The Lutronic Spectra offers 4 different wave lengths making it ideal to treat a variety of ink colors and skin types safely and effectively. Typically, tattoo removal works best on black or blue ink and lighter skin types because the laser can clearly distinguish between the darker ink and the lighter skin type. Let our expert clinicians determine what would be the best treatment for your tattoo removal needs by booking a consultation!

Currently, lasers are state-of-the-art and the modern standard for tattoo removal. Depending on a variety of factors including desired aesthetic results, skin type, and tattoo type/location, alternative therapies may be necessary. Alternative tattoo removal therapies include cryosurgery, dermabrasion, chemical peels, surgical excision, and salabrasion.

The number of treatments depends on a variety of factors including patient skin type, and goals, layering/depth, size, location on the body, ink colors, amount of ink, and pre-existing scarring. On average, it can take 6-10 treatments to achieve maximum results, but in some tattoos additional treatment may be chosen. At EVOLV, we use the Kirby-Desai scale to assess the average amount of treatments needed which can predict with an 80% accuracy.

Treatment session time depends on the tattoo size, and type of tattoo, location, colors; skin type; and tolerability. On average treatment sessions are 10-30 minutes long.

To ensure the skin is fully healed and the body’s lymphatic system has enough time to reduce the ink, it is recommended to wait at least 6-8 weeks between laser sessions. As your tattoo starts to fade more and more, it may be beneficial to wait as long as 12 weeks in between sessions.

Laser tattoo removal cost depends on a variety of factors including tattoo size and colors. In general, it costs about ten times as much to get a tattoo removed as it costs to have it applied. At EVOLV we hope to ensure safe, evidence-based, efficient care that is affordable for every patient, so we offer tattoo removal pricing by size or time. Additionally, discounts for packages of 3 and 6 treatments are available. Ultimately, a consultation with one of expert clinicians will allow for a custom quote!

Typically, tattoo removal is described as a rubber band snapping sensation and is often compared to the feeling of getting a tattoo. The good news is while it can be uncomfortable, the discomfort is tolerable and manageable. At EVOLV, we offer several options to ensure our client’s comfort including a topical anesthetic numbing agent that is applied to treatment sites 1 hour prior to arrival; the Zimmer Chiller which blows chilled air to the treatment area before, during, and after treatments; and Frozen C Cryotherapy which utilizes cryotherapy briefly numb the area prior to treatment. Additionally, EVOLV offers the options ProNox (laughing gas) to help assist with comfort during procedures if needed.

Prior to your first tattoo removal appointment, you will meet with one of EVOLV’s expert clinicians for a consult at which time all pre and post procedure instructions will be reviewed. Sun exposure should be avoided 1 month prior to and after the treatment and self-tanner should be avoided 2 weeks prior to the treatment. If the treated area has hair, it should be shaved prior to the appointment. If topical numbing cream is desired, it should be purchased prior to the appointment and applied 1 hour prior to arrival.

The most important factor in achieving safe, effective results and reducing potential complications with tattoo removal, as well as any aesthetic procedure is the level of training and experience of the professional providing the treatments. In general, and when performed by a certified and appropriately trained professional, laser tattoo removal is safe and side effects or complications uncommon.  Here is a list of some potential adverse side effects:

• Redness
• Tenderness
• Blistering/scabs
• Pinpoint bleeding
• Hypopigmentation/Hyperpigmentation
• Incomplete removal of tattoo/Suboptimal aesthetic results
• Infection/Poor wound healing
• Allergic reaction to tattoo pigment after Q-switched laser treatment. Future Q-switched laser treatments are not advised.
• Purpura confined to the treatment area may be evident for several days following the treatment.
• Irritation, itching, burning sensation, or discomfort during treatment and for a short time following the treatment.
• Cosmetic tattoos and other tattoo inks can contain metallic ink particles that do not respond well to laser treatments and may darken. Sometimes they will fade with additional treatments but not always.
• Burn/scarring