Laser Tattoo Removal
How does laser tattoo removal work?
Laser energy is directed at the tattooed area for a fraction of a second, passing harmlessly through the outer layer of the skin and targeting the tattoo ink directly. The laser disrupts the ink, allowing your body to absorb it and break it down naturally.
Q&A About Laser Tattoo Removal
La Quinta Medspa has removed hundreds of tattoos over the last 10 years
Q: How much does it cost
For an accurate and official price quote, you can make an appointment to visit our clinic for a free consultation. The first 4 inches is $350 per treatment. Each additional 3 inches is $50. Prices for larger tattoos are done by consultation.
Q: How big is a square inch?
A square inch is about the size of one postage stamp. A business card is six square inches. To determine how many square inches your tattoo is, measure the length and the width and multiply those numbers together to get the total square inches. Additional charges for larger tattoos, such as sleeves, are less expensive per inch, consequently, a lot of people greatly overestimate the cost of their tattoo removal!
Q: Can I buy just one treatment at a time?
Yes, you can buy just one treatment at a time. However, we offer discounts if you purchase multiple treatments at the same time.
Q: Can a tattoo with lots of colors be removed?
Colors like light blue, yellow and green do not respond to laser removal. Our practice limits treatment to black and red ink , only.
Q: Will it be gone after my first treatment?
No. There are several different factors involved in determining how many treatments your particular tattoo will require, but between 5 and 15 treatments is average.
Q: Why has nothing changed after a treatment?
This is completely normal. Some people may even see their tattoo get darker with their first treatment. Everyone responds at a different rate. The treatment is only effective with multiple visits…just be patient and follow the medical staff’s advice and you will get the best results possible.
Q: Can I come back sooner than four weeks?
Healing is not the reason for the spacing of your treatments. The laser does not expel the ink; it breaks it up so your body’s immune system can take it away. If you treat your tattoo too frequently, the laser is simply targeting the ink your body hasn’t had the chance to remove, and you pay more for the same result.
Q: Are there any limitations after treatment?
You may resume all activities soon after treatment, provided you ensure the area is not rubbed or scratched. If you are in the sun, you should cover the treated area to prevent sunburn until the skin has healed.
Q: Can I have just part of my tattoo removed?
Yes. We can take the face off your pin-up girl to have it redone. We can take just the name off the banner across your heart. Our lasers are very accurate.
Q: Can I have permanent makeup removed?
We do not treat these types of tattoos. Some cosmetic inks have metallic bases. When the laser comes in contact with these inks, it can turn black. Be cautious of anyone who says they can effectively remove cosmetic ink. Once this darkening occurs, it cannot be removed by any laser. You may end up with permanent black lip liner. Tattooed eyeliner cannot be removed due to the danger of the laser near the eye, and the ink in permanent eyebrows could migrate up the forehead causing a shadow effect.
Q: Will I have a scar?
Most patients will not scar, however, scarring is a possibility in any medical procedure involving the skin. If you are predisposed to Keloids, or you scar easily, your chances are higher. Compliance with our aftercare instructions will greatly reduce your chances of scarring.
Q: Does it hurt?
Pain is your personal perception and everyone experiences it differently. There is a moderate discomfort involved in this procedure, described as being like a hard rubber band snap. Prior to your treatment, you can numb the area with a high-power topical anesthetic cream mixture, which is available at our clinic. As we treat the area, we cool the overlying skin with our Zimmer Cryo 6 skin cooler, resulting in additional anesthesia. The Cryo 6 Skin Cooling Unit is a mobile unit that cools room air to -32 degrees C. The air is then directed onto the tissue area via a flexible treatment hose.
Q: What should I do before my treatment?
Shave the area to be treated if necessary. Arrive 30 minutes prior to treatment to apply topical anesthetic. Avoid Aspirin, Aleve, Motrin, or ibuprofen products.
Q: What do I need to do after I am treated?
First 24 hours:
- Apply ice compress off and on for an hour after treatment.
- Rest and elevate the treated area for a few hours.
- Limit activities, exercising, steam rooms, saunas or swimming x 24hrs
- Use sunscreen on the tattoo the duration of treatment (if it is in a sun exposed area)
For more information about treatments offered at LaQuinta Medspa or to schedule a complimentary consultation, complete the form below or please call us at our La Quinta office 760.396.9353 or Rancho Mirage office 760.674.5700