Are you sick and tired of having to look at that tattoo in the mirror? Perhaps it’s a reminder of your ex or the result of a few too many to drink one Spring Break. There are a few tattoo removal options that can help to make that unsightly tat a thing of the past. There are multiple options to get rid of tattoo ink, but there are certain things to know when it comes to the cost of tattoo removal and what the right professionals can do for you.
Laser Tattoo Removal
The most common tattoo removal option is laser removal, but what about tattoo removal cost? The removal process may take a great deal of time and resources, but the size of the tattoo is what has the greatest impact on tattoo removal price. The good news is that laser technology has made significant strides in recent years to limit the number of sessions it may take for the most progress. For some really small tattoos, you may end up spending just a few hundred dollars for as few as three sessions.
The pigment and color used also affect the cost of laser tattoo removal, with larger, more complex tattoos running up the overall cost and number of sessions. Reach out to tattoo removal specialists for a free consultation for laser tattoo removal treatments. This service can be found through various locations, anywhere from a dermatologist’s office to a medical spa. Keep in mind, laser tattoo removal fades the ink, not doing away with it completely.
Understanding the Laser Treatment Session
Laser technicians will numb your tattooed skin with a local anesthetic. Keep in mind, the tattoo removal process can lead the skin to bleed and swell after each session, depending on the wavelengths of laser used, and the extent of the session. Different wavelengths may be necessary for a quicker fade, as well as in relation to the tattoo’s size. On average, laser removal takes six to eight sessions. You’ll also need 6-8 weeks between these sessions for recovery time. It’s important to have an initial consultation for multiple quotes to find a suitable payment plan.
Beyond the total cost of those sessions, a laser removal specialist may also provide certain aftercare instructions to avoid the risk of infection. This usually involves an antibacterial cream or ointment that needs to be applied to where the laser treatment is taking place. This acts as a boost to the immune system, requiring regular cleaning and wound dressing for at least one week after the session. You’ll notice redness and swelling near the site of the tattoo removal. Be sure to avoid picking at any scabs or scars.
Exploring Other Tattoo Removal Options
Outside of laser removal, there are other treatment options in this marketplace to make that tat disappear. Surgical removal effectively cuts the tattoo off, then stitches the remaining skin back together where the old tattoo used to be. This is highly invasive and, while this is a surgical method, most health insurance companies viewing this as a cosmetic procedure. This is also only recommended for small tattoos due to significant scarring and risk of infection.
Those with tattoo regret may also opt for dermabrasion, which effectively takes a sanding device to remove layers of skin to allow ink to leach out. Dermabrasion is not the best idea for anyone with sensitive skin and is not recommended for certain skin tones. This tattoo removal method is also not recommended for anyone who is anemic or on blood thinners. It’s also costly when you factor in the size and color of your tattoo. Make sure you’re finding the treatment options that best suit your comfort level and need.
