How long does it take to remove a tattoo?
On average, it takes about 8 treatments, but depending on factors like color, depth, skin type, and tattoo quality, the number of sessions can vary from 2 to 15. Tattooed eyebrows usually require 2 to 5 treatments, while a cover-up may only need 2 to 3 treatments. The time can thus range from a few months to years. We maintain a pause of 6 to 10 weeks between treatments. During this time, the body's white blood cells along with the lymph glands break down the shattered ink in the tattooed area. About 8 weeks after treatment, approximately 70% of the
shattered ink has disappeared from the body. Then, it takes additional months for the remaining shattered ink to disappear. The reason for these minimum times is that we want to reduce the risk that the next treatment would affect already shattered ink, instead of that which is deeper in the skin. When we do more than one treatment during the same visit (R0), the pause is also longer for the same reason.
I have a new tattoo. When can I start the removal?
Since the skin surface is damaged when a tattoo is made, you should wait 2 months before we can begin removal with laser. The skin surface should heal completely and be strengthened so it can withstand the laser treatment. Moisturize your tattoo and let it heal well. You can book a consultation during this period so we can plan and discuss the commencement of treatment.
Can I sunbathe and swim during the tattoo removal process?
After a treatment, we recommend protecting the area from the sun until the swelling and redness have subsided, which can take up to 2 weeks. Thereafter, you should use a sunscreen with SPF 50 on the tattoo, as it can react more strongly to the sun's UV rays. Even before a treatment, it's good to keep the tattoo protected from the sun, as sunburned skin is more sensitive, and the pigment is less receptive to the treatment. If you do not get blisters on the area, you can swim after a treatment when the skin surface is intact. It's good to wait with sauna baths until the swelling has subsided, but otherwise, it is fine to take a sauna when the skin surface is intact.
How painful is it?
The pain is often described as a rubber band snapping against the skin. The location of the tattoo also affects the pain level, as areas with less fat and muscle, such as knees, hands, feet, and face, are more sensitive. If you are tired, stressed, or hungry, the pain may also feel more intense. However, you don't need to worry about the pain; with the help of numbing cream, most people find the treatment manageable. Often, many are more worried before the treatment than they actually feel pain during the procedure. So far, we have not had to stop a treatment due to pain, and we at ELIR have all experienced the sensation of laser treatment and are here to support you throughout the process.
I got water blisters on my tattoo after the treatment. What should I do/not do?
Sometimes water-like blisters filled with ink appear on the tattoo after a treatment. This is a part of the process and there's no need to worry, but it is important to care for the skin and not rupture the blisters. The blisters dry up on their own within a few days, and the dried ink may flake off. You should also not scratch or pick at it; let the skin heal on its own. If you happen to rupture a water blister, it's important to keep the skin clean and protect it with a bandage. Usually, it heals well within a few days. However, if the skin becomes infected, you should contact us immediately so our doctor can help with a possible antibiotic ointment.
Is it normal for my tattoo to itch?
After a treatment, you may experience mild itching as the ink moves under the skin. This is completely normal, and you can alleviate it with a cold cream. You can also gently pat the area, but do not scratch as the skin may still be sensitive. Sometimes, a tattoo may start to itch more annoyingly a few days or even weeks after a treatment. This can be due to the pigment in the tattoo, and the best help for this is to take antihistamines for a few days (allergy medicine).
Why should I choose ELIR Clinic?
We at ELIR have the most experience with tattoo fading in Finland (a total of 20 years) and have received training in laser treatment (Irradia). We treat each client as an individual and aim to make your visit as nice and secure as possible while efficiently managing your tattoo removal. We have the market's best and newest type of laser (Nd:YAG Q-switched) and we have the right knowledge in its use. Its important that people who perform tattoo removal have the correct knowledge in using the right wavelength and understand the differences in tattoos and their colors to be able to choose the right wavelength and treatment strength. Additionally, we have the medical training that AVI today requires for performing treatments with class 4 lasers.
Plus, we are quite nice.
We serve you in Swedish, Finnish, and English.
How does tattoo removal work?
We use an Nd:YAG Q-Switched Spectra laser to remove tattoos. We have carefully researched the choice of device and, given our extensive experience and knowledge, we know which is best for our clients. We also actively follow technology and research in the field. Our laser does not damage the skin and leaves no scars and removes all colors. The technique involves firing several ultra-short pulse beams at very high speed (nanoseconds) at the tattoo. The ink particles under the skin are shattered and begin to slowly remove themselves. Since there are layers of ink particles in a tattoo, it cannot be removed in one go. The color is excreted from the body through urine and sweat.
What is R0 treatment?
About 15 years ago, the R20 technology came to the market, which allowed for up to four treatment sessions in one visit, with 20-minute breaks between treatments. Twenty minutes after a treatment, the surface swelling decreases, and several color capsules under the skin can thus respond to a new treatment. R0 was launched about 8 years ago, and we were the first in Finland to start using this treatment method. The swelling decreases in a few seconds with a specially developed serum applied to the treated area, and a new treatment can be started immediately. This option has proven to be better for the skin and tattoo, and with this treatment method, we accelerate the tattoo removal process. We usually start with two treatments (so to speak, a double treatment) to ensure that the skin tolerates the treatment well. We reserve the right to decide if more treatments are done, depending on the skin's reaction.
FAQ
Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions