Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Laser Tattoo Removal

If you have a tattoo that you no longer want, you likely have several questions about how to go forward with the removal process. Many people know someone who has had a tattoo removed. However, it is hard to picture yourself in a similar situation. In addition, while you may have considered having a tattoo taken off some time ago, the technology today is different. While that technology may be foreign to you at the moment, it is important to note that the procedure is simple and (relatively) inexpensive.

The professionals involved with San Antonio laser tattoo removal are often asked about the process and what to expect. The questions below reflect the top ten questions that are typically asked by interested parties.

1. Can I get rid of my tattoo?

Most tattoos are removable. If your tattoo is composed entirely of black ink, you are in luck because that is the simplest type to get rid of. However, color tattoos can also be removed, including orange, dark green, red, blue, orange, purple and brown. It is hard to get rid of teal, light green and bluish green. It is possible to make these colors less vivid, but it is hard to get rid of them altogether. If you have questions about the colors of your particular tattoo, speak to a laser tattoo removal clinic in your area.

2. Will the tattoo removal process hurt me?

Stay away from clinics that use their laser for several different purposes. It should only be used for tattoo removal. That said, these lasers are safe when they are operated by professionals that have been trained to use them. The specialist will ensure that safety procedures are followed in the office. The manufacturers of the lasers must go through the FDA approval process before their product can be used, so that is important to note as well. There is radiation involved, but it is non-ionizing, so you do not need to worry about any adverse side effects.

3. What type of laser is involved?

Different clinics have different types of equipment. It is best to contact the office that you are considering using and ask them directly about their laser. One common type has two wavelengths of light that take apart the tattoo's ink.

4. Do I need to worry about scarring?

As long as you are working with someone that knows what they are doing, you do not need to be concerned about scarring. This is why it is important to do your research; you need to make sure that any clinic you go to has experienced professionals on staff. If a clinic employs laser technicians that have not undergone the proper training, it is best to walk away.

5. How quickly can I get the sessions done?

Typically, you need to wait about one month in between your sessions. If your tattoo has a lot of vivid colors, you may need to hold off a month and a half before going back in. When you set up your consultation, the clinic will talk to you about the schedule that would work best for you.

6. Are there any side effects associated with tattoo removal?

If your tattoo does not have a lot of color, you should expect a little redness and a bit of swelling, but that is usually all. Those symptoms will last about seven days. However, if you do have a lot of color, your skin could blister. This is nothing to be alarmed about and you'll find that your skin recovers from the blistering relatively quickly.

7. How does the laser work?

The pigment in your skin takes in the energy from the laser and then breaks apart. It is a combination of the incredibly quick pulse and the intensity of the laser itself that causes this to occur.

8. Does the laser treatment hurt?

Getting your tattoo removed should not hurt any worse than getting a tattoo put on. However, it does not take as long to remove the tattoo, which means that you will not be uncomfortable for any extended period of time.

9. How many sessions are involved?

It depends on your particular tattoo. You could have anywhere from three to ten sessions. There are several factors that come into play here, including how old the tattoo is, the colors that are on the tattoo, and how much ink was used to create the tattoo.

10. How much will the sessions cost?

It depends on how big your tattoo is. Smaller tattoos obviously cost less, although a few other factors come into play. For example, the amount of experience that the medical professional involved in the procedure has is part of the equation as well.

If you are interested in getting your tattoo removed, speak to a clinic in your area that has laser services available. They can talk you through the process and help you decide what to do.