Many people find that they feel less connected with their tattoos as time passes and their lives change. If you have a tattoo that you no longer love and you are ready for a change, we offer laser tattoo removal services at Trouvaille Med Spa in Bourbonnais, IL. Here is everything you need to know about our laser tattoo removal.
What Is Laser Tattoo Removal?
Laser tattoo removal is a technique that uses laser technology to help your body remove pigment from the skin. Laser technology gives many people tattoo removal options that weren’t available before. Today’s high-intensity laser technology is designed to target ink in the skin while being gentle on surrounding tissues.
How Does Laser Tattoo Removal Work?
At our practice we use two different laser platforms for tattoo removal. Our PicoSure® laser platform uses PressureWave™ technology to target the ink in the skin. When the laser comes into contact with the ink, it breaks it into tiny particles. Once broken down, the ink is flushed out naturally by the body.
The other system that we use for tattoo removal is the Q-Switch laser. This platform releases laser energy that lasts for nanoseconds. As with the PicoSure® system, the laser breaks down the ink, allowing it to be eliminated by the body. Because these pulses are so short, we are able to target ink without damaging the surrounding skin.
Both types of technology work by targeting the color of the ink. The ink absorbs the heat energy and shatters while the lighter surrounding skin is left untouched.
Frequently Asked Questions About Laser Tattoo Removal
Is Laser Tattoo Removal Painful?
Our goal with every treatment is to make you as comfortable as possible. Laser treatments can come with some pain but can be made more tolerable through the use of topical anesthetic creams. Pain levels can vary depending on the location of the tattoo but are often described as being similar to having a rubber band snapped onto the skin.
Can Laser Treatments Remove All Colors of Ink?
Older lasers traditionally could only remove darker colors. However, our technology allows us to remove any color of tattoo from the skin. This includes tattoos that are red, yellow, or orange. We may use different platforms and settings for different colors and locations.
Will Laser Tattoo Removal Completely Fade Your Tattoos?
Each time you come in for a treatment, the laser will be able to remove more color. The amount of fading that you receive on your tattoo will depend on how many treatments you come in for. Some newer tattoos may need more sessions to completely remove the ink while older tattoos may be able to fade more quickly.
How Long Should You Wait to Have a New Tattoo Removed?
If you have a tattoo that is relatively new, we recommend waiting six months before having it removed. When a tattoo is very new, it can be difficult to remove using laser technology. After waiting several months, the ink will respond better to the treatment and it will be more worth your time and money.
How Long Does One Treatment Last?
Laser treatments for tattoo removal are a relatively quick process. You can expect to be in the clinic for less than an hour for average-sized tattoos. The treatment time will vary depending on the size and location of the tattoo.
How Many Treatments Will You Need?
For most patients, a minimum of 3 or 4 treatments may be needed to achieve satisfactory results. As mentioned before, this number can increase depending on the size and age of the tattoo.
How Far Apart Should You Schedule Appointments?
You will need to wait several weeks in between your laser tattoo removal appointments to allow your body the time it needs to flush out the shattered ink particles. The interval between treatment sessions should be at least 2-4 weeks. We may recommend longer intervals to give your skin time to heal and your body time to eliminate the ink. It can also take several weeks before you begin seeing changes in your tattoo.
Can People With Dark Skin Use Laser Tattoo Removal?
Many laser tattoo removal services can be used with individuals who have dark skin. However, you should always consult your doctor to find out if a treatment is safe for you and your skin to avoid problems with hyperpigmentation. Always visit a reputable clinic for tattoo removal consultation and treatment.
Is There Any Downtime Associated With Laser Tattoo Removal?
Because our laser platforms are gentle on the skin while being hard on tattoos, the treatment is considered a no-downtime treatment. However, some people can experience redness, swelling, and irritation in the area a few days after treatment. While temporary and mild, we always recommend staying out of the sun or tanning beds for several days after treatment. You can take care of your skin by applying aloe vera gel to cool and soothe the area. While sunscreen is always important, you should be even more careful about wearing sunscreen in the area during the weeks after your laser treatment.
Scheduling Tattoo Removal Services in Bourbonnais, IL
Many people become unhappy with their tattoos as their skin ages. Tattoos can lose their meaning over time or look less attractive as skin laxity increases. With our laser tattoo removal treatments at Trouvaille Med Spa, we can remove tattoos after several treatments. Contact us today for a consultation in Bourbonnais, IL to see if laser tattoo removal is right for you.
