How Many Sessions to Remove My Tattoo? Everything You Need to Know About Laser Tattoo Removal

Body Details True Laser® Centers have successfully removed thousands of unwanted tattoos for our clients. While tattoos are meant to be permanent, our clients have erased unwanted ink from all body parts. If you’ve been researching how to remove a tattoo, you know that while laser tattoo removal is one of the most effective means to remove tattoos, it is not an overnight process. It’s important for you to commit to the recommended course of action to achieve the desired results. Read on to find out about what you should expect from your laser tattoo removal process.

An Overview of The Laser Tattoo Removal Process

Tattoo artists target the skin cells that are 1.5 to 2 millimeters (less than a tenth of an inch)  beneath the skin’s surface in the dermis layer. The ink remains trapped in those cells, which is why tattoos are somewhat permanent. At Body Details, our medical staff uses the PicoWay laser to target those same skin cells where the ink is trapped. The heat of the laser causes the pigments to break up. The body can then safely dispose of the ink, and the tattoo eventually fades away. It’s important to note that this is not typically a “one-and-done” treatment. In fact, because the process involves targeting the deepest cells first, the tattoo can sometimes appear darker after the first treatment. The laser tattoo removal process generally requires 8 to 12 weeks between sessions for the skin to heal fully.

How Many Treatments Does It Take to Remove a Tattoo?

We know that once you’ve decided to remove a tattoo, you’re anxious to get it done. We caution you to be patient. Depending on the tattoo’s size, location, and coloring, it may take five or six treatments before your ink is fully removed. That means full results can take as long as a year to achieve. Some laser tattoo removal clinics charge a per session fee, but Body Details has an all-inclusive package price backed by free touchup treatments. Whether your tattoo removal requires four or eight sessions, you can keep coming back until the tattoo is completely gone under the lifetime guarantees written terms and conditions.

Other Laser Tattoo Removal Methods

There are, of course, competing methods for tattoo removal. Here is a breakdown of the more common alternative solutions for tattoo removal.

Surgical Tattoo Removal

This is an invasive procedure that involves the surgeon applying a local anesthetic to the target area and cutting away the skin. The incision edges are then stitched together until the incision site heals. The drawbacks of this procedure include scarring, long downtimes, and its use is limited to smaller tattoos.

Dermabrasion

This process is performed by a medical professional who uses a rotary sander to tear away the skin down to the dermis, where the tattoo ink is. The resulting wound is similar to road rash, and the aftercare procedures are similar. The process is painful, can leave scars, and produces varying results.

Chemical Peel

With a chemical peel, trichloroacetic acid is applied to the skin. This is the same active chemical used in other types of skin peels. Once the acid reaches the dermis layer, it kills the skin cells containing the ink. Chemical peels can be effective for smaller and lighter tattoos but produce varying degrees of results.

Advantages to Laser Tattoo Removal

Laser tattoo removal’s before and after results are difficult to produce with other removal methods. Sessions usually take less than 30 minutes and are relatively painless. With the Body Details True Laser® Center’s all-inclusive package, you don’t have to worry about running out of money before your tattoo is fully removed. We’re finished when the ink is completely gone.

Frequently Asked Questions About Laser Tattoo Removal

Removing a tattoo is almost as big of a commitment as getting one. We understand your concerns. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions by laser tattoo removal clients and the answers provided by our medical staff.

Is Laser Tattoo Removal Permanent?

Yes. Laser tattoo removal works by destroying the ink in the dermis. Once the tattoo is gone, it has no way to regroup or come back. If you notice that after you heal, any portion of the tattoo is still visible, we can schedule another session.

Does Laser Tattoo Removal Hurt?

Many of our clients compare the sensation to a rubber band snapping against this skin. In any event, it’s usually less painful than getting the tattoo was. To ensure that you don’t feel pain, we cool the skin before, during, and after the session with the Zimmer cryogenic cooling device.

How Should I Prepare Before Treatment?

No preparation is required for your treatments, but there are a few things you should avoid. Keep the treatment area covered if you’re going in the sun or using a tanning bed. Don’t put any creams or lotions on your skin before your appointment and avoid taking any photosensitizing medications before any laser treatment.

What Can I Expect After My Treatment?

In the first few days after your treatment, you can expect the skin around the affected area to be red and swollen for a few days. You can apply skin moisturizer to promote healing and minimize irritation. You shouldn’t swim for at least a week after your treatment. Cover the tattoo area if you go in the sun or use a tanning bed.

Will I Notice an Immediate Change After My First Session?

The laser tattoo removal process typically takes several sessions to be effective. After your first session, you may notice the tattoo pigments have even gotten darker. This is a normal part of the process. After two or three sessions, you will see a noticeable fading.

Why Choose Body Details?

Body Details is one of the country’s foremost laser tattoo removal centers. All of our facilities are staffed with medical professionals who have received thorough laser tattoo removal training. Additionally, we offer an all-inclusive package to ensure that your tattoo will be completely erased and put our money where our mouth is with a free lifetime guarantee on tattoo removal services. Stop in at a local Body Details or schedule your free appointment online today.