Laser Tattoo Removal

What is laser tattoo removal?

There are multiple ways to remove tattoo ink from the skin, but laser removal is the most effective method, and certainly the most popular.

Ink particles in the skin are very difficult to remove. Consider this: your body views those particles as foreign objects and is constantly trying to break them down and eliminate them using an army of white blood cells, but they just can’t get the job done! That’s because the ink particles are so much bigger and tougher. The most the white blood cells can do is slowly erode the ink, which is why all tattoos fade with enough time.

Tattoo removal requires a specialized ultrashort pulse laser, which works by emitting very hot blasts in quick bursts to heat up and break apart the ink particles.

The pigment of the ink makes a difference as well.
Once the laser breaks the ink down into small enough particles, the white blood cells are able to seize them and carry them to the liver, where they will be flushed out along with any other foreign objects or toxins.

Laser tattoo removal is a very effective procedure, and will work for almost anyone. Be aware, though, that it is not a “one and done” procedure. It will generally take multiple sessions to completely remove any tattoo.

Does Laser Tattoo Removal Hurt?

If you could withstand the pain of getting a tattoo, you should have no problem bearing the minor discomfort of tattoo removal. Most people agree that laser tattoo removal hurts less than they expected.

It is common for laser clinics to use cold air, numbing creams, or lidocaine to prep the skin prior to the laser.

How Long Does it Take to Remove a Tattoo?

Treatment sessions vary in length, depending on the size of the tattoo. For example, a small tattoo only takes a few seconds per treatment session. Even large tattoos that took hours to apply, can be treated in just a few minutes.

BEFORE TREATMENT STARTS:

It is important that you alert us of any medical conditions you may have and/or any
prescribed medications you are taking prior to your laser tattoo removal treatment. Laser tattoo removal is not recommended if
you are pregnant or nursing, and in individuals who have had allergic reactions to any tattoo ink in the past.

Pre Treatment Instructions:

1. We cannot treat significantly sun damaged or heavily tanned areas due to a higher risk of complications. It is advisable to avoid sun
   exposure as much as possible for at least 7-10 days prior to any planned procedures. If exposure is unavoidable the use of high SPF
   (minimum SPF 50) sunscreen should be applied to treatment sites.
2. Shave areas to be treated the day prior to or on the day of the treatment (if applicable) and wash all areas to be treated with soap and
   water prior to arrival at the facility.
3. To minimize any discomfort, we recommend that you take Acetaminophen 500 mg 90 minutes hours prior to the procedure,
   although this is not mandatory.
4. Pain medications such as Motrin, Aspirin and Aleve should be avoided 3 to 7 days before treatment due to the increased risk of
   bleeding/hemorrhage.
5. No Retin-A or other Retinols should be used before any treatments.
6. Do not have your laser tattoo removal treatment done under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Treatments will not be performed on
   any individuals who appears intoxicated for any reason.
7. Notify us of any medical conditions you feel may affect the successful outcome of your treatment IN ADVANCE!
8. Treatments can be scheduled no sooner than 6 weeks apart for safety reasons.
9. Digital photos will be taken periodically to track the removal process. No personal identifiers will be included in these pictures.
10. Area to be treated must be clean, and free of any lotion, makeup, and sunscreen. If you have any of these on, they must be completely washed off prior to treatment.

Post Treatment Instructions:

To help reduce the risk of complications, please follow these instructions:

1. Immediately after treatment, there may be “frosting” on the area that is treated. Redness and swelling is typical. Pinpoint bleeding may also occur.
2. If you experience redness or swelling after treatment, apply a cold pack for 15-20 minutes to the affected area(s) up to 4 times a day.
   OTC Hydrocortisone cream (e.g.. Cortaid 1% cream) may be applied over the involved areas at bedtime if desired.
3. Do not wear restrictive clothing over a treated area for at least 48-72 hours.
4. An emollient such as Aquaphor should be applied over each treated area to allow for proper healing. It will be included in the
   treatment kit provided to each Tatts No Good client.
5. Do not let the area dry out or scab. This is especially important during the first 48 hours.
6. You may shower the following day, but try to avoid saturation of the involved area (use of a bathtub/spa); also do not scrub the area
   until it is completely healed.
7. Minimize any vigorous activity for a few days to optimize the healing process.
8. For tattoos located on the ankle area and feet: Avoid excessive athletic activity (e.g.. running/jogging) for at least 48-72 hour after a treatment. If swelling occurs in a treated spot elevation of the affected area and applying ice as described above should address the
   problem.