Laser Tattoo Removal

Say goodbye to unwanted tattoos with Spectrum Laser Tattoo Removal in Albuquerque! Our state-of-the-art laser technology effectively targets and breaks down tattoo ink, providing a safe and efficient solution for tattoo removal. Whether you're looking to completely remove a tattoo or fade it for a cover-up, our experienced professionals are here to help. Enjoy minimal discomfort and fast recovery times as you achieve clear, ink-free skin. Experience the top-rated tattoo removal service in Albuquerque with Spectrum Laser and start your journey towards a fresh canvas today!

Laser Tattoo Removal FAQ's

- What is Tattoo and Pigment Removal?

The “Q” in Q switched laser treatment stands for “quality.” A Q switched laser pulses high power laser beams with such precision that they don’t have any thermal interaction with tissues. This means that it produces minimal damage to surrounding tissues internally and targets only the tattoo ink pigments. An added benefit of this is a quicker and less complicated healing time. The Q Switched laser has been determined as a gold standard for tattoo removal. It works by producing extremely short pulses of high energy light. The light is then absorbed by the particles of the tattoo pigment but doesn’t get absorbed by the surrounding skin. The tattoo pigment then heats up and starts to break down into small particles. A Q-Switch laser may also be used to treat pigmented lesions including age spots, freckles, sunspots and some birthmarks, it targets the melanin in the superficial layer of your skin. When the pigmented lesion absorbs the light energy from the Q-Switch Laser it gets converted into heat.

What is unique about Q-Switched Tattoo Removal?

A Q-switched laser is the only technology that is able to penetrate down to the dermis and shatter tattoo ink (via photo acoustic waves) without causing damage to the surrounding skin tissue. All other methods either aren’t capable of reaching and destroying the ink or cause too much damage to the skin, resulting in scarring. The 1064nm and 532nm cover over 80% of tattoo colors.

- What are some indications for Q-Switch?

Tattoos, pigmented lesions including age spots, freckles, sunspots, and some birthmarks.

- What color tattoos can be treated?

Good - Black, Blue, Dark Blue, Dark Green, Brown, Red, Purple, Orange. Difficult – Tan, Yellow, Bright Green, Sky Blue.

What to expect?

The laser tattoo removal itself may not be uncomfortable but discomfort is a normal response during treatment and recovery. The targeted areas will feel tender and sensitive to touch due to swelling and blistering thereafter. Once these effects subside over the next few days, so does the pain. Immediately after treatment, you will notice frosting on the area where the laser came in contact with the ink. It is caused by the rapid local heating of skin pigment releasing carbon dioxide on the surface of the skin which resembles white frosting. This signals the first stage of healing and it lasts for only a few minutes. More frosting occurs with dark ink compared to lighter ink. This is accompanied by swelling around the treated area. Redness, tenderness and swelling usually subside a day or two after treatment. Blisters start forming within 24 hours after treatment and they may appear alarming, but these indicate that your body is healing as it should. Avoid picking on your blisters because they will drain on their own and dry into scabs. The crust will eventually fall off within 10-14 days after treatment granted that the area doesn’t get irritated. One may even return to your usual activities shortly after treatment. The area will be bandaged to keep it dry for a few days following the treatment.

How does it feel?

Laser tattoo removal typically does involve some level of pain. That said, many say that it hurts less than they expected. It’s a common belief that tattoo removal is excruciating, yet most patients say that the sensation of removal is comparable to having a tattoo applied. Common descriptions include the sensation of a rubber band snapping against the skin or bacon grease – basically it’s uncomfortable but bearable.

Get a professional consultation for tattoo removal at our clinic. Our experts will provide guidance and personalized recommendations for your tattoo removal journey.

Starting at $250 per session

pre/post treatment faq's

Pre-Treatment Care for Tattoo Removal

Sun Exposure: Avoid sun exposure and tanning beds for 2 weeks before and after treatment.
Pain Medication: Avoid pain medications like Aleve and Aspirin for 3-7 days before treatment.
Anesthetic: Topical numbing cream or local anesthetic may be used, and a cold compress may be applied before treatment.

Post-Treatment Care

Sun Exposure: Keep out of the sun until healed.
Water Exposure: Avoid pools, lakes, and bath water until the area is healed.
Recovery Balm: Apply a recovery balm and keep the treated area covered for 5-6 days while healing.
Ice Application: Apply ice for 10 minutes post-treatment.
Sunscreen: Use sunscreen to protect the treated skin, which is particularly sensitive to sunlight following treatment.
Makeup and Products: Do not apply makeup or any potentially irritating products on the treated skin while it heals.
Shaving: Avoid shaving treated areas unless the skin is healed.
Soaking: Do not soak in baths, hot tubs, or pools until the skin has healed completely.

Treatment Duration

Time: Treatments can take from several minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the area being treated.
Sessions: The number of sessions needed to remove a tattoo depends on the age, color, and density of the ink.

Factors Affecting Tattoo Removal

Age of Tattoo: Older tattoos can be removed with fewer treatments than newer ones.
- A black ink tattoo that is 10 years old may take one or two treatments fewer than a 1-year-old black tattoo.
- A 20-year-old tattoo may take two to three treatments fewer than a 1-year-old tattoo.

Color:
- Easiest to remove: Black and red tattoos.
- Slightly more difficult: Orange, yellow, pink, and other shades.
- Most difficult: Light green, light blue, and teal/turquoise.

Location: Areas with less circulation, such as toes, fingers, ears, and nose, often take more time to show results.
Ink Density:
- Shading in a tattoo is more easily removed.
- Letters with shading and certain designs with shading for visual effects will usually be removed in a few sessions.

Results and Longevity

Initial Results: Many people start to see their ink fade slightly after each session, with greater improvement after three appointments.
Time Between Sessions: Sessions are spaced six to eight weeks apart, allowing the skin to process the treatment.
Full Results: Results start showing a few months after the process starts, given the six to eight-week interval between sessions.

Number of Treatments

Recommended: 6-10 treatments are generally recommended.

Exercise

Post-Treatment: Exercise is generally allowed but follow any specific advice from your doctor or technician.

Side Effects

Common Symptoms: Blisters, swelling, raising of the tattoo, pinpoint bleeding, redness, temporary darkening, hypopigmentation, hyperpigmentation, and bruising.
Duration: These symptoms are common and usually subside within a couple of weeks. Consult your doctor with any concerns.

Safety

Yes, it is safe: The procedure is safe when performed by trained professionals using specialized equipment.

Cost

Pricing: Tattoo removal can cost about ten times as much as getting a tattoo applied. Be prepared for the cost, understanding the value of the service and the specialized equipment required.

Ideal Candidates

Good Candidates: Patients with realistic expectations regarding the removal of tattoos or pigment, particularly those with tattoos that mirror the optimized colors (black and red being the easiest to remove).