Sometimes that tattoo you once thought you wanted on your body permanently, no longer brings you the joy it once did. Let’s be honest, as much as tattoos are a work of art and can have significant meaning, they can also be a lapse of judgement.

At Baywood Laser & Cosmetic Clinic, we offer laser tattoo removal services in Toronto to ensure that you don’t have to stay inked for the rest of your life with a tattoo that no longer has the same meaning to you. You wouldn’t be the first, nor the last, to regret (or remove) a tattoo.

Some people get a spontaneous amateur tattoo, while others do extensive research on industry professionals like celebrity tattoo artists to find the right person to complete a detailed, intricate piece of body art. No two tattoos are alike, which is why the tattoo — and tattoo removal — experience is different for everyone.

The thing is, there are a lot of misconceptions that surround tattoo removal; how long it takes, how effective it is, the various options etc. Before you opt to remove that regretted tattoo, it’s essential to do your research not only to pick the best option but to make sure you know exactly what to expect.

As a laser clinic in Toronto with years of experience removing tattoos, administering Botox treatments, providing laser hair removal, and so much more, we are trusted industry professionals. Our clinic is staffed with professionals who personally perform tattoo removal procedures using our state-of-the-art lasers.

We are experts in laser tattoo removal who have completed over 30,000 procedures since 2001. When it comes to tattoo removal you can trust us to not only provide an effective service, but to answer any of the burning questions that are holding you back from removing that regretted tattoo.

Here are the answers to some of the main questions that get asked about tattoo removal:

How Does It Work?

We remove tattoos by using our Q-Switched Alexandrite and ND-Yag lasers. A board-certified physician on staff will personally handle the lasers, which release strong light beams that get absorbed by the ink particles of the tattoo.

Multiple lights are used, as specific ink colours absorb certain light colours. The lasers fragment these particles, which are then absorbed by your body.

We use a combination of three state-of-the-art lasers with various wavelengths to make sure we can remove even the most stubborn of colours and the most of elaborate of tattoos.

How Much Does It Cost?

At Baywood Clinic, the cost for laser tattoo removal starts around $100 per session. The typical price paid is anywhere between $160 and $225 per session. We offer discounts for both incomplete tattoos, and sets of multiple tattoos that require removing.

We are proud to provide cost-effective tattoo removal in Toronto — you shouldn’t have to pay obscene amounts to correct a regretted tattoo.

How Long Will It Take?

Every tattoo is different, so each one takes a different amount of time to remove. There are usually a few sessions required to reduce the appearance of your tattoo.

There are numerous variables to consider when it comes to identifying how many sessions it will require to remove your tattoo. The amount of necessary sessions is dependent on the colour of your tattoo, size, location, and how long you’ve had it.

Whether your tattoo is amateur or professional will also impact how long the removal process will take. An amateur tattoo will require 3-6 sessions, while you’re looking at an 8-12 week process if you have a professional tattoo.

Book a consultation with a professional to effectively confirm how many sessions it will take to remove your tattoo.

Does It Matter Where my Tattoo Is?

We will remove any and all tattoos, but it’s important to note that where your tattoo is located does impact how long the removal process will take.

The general rule of thumb is the closer to your heart, the easier a tattoo is to remove. This means that, for example, an ankle tattoo will be more time consuming to get rid of.

Where Should I Go for Tattoo Removal?

It’s best to go to a clinic operated by educated professionals to remove your tattoo. When you choose Baywood Clinic for your treatment, you can trust that board-certified laser doctors with ample experience will treat you.

We have over 30,000 tattoo removal procedures under our belt and have ample experience with operating our high-end lasers.

Does It Hurt?

A huge misconception surrounding laser tattoo removal is that it’s excruciating. The truth of the matter is that, although the lasers do sting, it’s not that painful as more methods have been developed to make the process easier on the patient.

The feeling of the laser is commonly compared to that of flicking an elastic band against your skin. Local anesthetic is used during the procedure to numb the area and lessen discomfort, while ice and creams can be used afterwards.

We’d say the discomfort is worth getting your ex-boyfriend’s name removed from your body indefinitely.

What Happens After my Tattoo is Removed?

After you get your tattoo removed, you may experience mild redness, swelling or itching. This is common and goes away by the following day. These effects can be subsided by using any cooling agent like an ice pack.

After your procedure, it’s crucial that you keep the area clean and protected. That means minimal sun exposure and keeping the area sanitary to prevent any infection. The good thing is that there are plenty of products out there like creams that will help keep the area clean and well treated.

How Else Can I Remove my Tattoo?

Many opt for tattoo removal creams for a quick fix — but this is an all-around bad idea. These creams are packed with damaging chemicals, and none of them are actually FDA approved.

Other methods people use include chemical peels, dermabrasion and surgical excision, but these tend to be invasive and oftentimes leave scarring. At the end of the day, laser treatment is really the best (and most comfortable) option.

Remove Your Tattoo at Baywood Laser Clinic

When you come to us to remove your tattoo, you can rest easy knowing that a board-certified physician will personally perform the procedure. We have completed over 30,000 tattoo removal treatments since our inception in 2001, solidifying us as leaders in the industry.

We are cost-effective and provide discounts for unfilled outlines, and multiple tattoos. All you have to do is get in touch and book an appointment! Be sure to contact us to learn more about tattoo removal services, and to get any additional questions answered.

We’re here to put your mind at ease and to work with you to form the most effective plan of action to remove your regretted tattoo.

Toronto Laser Tattoo Removal – Pico-second lasers?

Many patients contact our Toronto tattoo removal clinic and ask if we use a “pico-second” laser. This seems to be all the rage, at least in marketing circles. The truth is that these lasers have been around for a few years. The theory was that laser tattoo removal would be faster with these machines – initial promises were made for complete clearance in 5 sessions. As usual, initial claims, especially made by the laser manufacturers, don’t pan out. Several serious reviews in top notch medical journals have reached similar conclusions to the following authors

“In conclusion, there is sparse evidence that picosecond domain lasers have a higher effectiveness for the removal of mainly black and blue ink tattoos compared to their nanosecond-domain counterparts, when controlled for spot size and other variables.”

Most clinics or spas that use pico-second lasers charge two to three times what we do, using the traditional laser tattoo removal machines, and the results are essentially the same. So, if you are looking for laser tattoo removal in Toronto visit as many clinics as you can. Ask serious questions, do your research. Then visit us and compare. Like the tens of thousands of Toronto tattoo removal patients, we have treated over the last 20 years, we are sure our Doctors will make you feel comfortable and confident.

Ask questions about possible complications of laser tattoo removal.

It is important to be aware that even with the best equipment, in the most experienced hands, laser tattoo removal can cause complications. Many patients are so anxious to remove their tattoos that they rush into a decision without adequately understanding the possibility that their tattoo removal may no go perfectly.

The most common complications, like blistering, minor and temporary pigment changes, and itchiness are generally nothing to worry about. But make sure that you clinic alerts you to all the possibilities and patiently answers all your questions.

Tattoo removal can be a very emotional decision. We have had patients come directly from the tattoo artist – really feeling quite upset because the tattoo was not what they wanted. Others are under pressure to remove a tattoo because of an upcoming marriage – marrying “Billy”, but got a “Bobby” tattoo! – or because of an important job interview.

At our laser tattoo removal clinic in Toronto, we always encourage patients to step back and think about things before rushing into a removal or cover-up. Removal is not always the best option!

With 30% or more of individuals looking for laser tattoo removal within 5 years of getting theirs, it’s really a good idea to think very carefully about getting yours! The location on your body has a lot to do with later regret.

Are laser tattoo removal packages a good idea?

Everyone wants to get the best value for their hard earned dollars, but it is not a good idea to shop for laser tattoo removal treatments solely on cost. Some places are very hard-sell, and will offer “discounts” if you buy a package of 5 or more. Every week we see patients who tell us they were guaranteed clearance if they purchased a package of treatments.

When we ask why they are visiting us at the Baywood Clinic they tell us that the package was completed and the tattoo was not even close to clearing. Usually there is an excuse given – “there was more ink than we thought” or “your body does not absorb the ink well”. They are then offered a second package at another “discount”.

Typically salespersons and technicians at these clinics get a commission on sales. And it usually rises with each package purchased. So if they get 10% for the first package, they might get 15% or more for a second and third. It creates a sort of perverse incentive. We are not comfortable with holding your money.

You pay per session, and are free to stop at any time without any financial penalty. Our goal is to clear the tattoos fast as safely possible so that you tell your friend.

Word of mouth advertising brings us the vast majority of our new laser tattoo removal patients, and we want to keep it that way.

If you are unhappy with a “package” it is very difficult or impossible to opt out and get any money back. We recently saw a patient who paid $2500 up front for a series of 10 sessions, but was very unhappy after 5, and could not get anything back due to the complex contract he had signed.

So make sure to visit us. Our rates are the lowest you will find for a legitimate laser tattoo removal clinic in Toronto, with a licensed Medical doctor actually operating the laser.

Can Laser Tattoo Removal clear my ink completely?

Many patients come to us at our Toronto Tattoo Removal Clinic after experiencing disappointing results elsewhere. Often they are guaranteed perfect clearance in a certain number of sessions. The simple truth is no one can guarantee that laser tattoo removal can clear any tattoo perfectly or in a given amount of time.

We have 20 years of experience and have treated over 50,000 tattoos. We are pretty good at giving a rough estimate and are always honest with each client. In many cases, say a very large, heavily inked, multi-colored tattoo, we suggest fading and a cover up.

We always are open about the chances of clearing your tattoo. Most do fade completely in 8-12 sessions, but we want to make sure that you make an informed decision with the best possible information. It’s more important for us that you are happy with our clinic than making a quick sale!

What about scarring?

Many patients contact our Toronto tattoo removal clinic and are very nervous. They have read horror stories on-line and seen graphic images of laser tattoo removal gone wrong. Images of horrific scars have made them extremely wary about trying to remove their tattoo,

It is true that scarring can occur with laser tattoo removal. Our Toronto doctors see one case of scarring caused by other clinics or spas every other month or so. They try their best to repair the damage and if the scarring is new they often can succeed in reducing it dramatically.

Usually scarring occurs because of inexperienced hands. Technicians trained with weekend courses use too much power on during the first treatment and are not aware of the warning signs that they are doing so.

Our Toronto tattoo removal clinic has treated tens of thousands of patients – we have never caused a scar! That’s because our Doctors are careful, have 20 years experience, and use the best lasers. So come on in and see for yourself why you can be confident that your tattoo removal will go smoothly.

Are Toronto Laser Tattoo Removal Clinics licensed by the Government?

The simple answer is “No”. Any laser clinic that is not operated by licensed physicians is only regulated by the Consumer Affairs department of the local Toronto Government, which really only checks for safety regarding employees of the clinic, not the patients.

In fact, unless most US states, where a licensed MD must serve as the Medical Director of any clinic, and assume responsibility for safety, training etc, in Ontario anyone can open a laser clinic!

There are very few Consumer Affairs inspectors, so many clinics are not inspected for years, if at all.

Our Clinic, of course, in that it is owned and operated by several Licensed Ontario Physicians, falls under the auspices of the Ministry of Health. We ensure that we follow all safety and training regulations. For example it is the law that a laser Clinic must have a Certified Laser Safety Officer. Most non-MD run clinics do not have this. It’s important. Make sure to ask when you are choosing you laser tattoo removal Clinic in Toronto!