in place because of their size. Since they are too big to remove, your body cannot budge them. Laser tattoo removal works by breaking apart the pigment particles, which become small enough for the body to remove

How Does Laser Tattoo Removal Work?

We use the Enlighten™ Laser, a powerful system that uses picosecond and nanosecond pulses of light. Unlike many other lasers, the Enlighten™ Laser can remove almost all pigments, even bright colors. After the laser breaks down the pigments, your body’s immune cells will collect the pieces and filter them away.

What to Expect After Laser Tattoo Removal

The Enlighten™ Laser targets pigment molecules and causes minimal damage to the skin. The process does generate some heat, so that you may notice these effects in the first few days after a treatment:

  • Redness
  • Sensitivity
  • Small blisters
  • Crusting
  • Itching
  • Swelling

Most people find that these are relatively minor and do not interfere with their daily activities. Within a day or two after treatment, any discomfort should resolve. Your skin should look normal within a week, although you may continue to experience some redness. Avoid picking at any scabs or areas of dry skin that form during healing. 

Your skin will remain sensitive to sunlight for several weeks, so you will need sun protection during this time. We recommend spacing laser tattoo removal treatments four to eight weeks apart, so your skin fully heals. This also gives your body time to remove the damaged pigments from the last session. 

Laser Tattoo Removal Consultations Available

How Many Laser Tattoo Removal Treatments Will I Need?

A typical laser tattoo removal treatment lasts 15 to 45 minutes. You will probably need at least two treatments, and you may need eight or more. Specific colors like black and blue are easier to remove, and older tattoos will fade more quickly. 

We offer our tattoo removal guarantee that if your tattoo is not gone within eight sessions, we will not charge you for any further treatments

Am I a Good Candidate for Laser Tattoo Removal?

You may be a good candidate for laser tattoo removal if you have a tattoo you no longer want. Ideal candidates have reasonable expectations and feel prepared for a process that can take several months to complete. 

Testimonials

*Individual Results May Vary

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Take the Next Step

To schedule your in-person laser tattoo removal consultation, call New York Skin & Vein Centers at (607) 431-2525 or simply fill out the form on this page. We look forward to working with you!

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