We take every possible measure to ensure your comfort during tattoo removal; however, the sensation can still be intense and is often compared to a quick splash of hot grease. To reduce discomfort, cooling is used throughout the appointment, and numbing cream is available. If numbing cream is desired, coordinate with the clinic and apply it at least 2 hours before your appointment. For best results, the area should be wrapped in a non-breathable material such as plastic wrap.
1. Epidermis: This is the outermost layer of the skin. While the tattoo needle may penetrate this layer during the tattooing process, ink is not deposited here for permanent tattoos. The epidermis is constantly shedding and regenerating, which means any ink placed here would quickly fade.
2. Dermis: This is the layer just beneath the epidermis. The dermis is the primary site for tattoo ink placement. It is more stable than the epidermis and does not renew itself as often, which helps in maintaining the tattoo’s appearance over time. The dermis contains connective tissues, blood vessels, and nerves, making it an ideal layer for ink retention.
3. Hypodermis: This is the bottom layer of the skin. Once the ink is broken down, it penetrates into the hypodermis and is eliminated through the lymphatic system.
Our Technician choses the laser wavelength that is the best choice for your skin type and the color of ink. Different colors absorb different wavelengths.
The laser is pointed at the tattoo. Its energy is absorbed by the color of the ink. The energy causes the ink particles to heat up and shatter into smaller fragments.
When the ink is broken into small enough particles, it can penetrate through the hypodermis. Once in the hypodermis, the body recognizes it as a foreign object. Macrophages, large cells that remove foreign bodies, encapsulate the ink, and it is eliminated from the body through the lymphatic system.
Tattoo removal is not instant. The laser's energy is precise and can only remove small amounts of ink with each session. Depending on the size, color, age, depth of the tattoo, and most importantly ink type, multiple sessions are needed (usually between 6 to 15). Six sessions is typically a best case-scenario, while an average is 12-15 sessions. No one can tell you an exact number of sessions it will take. Sessions are typically spaced 6-10 weeks apart, depending on the location on the body, to allow the body time to flush out the broken-down ink. Ink closer to the core of your body comes out quicker than ink on your extremities due to circulation.
Black comes out the easiest because it attracts the laser the best. Light, bright colors are the trickiest colors to break due to the limited pigment in bright colors. Sky blue and yellow is the trickiest.
The process can be uncomfortable. Some describe it as feeling like a continuous snap of a rubber band, others describe it as a splash of hot grease. The consolations for many is that it is a fast process. Imagine how long it would take to go over it with a highlighter. Typically a one color "credit-card size" tattoo can be fully treated within about 15 seconds. Cooling techniques and/or numbing creams are often used to reduce discomfort. Healing time is minimal, but after each session, the skin may be red, swollen, or blistered (blistering is not a very common response) for a few days.
To prepare for your tattoo removal appointment:
1. Check for contraindications (restrictions) that may make you ineligible.
2. Avoid sun exposure in the area 7 days before and after your appointment. This includes tanning beds, spray tans, and tanning lotion.
3. Avoid working out or activities that raise your core temperature (e.g., yoga, hot baths, saunas) 24 hours before and after your appointment.
4. Ensure no active infection in the area being treated (e.g., rosacea, herpes, cold sores).
5. Avoid photosensitizing medications, creams, or oils 7 days before and after your appointment. This includes antibiotics, over-the-counter meds, topicals, acids, or retinols.
6. Ensure no active tan or sunburn.
7. Females: No pregnancy or breastfeeding during the course of treatments.
During the procedure there is an immediate whitening that will go will go away within several minutes after the procedure. Pinpoint bleeding is also quite common, especially on thinner-skinned areas. Some uncommon side effects are superficial burns that may blister or crust over. Some develop small scabs from the ink coming to the surface, although most ink goes down into the hypodermis and is eliminated through the lymphatics system. Some clients may experience bruising or swelling.
In most cases a breathable wrap will be placed over the removal area. This DOES NOT need to stay on. It is put on initially to make sure the aloe used post procedure soaks in, so the aloe doesn't spread all over on your ride home, and to keep it from getting rubbed on initially.
Use aloe 2-3 times in the next 24 hours after your appointment. From then on, put medicated ointment (Aquafor is recommended) on the area 2-3 times a day for approximately a week. Keep the area from getting dried out, especially in the winter months as dry skin works against the body of ridding itself of the ink.
3. You may apply cool compresses as necessary post-procedure to help reduce discomfort and inflammation. You may use it as much as you like for comfort. There is no guideline on how much use is needed. Let you comfort take charge. However, be careful of frostbite. Use ice pack safety. You may take plain Tylenol as well for pain, but avoid aspirin (it can increase the risk of bruising and/or bleeding.)
4. Lasers can activate histamines. If you notice swelling, you make take Benedryl for the next few days after treatment as needed. Use the directions on the bottle as guidance.
5. As noted in pre-care, make sure you don't do anything that will raise your core temperature for the next 24 hours after treatment, such as saunas, working out, etc.
6. Should the area develop a blister, or crust or scab, periodically clean the area gently with soap and water and then gently pat the area dry. You may apply a thin coating of antibiotic ointment up to three times a day while the area is healing. If you keep the area covered, use a a sterile dressing.
7. Do not wear makeup or any cream or medication unless recommended by our office for 48 hours.
8. Wear a sunblock with an SPF of 25 or higher over the area for 3 months following the treatment.
9. Keep the area completely out of the sun for 1 week post treatment. Should you be in the sun, make the area is covered. A band-aid would suffice or some sort of soft wrap like an ace bandage.
If the area looks infected (honey colored crusting and oozing or spreading redness), if you experience an unusual discomfort or bleeding, if any other complications develop, or if you have any questions or concerns, contact the office immediately. Of course, if you have any extreme reaction (such as moderate to severe facial swelling, moderate to severe rash, any difficulty breathing, or you are in any distress) call 911 and go to the emergency department.
| Size | Tatto Size | Per Session | 6 Pack | 12 Pack | Unlimited Sessions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
X-Small
|
1×1 sq in |
50 |
270 |
510 |
650 |
|
Small |
2×2 sq in or approximately 4 sq inches |
100 |
540 |
1020 |
1300
|
|
Medium |
3×3 sq in or approximately 9 sq inches |
150 |
810 |
1530 |
1900 |
|
Large |
4×4 sq in or approximately 16 sq inches |
200 |
1080 |
2040 |
2500 |
|
X-Large |
5×5 sq in or approximately 25 sq inches |
250 |
1350 |
2550 |
3250 |
Laser tattoo removal works by using high-intensity light beams to break down ink particles within the skin’s dermis. The laser targets specific ink colors using different wavelengths. Once the ink particles are shattered into tiny fragments, your immune system’s macrophages naturally flush them out through the lymphatic system, gradually fading the tattoo over several sessions.
Discomfort levels vary by person, but many describe the sensation as similar to a rubber band snapping or a brief splash of hot grease. The good news; treatments are fast! A credit card sized tattoo can be treated in about 15 seconds. At LLA, cooling devices and numbing creams are used to minimize discomfort.
The number of sessions varies depending on tattoo size, color, depth, age, and ink type. Most tattoos require 6–15 sessions, spaced 6–10 weeks apart, to allow proper healing and ink elimination. Black ink fades the fastest, while light colors such as sky blue and yellow often take more treatments.
After treatment, the skin may appear red, swollen, or slightly tender for a few days. Mild blistering can occur but is uncommon. It’s important to keep the area clean, moisturized, and out of direct sunlight. Most clients resume normal activities right away, and visible fading is usually noticed after each session.
Most colors can be effectively treated, but black ink responds best because it absorbs all laser wavelengths. Brighter colors like yellow, light blue, and green are more challenging due to lower pigment density. LLA uses multiple laser wavelengths to target a wide range of tattoo colors safely and effectively.
You may not be eligible if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have active infections or open wounds in the treatment area, or are currently using photosensitive medications. A consultation at LLA will determine your candidacy and customize your treatment plan for the safest results.
Say goodbye to unwanted hair and enjoy smooth, confident skin all winter long!
Treat yourself this November with our special discount-enjoy exclusive savings on our popular treatment packages!
✨ Book your painless session in Sartell today before this deal disappears!
