How Laser Tattoo Removal Works
In order to understand how tattoo removals work, you must know how tattoos are created in the first place.
A tattoo is made up of ink particles that are implanted into the deep layers of the skin, called the dermis. These particles are too large for your body’s immune system to remove on its own, making tattoos permanent.
What the laser does is create a shockwave to shatter those pigments into smaller particles. Once they are small enough, the body can remove them naturally. The laser will leave two types of particles behind. Some are superficial and flake off. Those deeper inside the skin are absorbed by the body.
Most people see about 90 percent fading after just a few sessions. Even if complete removal isn’t possible, the results are dramatic.
What is the Latest Technology in Laser Tattoo Removal?
At the heart of laser tattoo removal in Toronto is the laser technology itself. While “laser” may sound like a scary word, there’s nothing to fear.
These safe devices emit a high-intensity light that targets the pigment in the tattoo. We use one of three laser wavelengths, sometimes in combination: 532 nm, 755 nm, and 1064 nm. The more wavelengths, the better your multi-colour laser tattoo removal results.
At SpaMedica, we offer several advanced laser systems:
- Picosure: The first picosecond laser by Cynosure. Works well on dark colours like black, green, and blue. Also used for skin issues like fine lines and wrinkles.
- PicoWay: Made by Candela and works for all skin types. Great for lighter colours and darker skin tones.
- Revlite: Another Cynosure product that targets specific colours like red. Has four wavelengths. Works best with other lasers.
- Affinity Q-switched 1064 nm Nd:YAG: Excellent for multi-coloured tattoos. The YAG crystal creates the perfect wavelength for tattoo removal.
Cost of Laser Tattoo Removal in Toronto
Some say you can’t put a price on peace of mind. Removing a tattoo that bothers you can bring real relief. The cutting-edge machines we mentioned cost upwards of tens of thousands of dollars. Thus, it should come as no surprise that the price of laser tattoo removal reflects that.
It is also a delicate process that should only be done by trained professionals in a controlled environment. Pricing is in line with industry standards. Contact us or book a consultation to learn more.
The final price of your tattoo removal will depend on the tattoo itself. A 1-inch black and gray rose on your wrist will naturally cost less than a wall-to-wall back piece in full colour. Size, complexity, and colours of the tattoo are all factors that will influence the price. Many patients feel the freedom from an unwanted tattoo is worth the investment.
What to Expect During Treatment
Much like getting the initial tattoo, laser removal can seem scary if you don’t know what to expect. Our team, led by Dr. Chen, will aim to put you at ease as soon as you walk through the door.
First, you’ll have a consultation with our technicians. They’ll look at your tattoo and create a treatment plan. Feel free to take this opportunity to ask any questions about the process. On the day of your session, you’ll be guided to our treatment room and introduced to the machines. We’ll explain each step so you know exactly what’s happening.
During the actual removal process, you may experience some discomfort. To that end, we offer various numbing options to help minimize any pain or discomfort. All in all, the process takes 15 minutes to 45 minutes per session. Most people return to their daily activities immediately after. You’ll leave with aftercare instructions to ensure optimal healing between sessions.
Factors affecting cost
When planning for tattoo removal, consider these cost factors:
- Tattoo size
- Tattoo colour
- Number of sessions
How Many Sessions Are Needed?
There is a direct correlation between the price and the number of sessions needed. What makes a tattoo more expensive to remove are the same factors that make it take longer to fade away.
As such, the number of tattoo removal sessions is dependent on the piece you are looking to get removed. Your individual anatomy/biology will also affect what’s possible with laser tattoo removal. For instance, your immune system’s efficiency and how well your body processes the ink particles.
In most cases, you’ll need 6-9 treatments to get the desired result. We schedule these several weeks apart to allow your body time to flush away the shattered ink particles. Some people can reach 100% removal, while others may have a tattoo that will never fully disappear, but rather fade away at 85-90%.
How Do You Decide if a Patient is a Good Candidate For Laser Tattoo Removal?
At SpaMedica, your safety is our top priority. As such, we will accept anyone regardless of gender, race, age, or skin type for a consultation. If you don’t have health issues that affect treatment, you’re likely a good candidate. We look for candidates who are non-smokers and relatively healthy.
Note that your tattoo should be at least six weeks old to be eligible. You should also have realistic expectations about what’s possible. And by that, we mean the possibility that you might only get rid of 90% of your tattoo, as opposed to a complete removal.
Beyond that, we accept anybody who wants to remove a tattoo. Whether it’s an ex-lover’s name that is no longer relevant, a botched design, or simply a change in personal preferences, we are here to help. Our goal is to provide a judgment-free environment where you can take steps toward the skin you want.
Choosing a Laser Removal Clinic in Toronto
The single most important decision you will make regarding laser tattoo removal in Toronto is choosing the right clinic.
Just as you’d choose a skilled tattoo artist, you need a clinic with trained experts and top equipment. The difference is that going to an inexperienced tattoo artist leaves you at worst with a bad tattoo. Going to an illegitimate medical professional can have much more dire consequences.
Subpar machinery can cause serious harm to your skin. It may also end up wasting your time and money on treatments that don’t work. The risks of going to an uncertified professional for tattoo removal are not worth taking.
When choosing a laser removal clinic in Toronto, look for:
- Qualified staff: Make sure they have certified medical professionals trained in laser treatments.
- Modern equipment: Ask about board-approved laser technology made for tattoo removal.
- Good reviews: Check testimonials and before-and-after photos.
- Thorough consultation: A quality clinic will assess your tattoo and create a personal plan.
- Aftercare support: The clinic should provide aftercare instructions and be available during the healing process.
At SpaMedica, we pride ourselves on meeting all these criteria. Book a consultation today to begin your journey to clear skin.
Ready to say goodbye to your unwanted tattoo? Contact SpaMedica today to schedule your consultation. Our expert team will guide you through the process, answer all your questions, and help you love your skin again.
