Time to rethink your ink?
Laser Tattoo Removal in Boca Raton
One thing is true about every tattoo. They all seemed like a great idea when we got them. Nobody ever gets a tattoo thinking they’ll have it removed down the road. Still, many people eventually choose to do just that.
Sometimes you know right away. It just didn’t turn out the way you envisioned it. Other times, the meaning or message no longer holds the same level of importance as it did years ago and it’s time to move on. Whatever your reasons for considering tattoo removal, DermPartners in Boca Raton offers laser tattoo removal for almost any situation.
How does laser tattoo removal work?
During the procedure, our trained laser technician guides a laser over the treatment area. This device delivers pulses of light energy which penetrate the skin and is absorbed by the tattoo ink. As the ink particles absorb the energy, they heat up and then break up into tiny fragments. Then, over the weeks following treatment, the body’s immune system flushes the tattoo ink particles away from the location and out of the body entirely, lightening the appearance of the tattoo. Each subsequent treatment breaks down more and more of the tattoo ink until none remains. Tattoo ink particles are extremely small and require only a brief heating period before they break into fragments. The surrounding skin cells are much larger by comparison and are left undamaged by the process.
Yeah, but does it hurt?
Pain is somewhat subjective. Everyone seems to have his or her own tolerance level. Generally speaking though, laser tattoo removal does involve some amount of discomfort. However, many patients report that it hurts less than they expected. A common misconception is that tattoo removal is excruciating. To the contrary, most patients say that it is no more painful than having a tattoo applied. Some describe the sensation as similar to a rubber band snapping against the skin. All in all, it can best be described as uncomfortable but bearable.
How Long Does Laser Tattoo Removal Take?
It’s impossible to say how long a tattoo removal process will take without examining the patient first. There are a number of factors that figure into the overall job, such as
- The location of the tattoo
- The age of the tattoo
- The kind of ink and colors used in the tattoo
- The skin quality around the tattoo
Small older tattoos of a single color can sometimes be removed in a single session. Most however, take multiple sessions over time to completely remove the tattoo. Individual sessions can last from 15 minutes to an hour depending on the area and the tattoo.
How Much Does Tattoo Removal Cost?
As is the case with time estimates, cost is equally difficult to predict. Tattoo removal cost is tied to the tattoo’s size, colors and the number of sessions required. Interested patients can schedule a complimentary consultation where our laser technician will evaluate the tattoo and provide a cost and time-frame estimate. She will also discuss payment and financing options.
