Whether you have the name of an ex-partner on your arm or have outgrown the desire to have ink in a visible area, laser removal can help. In fact, laser tattoo removal can be beneficial, no matter the reason that you no longer want that tattoo. Before you decide if this treatment is for you, though, it’s important to know the average laser tattoo removal price in NY as well as what the process consists of and who could most benefit from it.
Process
By understanding the process of laser tattoo removal in New York City, you can better understand the price and factors that affect it.
How It Works
When you visit a practitioner for laser tattoo removal, the individual will use a handheld device that emits light energy in a high concentration. The tattoo’s ink particles will then absorb the light. Since the laser is so targeted, it won’t harm the nearby skin, just the ink.
Once the ink particles absorb the light, they heat up. As a result, the particles break down into smaller pieces. Over time, usually about a few days or weeks, your body’s immune system will clear the ink particles. Specifically, your body will absorb the particles and flush them out through your bloodstream. The result is the tattoo fades away over time. As a general rule, you need multiple treatments to experience the full effect.
Procedure Specifics
First, you’ll receive a local anesthetic applied to the area. This will numb it so you can’t feel any pain or discomfort. The practitioner will then move the applicator over the tattoo.
The specialist will change the frequency of the laser to target different colors of ink.
Safety
When discussing the process, it’s vital to understand the potential for side effects. For instance, you may have some pain or discomfort during the treatment process. Typically, though, the treatment hurts less than the pain you experienced when you first received the tattoo.
Hyperpigmentation is also possible, which causes you to have an uneven skin tone in that area. The skin may become lighter or darker at the treatment site than the rest of your skin. This is generally only temporary. Bear in mind that your risk is greater if you have darker skin and are less likely to burn.
Textural changes in the treatment area are possible as well. These are rarely permanent and tend to resolve in a few months.
Some people experience blistering from tattoo removal. However, if you listen to pre-and-post-procedure instructions, you’ll reduce your risk of this side effect. Be sure to refrain from picking at the blister or trying to remove it on your own. If you do either one, you’ll increase your risk of permanent scarring.
Another possible side effect is an allergic reaction. For instance, if the treatment uses yellow cadmium sulfide, you could suffer from a photoallergic reaction. If this occurs, you’ll need to stay out of the sun to prevent the reaction from worsening. Some people may also need steroid injections.
Certain tattoos have dyes that break down into toxic chemicals with light exposure. The toxins may migrate to your liver or kidneys. This is extremely rare.
Treatment Specifics
The number of treatments you require will depend on various factors, such as the following:
- Size of tattoo
- Ink colors
- Age of tattoo
A practitioner can’t determine for certain how many sessions you’ll require just by looking at your tattoo but can give you a general idea. Each person responds differently to treatment, and as noted above, multiple factors affect the results. Generally, most people require between six and eight sessions to see full results. You might need 10 or more treatments for a larger tattoo. Keep in mind that a practitioner will schedule future appointments with time in between each session so the skin has time to heal.
Typically, a session may only take 10 to 15 minutes for a smaller tattoo. On the other hand, a session for larger tattoos and/or one consisting of multiple colors might take 20 to 60 minutes.
Recovery
You may experience redness or sensitivity immediately following the treatment. It might feel as though you have a serious case of sunburn. Scabbing is possible as well.
You’ll be able to resume life as usual immediately following the procedure. However, you will need to avoid the sun immediately before and after the procedure.
Results
Results vary from case to case, even though anyone who has a tattoo they regret can benefit from the treatment. Bear in mind, that you’ll have the most immediately noticeable results with black ink. Darker colors absorb more light energy, and therefore, will break up more rapidly and more thoroughly. However, with that being said, you can use this treatment for any color of ink. You just may need more treatment to see full results. The colors that are most difficult to treat include brown, red, white, and fleshed-colored since they consist of titanium dioxide and iron oxides. Additionally, the lighter colors are also more difficult to target with light energy.
Your results also vary based on your immune function. Since the treatment requires your immune system to function optimally to clear the ink, you need a healthy immune system. Those who are immunocompromised may not experience the results they desire.
Luckily, laser tattoo removal has been approved for people of all skin types. Even if you have dark skin, the laser is unlikely to greatly harm your skin. Keep in mind that your skin tone can affect the treatment’s efficiency. For example, someone with fairer skin, especially one who has a darker tattoo, will need fewer treatments.
The location of the tattoo can affect your results. If you have tattoos on your lower legs or arms, the treatment might not be as successful. This is because these locations are further from your heart. Especially if you have a circulation issue, your bloodstream may not effectively remove the particles.
Average Cost of Laser Tattoo Removal
Before you get laser tattoo removal, it helps to know a roundabout figure regarding price.
Factors That Affect Cost
In general, the cost of laser tattoo removal depends on the practitioner, your location, and the specifics of your tattoo.
Moreover, the laser tattoo removal price in NY at Bared Monkey depends on the number of sessions you require and the size of the tattoo.
Bear in mind that the number of sessions you require depends on your skin tone, the age of the tattoo, and the ink type used, in addition to size. For instance, older tattoos that already have significant fading are easier to remove with laser tattoo removal, and therefore, require fewer and shorter sessions and often come with a cheaper price tag for this reason.
Since tattoos with multiple colors will require you to receive different frequencies, these tattoos take more time to address. As a result, you’ll need more sessions. Ultimately, this means the price of removal is higher.
Basically, there isn’t an exact cost that’s static for all patients. When you visit Bared Monkey for the first time, you’ll receive an estimate so you can determine if the treatment is a feasible solution for you.
Average Costs
As a general rule, the laser tattoo removal price in NY is between $200 and $500 per session. So let’s say you require six treatments to completely remove your tattoo. Total, you can then expect to pay between $1,200 and $3,000. On average, though, the total price of the procedure is $3,500.
Paying for Costs
Insurance won’t cover this particular procedure because it’s for cosmetic reasons only. You could work with the practitioner to make a payment arrangement. Another option is a medical credit card or loan. These options are specifically for people who desire a medical procedure and would like to finance it. You could also take out a small personal loan or line of credit or use a credit card.
Choosing an Affordable Practitioner
As briefly noted above, the laser tattoo removal price in NY varies based on your practitioner. Therefore, you’ll notice when you’re finding the right laser tattoo removal technician that some are more expensive than others. Make sure you don’t use price as the only deciding factor since it doesn’t determine the practitioner’s skill. Some individuals who charge dearly for their services aren’t as skilled or qualified, while some of the lower-costing practitioners have skill but pride themselves on providing affordable services.
As a result, while you need to find a practitioner you can afford, you must also look at the practitioner’s qualifications and background. Firstly, review New York’s laws regarding laser operation. Then, compare the practitioners based on experience and education. It helps to read reviews of the practitioner. Fortunately, the Internet has made it easy to find all this information.
When you’re searching for laser tattoo removal, know that the laser tattoo removal price in NY varies from practitioner to practitioner and also depends on your situation. In general, though, you’ll pay more for a newer tattoo, one with more colors, or a larger one. Fortunately, the price is reasonable, and it’s a safe and effective solution for most people.
To schedule a consultation to discuss laser tattoo removal and receive a price estimate for your particular situation, contact Bared Monkey today at 212-256-9777.
