laser tattoo removal

I alternate the laser with ice to minimize discomfort. Most people expect it to be worse than it is. It is over before you can say even say "ouch"!.

The laser feels like a really quick, elastic band.

You can pre-numb yourself with Emla, Zensa, or similar, prior to arriving if you like but it is not necessary. 

Depending on the settings used and the pigment that was previously used, it is possible that the laser tattoo removal will make the brow appear red. For some people this is temporary and removable with a different setting at the next session. For others, the red will be stubborn and take more time to lighten. 

Why does this happen?

Shades of brown pigment are made of mixing varying amounts of RED + YELLOW + BLACK. So when the laser removes the black, red and yellow remain but they can be targeted at the following session.

The number of sessions needed depends on skin type, the location of the tattoo, how many colors were used, how deep it is, and how many layers of pigment are in the skin. 

Skin Type: lighter skin types (where the tattoo is highly contrasted) will require less sessions than darker skin types. 

Location: The fastest tattoo to remove are the ones on the head and neck area, then the upper and lower torso. The slowest to remove are tattoos located on the feet and hands.

Colors: The more colors, the more sessions will be needed to successfully lighgten the tattoo. 

Depth: The more shallow/superficial the tattoo is, the faster it will be to lighten it. 

Colors: The more colors, the more sessions will be needed for successful lightening.

Feel free to send a photo to info@larajadebeauty.com for a virtual consultation, number of sessions suggested , and quote.  

The laser will not cause hair loss (it is a different machine to laser hair removal) but it can remove the color from the hair temporarily as it can not differentiate between tattoo pigment and hair pigmentation. I do my best to move the hair out of the way, but some hair will turn white when zapped. I advise clients to use a brow mascara on the brows after until the white grows out, or tint them.

The Q-switch laser breaks up the pigment using heat and then the immune and lymphatic system work to clear it from the body. 

Six to eight weeks waiting time between treatments is necessary to allow for the lymphatic system to metabolize the pigment as much as possible. The tattoo will continue to lighten for 6-8 weeks after your appointment so it is not beneficial to come back sooner than 6 weeks for another session.

• Redness, swelling, itching
  • This is a very common side effect of laser skin treatments. These symptoms usually subside after a few days, though "pink" skin may linger for many weeks later.
• Sun sensitivity
  • Since cosmetic lasers are pretty much heat or damage to the skin to encourage it to heal, it will make the skin sensitive to the sun and it is important to avoid it.
• Hair turning white - temporarily! We do our best to move the hair out of the way but sometimes it gets zapped and will look white after. You can use a tinted brow gel after  if this happens. The hair will grow back normally. 
• Changes in skin pigmentation (rare)
  • This laser provides a better result on those with lighter skin than those with darker however all types of skin have a risk of hyper and hypo pigmenting. Asian skin is particularly prone to hyperpigmentation. 
• Bruising (rare)
  • This will fade on its own.
• Infection (very rare)
  • Not a very common side effect but it can happen if scabs are picked or the area is not kept clean.
• Scarring (very rare)
  • Very uncommon but any kind of treatment that "damages your skin to make it better", will carry a risk of scarring. Scarring largely depends on skin type and you will be advised if you are not a good candidate for this procedure.
  • If you are prone to scarring or getting keloids, laser is not recommended. 
• Blistering, scabbing or crusting (rare)
  • These symptoms must be left alone to heal.
• It usually takes more than one session to get your desired results. 

• Skin with active inflammation
• If you have an infection currently 
• On antibiotics (topical or ingested)
• Recently tanned or sunburned skin (in the last month)
• History of keloid scarring
• Using photosensitive medicine (some examples include: Tetracycline, doxycycline, nalidixic acid, voriconazole, amiodarone, hydrochlorothiazide, naproxen, piroxicam, chlorpromazine and thioridazine)
• Fresh tattoo (less than 3 months)
• Pregnant 
• Diabetes (unless under control)
• Heart disease
• Cancer (specifically skin cancer)
• Liver disfunction 

Please wait at least 10 weeks after your last laser session to ensure that the laser has fully finished working. If we put new pigment in too soon, the lymphatic system does not know which pigment is old and which is new, so you could experience significant fading if tattooed too soon.

Laser tattoo removal aftercare:

• Keeping the area out of the sun for a month minimum 
• Keep the treatment area clean 
• Avoiding heat (including hot water) on the area for 48 hours
• Avoid rigorous exercise for 24 hours after
• Avoid touching the area (picking, poking, scratching etc.)

There is no down-time for laser tattoo removal. The area will be a bit red and swollen and calm down over the next few hours. You may wear makeup on the brows the following day as long as there is no break in the skin. 

No. If done safely and conservatively, laser tattoo removal does not damage the hair nor the hair follicles. The hair will grow back normally if zapped. The hair will not be removed by the laser tattoo removal machine as hair removal and tattoo removal are done with different settings.