Frequently Asked Questions
How many treatments will I need?
Typical tattoos need 8 to 10 treatments for complete removal. Depending on a variety of tattoo factors, some require more, while older, faded tattoos require much less. Our Rochester clinic uses a variety of factors to determine the number of treatments your tattoo will need, including tattoo location, ink colors, tattoo size, ink density, individual health, pre-existing scarring, tattoo type (amateur vs. professional), skin type, and more.
When will I see complete results?
Most clients see significant fading after a few treatments. The rate at which your tattoo fades depends on your immune system. For this reason, we suggest clients maintain a healthy lifestyle, exercise, and drink plenty of water to boost their immune system and encourage faster fading results.
A minimum 6-to-8-week healing period is required between treatments. To estimate your completed results, multiply the number of sessions your tattoo is assigned by that healing period. For example, a tattoo that requires 8 sessions may take a year to see complete results. While that may seem like a long time, the results are well worth the wait!
Does the laser hurt?
Most clients compare the laser to a rubber band snapping against the skin. Others compare the laser to tattoo application. It really depends on your pain tolerance. However, laser tattoo removal is a very tolerable treatment and takes a fraction of the time it takes to apply a tattoo. Rethink offers skin-numbing solutions to maximize comfort and mitigate any pain associated with the laser.
How long is a treatment?
Most treatments last anywhere from 1 to 15 minutes depending on the size of the tattoo being removed and the number of tattoos being treated in a single session.
Are there any side effects?
Laser tattoo removal is the safest method for removing unwanted ink. Not only is it noninvasive, but it uses ultra-quick pulses of light energy to penetrate the skin without harming any surrounding skin tissue.
The most common side effects of the laser are redness, swelling, itchiness, scabbing, blistering, and skin pigmentation changes. These side effects are temporary and heal over the weeks following treatment. As long as patients follow correct aftercare protocols, their skin will heal beautifully. All patients will receive aftercare instructions to properly care for their skin.
How much does laser tattoo removal cost?
Laser tattoo removal at RethINK is affordable and competitive. We use a per-treatment pricing structure based on the size of the tattoo being removed. Special treatment packages are available as well, simply ask one of our laser technicians for more information.
Can you fade my tattoo for a cover-up?
Yes! Laser tattoo removal is the perfect solution for patients interested in fading their tattoo to prepare for a cover-up. Cover-up tattoos typically require double the amount of ink to completely conceal the existing tattoo. Furthermore, most clients and artists must compromise what a client really wants because of color and size restrictions that come with a cover-up. Laser tattoo removal helps lighten a tattoo to create a cleaner canvas for your tattoo artist to work on and ultimately give you the tattoo you really want, not one you want to settle for.
