What are some of the most common benefits of laser tattoo
During laser tattoo removal, the lasers are used to selectively target and destroy the tattoo without damaging the surrounding tissue, which eliminates scarring. Lasers have differing wavelengths and pulse durations, and different laser beams are absorbed by specific colors, allowing medical practitioners to choose the precise combination of lasers for the depth and color of a particular tattoo as well as for multi-colored tattoos. After treatment the skin is more uniform and natural in appearance, although some possible changes in skin texture and color may be unavoidable.
How much pain is there?
You should expect some minimal discomfort during the treatment. This is most often described as a light burning or stinging sensation. A numbing cream can be applied to the skin. However, most of our patients experience very little discomfort by utilizing our Zimmer cooling device that blows cold air on the tattoo during the procedure. Because the procedure is so fast with the larger PiQo4 spot size, this discomfort time is greatly minimized.
What will happen at the initial tattoo removal consultation?
During the consultation, your medical practitioner will advise you on what to expect from laser treatment. Erin Owoc, ARNP (who as removed over 2,800 tattoos since 2002) will explain the different options available to you, the procedure itself, and its risks and limitations.Erin will begin with a complete medical history and an examination of your tattoo and your overall skin tone and quality. The size, style, color and location of the tattoo, as well as the color and texture of your skin, will determine the type of laser treatment recommended. Erin will also want to know when, where, and by whom your tattoo was applied, as these factors too can affect the method of treatment.
How much pain is there?
You should expect some minimal discomfort during the treatment. This is most often described as a light burning or stinging sensation. A numbing cream can be applied to the skin. However, most of our patients experience very little discomfort by utilizing our Zimmer cooling device that blows cold air on the tattoo during the procedure. Because the procedure is so fast with the larger PiQo4 spot size, this discomfort time is greatly minimized.
How is laser tattoo removal performed
The medical practitioner will cleanse the area on and around the tattoo to remove oils on the skin. During the procedure you’ll feel intense emissions of light penetrate the tattooed area. You’ll hear noise as the laser does its work, both from the machine itself and from the fans that operate continuously to reduce heat in the room and clean the air.
What can I expect after tattoo removal
The area may be red, as if mildly sunburned, for several weeks. There may be some bruising, and with deeper tattoos, some bleeding is not uncommon. The area may be treated with an antibiotic ointment and a bandage applied.
Recovery times depend on the extent of the treatment and the individual’s capacity to heal. Redness and sensitivity may continue for a few weeks, and there may be discoloration and a change in skin texture in the area, which will gradually improve. You should avoid exposing the treated area to the sun, as this may retard healing.
Most people are very satisfied with the pigment removal achieved through laser treatment. It is important to remember, however, that your skin may never look as perfect as it did before you had the tattoo, even though the tattooed pigment has been removed.
How long does a laser tattoo removal procedure take?
On average, each laser treatment takes from five to twenty minutes. Our new PiQo4 laser is the most powerful (PICO AND NANO) tattoo removal laser in the world and that allows us to do a larger spot size, thus reducing procedure time. Several treatments are needed to achieve the desired results — the number will vary depending on the depth and color of the tattoo, but 2 to 8 treatments for one tattoo are not uncommon. You must allow at least a month between treatments, so be prepared to commit to the process.
Risk and limitations
With modern lasers, especially the new PiQo4, any scarring is quite rare, although some changes in skin texture and color are common. The area treated by the laser may become very lighter or darker than the surrounding skin.
Other important information
Several additional factors can affect the long-term outcome of your treatment. Older tattoos are easier to remove than newer ones; tattoos applied by amateurs are easier to remove than those applied by professionals. Certain pigments are easier to remove, with fluorescent colors being the least responsive to treatment. The type of ink used may also affect the results, since some inks create a paradoxical reaction, causing the skin to become darker instead of lighter. Erin Owoc, ARNP will advise you on what to expect based on your particular tattoo and how many treatments to expect.
Please call (954) 680-8330 to setup a free consultation with me to understand more about the PiQo4 and the laser tattoo removal process.