Laser tattoo and PMU removal: 9 facts beginners don’t know
9 facts for laser tattoo removal beginners: it's a medical service in Russia, scars are the specialist's fault, and results depend on the device and technique.
They’re a joy to look at, aren’t they? And no “oops, that came out a bit sloppy” or “damn, I overdid it with the laser”.
Fact 5: If skin injuries and complications occur, it’s the specialist’s fault, not the laser’s
Not all artists admit their mistakes, so they try either to keep quiet about them or to blame everything on the laser. As in: it’s old, awkward, cheap, and frankly you should be grateful it works at all. But a laser is just a tool controlled by (drum roll) a person, and it is that person who is responsible for the result.
When it comes to removal efficiency, then yes, the equipment matters a lot. But not when it comes to causing damage — here, blaming everything on the laser is simply unprofessional.
Speaking of which, I’m reminded of my favourite quote from Linda C:
“The laser is only as smart as the specialist operating it!”
Nothing superfluous, wouldn’t you agree? Perfectly clear and to the point.
To make it clearer, think of an analogy with a car: you have a Ferrari, but you can’t drive. However wonderful the car is, a person without driving skills won’t get behind the wheel. And even if they do, the result will be disastrous.
It’s the same in laser removal!
Fact 6: Removal results and the number of sessions depend on the quality of the laser
Yes, the quality of the laser affects how effectively PMU and tattoos are removed — it is one of the weighty factors. I have heard some artists say things like “Oh come on, it fires, that’ll do, I’ll use a 50k-rouble laser!” As you can imagine, the quality of their work matched.
In principle, if a laser costs less than 100–120 thousand roubles, you can’t really count on its quality and functionality. Why? See for yourself — below are my ANTI-recommendations for choosing a laser device.
This wonder for only 30,000 roubles
Inside the device
Close-up: the board sits on wooden blocks. I think no comment is needed here…
Lasers like these are common, but their build quality and performance leave much to be desired
Also a no!
Budget laser devices under 100,000 roubles — sad…
An expensive stationary laser — wow!
Inside an expensive stationary laser
If your budget is limited, you can consider compact lasers in the range of 140–200 thousand roubles. At that level you can rely on a better-quality crystal and on the equipment being functional and safe. But it is always important to pay attention to the specifications and to the seller’s reputation — can you be confident in their competence?
How many sessions will it take?
A quick estimate on the Kirby-Desai scale — for tattoos.
10 sessions, approximately
A rough estimate. More on the Kirby-Desai scale page.
Fact 7: The number of sessions and the effectiveness of tattoo and PMU removal depend on the technique you use
How you use the laser is fundamentally important — the result of your work depends on it.
The device won’t remove anything by itself; it has to be con-trol-led. So the quality of removal and the client’s health are literally in your hands.
Fact 8: To earn money from tattoo/PMU removal, it isn’t enough just to buy a laser and master the technique
You have become a specialist, and the equipment is already in your treatment room — what else do you need? The detail you need to work at full capacity is sales skills!
So as not to rely on word of mouth alone, you need to learn to “sell yourself” and your services: attract clients, analyse competitors and so on. It is also important to promote yourself as an expert on social media.
Let’s put it as a formula:
Expertise + equipment + sales skills
= a successful business
Fact 9: You need to keep developing as a specialist and improve the quality of your services
To hold your ground in a constantly growing market, you need to grow with it. Not in quantity, though, but in quality. Over time in laser tattoo and PMU removal you will build up a lot of experience and resources that will help you...
Earn a good reputation and reviews
Upgrade your equipment and raise the value of your service
Officially legalise your business
So, to develop successfully you need to keep improving constantly — only then is the result ensured.
You know, I was once a beginner in laser removal myself. I had to learn from my own mistakes, search for information in every possible book and article, and spend a huge amount of time looking for clients and the knowledge I needed.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a medical licence for laser tattoo removal in Russia?
Under Russian law tattoo removal is a medical service (item A16.01.021), so the organisation needs a medical licence for cosmetology, the specialist needs a higher medical education and a valid cosmetology physician certificate, and the laser needs a Roszdravnadzor registration certificate. The list does not mention PMU removal, but that does not make it a 100% non-medical service.
Who is to blame for scars after laser removal: the laser or the specialist?
The specialist. The equipment matters a lot for removal efficiency, but not when it comes to causing damage: a laser is just a tool controlled by a person, and that person is responsible for the result.
How much should a laser for tattoo and PMU removal cost?
If a laser costs less than 100–120 thousand roubles, you can't really count on its quality and functionality. With a limited budget you can consider compact lasers at 140–200 thousand roubles, checking the specifications and the seller's reputation.
