Commonly asked questions about Laser Tattoo Removal
How many treatments will I need?
Most clients need 8 to 12 treatments for complete removal and 3 to 4 treatments for tattoo lightening. During your free consultation, a medical practitioner will assess your tattoo using a list of factors to best determine the number of treatments you will need for your desired outcome. Some factors include personal health, skin types, your tattoo’s age, size, location, and colors, and the ink density.
When will I see complete results?
Our Astanza Trinity is engineered to shatter more ink with each session, effectively speeding up the natural fading process and reducing the number of overall treatments you will need to see complete results. Clients who request the PFD Patch can receive up to 4x as many laser passes in a single session compared to single-pass treatments without the Patch and experience even faster removal results. That said, a minimum of 6 to 8 weeks is required between treatments to give your skin ample time to heal. The time it takes to see complete results is dependent on this 6 to 8-week healing period times the number of treatments your tattoo is assigned. Waiting less time in between treatments does not speed up the time it takes to remove the tattoo.
Does laser tattoo removal hurt?
Laser tattoo removal feels similar to a rubber band snapping against the skin. Clients with a lower pain tolerance have compared it to getting a tattoo applied. Overall, the laser is tolerable and treatments are very quick. Connecticut Tattoo Removal uses the Zimmer Cryo 6 cooling machine. This noninvasive system numbs the skin by blowing freezing cold air before, during, and after your laser session.
How long are treatments?
Unlike tattoo application, laser tattoo removal is a very fast procedure. Depending on your tattoo’s size, a single laser session can last between a few seconds to 20 minutes tops.
How much does laser tattoo removal cost?
Connecticut Tattoo Removal provides affordable laser tattoo removal treatments based on the size of your tattoo. Treatments are charged individually based on your tattoo’s size. Connecticut Tattoo Removal offers free consultations, treatment packages, and discounts to help you save more.
Can you fade my tattoo for a cover-up?
Yes! Laser tattoo removal isn’t only used to erase tattoos, it’s also used to modify existing artwork and improve cover up tattoos. Laser tattoo removal creates a cleaner canvas for tattoo artists to apply a cover-up, lifting limitations like size and colors. In addition to fading, our team can also selectively remove a part of your tattoo (i.e. a name) while leaving the surrounding ink untouched.
Is laser tattoo removal safe? Are there any side effects?
Laser tattoo removal is the safest technique for removing unwanted tattoos. We use FDA-approved technology and custom protocols to perform the safest treatments for all skin types. All of our medical practitioners are certified in operating advanced Q-switched laser technology and have the designations of Certified Laser Specialist and Laser Safety Officer.
Common side effects include temporary redness, itchiness, swelling, blistering, scabbing, and/or pigmentation changes. All of these side effects are temporary and will heal over the weeks following each treatment. Connecticut Tattoo Removal provides detailed aftercare instructions to ensure your skin receives the best care outside our practice.
Who can operate a tattoo removal laser in CT?
Only a licensed medical doctor, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner in Connecticut may operate a tattoo removal laser. In addition, the laser must be used in a medical setting, such as a hospital or medical office, and the person operating the laser must be appropriately trained. It is illegal for anyone who is not a licensed medical professional to operate a tattoo removal laser in Connecticut.
Suppose you are interested in getting a tattoo removed. In that case, it is crucial to seek a qualified medical professional who is adequately trained and licensed to use a tattoo removal laser. This will ensure that the procedure is performed safely and effectively.
What are the differences between Q-switched and Pico lasers?
Q-switched and Pico lasers are used for various skin treatments, including tattoo removal, skin resurfacing, and pigmentation correction. However, there are a few key differences between these two types of lasers that make one more suitable for a particular treatment than the other.
One key difference between Q-switched and Pico lasers is the laser pulse duration. Q-switched lasers have very short, high-energy pulses that last for just a few nanoseconds, while Pico lasers have even shorter pulses that last for picoseconds (that’s why they’re called “Pico” lasers). This difference in pulse duration means that Q-switched lasers are better at breaking up large particles, such as in tattoo ink. Pico lasers are better at breaking up smaller particles, such as pigment in the skin.
Another difference between Q-switched and Pico lasers is the wavelength of the laser beam. Q-switched lasers typically have a wavelength of 1064-1070 nm, which is absorbed well by pigments like ink and melanin, making them practical for tattoo removal and pigmentation correction. On the other hand, Pico lasers typically have a shorter wavelength in the range of 532-1064 nm, which is absorbed less deeply in the skin and can be less effective at breaking up larger particles. However, the shorter wavelength of Pico lasers can make them less painful and more suitable for use on sensitive areas of the skin, such as the face.
Ultimately, choosing a Q-switched laser and Pico laser will depend on the specific treatment performed and the skin’s characteristics. A medical professional can recommend the most suitable laser for a particular treatment based on the patient’s needs.
What are the advantages of coming to an owner-operated clinic vs. a franchise tattoo removal clinic?
Great question! At Connecticut Tattoo Removal, we believe there are several advantages to choosing our locally-owned and operated business over a franchised operation:
- Personalized service: My practice is personally owned and operated. I provide a personalized and tailored experience for my patients. At Connecticut Tattoo Removal, each patient receives individualized attention, care, and expertise. Franchise employees come and go and provide no continuity of treatment.
- Expertise and Experience: I am a trained Yale University School of Medicine medical provider with over 35 years of medical experience. Laser tattoo removal is all that I do.
- Flexibility and Customization: I offer flexible services and customized options. My prices are not based on a franchise, non-negotiable fee structure. I can tailor treatment to meet the individual client’s needs, including varying tattoo sizes, colors, and skin types. And, unlike a franchise, I can adapt and provide personalized solutions.
- Passion: I started this practice because of my own experience with laser tattoo removal. I know first-hand about the laser tattoo removal process. I also know how great it feels when that tattoo is completely removed, like a clean slate. I will walk you through the entire process and make you feel comfortable every step of the way.
- Reputation: My practice enjoys a five-star rating on Google, including personal testimonials from clients I’ve treated, unlike a franchise operation whose reviews may come from centers in any of their national locations.
- Veteran-owned: I am an eight-year military veteran. I always offer discounts to active duty personnel, veterans, and military recruits. I also offer discounts to medical providers and first responders.
If you value a personalized approach, expertise, and a local presence, Connecticut Tattoo Removal is the Right Place for the Wrong Tattoo.
What are the most challenging ink colors to remove?
Generally, black, and darker-colored inks are easier to remove because they absorb a wider range of laser wavelengths. On the other hand, the hardest ink colors to remove include:
Green: Green ink is notoriously difficult to break down with laser energy. Lasers that emit wavelengths around 694 nm (Ruby lasers) or 755 nm (Alexandrite lasers) are often used for green inks, but multiple sessions might be needed.
Sky Blue / Teal: These colors can also be challenging to treat, with wavelengths around 694 nm being used.
Yellow: Yellow doesn’t absorb laser light very well and can be resistant to removal. It may fade but not always disappear completely.
Purple and Pinks: These colors might also require more sessions compared to darker inks.
Fluorescent or glow-in-the-dark inks: These special inks can be especially difficult to remove due to their unique properties.
It’s worth noting that newer tattoo removal technologies and multi-wavelength lasers are being developed to target a broader range of ink colors more effectively. However, even with the best technology, some tattoos (especially those with a mix of colors or certain resistant shades) may not be completely removed or may require numerous sessions for significant fading.
As always, it’s important to consult with a dermatologist or a specialist in tattoo removal to assess the feasibility of removal and to understand what to expect from the process.
