How Does Laser Tattoo Removal Work?
- November 2, 2021
Every person has their own reason for tattoo regret. Sometimes the tattoo is a reminder of a former partner. Sometimes the person feels like the tattoo does not represent who they are anymore. Some people find that their tattoos hinder a career choice. Whatever the reason, laser tattoo removal will break down and get rid of that problem tattoo.
What is Laser Tattoo Removal?
Laser tattoo removal uses several different types of lasers to target tattoo ink inside the skin. At Luminesse Laser & Skin Clinic, we use the Picoway® laser, which eliminates more types of tattoo ink on more skin tones than any other tattoo removal laser.
How Does Laser Tattoo Removal Work?
During a tattoo, the artist places pigment molecules into the dermis, the lower layer of the skin. The pigment must go deep into the skin, so it does not lift and shed with the skin cells of the upper layers. The body cannot remove these pigments, so they stay under the skin.
The Picoway® laser delivers its energy in micro-pulses that are less than a thousandth of a second long. The pulses of energy leave the skin unharmed but target the pigment particles of the tattoo. The laser energy heats up the pigment particles and causes them to break apart. The body can remove these broken particles and carry them away.
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Simply fill out the form on this page, and one of our highly trained staff at Luminesse will reach out to you promptly to schedule your appointment.
What is Laser Tattoo Removal Like?
Laser tattoo removal can feel uncomfortable, but the ultra-fast pulses from the Picoway® laser help to minimize your discomfort. Your provider will move the hand-held device over your tattoo while it administers pulses of energy. You may feel some stinging or heat.
Depending on the size of your tattoo, treatment sessions can last from 15-45 minutes. Most people need more than one session to remove a tattoo, but the number of sessions depends on several factors. Besides the size of the tattoo, the colors also play a role in how fast the laser can remove it. Dark colors like black and dark blue absorb energy easily and are easier to get rid of than colors like yellow and green.
Some tattoos require up to eight sessions or even more. You will need to wait several weeks between sessions while your skin heals. People seeking tattoo removal should have reasonable expectations about the cost and time commitment involved in the process.
What Results Will I See With Laser Tattoo Removal?
Each session, you will see more fading as the body removes more tattoo pigment. Not all tattoos can be removed completely. In some cases, only a shadow of the tattoo remains, while in other cases, some pigments may hold on more than others. During your consultation, we will discuss expectations and possible results.
What is Recovery Like With Laser Tattoo Removal?
You can resume most normal activities, but the treated area will have an ointment and bandages applied to protect the skin. You may experience redness, soreness, and sensitivity of the skin over the tattoo. This will usually fade within a few days, but your skin will take several weeks to heal completely. Wear sunscreen whenever you are outdoors and avoid using any harsh or abrasive products in the area.
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Take the Next Step
Ready for laser tattoo removal? Schedule a consultation with Luminesse Laser & Skin Clinic. To reach us, kindly complete our online contact form or call (613) 727-0714. We provide the best laser and skin treatments in the entire Ottawa/Gatineau area.
