Tattoo Removal

How Does Laser Tattoo Removal Work?

Laser tattoo removal utilizes pulses of high-intensity light beams to penetrate the upper layer of the skin and shatter ink pigments. These smaller, shattered ink particles are then absorbed and metabolized, fading the tattoo from view completely as the body naturally eliminates the ink over the following weeks. 

In the past, laser tattoo removal had a few downsides. Depending on the pigment and size of the tattoo, several sessions were needed to fade the tattoo, while only being able to remove certain colors effectively. Additionally, since lasers rely on pulses of light and heat to shatter the unwanted pigment in a tattoo, they could cause heat damage to the surrounding skin, resulting in dark spots and hyperpigmentation. 

Now, thanks to new laser technology, laser tattoo removal has never been easier. Laser tattoo removal with PicoSure can treat tattoos twice as fast with fewer sessions and an improved recovery time while addressing a wider range of pigment colors. The number of sessions required to achieve optimal results will be determined by factors including the size, color and location of your tattoo. 

PicoSure Laser Tattoo Removal: A Step Above the Rest

The PicoSure laser is the first in a new generation of aesthetic lasers that can remove tattoos without solely relying on heat to remove unwanted pigment. Unlike other lasers that send pulses of light in one billionth of a second, PicoSure sends energy 100 times shorter in one trillionth of a second, minimizing the overall amount of time the skin is exposed to heat.  

As the laser targets the pigment within the skin, the microscopic particles that make up the unwanted tattoo ink vibrate and shatter without damaging the surrounding tissue. Since PicoSure uses less heat in a fraction of the time, the treatment is less painful, and there is less damage to the surrounding skin compared to other laser tattoo removal procedures.

Unlike other lasers that can only effectively target certain pigments, the PicoSure laser treats the skin at three different wavelengths (532 nm, 755 nm and 1064 nm), making it ideal for treating all ink colors.

FAQs: Laser Tattoo Removal

What type of tattoos can PicoSure remove? 

The PicoSure Laser is effective at removing most types of tattoos, including:

• Multi-colored tattoos, including blues, greens, reds, yellows and orange—pigments that other lasers typically have trouble targeting
• Old tattoos
• Stubborn tattoos that have unsuccessfully undergone other laser tattoo removal treatments

What should I do before my laser tattoo removal appointment?

Before coming in for a PicoSure laser tattoo removal treatment, you must avoid sun exposure, tanning beds and sunless tanning cream for four weeks. Tanning creates excess pigment within the skin, making the laser less effective at picking up the pigment in your tattoo.

How many laser tattoo removal treatments will I need?

PicoSure’s cutting-edge technology is the fastest on the market at removing tattoos. Most patients need three to five sessions to remove their tattoos fully, depending on the specific pigments used and the depth of the pigment.

I have tried to remove my tattoo with a laser in the past — can I still try PicoSure?

Absolutely. PicoSure is the gold standard in laser tattoo removal. Thanks to its ultra-quick pulses, PicoSure can shatter pigment that most lasers can’t. PicoSure has been proven successful in treating many old, stubborn tattoos and tattoos that could not be treated with other lasers. 

Is laser tattoo removal painful?

Thanks to PicoSure’s patented technology that delivers energy in a trillionth of a second, there is minimal discomfort. Numbing cream or other pain relief may be provided by our staff as needed during your appointment. People often find it less painful than the act of getting a tattoo in the first place. 

What is laser tattoo removal recovery like?

There is no downtime after PicoSure laser tattoo removal. Some patients experience a tingling sensation and redness that subsides within a few hours. After your La Jolla laser tattoo removal treatment, you may return to your normal activities. Please refrain from swimming or using a hot tub for 48 hours after the treatment. 

What are the aftercare requirements for laser tattoo removal? 

PicoSure laser tattoo removal is a simple treatment with no downtime and little aftercare compared to most tattoo removal procedures. Throughout the entirety of your tattoo removal treatments, it’s important to wear sunscreen to avoid inflammation and unwanted hyperpigmentation if your tattoo is in an area that is usually exposed to the sun. 

After your treatment, the area may feel dry and itchy, and there may be light scabbing, all of which is completely normal. It’s important to avoid rubbing or scratching the area. You can relieve discomfort with an ice pack or pain relievers. Clean the treated area daily with mild soap, pat dry and then apply a thin layer of Vaseline to keep the skin protected.

Ready to Start Your Tattoo Removal Journey? 

Call us at 858-558-3854 or email us today for your free consultation about laser tattoo removal at U Laser Med Spa!