​

How Many Treatments Will It Take?

​

It usually takes an average of 5–10 sessions before a tattoo’s appearance is reduced by 80–90%. However, when it comes to estimating the number of sessions you’ll need to remove an entire tattoo, that may vary. That’s because tattoo removal depends on several factors.

​

These include:

 

Up-To-Date Technology: Technology is one of the most important factors that influence the duration of laser tattoo removal sessions.
Ink Color: Colored tattoos will typically take longer to remove than traditional black ink.
Location: Ease of removal depends on how close a tattoo is to the
heart. The more blood flow there is, the easier the tattoo is to
remove. Tattoos on the hands, legs, and feet take more time to
remove.
Age: The older a tattoo is, the fewer treatments it will take to
remove it.
Size: Of course, the larger a tattoo, the longer it will take to remove it.

​

How Long Will Each Treatment Take?

​

The length of a single session also varies based on different factors. If a tattoo is colored and has a large and complex design, it will take longer than a simple, smaller black-inked tattoo. Sessions can vary from mere minutes to as long as an hour.

Remember that your skin will need time to heal after each session. This means each session will be spaced weeks apart, so tattoo removal can take months to achieve complete results.

​

Is the Treatment Painful and What can You Do to Ease the Pain?

​

“Does tattoo removal hurt?” is probably the most common question any laser tattoo removal practitioner will get. The truth is that tattoo removal can hurt, but the degree of pain will depend on your pain tolerance.

For some people, laser removal feels like little more than the flick of an elastic band. But it’s safe to say that no effective tattoo removal process is going to be painless.

 

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to ease the pain of tattoo removal.

​

Ice Packs
This is a very common method for pain management during laser
tattoo removal and is sometimes used in smaller clinics. Applying
an ice pack to the area for 10 minutes will numb the skin. However,
it can only be used before and after the treatment.

Topical Numbing Creams
Many topical numbing creams can be purchased over-the counter, including benzocaine, lidocaine, prilocaine, and more. These topical creams should be applied approximately 45 minutes before your treatment.

Cold Air Machines
Cold air machines are the fastest and most convenient
skin-numbing treatments on the market. Not all clinics have them,
though. Cold air machines blow cold air directly onto the skin area being treated, numbing it for longer periods than ice packs or topical creams.

​

How Do You Prepare for Tattoo Removal?

​

There are several ways to prepare for your tattoo removal sessions.

❖ Make sure to eat before your sessions. Some clients can become
light-headed during treatment if they have an empty stomach.
❖ Shave any hair covering or surrounding the tattooed area.
❖ Wear loose-fitting clothing over the area that is being treated.
❖ Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen for pain relief before your session. These medications can cause bruising during the process.
❖ Avoid spray-tans, tanning beds, and general sun exposure for up to a month before treatment. Tanned skin can cause adverse
reactions during the laser tattoo removal procedure.
❖ Clean the targeted area, and avoid using perfumes, cosmetics, and any lotions that contain synthetic fragrances.

 

If you have any other questions regarding the laser tattoo removal process or to book an appointment, please call BeautiFly Medi Spa at 905-517-2527 for more information.

​