How does PicoSure laser tattoo removal work?
Laser energy is delivered to the tattoo, targeting the ink and breaking it down into smaller particles. The particles are eliminated through the body’s natural processes resulting in a lightening of the tattoo ink. You can see more about how this technology works here.
What does laser tattoo removal feel like? Is it painful?
For many patients, the feeling of laser tattoo removal has been compared to what it feels like when getting a tattoo or a warm snap against the skin. We use a cooling device during the entire treatment and offer patients a numbing cream to help minimize any discomfort. The combination of the cooling device and numbing cream work great and also the treatment is very fast!
What areas can (or can’t) be treated?
All areas are safe except for eyelids, lips and inside of the mouth.
Is it easier to remove a new tattoo or an old one?
This highly depends on the area of the tattoo, quality of the ink, depth of the ink.
How many treatments will I need?
The number of laser treatments needed for tattoo removal is dependent on a number of variables such as ink type, size of the tattoo, location on the body, type of laser used, lifestyle habits, etc. During your consultation, our medical aesthetician will evaluate your tattoo and recommend a realistic treatment plan to help you achieve the best results.
How often will I need treatments?
While it typically takes 4-8 weeks for the body to absorb the ink particles, every patient and tattoo responds differently. Following the recommended post-treatment protocol will likely improve the results and reduce the chance of small adverse events.
How will my skin look after the laser treatment?
Following the tattoo treatment, there is an immediate slight whitening or “frosting” of the skin, however, that will subside immediately after the treatment is complete. You may also experience mild swelling and redness.
My tattoo was treated with a laser in the past and didn’t clear, why would I try again now?
Until the launch of PicoSure, Q-Switched lasers had been considered the gold standard for removing tattoos. Q-Switched laser treatments use thermal energy to heat up and break apart the ink particles. Now with PicoSure, ultra-short pulses hit the ink particle with a pressure so great, the ink shatters into tiny dust-like particles. Because the particles are so small, they are more readily absorbed and eliminated by the body. PicoSure has been proven success in treating even dark, stubborn blue and green inks, as well as previously-treated, stubborn tattoos that were not successfully cleared in the past.
Laser Tattoo Removal aftercare instructions:
- Clean treated area daily, allowing water or shower to run over the treated area and then pat the area dry.
- Apply very thin layer of Aquaphor ointment to the treatment area 2 to 3 times per day. Keep the area moist and let the scab fall off on its own.
- Apply a Telfa pad over the treated area until it is healed.
- If crusting occurs, do not shave or pick treated area.
- No rubbing or scratching the treated area.
- Discomfort may be relieved by ice packs or Acetaminophen.
- No swimming or using hot tubs or whirlpools until the treated area heals.
- Small blistering is normal.
- Avoid sun exposure. When treatment area might be exposed to the sun, use a 30+ SPF sunblock with zinc oxide and reapply every 2 hours.
Can I lighten the tattoo to have another one put on top?
Tattoos can be lightened in preparation for a cover-up tattoo. It is recommended that you wait six weeks between your last treatment before getting a new tattoo added.
How much does tattoo removal cost?
The cost of laser tattoo removal depends on several factors, including the size of tattoo and the number of treatments it will require. Our treatments start at $99 for the first square inch. After your consultation, we will provide you with an estimate for the cost of treatment. We also offer treatments the same day as your consultation for your convenience. Contact us today for your complimentary skin consultation.
