Tattoos don't have to be forever...
Laser tattoo removal is the most common choice for removal. There have been significant advancements in technology over the years; resulting in a revolutionized process, making it safer and more effective. Today’s lasers target specific ink colors while minimizing damage to surrounding skin, resulting in faster healing and better outcomes. This evolution enhances patient comfort, increases the chances of complete tattoo removal, and allows people to reclaim their skin with confidence.
How does Laser Tattoo Removal work?
The procedure involves using high-intensity light beams to break down the ink particles in the skin. Different wavelengths are employed to target various ink colors, ensuring a comprehensive approach to removal. As the laser is applied, the energy penetrates the skin and is absorbed by the ink, causing it to fragment into smaller pieces. Your body’s immune system then works to eliminate these smaller particles over time, gradually fading the tattoo. To optimize results, it's important to follow pre-care guidelines.
If you’re considering expert laser tattoo removal in Ohio or West Virginia, our team at MOBO Med Spa would love to talk to you and explain your options.
Who Can't Get Laser Tattoo Removal
- Individuals that are Pregnant or Breast Feeding
- Individuals with an active infection
- Individuals with an active skin condition in the treatment area such as ezcema, psoriasis.
- Individuals with recent (within the past 2 weeks) sun exposure (tanning)
- Individuals with pre-maligant moles or history of cancer in the treatment area
- Other conditions that your practitioner may determine as unsafe for laser tattoo treatment.
The following patient populations can be treated but should use EXTRA PRECAUTION:
- Individuals with recent surgical procedures in the treatment area
- Individuals with recent treatment of Botox or Fillers in the treatment area. For example: if you're getting laser tattoo removal for tattoo eyebrows, you must wait 1 month prior to starting laser tattoo removal.
- Individuals on photosensitive medications (with include but are not limited to: ______)
- Individuals with a history of keloid or hypertrophic scars can be treated but should be treated less aggressively.
- Individuals with a history of herpes simplex in the treatment area can be treated however they should begin preventative antiviral medication (such as acyclovir) for prevent an outbreak.
Laser Tattoo Removal - Mental Preparation
What does Tattoo Removal feel like?
We numb our patients prior to the procedure so that any pain or discomfort is to a minimal. Patients often say they feel a warm, dull sensation. Our lasers are quick firing meaning that your treatment will be over in a breeze.
How to Minimize Discomfort:
- Tylenol could help alleviate your discomfort if you take it before your session. It’s one of many ways we recommend making the procedure as close to painless as possible.
- Numbing creams and cold compresses: We make every effort to make the treatment be as tolerable as possible. That includes applying cold compresses, chilled air, or numbing cream to the tattooed area before the procedure begins.
Manage Expectations
Laser tattoo removal is successful – most of the time. There are circumstances that could change that, and sometimes a tattoo cannot be removed to it's entirety. In those cases, it will be faded to something much less visible. Always have a conversation with your expert about what to expect from your treatment and how to be the most prepared for your tattoo removal journey.
Size & Location Matters
Location on the body will affect your tattoo removal process primarily based on vascular/blood supply and healing ability.
- Blood flow helps you heal. When the tattoo is located further away from your heart, the vascular supply isn't as strong, and it may heal slower. Further front the heart means that it may be harder for your body’s lymphatic system to carry away the broken-down ink.
- Healing Ability: If you have impaired healing ability (such as an autoimmune disease or cancer), speak to your provider about if laser tattoo removal is right for you.
The size of your tattoo will have an obvious effect, as well. Larger tattoos take longer to remove.
Color Matters
Lighter colors such as green, yellow and white may be more challenging to remove.
Tattoo Quality Matters
Amateur tattoos can be more difficult to remove than professional quality tattoos. This is because professional tattoos are evenly inked which makes the laser treatment more predictable. It’s also more common to find minor scar tissue at the site of amateur tattoos.
Multiple Treatments
The amount of laser tattoo removal treatments needed can vary person to person. Multiple treatments may be required to achieve the desired result (up to 6-10 treatments). The body will absorb the broken up ink after the laser treatment and the area should be retreated every 9-weeks.
Laser Tattoo Removal - Physical Preparation
Avoid Blood Thinners
Avoid pain medication such as Motrin, Aleve and aspirin for 3 to 7 days prior to the treatment as these medications can can cause excessive bleeding or bruising.
Quit Smoking
Cigarettes slow your body’s healing processes, and drastically increase the risk of complications that could lead to scarring or infection. We understand smoking cessation may not be possible for some people. If quitting smoking is not possible, please refrain some smoking the day of your procedure and during the days following your laser treatment if possible.
Avoid the Sun
Avoid sun exposure including tanning beds for 2 weeks prior and 2 weeks after the treatment.
Avoid Certain Topicals
Avoid lotion, perfume, topicals containing retinols, particularly on the area to be treated. The area to be treated during a laser tattoo removal session should be clean and shaven.
What to wear
Wear loose fitting clothing that doesn’t have to touch the affected area if possible. After your laser tattoo removal session, your skin may feel as if it has been sunburned – dressing accordingly can help you avoid discomfort later that day.
