Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if tattoo removal is for me?
How many treatments are required?
Will the treatment completely remove the tattoo?
How painful is the procedure?
How do the lasers eliminate a tattoo?
Am I a good candidate for tattoo removal?
How should I prepare for the treatments?


How do I know if tattoo removal is for me?
  • The best way to determine if tattoo removal is best for you is to meet with a doctor who is trained in the use of lasers and performs this procedure on a regular basis.
  • Make a list of questions to discuss during your first consultation. It is extremely important that you understand the procedure and what to expect both during and after the treatment. Don't be afraid to share your concerns and expectations with the doctor. Together, you can decide if tattoo removal is the right choice for you.
How many treatments are required?
  • Tattoo removal can be a lengthy procedure, but the number of treatments required will vary depending on the amount of pigment in the tattoo, and your expectations.
  • Seven to 12 treatments are the norm for professional tattoos, although don't be surprised if removing your tattoo requires more. In some cases, simple amateur tattoos can be treated within two to four sessions.
  • The process also requires a substantial time commitment on your part, since you must allow 6 to 8 weeks between each session.
Will the treatment completely remove the tattoo?
  • The results depend on the specific characteristics of the individual tattoo.
  • Amateur black line tattoos are easiest, while multicolour professional tattoos can be more difficult.
  • Complete clearing may not be achievable with multi-coloured professional tattoos, but lightening can usually be expected.
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How painful is the procedure?
  • Pain is an individual experience.
  • The laser treatment is often described as an elastic band "slapping" your skin. People feel the same sharp sensation differently.
  • To prevent discomfort during treatment we offer a range of options. Patients undergoing laser tattoo removal generally require having the treatment area frozen with a local or regional nerve-block procedure. Once the freezing takes effect, discomfort is minimal.
How do the lasers eliminate a tattoo?
  • Lasers work by producing short pulses of intense, pure, one colour of light that pass through the top layers of the skin to be selectively absorbed by the birthmark's pigment.
  • This laser energy causes the pigment to fragment microscopically.
  • Some of the pigment comes off with the crust that forms after laser treatment; the body absorbs some of the pigment as it heals, and a small amount of pigment stays invisible in the tissue.
  • We have determined which wavelength of light to use, and how to best direct the laser's energy to remove a tattoo.
Am I a good candidate for tattoo removal?
  • The best candidate for tattoo removal is a person who has learned all he or she can about the procedure, what to expect during the treatment, and what the end result will be. These are all questions that should be answered during your consultation with the doctor.
How should I prepare for the treatments?
  • Preparing for the tattoo removal treatment sessions is relatively simple. Keep the treated area out of the sun, or protected with the use of a good sunscreen (we recommend SPF 30 or higher) for four weeks prior the treatment. Other than that no preparation is required before you arrive at the Skin Care Centre.
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TATTOO REMOVAL
Overview | Before and After Pictures | Frequently Asked Questions