Everything You Need to Know About Laser Tattoo Removal
For millions of Americans, tattoos are too cool for school. Our national love of Japanese art sleeves, ankle-side dolphins, and—the reigning champion—butterflies knows few limits.
By most trustworthy accounts, upwards of 30% of Americans have at least one tattoo. That’s nearly 100 million people with a spot of ink somewhere on their body. That said, the American obsession with tattoos isn’t unanimous. In fact, some of us are willing to try nearly anything to get our old, embarrassing, out-of-date ink removed.
But tattoos are permanent, right? The sort of rest-of-your-life decision that our parents warned us about? Thankfully, that’s simply not true.
Laser Tattoo Removal FAQs – Permanent No More
At Regeneris Medspa & Cosmetic Surgery in Boston, MA, Dr. Ryan Welter and his team have treated tribal wire, sprawling dragons, and—yes—even those popular butterflies on the lower back.
Regardless of so-called “miracle creams” or “at-home tattoo removers,” the best and most reliable method for getting rid of unwanted ink is laser tattoo removal. Here’s everything you’ve asked about what it is, how it works, how it feels, and what it costs.
What is laser tattoo removal?
Laser tattoo removal is an in-office treatment designed to remove ink pigments from skin nearly anywhere on the human body. Our skin is made up of three distinct layers. There’s the epidermis (outermost, visible layer), the dermis (middle layer), and the hypodermis (lowest layer).
During the tattooing process, ink pigments are deposited in the middle layer of skin (dermis). Because they’re below the epidermis and above the hypodermis, these pigments remain in place for months, years, and lifetimes. But that doesn’t mean that they can’t be removed.
At Regeneris, we use the Hollywood Spectra multi-color tattoo removal laser to destroy ink of any hue wherever it’s found in the skin. Here’s how it works.
How does laser tattoo removal work?
If you’ve ever spent a summer day at a community pool, you know how hot concrete can be on bare feet. You might also have noticed how much hotter the black asphalt felt underfoot. This difference in temperature is partly explained by the simple difference in color. Darker surfaces and materials absorb light and heat at higher rates than their lighter counterparts.
This simple scientific principle is what makes tattoo removal possible. By using quick, powerful, precision laser beams, we’re able to target the darker tattoo pigments while leaving surrounding skin unharmed.
These pigments absorb light and heat to such a degree that they’re literally scattered beneath the skin—broken apart so that they no longer hold their position in the dermis. Afterward, your skin processes the pigments out of the body through the completely natural lymphatic system. Better still, the differences in color and composition between tattoo pigments and your natural skin allows us to remove the ink without additional harm. It’s as simple as that.
Does laser tattoo removal hurt?
Because the light and heat required to scatter tattoo pigments can be intense, you should expect some discomfort throughout the treatment. When asked, most patients report that the process is roughly as uncomfortable as receiving the tattoo in the first place. For tattoo veterans and first-timers alike, this mild discomfort is a small price for giving that skin a new lease on life.
When compared to at-home creams and other, over-the-counter alternatives, laser tattoo removal is both more effective and less harmful. Some topical solutions can cause extensive scarring in the area while others simply fail to remove the pigment (in whole or at all). To get the job done right the first time around, laser tattoo removal is the best available option—regardless of the mild discomfort it causes.
How much does laser tattoo removal cost?
Without knowing the details of your tattoo (size, color, location, etc.), it’s impossible to put a number on laser removal treatments. Smaller, easily accessible tattoos require fewer treatments. But larger tattoos and lighter-colored pigments are especially time-consuming and difficult to treat.
If you’re interested in removing a tattoo that takes up most or all of your back (for example) you can expect numerous treatment sessions spread weeks apart for safety. If, on the other hand, you simply have a small crescent moon on your shoulder or peace sign behind your ear, you can expect a handful of appointments to do the trick.
To learn more about how many appointments you need, or to schedule a consultation to discuss your tattoo removal in person, call Regeneris Medspa today at (781) 412-1309 or contact us online.
Does laser tattoo removal work?
Absolutely. Laser tattoo removal remains the single most popular and effective method for getting rid of unwanted ink. Aesthetic laser technology and evolving skin science has given us the tools we need to target and remove tattoo pigments. Simply put, you won’t believe your laser tattoo removal before and after.
Move Past Old Memories & Reclaim Your Skin with Laser Tattoo Removal at Regeneris Medspa in Boston, MA
Old tattoos can sometimes tether us to a former version of ourselves. After so many years, some tattoos can serve as painful memories of people we lost, moments we survived, or fads we no longer hold to. From the names of boyfriends past to the cute starfish you got after one too many at a bar near the beach, laser tattoo removal can give you and your skin a new lease on life.
For more information about laser tattoo removal pricing or to discuss your specific tattoo with a trained professional, contact Regeneris Medspa today by calling (781) 412-1309 or contacting us online. You’re only one consultation away from starting your tattoo removal journey.
Trust the Laser Tattoo Removal Professionals in Boston, MA
Laser tattoo removal may be safe and effective in the hands of professionals, but the treatment can be dangerous in strip mall clinics and fast-cash skincare parlors. You may have gotten your tattoo from a less-than-reputable “artist,” but removing it requires trained, medical professionals with the latest equipment and greatest commitment to care. Learn more about Regeneris Medspa today, or check out our latest special offers to find what you need to feel and look your best!