LASER TATTOO REMOVAL

Tattoo Removal NYC

The Tattoo Removal Process

Tattoo removal is a procedure that is done to remove any unwanted tattoos from the body. There are many reasons why individuals consider tattoo removal. If you regret your tattoo, are unhappy with the appearance of your tattoo, fading of your tattoo has occurred, had an allergic reaction, tattoos no longer fit your lifestyle, or you just want to make room for something new you may opt to remove your tattoos. If you are interested in tattoo removal, it is important that you consult a tattoo removal specialist or a doctor about your options. At-home tattoo removal is never a safe option.

About Tattoo Laser Removal

The tattoo removal method that is considered to be the most effective is laser removal.

Most tattoos are removed with a Q-switched laser, which sends out a strong pulse of energy that heats up the ink in your skin to dissolve it. With laser treatment, it takes approximately 8 to 12 sessions to completely remove a tattoo. You need to wait a minimum of 6 to 8 weeks between each session. Older and less saturated tattoos, such as fine line tattoos, require fewer sessions where newer and more professional tattoos, will require more sessions.

After each session it is important to follow the aftercare instructions that you are given. This will generally include using an antibacterial ointment to heal your skin and reduce the risk of infection. For the weeks following your laser removal session it is also recommended to keep the area clean and dry, avoid wearing tight clothing around the treated area, do not expose the treated area to direct sunlight, and do not pick at any scabs or blisters that form as this can lead to scarring.

PicoWay Laser

The Candela Picoway laser is our answer to 1064 and 532 Picosecond Technology.

The Candela PicoWay is FDA approved and has proven to cause less damage to tissue than any other laser on the market. With its dominant 1064 and 532 wavelengths, the PicoWay is especially effective at treating resistant red and black ink. The PicoWay delivers extremely short picosecond pulses of energy to the tissue. These burst of energy break up ink into tiny particles that are easily passed out of the body through the lymphatic system with minimal damage to surrounding tissues.

Read Our Blog: Comparing the Methods of Tattoo Removal

Is Tattoo Removal Painful?

Pain will vary based on individual pain tolerance.

Treatments will include the use of a Cryo Zimmer which blows very cold air on site in tandem with the laser. This relieves any pain or discomfort the client may experience.

Taking pain medication, such as Tylenol, prior to treatment also helps. It is important to avoid blood thinners such as aspirin or ibuprofen that can cause bruising. Below are a few additional steps you can take to minimize your pain during tattoo removal.

1. Avoid caffeine

Tea, coffee, chocolate, or other items that have a high content of caffeine may make you feel hyperactive during your tattoo removal procedure. Research shows that eating or drinking caffeine has made individuals more subjectable to pain as well.

2. Stay hydrated

It is important that you drink plenty of water prior to your tattoo removal procedure and during the duration of your treatments. Hydration keeps the skin in peak condition and can avoid skin dryness as well as helping to flush out ink particles.

3. Speak up if the pain becomes too much

The pain you feel during your treatment can be affected by the pace of your technician and the length of your appointment. Do not hesitate to ask for a break if you feel that you need one. Your technician cannot resolve an issue that they do not know exists. By speaking up, you can ensure that your tattoo removal will be as comfortable as possible.

4. Women, avoid scheduling an appointment during your period

During menstruation, your body is more sensitive to discomfort and your pain tolerance decreases. This can make sitting through a tattoo removal extremely painful. For this reason, if possible, avoid scheduling your appointment during a time that you think that you may be on your period. If closer to the appointment you realize that you will be menstruating during the appointment, consider rescheduling to a different week.

Tattoo Removal FAQs

What is the best method for tattoo removal?

The most recommended method for tattoo removal is laser removal. This is one of the simplest, most cost effective, safest, and most widely used methods of tattoo removal.

Are there any side effects to tattoo removal?

There are a number of potential side effects associated with tattoo removal procedures. Patients who opt for laser tattoo removal may experience redness and swelling immediately following the treatment. With surgical removal, some patients may experience skin discoloration, infection, lack of complete pigment removal, some scarring, or a raised and thickened scar may appear three to six months after the tattoo is removed. Patients who have dermabrasion may see changes in skin color (lightening, darkening, blotchiness, etc), infection, swelling, bleeding, or scarring. Side effects can be minimized by following your aftercare instructions.

How long should you wait between tattoo removal sessions?

This depends on what tattoo removal process you move forward with. Treatments such as surgical removal and chemical peels will occur in one session. Treatments such as laser removal take approximately 7 to 10 sessions to remove a tattoo with 6-8 weeks of down time between each session.

What Goes into Tattoo Removal Aftercare?

As previously mentioned, it is extremely important to care for the area of your body that was treated for tattoo removal and follow any recommended aftercare instruction provided to you. Failure to follow aftercare instructions may lead to negative side effects. Immediately following your tattoo removal, the treated area may feel uncomfortable, and it is important to keep the area covered until it heals. Specific directions for the proper care of the area to ensure a safe and quick recovery should be closely followed.

The general aftercare instructions that are consistent across all methods of tattoo removal are:

• Use any prescription or recommended ointment to reduce the risk of infection

• Avoid wearing tight clothing around the treated area

• Avoid the sun prior to treatment and apply sunscreen regularly once it is safe to expose your skin to the sun

It will take some time for your skin to heal after your tattoo removal. Many side effects are temporary, with the most common reactions being redness, swelling, bruising, scabbing and tenderness. These reactions resolve within a week or two.