The skin has two layers, the top layer is the epidermis which does constantly shed and regenerate, and the dermis underneath, which is mostly collagen and elastin, and gives our skin its resilience. The ink from tattooing is deposited in the dermis layer where the dye is sealed permanently into the skin as collagen hardens around it, although it does fade a little with age. The only way to remove a tattoo is to destroy the dermis by dermabrasion or laser, or surgically cut it out.

Laser tattoo removal is a cosmetic procedure that uses laser technology to remove unwanted tattoos. The laser light creates a shock wave in the skin and shatters the pigment in the tattoo and the body removes the tattoo’s damaged pigment. The surface pigments flake off the skin while the body consumes and eliminates the particles located under the surface.

At Midtown Skin Studio, we use a state-of-the-art laser platform to perform laser tattoo removal. The laser we use is the same type used for laser hair removal because it’s very gentle, and because it can remove a wide variety of tattoo colours, while leaving the surrounding skin unharmed.

The laser works by emitting intense light in short bursts. These pulses of laser light pass through the top layers of the skin to reach the tattoo’s ink, which absorbs the light. This breaks the ink up into tiny particles. Your body can then eliminate the dispersed ink naturally, much in the same way it eliminates toxins and excess fluids.

The laser can target a variety of colours, though it works best on darker colours such as black and blue. Lighter colours such as green and yellow can also be targeted effectively, but may require more sessions to fully eliminate.

You’re an ideal candidate for laser tattoo removal if you do not have any skin disorders in the area where your tattoo is located and you have realistic expectations of the procedure. If you have a history of abnormal scarring, laser tattoo removal may not be suitable for you. The specialist will discuss this with you during your initial consultation.

As with many other cosmetic procedures, the cost of laser tattoo removal will depend on the size of the tattoo being removed. Larger tattoos, which will take more time to remove, will naturally result in a higher cost. At Midtown Skin Studio, laser tattoo removal generally costs between $450-$1,500 per session. The number of sessions necessary to achieve full results will vary based on the tattoo’s features.

Other factors that affect pricing are the number of sessions required for tattoo removal, the amount of surface area that is covered, the amount of detail in the tattoo, and the variety of colours it contains. It’s important to note that, like many other cosmetic procedures, cost is often a reflection of the quality of the work. In addition, laser tattoo removal involves the use of complex and costly equipment.

Before undergoing laser tattoo removal, you’ll need to visit Midtown Skin Studio in Maple Ridge for a consultation to determine whether this procedure will be effective for you.

During the procedure, the specialist will use the laser to direct short bursts of high-intensity light at your unwanted tattoo. Each pulse may create a sensation similar to a quick snap from a rubber band. Though the procedure is fairly painless and does not require anesthesia, you may request a topical anesthetic to reduce discomfort. The length of each session will vary depending on the size, colour, and depth of your tattoo.

After the laser tattoo removal session is complete, the specialist will apply an antibacterial ointment to the treated area to reduce the risk of infection. The area may feel warm and be a bit red, but you should be able to return to normal daily activities immediately. However, you will not be able to swim, work out, or perform other activities that will cause your skin to get wet for at least 24 hours after the procedure is completed.

About 6 to 12 weeks later, you’ll return for your next session. This gives the ink enough time to break down and be expelled from your body, and reduces the chances of damaging your skin.

The procedure itself takes 10 to 45 minutes per session, depending on the size of the tattoo. However, removing a tattoo is a gradual process. The effectiveness of laser tattoo removal relies on your body’s natural ability to expel the broken-up ink, which may occur quickly for some people, and more slowly for others. It’s important to know that your tattoo will not simply disappear. It typically fades over a period of time following each session, which is part of why treatments are generally scheduled every 6 to 8 weeks. The number of treatments depends on such factors as the age of the tattoo, colour of the ink, and what the ink was made from.

Laser tattoo removal is not a fast process. The tattoo will fade gradually over time and how fast it fades will depend on your body and health. During each session, the specialist will take photos so you may monitor your progress.

Amateur tattoos and professional tattoos can be treated with laser tattoo removal. Tattoo removal lasers will also work on cosmetic tattooing (permanent makeup) on the eyebrows, lips and other areas. All colours can be removed. However lighter ink colours will need more laser tattoo removal sessions than darker ones.

For the best results, wait at least 3-6 months to get a new tattoo removed.

Immediately after a session, treated skin may be sensitive and appear white or red in colour. In some cases, you may blister after the treatment. Make sure to keep the area covered and apply a topical antibacterial ointment. There is hardly any downtime after laser tattoo removal. You should be able to go back to work or resume most regular activities immediately after the procedure. However, swimming, hot tubs, baths and extreme exercising should be avoided for 24 hours after treatment. You may shower, but you need to keep the area bandaged and sealed so it doesn’t get wet. As with all treatments using lasers, the treated skin should be protected from sun exposure, which can increase your chances of scarring.

No. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, for the safety of your baby, we do not recommend you undergo any type of laser treatments. Also, many women experience an increase in photosensitivity when pregnant. This can affect the outcome of the procedure, so it is wise to wait until after giving birth before undergoing a tattoo removal treatment.

Like all cosmetic and medical treatments, laser tattoo removal comes with certain risks. Aside from increased sensitivity, risks include pigmentation irregularities, infection, and scarring. If you are a skin type V on the Fitzpatrick scale, your risk of permanent scarring is increased due to the large amount of melanin in your skin.

You may experience some degree of blistering, peeling, or pinpoint bleeding. You may also see some swelling or slight bruising in the area that was treated. All of these effects will subside in a few days.

In short, no. Laser tattoo removal works by exposing the ink of the unwanted tattoo to light energy emitted at a specific wavelength. The ink—not the skin—absorbs the light, and disintegrates into particles that are then eliminated naturally by the body.