What You Should Know About Laser Tattoo Removal

Over the past five thousand years, the process of tattooing has evolved along with the popularity of the art. People perceive tattoos in different ways. Some view tattoos as a form of permanent artistic expression or cultural significance. Tattoos also commemorate a meaningful message or event, such as a child's birth or a loved one's death. Then there are occasions when we get tattooed as a dare that we later wish to remove.

Why Remove Your Tattoo?

Outdating by Aging

Some people get tattooed at 18 as a right of passage to adulthood. Or to defy elders who refuse to allow it. Years later, the witty saying on your arm or the cartoon character on your ankle may no longer seem to belong.

Relationship Changes

At the moment, having your significant other's name emblazoned across your shoulder may sound like a declaration of your undying love. Flash forward a few years when you have moved on from that relationship, and the time has arrived for the permanent inking to disappear.

Professional Reasons

Some people prefer to remove the tattoo as they prefer a more professional demeanor. Or their preferred workplace or industry may not allow tattoos to be revealed. Managers and customers can make wrong assumptions about tattoos.

Social Reasons

Do you remember when back tattoos were all the rage among younger ladies? There were quite a few women who loved to share their tattoos. But then, as the unpopular perception of "tramp stamps" demeaned such tattoos, women preferred to remove such tattoos.

Skin Reasons

Over time, has your tattoo faded and led to stained skin, pigmentation concerns, dermatitis, scarring, burning, swelling, and pain? Perhaps you noticed an allergic reaction or skin infection complications from a recent tattoo?

Poor Workmanship

We've all seen low-quality tattoos that talented professionals did not create. Do you have a blob on your arm rather than the intricate picture? If the equipment used to create your tattoo is contaminated with infected blood, you may be at risk for bloodborne diseases.

New or Bigger Tattoo

Do you prefer to remove your tattoo to make space for a more meaningful message that is newer, fresher, bigger, and more aligned with your current lifestyle and preferences?

Laser Tattoo Removal Process

Laser tattoo removal uses a laser to break up the tattoo ink within the skin. Depending on the color of the ink, a different wavelength is used. Pico-second laser is a revolutionary non-invasive treatment that offers shortened pulses of 1012 seconds to remove tattoos and address skin imperfections.

The laser's focus targets the pigmentation and ink particles without harming the inner, outer, or surrounding skin. Laser tattoo removal usually requires a series of treatments with time for healing in between. At Upkeep, we typically recommend a series of six sessions. Compared to dermabrasion or other tattoo removal methods, laser tattoo removal is safe, effective and relatively painless; especially when getting the tattoo in the first place.

Upkeep offers four tattoo removal services:

·       Small Tattoos: Dual wavelength (1064nm and 532nm) pico-second laser for comfortable and convenient tattoo removal

·       Medium Tattoos: Dual wavelength (1064nm and 532nm) pico-second laser

·       Large Tattoos: Dual wavelength (1064nm and 532nm) pico-second laser

·       X-Large Tattoos: Dual wavelength (1064nm and 532nm) pico-second laser

Each treatment lasts about 45 minutes. We will take before photos, clean your tattoo removal treatment area, inject with lidocaine for freezing, laser, ice, and then bandage. As soon as you realize that you would like to remove your tattoo, lather up on your sunscreen. The most common reason that people cannot get lasered is because of sun exposure.

Pros and Cons of Laser Tattoo Removal

The laser tattoo removal process is safe and highly effective. As there is with every procedure, the laser tattoo removal process also has pros and cons. Let's review the good and the bad associated with this tattoo removal process.

High Success Rate

Laser tattoo removal has a high success rate in removing all kinds of tattoos. Early laser equipment struggled to remove light colors; therefore, some tattoos were not entirely removed. Over time, equipment and techniques have advanced. Now, any color or size of tattoo can be removed entirely and permanently. It is important to note that results may not be visible immediately. The tattoo is not likely to go away directly after your first treatment. However, your tattoo will fade permanently with time and the needed number of treatments.

Limited Pain

The laser tattoo removal procedure is non-invasive and non-surgical. You will experience less pain as compared to harsher methods. The level of discomfort you will experience during the removal process depends on your threshold for pain. Although, if you made it through getting the actual tattoo, you might consider the removal process tolerable.

The laser removal process involves an intense beam of light passing through the portion of your body area where the unwanted tattoo is. Some people have described the sensation as getting snapped by a rubber band, while others feel oil from a frying pan splash on skin. The method is safe, and you will only experience pain in the treatment area.

Non-Invasive

There is no incision (surgical cut in the skin or flesh) or excision (tissue removal with a sharp knife). Unlike more invasive methods, you will not need to stay at a hospital or prepare for the surgery.

Your skin may become irritated due to the intense beam of light passing through the same area of your skin several times over. Suppose you have a pre-existing skin condition or susceptible skin. In that case, you may want to consult your dermatologist before undergoing laser tattoo removal to be sure the process will not have an abnormally negative effect on your skin.

Immediately following the procedure, you may notice a frosty white caused by the release of carbon dioxide as the laser penetrates the skin. You may also experience peeling, crusting, itching, swelling, blistering, scabbing, and small amounts of bleeding within 27 hours after the treatment. You may also experience discoloring as the skin pigment reacts to the laser beam, resulting in uneven skin color.

It usually takes a week or two for these to heal. By eight weeks, your skin should have healed, and you should be ready for the next appointment.

Healing time varies according to the treatment type, your immune system's strength, and how closely you follow the recommended aftercare plan. Stay hydrated, exercise, consume healthy meals, and practice other habits to boost your immune system to recover faster. And protect the wound by not scratching despite itchiness. Nourish by applying ointment or a healing moisturizer three times a day. Also, wear clothes that do not touch and rest on your tattoo.

Consult Upkeep for Your Tattoo Removal

If you have a tattoo you have considered removing, laser tattoo removal is likely the safest, most effective, relatively painless, and non-invasive option. Contact our Upkeep medical spa specialists to learn more about how our laser tattoo removal services can thoroughly remove your unwanted ink. We use the latest technology and scientifically proven techniques to help you address your aesthetic concerns.