• The laser targets the pigment in the tattoo ink.

• The ink absorbs the light, causing it to heat up and shatter into tiny particles.

• Your body’s immune system then gradually removes these particles over time.

• The procedure feels very similar to a rubber band smacking the skin. For all services aside from eyeliner and lips, no topical anesthetic is applied. However, ice will be applied prior to firing the laser for a mild anesthetic effect.

• For eyeliner and lip procedures, topical lidocaine is applied.

• The procedure is very quick lasting anywhere from 2-8 minutes on average

The amount of sessions required will vary based on several factors:

• The type of ink used and the amount of times ink was implanted into the skin. For clients that have had many sessions of yearly touchups, it will take longer to remove the layers from the skin.

• How deeply the ink was implanted into the skin. The more superficial the ink the quicker it will be removed.

• Your desired outcome or goal. If you are wanting complete removal, it will take more sessions to remove all the ink from the skin. Many times saline removal will be required once the ink is to the “yellow” stage. If you are wanting to re-do the brows, you will only need to remove enough ink for the artist to work over the area and will therefore require less sessions.

• The healthiness of the client’s immune and lymphatic system. Because the ink is blasted by the laser and then the body removes it through the lymphatic system, the robustness of the body’s ability to detox is a factor.

• Due to these unknown factors, the amount of sessions required will never be quoted or promised.

Careful attention needs to be taken when caring for a tattoo removal post-procedure to promote optimal healing and to minimize the risk of textural/pigmentation changes and scarring.

• Within a week following the treatment, the tattoo site will start to heal. Clients must not pick at the treated area.

• It will take 24 hours for the treated skin to establish a protective barrier; so clients must be careful not to touch (or let anyone else touch) the area as it can introduce an infection and later lead to scarring.

• Client should avoid working out for a minimum of 24 hours.

• A micro-scab will form on the treated area approximately 5 days after the procedure. It may resemble dry skin. Do not pick at this area, but rather allow it to naturally come off on its own.

• You must protect the area from the sun following your procedure. Please cover the area for a week and client should continue with sunblock for the duration of the treatment series.

• Client’s can resume wearing makeup in the area in 1 week.

• Avoid steam or hot showers for 24 hours.

• After the procedure it is normal to experience the following:

  • Frosting on the skin (tiny white vapor bubbles) which will gradually subside

  • Tiny spots of pin prick bleeding.

  • Raising of the skin immediately surrounding the tattoo.

  • The area around the tattoo is red (erythema).

  • Itching.

  • Bruising.

  • Blistering (don’t worry if this happens, it is not a sign that you will scar).

The following are potential side effects of laser treatment:

• Discomfort: Some moderate discomfort is felt during treatment. The sensation is similar to snapping the skin with a rubber band. Some areas are more sensitive than others.

• Pupura: The area may appear to be bruised with a grey or purple color after the treatment. This discoloration will fade over the next 5-7 days.

• Blisters/scabs/

  hypopigmentation: These are relatively common following treatment. They usually take 7 to 14 days to heal.

• Hyper-hypopigmentation: Skin can develop temporary lightening or darkening after laser treatment. Pigment changes can be worsened with sun exposure.

• Swelling: Swelling following treatment is common but will subside in 2-5 days and can be reduced with regular ice application.

• Infection: Despite good wound care, pain, swelling, oozing and fever can indicate the development of an infection. In this case, topical or oral antibiotics may be necessary.

• Scarring: A scar may form any time the skin is disrupted but it is rare following laser treatment. Adequate post-treatment care, such as keeping the area clean, not picking crusts, and being watchful for signs of infection will reduce the possibility of this occurring.

• Persistence of PMU or body tattoo: Complete clearance of the pigment or ink is not always possible. Some tattoos can worsen after treatment, particularly cosmetic tattoos. Careful evaluation and test-patching before treatment may reduce this occurrence.

• Allergic Reaction: On occasion, when tattooing ink antigens are released into the circulatory system, localized or systemic allergic reactions can occur. If you experiences an allergic reaction when your tattoo was applied this risk is heightened.

Before any treatment, the following contraindications should be taken into consideration:

• Tanned or Fake Tanned skin cannot be worked on. The melanin will absorb more laser energy, increasing the risk of adverse effects such as burns or hyperpigmentation.

• Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Although no studies have indicated fetal harm caused by laser treatments, the results of the treatment may be erratic or unreliable due to the fluctuations in maternal hormone levels.

• Photosensitizing Drugs & Blood thinning medication: Blood thinning medications including aspirin, Tylenol, ibuprofen and prescription varieties should be avoided for at least a week prior to treatment. Client’s taking photosensitizing medication are contraindicated.

• Oral Isotretinoin/Accutane: Must have been off these meds for a minimum of 6 months.

• Keloid Formation: Although scarring is rare, picking or removing scabs prematurely can result in scarring. Clients who have keloid formation in the past have a risk of keloid scar formation resulting from the laser treatments.

• Allergies: Clients with an allergy to tattoo ink may experience a reaction as the ink is broken apart in the skin.

• Active infections/immunosuppression: Active infections and immunosuppression compromise the healing ability of the body. People with immune system disorders or lymph system diseases should not be treated.

• Skin conditions: Open lesions or any inflamed area e.g. eczema should be avoided.

• Herpes: Laser is known to cause flare-ups of local infections in the area treated. Clients should consult their Primary Care Provider for medical evaluation and possible prophylactic medications prior to treatment.

• Photosensitive Epilepsy: Cannot treat.

• Cancer or treatment of cancer in the area: Doctor’s not required.

• Healing Disorders: such as those caused by Diabetes, connective tissue disease (e.g. lupus), radiation therapy or chemo therapy.

A minimum of 6-8 weeks is required between each laser session and between your tattoo redo.