Laser Tattoo Removal 101 – Out with the Old

As leaves fall and seasons change, we’re reminded that nothing—not even tattoos—-are as permanent as they seem. Regrettable ink has met its match in laser tattoo removal—a safe, effective, and versatile treatment for the elimination of unwanted body art.

Reclaim your skin by understanding the ins and outs of this popular procedure at Pinnacle Dermatology.

How Laser Tattoo Removal Works

During your original tattoo appointment, ink was injected into the deep layer of your skin. This depth is what made your tattoo “permanent”. To counteract the pigment’s depth, we use a highly-focused laser beam to reach the deep layer of skin and disperse the unwanted pigment.

The laser effectively zaps away ink by transferring energy into targeted heat, affecting only pigments while leaving the surrounding tissue unharmed. After the laser disperses the pigment, your body will discard it as it would any other waste product.

Laser tattoo removal provides a set of benefits including:

• Safe for all skin types
• Minimal scarring (if any)
• Little to no downtime
• Effective for all tattoo sizes

The Laser Tattoo Process

As each tattoo is unique, so is the removal process. Your unique laser tattoo process depends on 3 factors including the location, size, and color of your tattoo.

• Location: Some areas of the body require more caution and precision than others.
• Size: Larger tattoos take longer to remove because of the larger surface area.
• Color: Black pigments are removed the quickest, while red pigments require the most time.

How To Prepare for Laser Tattoo Removal

Before your laser tattoo removal appointment, we ask you to have clean skin, free from any lotion, oils, creams, or perfumes. Avoid tanning of any kind, especially tanning beds, for 4 weeks leading up to your appointment. We also recommend wearing sunscreen, rain or shine, daily to protect your skin before and after your laser tattoo removal appointment.

Two weeks before your appointment, we recommend dodging anything that causes photosensitivity, like products that contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. If you take any medications and you have not mentioned them to our staff, please contact our office prior to your appointment.

Laser Tattoo Removal Aftercare

Most people report mild discomfort during the removal that is comparable to the initial discomfort of receiving the tattoo. After your tattoo removal, you may experience some redness or mild tenderness on the affected area, but this should dissipate within 24 hours.

You can return to your daily activities right after your appointment, so minimal aftercare is needed. However, we do recommend you stay out of the sun for a few weeks to ensure the best results.

Find A Clean Slate with Laser Tattoo Removal

For many of us, an unwanted tattoo can foster insecurities and discomfort. Thankfully, as the leaves change color this fall, you can change your tattoo’s color too with laser tattoo removal. Minimal downtime, non-invasive, and FDA-approved, this removal method is perfect for anyone wanting to shed an unwanted tattoo. This fall, get a clean slate for your skin at Pinnacle Dermatology!

Interested in Laser Tattoo Removal? Call Pinnacle Dermatology today!

Proudly serving the Beaufort and Bluffton area, our team can expertly remove your unwanted tattoo. Get a new lease on your skin’s life with Pinnacle Dermatology. Call us at (843) 507-5001 or contact us online to schedule an appointment today!