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.
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:
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. At SpaMedica, sessions cost between $480 and $1,440, which is in line with industry standards.
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.
The images above show what’s in the realm of possibility when it comes to laser tattoo removal. As you can see, it is a gradual process where the tattoo will remain somewhat visible in the first few sessions. However, you may also notice that some patients are completely ink-free after treatment.
The darker areas in some images show where the laser is still working on the tattoo or wasn’t able to completely remove it. It may continue to fade with more sessions. Each person’s skin reacts differently to treatment. Results may vary based on your skin type and tattoo colours.
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.
When planning for tattoo removal, consider these cost factors:
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%.
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.
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:
At SpaMedica, we pride ourselves on meeting all these criteria. Book a consultation today to begin your journey to clear skin.
Compared to a needle puncturing your skin a few times per second, tattoo removal is slightly less painful. There’s no denying that it would hurt without our modern soothing techniques. We apply topical anesthesia before your treatment to numb the area. Our air chilling device further reduces discomfort by cooling the skin during the procedure.
In the end, it will be less painful physically and emotionally to get the tattoo removed than to live with ink you no longer want.
At SpaMedica, laser tattoo removal sessions range from $480 to $1,440, depending on the size, colours, and complexity of your tattoo. This pricing reflects the advanced technology and expert care you’ll receive.
Remember that the total cost depends on how many sessions you’ll need. During your consultation, we’ll provide a more accurate estimate.
Most patients require between 6 and 9 sessions to achieve their desired results. Each session is spaced 6-8 weeks apart to allow your body time to process the ink particles.
Yes, it does, even though some colours are more difficult than others. SpaMedica has the best machines in the world for this type of work. Our range of laser technologies with different wavelengths allows us to target all ink colours. Our approach gives you the best chance of complete tattoo removal, regardless of the colours in your design.
Laser tattoo removal is an outpatient procedure with no downtime. Usually, redness and swelling occur after the treatment, but they last only a few hours to a couple of days. You can return to most normal activities right after your session.
To avoid scarring, wait a few weeks before rescheduling your next appointment. This gives your skin time to heal between treatments.
It is not possible to guarantee the complete removal of a tattoo. However, SpaMedica achieves 90-95% fading on average. Many patients do reach complete removal. Results depend on tattoo colour, age, location, skin type, and aftercare. Even when some ink remains, it’s usually barely visible.
After treatment, you might experience slight pain and discomfort that might last a week. The skin should be healed after two weeks. The treated area may be red, slightly swollen, or initially feel like a mild sunburn.
You might also notice “white frosting” immediately after treatment. This is a temporary reaction where the skin turns white. It fades during the first 15 minutes following treatment, and the crust falls off after a week. This reaction is normal and actually indicates that the laser is effectively breaking down the ink.
Yes, laser tattoo removal is safe when performed with the right equipment by trained professionals. All lasers used at SpaMedica are Health Canada-approved and operated by certified technicians.
