Laser Tattoo Removal in Calgary
Did your tattoo seem attractive when you first got it, but now not as much? You’re not alone—thousands of people every year decide to remove or cover up their tattoos, either for emotional, aesthetic, or professional reasons. At Vive Med Spa, we’re proud to offer a safe, effective laser tattoo treatment using the Cutera ENLIGHTEN ™ laser. No more covering that tattoo up with cosmetics or clothing; laser tattoo removal gives you the opportunity to permanently eliminate your outgrown tattoos
How Does it Work?
This process works by using ultrashort picosecond laser pulses in the form of photo-acoustic energy to break apart the tattoo ink and remove the tattoo over time without scarring. The laser pulses are set to a specific wavelength and are used in a delicate way to target and shatter all the different colours of ink particles in the tattoo, leaving the surrounding tissue unharmed in the process; this is why having an experienced expert is key. Factors like time exposed, energy level, and wavelength all determine how successful a treatment will be.
Each treatment shatters a portion of the ink particles, which fade away via the body’s metabolic system and natural processes. Then, treatments are repeated until the tattoo is not visible and the skin is free of the ink.
How Many Procedures Will It Take?
Most will need anywhere from four to eight or more treatments, depending on the size, colors of ink, location, and the complexity and design of the tattoo being removed. Our clinicians have had years of experience using this technology, and are experts in producing the best results with the least number of treatments.
In our consultation, we will assess the tattoo, discuss your goals, walk you through the process and provide you with a personal treatment plan and pricing.
Is There Any Downtime?
While the procedure normally leads to some minor discomfort like redness, blistering, and swelling, you should expect some recovery time. We will provide you with instructions on how to manage and ensure proper wound healing over the treated area. After your procedure, you will be able to resume normal activity with some restrictions; the area will need to be protected with a light bandage for a few days to a week after each treatment, so you will be cautioned against sun exposure, swimming, hot tubs, excessive movement in the area and soaking in water.
Cost
Range depends on size and number of treatments. $200-$1200
Recovery
Recovery time will depend on the size and complexity of the tattoo. Wound care protocol is recommended for 1 week after each treatment.
Number of Treatments
Most will need anywhere from four to eight or more treatments, depending on the size, colors of ink, location, and the complexity and design of the tattoo being removed.
In addition, certain skincare products may be recommended to help protect the skin between treatments and allow the skin to heal as quickly as possible. Between treatments, our staff will recommend skincare products and routines to maximize the healing and results of tattoo removal.
Does the Procedure Hurt?
Yes, it will be very uncomfortable, and probably more uncomfortable than what you experienced when you got the tattoo. Tattoos are meant to be permanent so the ink is embedded deeply into the skin. Thankfully, the Cutera Enlighten laser tattoo removal technology that our clinic uses is specially designed to provide exceptional results over a shorter time frame for each treatment. Many patients compare it to the feeling of hot grease splashing on the skin, or to rubber bands snapping the skin.
We also help our clients by recommending anesthetic numbing injections by our doctors to completely eliminate all pain and discomfort. If you opt out of the injections, we also offer topical numbing which helps to a lesser degree. The pain felt will depend on your individual pain threshold, patients often remark that the pain is equal to or greater than that of receiving the tattoo.
Our Laser Tattoo Removal Technology
ENLIGHTEN™ features extremely short and high powered picosecond + nanosecond laser pulses which efficiently and quickly break down the ink particles in tattoos. A “picosecond” is one-trillionth of a second, and picosecond laser pulses have been shown to remove tattoos more completely and in fewer treatment sessions than traditional lasers used in the past.
We use ENLIGHTEN™ to give our clients the results they deserve in less time than ever before. With ENLIGHTEN™, we’ve been able to help clients move on from tattoos and turn to the next chapter in their lives!
What Does The Procedure Look Like?
Once you come in for your session, our physician will perform anesthetic injections to completely numb the treatment area, or if you opt out of the injections, our clinician will apply topical numbing cream on the area. Once the anesthetic numbing is complete, we will start the treatment.
Each session typically lasts 30–60 minutes, depending on the size, colors, and complexity of the tattoo. The treated area will have a whitish appearance where the ink has been targeted and may notice some immediate fading, which will increase as the body has time to process the shattered ink particles.
What to Expect After The Procedure
After treatment, most patients will report mild discomfort, swelling, and redness in the treated area. We usually recommend you cover the area for a few days to a week with clean dressings to protect the area as it heals. We will review the post treatment guidelines with you to make sure you are comfortable with everything, and you understand what to avoid while it is healing. Symptoms will lessen over the next week as the area heals, and at that point you will be able to resume normal activities.
Less common side effects include scabbing, bruising, hyperpigmentation, and hypopigmentation, though these may also dissipate over time. Sometimes, as we remove the tattoo, we will notice old scarring or hypopigmentation that was a result of getting the tattoo, but the ink from the tattoo covered the scarring.
Between sessions, it’s crucial that the right steps are taken to care for the skin properly. The skin will be healing and feel sensitive, so we recommend to refrain from sun exposure, swimming, hot tubs and excessive exercise or movement in the area that may stretch the skin or interrupt the healing process. Our clinicians will give you post treatment recommendations and advice on how to care for the area to lower the risk of infection, ensure proper healing and a good result.
There is usually a 4-6 week period between sessions, which gives skin time to heal properly. As stated earlier, the number of sessions needed will depend on many factors including skin type, size, color and complexity of the tattoo.
Remove or Cover Up Your Tattoo With Vive Med Spa!
Ready to remove or cover up your tattoo once and for all? Our clinic is ready to help! Let our skilled and experienced team help you laser away your unwanted tattoo by booking a consultation today!