The exact price will depend on the size, age, and condition of the tattoo but you can expect it to be more expensive than getting the tattoo. Average prices are around $200 to $500 per session and multiple sessions are required. Smaller tattoos may cost less than this while larger tattoos may cost more. This can be a prohibitive cost, depending on the size of the tattoo, so many cosmetic surgeons offer flexible payment options.
2. Does It Hurt?
There is some pain associated with laser tattoo removal. Most patients say that the pain is comparable to the pain from when they got the tattoo. Your doctor can apply a topical skin numbing agent to reduce the discomfort. There is little pain after the procedure, though you may be slightly sore and experience some bruising and scabbing. This is all a part of your body’s natural immune response and is nothing to worry about.
3. How Long Does It Take To Recover?
This is a non-surgical procedure and you can expect to make a quick recovery. As a rough guideline the recovery time between sessions is generally one to two weeks at first. You will find that you heal faster after each session and by the final session, you can expect to be healed within a few days. The exact numbers will depend on how large your tattoo is and how well you follow post-care instructions.
4. How Long Does It Take To Remove A Tattoo?
A single session can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour depending on the size of the tattoo. You will require multiple sessions to remove the tattoo and there is a six to eight week waiting period between sessions. This is done to give your body adequate time to recover and avoid potential complications. Taking this into account you can expect it to take a few months to remove a tattoo. The time to fully remove larger tattoos may stretch into the years. Laser tattoo removal is not a quick fix, but a few months pales in comparison to living with an unwanted tattoo for the rest of your life.
5. Will It Leave Scarring?
It’s understandable that patients want to know this. If the choice is between a bad tattoo and some unsightly scarring, you might be tempted to stick with the tattoo. Fortunately, laser tattoo removal itself does not usually leave scarring. If the there is any scarring from the tattoo itself then that will remain. Scarring from tattoos is generally not very visible and it’s much easier to cover up small scars than a large tattoo.
Are you looking for an experienced cosmetic surgeon to perform your laser tattoo removal? Dr. DeMercurio has over 9 years of experience in the field and his clients hold him in very high regard. Please, contact us at The Florida Center for Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery today for more information on getting rid of your unwanted tattoos.
