Tattoo Removal 101

Laser and non laser tattoo removal specialist in Toronto and Richmond Hill Clinics. Check out our before and after photos. Find out about laser tattoo removal cost Toronto.

TYPES OF TATTOO REMOVAL

Tattoo removal treatment falls into two categories, non-laser and laser tattoo removal.

Before the invention of laser removal procedure, people had to settle for other methods to remove amateur and professional tattoos.  Here are the most popular non-laser removal methods.

Saline

Saline uses a saline solution to remove or lighten your unwanted tattoo. The method involves breaking the skin to reach the tattoo ink and placing the saline solution to pull the ink out of the skin. 

The saline helps break up the pigment in the skin and starts to lift the stain out of the skin by osmosis. After treatment, scab forms, bringing tattoo colouring to the surface. Once the scab falls off, some of the colours will be removed, resulting in a lighter tattoo.

Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion is a surgical procedure using a medical grinding tool to remove the outer skin layers. The purpose is to remove the skin layers containing the ink particles, thus removing the tattoo. 

Surgery

The surgical method involves using a scalpel to remove the tattoo and stitching it back afterwards.  The procedure can remove the tattoo in one session; however, the side effects is the scar created by the incision and stitches.

Chemical Peel

A chemical peel involves using trichloroacetic acid (TCA) on the tattoo to remove the outer layer of the skin and, with it, the tattoo ink. 

Creams

Tattoo removal creams are sold in many stores. The aim is to place the cream on the tattoo, hoping it will fade away. Do you know if these creams work? Unfortunately, they do not work.  

These creams usually contain glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid (TCA), and hydroquinone. Unlike the pure TCA mentioned above, these creams merely exfoliate the surface of your skin (the epidermis). 

Cryosurgery

Cryosurgery involves freezing your skin with liquid nitrogen and sanding the skin layers off.  

This procedure is painful and requires local anesthesia. This removal method can leave scars, blisters, infections, and scabbing.

LASER TATTOO REMOVAL

Q-Switched Laser

A Q-Switch laser, sometimes known as Q-switching or Q-spoiling, is a technique by which a laser can create a pulsed output beam.  This technique allows the formation of light pulses with extremely high peak power.  

Q-Switch laser tattoo removal works to break up the ink pigment into smaller particles through powerful bursts of energy. Q-Switch lasers work in nanoseconds, compared to the newer picosecond lasers that have become the gold standard.

Picosecond Laser

In 2013, Cynosure’s Picosure laser was introduced as the world’s first picosecond laser for removing tattoos and benign, pigmented lesions

The development of the picosecond laser was a breakthrough in innovation in laser technology and has revolutionized many laser treatments since then.

According to Cynosure, PicoSure is the number one picosecond aesthetic laser worldwide. It is faster and more comfortable than any other removal method and has made the most considerable headway in the laser tattoo removal industry.

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Tattoo Vanish ®

Tattoo Vanish is like saline. However, the all-natural proprietary ingredients make it a more effective non-laser treatment than plain saline. With this method, the skin with the tattoo is gone over with a traditional tattoo machine until the ink is reached.  

The Tattoo Vanish cream is placed on the open wound for a few minutes.  The tattoo is then bandaged, and a scab will form in about 5-7 days. As the scab flakes off, the ink will come off with it.  

This process usually takes fewer sessions than laser and is our 2nd most popular choice besides laser.  This method is often used for tiny tattoos near the eyes and eyebrows.  

This method also can remove all ink colours, including white, and can be done on all skin tones.  For more information about Tattoo Vanish, click here.

picosure tattoo removal before and after

Tattoo 101: Q & A

How many sessions are to remove a tattoo?

On average, removing a tattoo takes between 6 to 10 sessions. There is a 6 to 8 weeks healing period in between sessions.  The number of sessions will depend on the tattoo’s age, colours, size, and location.  Smaller line tattoos will take fewer sessions than larger tattoos with lots of ink.

Does tattoo removal hurt?

The removal process is very fast, usually 5 to 15 minutes. A numbing cream is used before the treatment to help remove any discomfort.

Does tattoo removal leave scars?

PicoSure laser has become the gold standard because of its safety and efficacy. Scarring is very rare, but it could happen. People with darker skin are more prone to the loss of pigmentation.

Will skin be the same after removal?

If your tattoo isn’t raised, the PicoSure laser should keep your skin the same post-treatment.

Can you completely remove a tattoo?

Yes, a tattoo can be fully removed but it does take many sessions to remove it. The PicoSure is the safest and fastest method to remove your tattoos completely.

Can a tattoo be entirely removed?

Yes, a tattoo can be entirely removed but it does take many sessions to remove it. The PicoSure is the safest and fastest method to obliterate your tattoos.

TATTOO REMOVAL TORONTO PRICE

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), in 2020, the cost of laser tattoo removal services averaged \$423 USD (not counting related expenses).

How much does it cost for laser tattoo removal in Toronto? At Laser Skin Clinic, we offer a FLAT RATE of $197 for tattoos up to 6” x 6”. This pricing method removes most of the guesswork in determining your tattoo size.  

 

PicoSure Before and After Photos

Toronto

Richmond Hill

Tattoo 101: Conclusion


In summary, the journey to erase a once-permanent decision has never been more achievable, thanks to advancements in laser technology. If you’re considering laser tattoo removal, it’s crucial to consult experts in the field. TATTOO 101 can provide a wealth of information to help you make an informed choice. Consider scheduling a consultation at the specialized Laser Skin Clinic for those in or near Richmond Hill. This clinic is renowned for using the PicoSure laser, a cutting-edge tool that has revolutionized tattoo removal by making it quicker and often less painful than traditional methods. A tailored approach to each client’s specific requirements ensures professionalism and treatment efficacy.

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