ALL THINGS TATTOO REMOVAL
Tattoo removal is a procedure to remove permanent ink from your skin. Normally, your immune system works to remove foreign particles from your body, but ink particles are too big for your immune system to remove, which is why they’re permanent. The goal of laser tattoo removal is to break down permanent ink particles into smaller particles that your immune system can safely remove from your body. This is why laser tattoo removal functions with a lower risk of scarring. Dermabrasion, chemical peels and surgical excision are other options but cause scarring of the skin because they focus on removing skin. Laser tattoo removal is the safest choice.
Before your procedure, you’ll meet with a trained tech to fully analyze your tattoo and inform you about the process. They’ll evaluate your skin and may ask questions that could include:
When did you get this tattoo?
Have you undergone any prior tattoo removal procedures?
Was the tattoo was applied by an amateur or professional?
Your provider will also measure the size of your tattoo and they might take a photo of it to record the results of your procedure. Your provider will choose a treatment plan based on the type and color of ink in the tattoo and the depth of the tattoo pigment in your body.
During a laser tattoo removal procedure, you can expect the following to happen:
You’ll wear protective eye shields.
Your skin’s reaction to the laser is tested to determine the most effective energy for the treatment.
The treatment itself consists of placing a hand piece against the surface of your skin and activating the laser light repeatedly (pulse) over the surface of the tattoo.
Smaller tattoos require fewer pulses and larger ones require more. In either case, the tattoo requires multiple visits for treatments. After each treatment, the tattoo should become lighter. After each session, your technician will give you instructions about how to take care of your skin.
It takes more than one session to remove a tattoo because when you got your tattoo, your tattoo artist applied the ink in layers. Because lasers break the ink pigment into smaller particles, it then takes some time between sessions for your body to flush out the ink. Your skin also needs time to heal. If you receive laser treatments, the procedure can sometimes cause swelling and blistering and can temporarily alter the color of your skin. You MUST wait between 6-8 weeks between each treatment to properly heal the skin.
Each person’s tattoo removal process is different. It’s relatively common for tattoo removal to not remove a tattoo completely, but with our technology our success rate is higher. When tattoo removal isn’t 100% successful, some colors of tattoo dye resist removal, and some pigment is too deep for lasers to reach, for example. Certain colors may be easier to remove than others. Blue or black tattoos respond well to laser treatment because they’re better at absorbing light.
Each type of tattoo removal takes a different amount of time depending on the size, color and location of your tattoo. Each session usually takes between five and fifteen minutes. It can take between 6 and 10 visits for your final result because each visit the pigment will be broken down more and more allowing your body's lymph system to drain the ink particles out. Each visit is also spaced out 4 to 6 weeks apart.
1- If you had any type of allergic reaction while getting your tattoo
2- If you were on Accutane within the last 12 months
3- Have a recent sunburn
4- If you are actively on birth control, antibiotics, or ace inhibitors
5- If you have past history of cancer, heart attack or heart problems, or high blood pressure
6- Have taken doxycycline in the past 90 days
7- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding
8- If you have any autoimmune disease, circulatory disease, or otherwise immunocompromised.
Aftercare can vary person to person, but in general certain guidelines apply.
1. Keep the treated area clean and dry while it is healing. Clean the area gently with soap and water and then pat the area dry. You may apply a thin coating of ointment (i.e. Aquaphor, Petrolatum, Neosporin) up to three times a day for three days while the area is healing. Keep the area covered with a sterile dressing in that time.
2. Blisters are possible and likely to occur within the first 8 hours after treatment. Don't be alarmed, blisters heal fairly easily on their own and are part of the normal healing process. It is imperative that you DO NOT pop, rip, or pick at the blisters). If you are unsure of how to care for it, please reach out to us!
3. In the first few hours, the treated area may feel similar to a sunburn. Applying cool compresses the first couple of days after treatment can help ease some discomfort and inflammation from the treatment.
4. Should you scab, don't pick or expose the scabbed area, as it may result in infection, scarring, or permanent pigment change. Shaving should be avoided in the treated area until it is completely healed.
5. It is okay to shower 4-6 hours after the treatment, but take care to avoid high pressure water with high heat on the treated area. Baths, hot tubs, swimming pool, or any form of soaking are not recommended until all blistering and scabbing are completely healed as they may increase the risk of infection.
6. Exercise is generally safe 2-3 days after treatment taking into account the other after care instructions provided here. Some bruising may be experienced if muscles underneath the treated area are exercised.
7. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher daily to protect against UVA/UVB rays over the treatment area. You must do this between sessions while removal is performed. Limiting sun exposure between treatments will reduce the amount of tan in the area, thereby reducing the risk of side effects. Do not wear makeup or any cream on the treated area unless recommended by our office for 48 hours.
8. Itching is common due to the dehydrating effect of the laser treatment. Use Aquaphor, vitamin E ointment, or hydrocortisone cream to the treatment area. Itching resulting from an allergic reaction is rare, but also possible. Notify us if itching or swelling persists for more than a week after treatment.
9. If the area looks infected (honey colored crusting and oozing or spreading redness), if you experience an unusual discomfort or bleeding, if any other complications develop, or if you have any questions or concerns, contact the office immediately.
10. Of course, if you have any extreme reaction, call 911 or go to the emergency department.