There are three common types of Q-switched lasers in the tattoo removal industry: Nd:YAG, Ruby, and Alexandrite.

The go-to laser for most tattoo removal practitioners is an Nd:YAG laser, such as the Astanza Duality, because it is capable of producing the most versatile wavelengths.

Most people need 6 to 8 sessions to completely remove their tattoo. The number of treatments needed depends on the size of the tattoo, the colors used, and your skin type. Large tattoos can take 10 sessions or more. In order for the skin to heal, sessions are spaced 6-8 weeks apart.

If you are suffering from tattoo regret, laser tattoo removal is the most effective method to eliminate your tattoo ink without scarring. It is safe for all skin tones and works on virtually all inks.

In just a few laser sessions, your skin can be ink-free.

For the first 3 days after treatment, keep the treated area bandaged with sterile gauze and protected with a thin layer of antibiotic or healing ointment. After 3 days, keep the treated area clean and dry during the healing process.

If necessary, clean the area gently with mild soap and water and pat dry.

No single laser can remove all tattoo colors. Different dyes respond to different light wavelengths.

Black and dark green are the easiest colors to remove.

Yellow, purple, turquoise and fluorescent dyes are hardest to fade.

While tattoos were once considered permanent, it is now possible to remove them with treatments, fully or partially.

The “standard modality for tattoo removal” is the non-invasive removal of tattoo pigments using Q-switched lasers.

Most people, however, tend to think that laser tattoo removal is less painful than getting an actual tattoo. The feeling is very similar to having a rubber band snapped against your skin. Some people say it feels more like a rapid succession of tiny pricks, or someone scratching a really bad sunburn.

It’s recommended you wait at least 2 hours before showering after laser tattoo removal treatments.

Avoid water from a high pressure shower head hitting the affected area directly.

Avoid soaking the area without having any baths, hot tubs, or swimming until the area is healed.

Unless you already have an existing scar, are prone to scarring or keloids, or are reckless with your aftercare; laser tattoo removal will typically not cause scarring.

Previous wounds that caused scarring and the proper aftercare for your treatments are discussed thoroughly so that there are no misunderstandings.

If after your treatment you get any blistering or scabbing you should wait until that is completely healed before you soak in any water including going swimming.

Also, even if you do not have blistering or scabbing please wait at least three days after your tattoo removal session before you swim.

Laser tattoo removal typically does involve some level of pain. That said, many say that it hurts less than they expected.

It’s a common belief that tattoo removal is excruciating, yet most patients say that the sensation of removal is comparable to having a tattoo applied.

Complete tattoo removal usually requires 6 to 12 laser sessions, normally scheduled 6 to 8 weeks apart.

You start seeing some positive results from 3 sessions on.