Even if you loved your tattoo when you first got it, there may come a time when you outgrow the meaning of your tattoo or you sustain damage to the tattoo that will make you want to get rid of your body art. At Vibrant Rejuvenation, we know that laser tattoo removal is an ideal option for most people. This treatment can be used by virtually all skin types and skin tones to remove unwanted tattoos.
What Is Laser Tattoo Removal?
Laser tattoo removal is an energy-based treatment that is designed to break up the pigment of tattoos and remove tattoos from the body completely. Laser treatment for the removal of tattoos can be completed in hour-long sessions and can safely clear the appearance of your skin. These treatments must be completed by a licensed medical provider.
Why Is Q-Switched YAG Ideal for Tattoo Removal?
At Vibrant Rejuvenation, we use the Q-switched YAG laser system to remove tattoos. Although many laser systems are used to break up tattoo pigment and eliminate body art from your skin, this laser is an ideal option for most people.
This system is special because it efficiently treats unwanted tattoos without damaging the skin. As a non-ablative treatment, this laser will not burn the skin surface, cause scarring, induce hyperpigmentation, or change the overall tone of your skin. This particular treatment is safe for the vast majority of people who want to remove a tattoo.
Is This Treatment Comfortable?
Yes, this treatment is very comfortable. For your treatment, you will be given the option of using a topical numbing cream, a nerve block, or a novocaine injection to ensure your comfort for the treatment. Without these comfort measures, the laser treatment is still tolerable and many people compare the sensation of the laser treatment to a snapping rubber band. If you could tolerate getting the tattoo, then you can likely tolerate the removal of the tattoo as well.
How Many Appointments Will You Need?
On average, most people who want to remove an unwanted tattoo will need a series of six to 12 treatments. The number of appointments you will need to remove the tattoo will depend on a variety of factors, such as the color, age, and size of the tattoo.
Greyscale tattoos and older tattoos typically can be removed with fewer treatments because of the natural fade of pigment. On the other hand, newer tattoos and very colorful tattoos will typically require more treatments to remove pigment. If you have a newer tattoo, you will need to wait at least six to 12 months before you can have any treatments.
What Should You Do Before Treatment?
Before your treatment, you will likely be advised to avoid unprotected contact with the sun, other laser treatments such as hair removal, and discontinue the use of irritating skin products. If you have any damage to your skin on the day of your treatment, such as a sunburn or an open injury, your treatment will likely need to be delayed. You may receive specific preparation instructions based on the size, color, quality, or age of your tattoo.
What Should You Do After Treatment?
After your treatment, you will be prescribed an antibacterial ointment that you should apply to your skin at least one to two times a day. A non-stick dressing will be used to protect the skin during the first few days after your laser treatment session. The combination of the antibacterial ointment and the wound dressing will ensure that your skin heals quickly after each of your appointments.
Additional instructions you may need to follow after your treatment will include avoiding very hot water, exfoliation of the treatment area, and direct contact with the sun. After the first week, you should continue to avoid sun exposure on the treated area by wearing SPF when you’re outside.
What Are Common Reasons To Remove Tattoos?
There are a few reasons why people may want to remove a tattoo. For example, some people simply outgrow the meaning of a tattoo and would prefer to remove the tattoo. Others may want to remove tattoos because of damage to the tattoo or mistakes in the tattoo design, such as the misspelled word. Some may even need to remove tattoos because of a job.
Tattoo Fade
The most common reason to remove a tattoo is to replace the tattoo with a new one. This is a special process called a tattoo fade, which essentially means that you will only receive enough treatments to fade the current pigment of the tattoo enough that new pigment can be used to cover the rest of the tattoo.
Who Are Good Candidates?
Most people who have unwanted tattoos are good candidates for the Q-switched YAG laser. To be a candidate for any laser treatment, you will need to attend a consultation appointment so that your skin type can be examined to assess whether or not laser treatment is a good option for you. If you have taken medications such as Accutane or any other prescriptions that can cause photosensitivity in the last four to six months, you may need to postpone your treatment.
Remove Unwanted Tattoos With Laser Treatments
There are several reasons you may want to remove a tattoo. Fortunately, laser treatments can effectively remove tattoo pigment and restore the clear canvas of your skin and about six o 12 treatments. You can completely remove tattoos in about a year. Most people are good candidates for this treatment.
