Whether your once favorite tattoo is faded, out of style, or just plain unsightly, it may be time for you to consider laser tattoo removal. Thanks to advancing technology, the removal process is easier and more effective than ever, and for most people it’s a safe, practical way to say “so long” to that regrettable ink. Here are a few things to know about Laser Tattoo removal as you decide whether or not it’s the right choice for you.
1. The Laser Won’t Damage Your Skin
Unlike other forms of tattoo removal, such as surgery, dermabrasion, or laser treatments of the past, modern laser removal eliminates nearly all unwanted complications, including scarring, infection, discoloration, and lengthy recovery time. These older methods target the skin along with the tattoo, and because of this, they created more problems than solutions. Yet, laser removal works beneath the top layers of skin, sending pulses of photo-mechanical energy into the dermis level and breaking up the particles of ink within it. After this, the lymphatic system can absorb the ink-particles back into the body in a safe and natural way. We have mastered this technique at O’Neill Plastic Surgery’s Aesthetic and Laser Center here in Charleston with our state-of-the-art PicoSure laser removal treatment. In fact, while there may be some discomfort, there is no required downtime at all for recovery.
2. It Will Take Some Time
While it can vary depending on the tattoo, most average, hand-sized tattoos will take around 4 to 12 treatments to dissipate and provide clear skin at the sight of the tattoo. With each treatment, the laser can break down more of the ink and allow the body time to dissipate the particles before repeating the process. It’s important to space out these treatments and not to take an overly aggressive approach in this removal process. It’s also crucial to find a certified team with lots of experience. At O’Neill’s Plastic Surgery’s Aesthetic and Laser Center we have an experienced team that will always provide the highest quality of service and care, guaranteeing you the best possible results.
3. Results Will Vary
The exact number of treatments and the overall effectiveness of the procedure depends largely on the tattoo itself. For instance, smaller, older tattoos will dissipate far faster than more vibrant and fresh ink. Additionally, the color of the ink also plays a factor. In fact, the success of some laser treatments depends a great deal on the specific colors within a tattoo. Black and dark blue would fade quickly and almost completely, but other colors such as red and green would only slightly fade even after multiple treatments. Luckily, our PicoSure treatment is one of the first lasers to break down any ink, regardless of color by using a full spectrum of wavelengths.
4. You Can Erase the Tattoo Completely
Tattoos are meant to be permanent, and for a long time tattoo removal couldn’t change that. Most procedures would leave the client with a blurry outline of where the tattoo used to be. And it often ended up looking even worse than the tattoo itself. But, with the cutting edge laser used today, like the PicoSure, tattoos can be far more effectively treated. And in just a few trips, the majority clients have no remnants of where the tattoo once was. So, if you are looking to finally rid yourself of that pesky tattoo and for the freedom of no longer struggling to cover it up: look no further. Laser tattoo removal could be for you.
Book a Consultation
So if you are ready to remove that unwanted tattoo or if you just have more questions about the procedure, call Dr. O’Neill today at 843-881-2130 or contact us to schedule a consultation.
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