With the popularity of tattoos on the rise, many may not consider their permanence when getting inked. Whether you got a tattoo you immediately disliked or if you have a tattoo that has lost its appeal over time, there are options like laser tattoo removal to help fade or eliminate an unwanted tattoo.
While many myths about at-home tattoo removal exist, these methods are generally unsafe and may leave the skin with lasting scarring. To ensure your tattoo has the greatest chance of removal with minimal scarring, it’s best to see an expert. That’s where Schlessinger MD comes in. Before booking your first laser tattoo removal appointment, it’s important to know:
- What to ask your provider before the procedure
- What to expect during and after
- What kind of results can be achieved
What should I ask my provider before a laser tattoo removal procedure?
Before you get laser tattoo removal, it’s important to find an expert who is familiar with the procedure and has the correct tools to do it safely. The experts at Schlessinger MD recommend asking your provider:
- Are they a board-certified dermatologist?
- Do they have experience doing laser tattoo removal?
- Do they have any experience working with skin of color?
- What can you expect for tattoo removal cost?
- What kind of laser technology will be used?
- What kind of results can be achieved?
The answers to these questions are important because they can affect the results you experience. The experts at Schlessinger MD are well-versed in tattoo removal in skin of all colors, and we’d be happy to book a consultation to discuss your options.
What kind of results can be achieved with laser tattoo removal?
Dr. Daniel Schlessinger, board-certified dermatologist as well as Mohs surgeon and cosmetic surgeon, says, “It’s important to know from the start not all tattoos can be fully removed. While laser tattoo removal can help significantly lighten or diminish an unwanted tattoo, your tattoo removal experience will be unique to your skin and the colors in the tattoo itself, rather than what it looks like. During your consultation, we’ll evaluate your tattoo and skin to tailor a treatment plan that will help achieve the best results possible.”
First, consider the size of your tattoo. If your tattoo is the same size or smaller than a standard 3×5 index card, you may be a good candidate. Larger tattoos are on a case-by-case basis and can be still removed but may take a significant amount more time to treat and likely won’t be fully gone at the end of treatment. The same can be said for smaller tattoos, but they generally respond better. Additionally, consider the pigments and/or colors used in your tattoo. The more colorful it is, the less likely it is to be fully removed. Black, brown and, in some cases, red tend to see the best results. Lighter colors such as blue and green tend to be more difficult to remove. “We’ll use this information, combined with the knowledge of how different lasers affect different skin tones and pigments, to customize your treatment plan,” Dr. Daniel Schlessinger says.
Lastly, Dr. Daniel Schlessinger says, “It’s important to note that not every tattoo will respond to every treatment. Sometimes, it can be difficult to predict which appointment will yield results, so be prepared to undergo multiple sessions. Working with your provider as the tattoo removal process progresses is ideal for achieving the desired results, and multiple sessions should be factored into what to expect for tattoo removal cost.”
What can I expect during and after tattoo removal?
Before the tattoo removal process, we will prepare the area by applying a topical anesthetic. Then, the provider will anesthetize the tattoo itself to numb the skin. Dr. Joel Schlessinger, board-certified dermatologist, Mohs surgeon and cosmetic surgeon, says, “We will either do what’s called a stacked treatment, which is the equivalent of four treatments in the same appointment, or four passes of the laser. A single pass may also be performed depending on the needs of your skin and the tattoo itself.”
When doing a stacked treatment, before the laser is used on the tattoo, the provider will place a patch called The Describe Patch over the area. “This allows us to complete more treatments safely during the same session, saving you on time and treatment cost,” says Dr. Joel Schlessinger.
After tattoo removal, you can expect the area to be tender or sore anywhere from three to fourteen days. The color of your tattoo will fade as the ink particles in the skin become smaller through multiple treatments, which will eventually be eliminated naturally from the body.
“Since the laser used generates heat, there is a possibility of scarring, especially depending on the area where the tattoo is and the delicacy of the skin in that area. Some vulnerable areas include the neck, upper arm, shoulder and chest. Additionally, if you have a darker skin tone, it may be challenging to remove the tattoo completely without causing a light halo effect to the surrounding skin,” Dr. Joel Schlessinger says.
For aftercare, treat the affected area as a new tattoo. Avoid swimming in lakes, oceans or public pools or dirtying the area to prevent contaminating the affected skin, and keep the area well protected from UV rays with a broad-spectrum sunscreen.
Leave the treated area dressed immediately after treatment and keep a dressing or a “second skin” on the area for 4-6 days after treatment. Use a mild soap like CLn Body Wash (which is specifically formulated to decrease infections in compromised skin) to wash the area a few times a day. Gently pat the area dry, and use an occlusive treatment like ALASTIN Restorative Skin Nectar to promote proper healing. It contains special peptides that not only strengthen the skin prior to treatments, but help enhance healing afterwards. It also has a bacteriostatic formula, which helps prevent bacterial spread and infection. After 4-6 days, begin to apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer such as Epionce Medical Barrier Cream. To avoid scarring and/or infections, don’t pick at any scabs or dry skin that forms as you continue to heal. If you do experience itching or flaking, apply FixMySkin 1% Hydrocortisone Healing Balm onto areas of concern. It will help soothe itchiness while moisturizing the area and promoting healing.
To prepare for subsequent treatments, protect your skin from the sun. Avoid coming in for your next laser tattoo removal appointment with tanned or sunburned skin, as compromised skin cannot be treated and will affect your treatment results. Additionally, and if needed, ensure the area is fully shaved beforehand to allow the laser to penetrate the tattoo effectively.
Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to tattoo removal results. Due to the variety of pigments used in tattooing, individual skin conditions, skin tone and the placement of the tattoo, results may vary. That said, the Schlessinger MD team has been treating unwanted tattoos since 1997, and we are confident we will be able to provide expert direction for your tattoo removal. Book your virtual consultation with one of our talented physician assistants by visiting our appointment page.