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 SpaMedica, laser tattoo removal generally costs between $480-$1,440 per session.
While this may seem like a substantial cost, 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; clinics that undercharge for tattoo removal may not possess quality equipment, which may result in substandard work.
It takes 7 days to heal from laser tattoo removal. Patients typically require 6-9 treatments for best results.
The procedure takes 15 minutes – 45 minutes per session, depending on the size of the tattoo.
Laser tattoo removal is the process of using one or more laser wavelengths (532 nm, 755 nm and 1064 nm) and a special, ultrashort pulse duration laser, the PICOSECOND (PicoSure and PicoWay) to reduce tattoo visibility by an average of 90 percent. 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.
Do you regret getting your tattoo? Is your tattoo faded or no longer holds the same meaning it once did? Is the quality of your tattoo inferior? If so, laser tattoo removal may be right for you.
Laser tattoo removal uses high-intensity, high-speed light beams (lasers) to remove tattoos. These lasers are absorbed by the tattoo pigment, which then breaks up and disperses in particles that are small enough for the body to eliminate naturally (similar to how the body would eliminate toxins or bacteria). Tattoo removal will not be visible immediately; rather, the treated section of the tattoo will gradually disappear in the days following each treatment.
SpaMedica has the best selection of laser tattoo removal devices and laser wavelengths in Canada. Each laser tattoo removal program is customized to include the best possible combination of lasers, wavelengths, and technologies that will give the highest percentage of tattoo removal results, in the fewest number of treatments, with the lowest incidence of risk. At the time of your consultation, your consult coordinator will review the best combination of tattoo removal lasers to provide the results you are looking for, including the Picosure, the PicoWay, Revlite, Affinity, and Accolade.
SpaMedica is Canada’s largest, oldest, and most respected private cosmetic laser center. Why are there so many laser tattoo removal devices available? The answer is simple: using only one laser will not give the best results. Superior laser tattoo removal and the greatest percent of tattoo reduction are only achieved by the customized combination of two or more of the following technologies that work in different, yet synergistic and summative ways to achieve the best results, including:
● Picosure picosecond pulse duration 1064 nm NdYAG, 755 nm Alexandrite, and 532 nm KTP.
● PicoWay picosecond, 1064 nm NdYAG, 755 nm Alexandrite and 532 nm KTP.
● The 4 wavelength RevLite, with the following nanosecond lasers: 1064 nm NdYAG, the 650 nm, 585 nm pulsed dye, and the 532 nm KTP.
● The Affinity Q-switched 1064 nm Nd: YAG and 532 nm KTP and the 755nm nanosecond Accolade.
The more wavelengths the better your multi-colour laser tattoo removal results.
Ideal candidates for laser tattoo removal are men and women who:
● Got a tattoo more than six weeks ago
● Are unhappy with their tattoo
● Have light, medium, or darker skin tones
● Are relatively healthy
● Non-smoker
● Have realistic expectations
With modern Picosecond laser systems (PicoSure and PicoWay), most patients experience over 90 percent clearance after 6-9 treatments, and some enjoy 100 percent removal. The excellent results and 20 years of tattoo removal experience are why people choose SpaMedica for laser tattoo removal in Toronto.
Unlike a surgical extraction, laser tattoo removal offers fast recovery and no downtime. While you’ll need to take care of the treatment site for the week following the procedure, you can resume normal activities immediately.
By combining multiple laser wavelengths and different lasers, SpaMedica’s laser tattoo removal system requires fewer treatments with better outcomes when compared to other centres with only one laser. This saves patients considerable time and money making SpaMedica one of the best tattoo removal clinics in Toronto.
SpaMedica’s innovative laser tattoo removal system works on all tattoo and skin types. SpaMedica customizes the treatment plan based on the skin tone, tattoo size, and colours used for the tattoo.
Laser tattoo removal is minimally invasive, making it a safe procedure. Most patients do not experience serious complications, although side effects are possible.
Ghosting, or hypopigmentation (lightening of the skin where the tattoo was), is very common, but with the most Picosure and Picoway, it is far less likely to be severe than with older tattoo removal systems. SpaMedica greatly reduces this risk by using picosecond pulse duration and nanosecond lasers instead of photo thermal lasers.
Hyperpigmentation is also possible after laser tattoo removal. This complication is more common for people with dark tans or darker skin tones. Fortunately, SpaMedica reduces the risk of hyperpigmentation by selecting the appropriate lasers and wavelengths for the treatment.
While rare, patients can develop scars after undergoing laser tattoo removal. This is normally due to poor aftercare or the wrong laser selection. The treatment area might develop scabs and blisters. Failing to care for the scabs and blisters can lead to scarring.
Patients are at low risk of developing an infection after laser tattoo removal. Following the aftercare instructions greatly reduces this risk.
All complications are managed and corrected as part of your fee.
At SpaMedica, Dr. Cohen and Dr. Chen oversee or perform all laser tattoo removal procedures at SpaMedica. The process begins with a consultation, where the SpaMedica Tattoo team determines the Picosecond laser wavelength(s) needed to provide the optimal tattoo reduction results, based on the size, placement, and pigmentation of the tattoo. Most patients end up being treated with 2-3 lasers. Prior to the procedure, patients should not use tanning beds or any artificial tanning creams, and should apply plenty of sunscreen or keep skin covered if they plan to be outdoors.
The procedure is performed using topical anaesthetic cream, air chiller and Pronox (nitrous oxide laughing gas) to ensure all treatments are optimally comfortable.
After the procedure, which usually takes between 15-45 minutes, your clinician will apply an antibacterial ointment. You should not get the treated area wet until at least 24 hours has passed. Subsequent sessions will generally be scheduled between 6 and 12 weeks apart; in between appointments you will be able to perform your regular daily tasks, taking care to keep your tattoo clean and sanitary to avoid any discomfort or infection.
Patients can prepare for laser tattoo removal by:
● Wearing sunscreen when outside
● Avoiding tanning and tanning sprays for at least two weeks
● Avoiding anti-inflammatory drugs
● Hydrating to promote recovery
Patients will notice results between treatments, but most need at least 6-9 treatments to achieve the optimal results. There is little downtime between each treatment, and at the end of the final treatment, most will achieve at l85-100 percent tattoo removal.
Patients can resume their normal activities after laser tattoo removal, but they need to take care of the treatment area. Frosting, swelling, and redness are common after the procedure. These symptoms normally go away within seven days. A dressing is applied before you leave and you are instructed on how to change it.
Patients should rinse the treatment area with tepid water and take showers to reduce the risk of infection and promote healing. They will also use a topical antibiotic and keep the area covered with an occlusive dressing for the first week.
People should not go into direct sunlight or use a tanning spray for the first 14 days. Patients should also wait 14 days before using makeup on the treatment site.
SpaMedica uses topical anaesthesia and an air chilling device or local anaesthesia when performing laser tattoo removal procedures. Pronox, known as laughing gas, or nitrous oxide, are also used to ensure the process is comfortable, and most report it’s more tolerable than actually getting the tattoo in the first place.
Laser tattoo removal works on all kinds of tattoos.
SpaMedica can provide laser tattoo removal for all tattoo colours. This includes dark colours that normally do not respond to lasers. Because, at SpaMedica we have 5 of the best tattoo removal lasers in the world, we can ensure the best wavelength is used for the right colour and indication. Generally, the PicoSure or Picoway 532 nm laser is used for red, orange and yellow ink, while the 755 nm Picosure is used for blue, purple, green, and black ink and the Picosure or Picoway 1064 nm for dark skin and tattoos. For resistant red, yellow, purple and blue ink, the Revlite nanosecond laser is also very good.
For the best results, wait at least 3-6 months to get a new tattoo removed.
Yes, our tattoo removal lasers will also work on cosmetic tattooing on the eyebrows, lips and other areas.
Tattoo removal IS NOT performed when patients are pregnant. Potential laser risks such as an infection can harm the mother, and that, in turn, can harm the fetus. 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.
White frosting refers to the white residue and tattoo crust that appears on the treatment area. This frosting appears immediately and fades during the first 15 minutes following treatment. It turns into a crust, which comes off within the first week. It’s normal for some of the tattoo ink to come off with the crust.
