Laser removal of a tattoo is reportedly more painful than getting one, and by quite a bit. Each session (and there are usually multiple sessions) may last only minutes in terms of time spent actually under the laser. Dermatologists will tell you do not take aspirin or ibuprofen (or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents) because they promote bruising. They might, however, be able to offer you an anesthetic, lucky you, like a topical cream or even a local injection. During the healing process, after the tattoo laser treatment, the patient is susceptible to infection, just like getting the tattoo (life is a big circle). Also, as with getting the tattoo there will be a minimum three-week interval between sessions to allow the area to heal and to give the body’s immune system time to carry away the broken pigment molecules.

Side effects of laser removal? I’m so glad you asked. The American Academy of Dermatology says there is a low risk of scarring when using lasers to remove a tattoo – a 5 percent chance. Then again, there was a low risk of scarring associated with getting the tattoo in the first place. With any of the old style removal techniques, scarring was pretty much expected. Other things that you might look for include hyperpigmentation (an abundance of skin color that might appear darker than normal), hypopigmentation (not enough natural skin color, which makes the skin seem too light), a remainder of some portion of the tattoo pigment, and as always, the risk of infection. It’s not perfect but it sure beats sandpaper or stitches.

Where you’ll feel the real bite, though, is in the wallet. Even though it’s done in a doctor’s office, most insurance companies won’t insure something that is considered cosmetic. Laser tattoo removal ranges from several hundred dollars to several thousand. Be sure that you have, in writing, how much the total cost is going to be at the end of the process. On the bright side, at least you don’t have to tip.

Choosing a dermatologist for your outpatient procedure is as important as choosing a great tattooist. As with a tattooist, the best referrel is a personal one, someone you know who has had a tattoo satisfactorily removed (remember that no one will guarantee thay can completely remove your tattoo or prevent scarring). failing a personal referral, you could ask your personal physician. You can also try the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery for recommendations.

Make sure that you are getting a medical doctor who specializes in laser surgery, and it would also be fabulous if you found somebody who has done thousands of tattoo removals. There’s a learning curve just as with tattoo applications, and experience does count.