We all change as time goes by. And if you find that an old tattoo no longer suits your tastes, laser tattoo removal is a great solution. Our Idaho Falls practice helps many men and women remove old tattoos that no longer fit their lifestyles. But some patients who are new to cosmetic procedures may be unsure of how the treatment process works.
Don’t worry—tattoo removal is a safe, straight-forward procedure. In this blog post, we’ll explain the before, during, and after of what you can expect from a tattoo removal session at Freeman Plastic Surgery.
Before
Your first step is to request a one-on-one consultation with our cosmetic team. During this meeting, you will be able to discuss your goals with an experienced provider and have your target tattoo inspected.
Our staff will be able to give an estimate as to how much your procedure will cost and how many sessions removal may take. Smaller tattoos typically start at $75 per treatment and large tattoos at $250, but factors such as tattoo color, tattoo age, and the depth of the ink all play a factor in this estimate.
During
When you arrive for your tattoo removal session, your provider will chill the tattooed skin with the Cryo 6 machine. They will then apply the laser to the target area and trace over the shape of your tattoo. Your skin may blister and swell as the laser passes over. Some patients describe this experience as a mild sting.
The duration of your treatment session depends on the size of your tattoo. Smaller tattoos can be treated in only a minute or 2, while larger pieces can take 40 to 60 minutes.
After
The treatment area will be cooled to help reduce any discomfort. Your provider will apply a topical antibiotic ointment and bandage to the site. Apply this ointment over the next several days and change your dressing each time you do so. Protect the tattoo from direct sun exposure between treatment sessions.
Tattoo removal is a careful, gradual process. The skin needs to heal between sessions, and it takes several treatments to completely fade the ink. Sessions are scheduled 6 to 8 weeks apart, and most patients require 6 to 10 treatments to completely remove the tattoo.
Although tattoos are a great source of self expression, they don’t have to be permanent. Our team at Freeman Plastic Surgery will walk through you every step of the way and help you find the results you’re looking for.
If you would like to learn more about your laser tattoo removal options here in Idaho Falls, please request a consultation online. You can also call our practice office at (208) 881-5351.
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