Did you know that almost 40% of people who get tattoos regret having tattoos in about 15 years? If you are one of these people, then you may be relieved to know that several aesthetic options can remove unwanted tattoos. At Trouvaille Med Spa in Bourbonnais, we know that laser tattoo removal is a simple process with advanced technology such as the PicoLazer and Q-Switch Laser.
Laser tattoo removal uses advanced technology to break up tattoo pigment allowing your immune system to naturally eliminate tattoos over time. With a combination of heat, light, and time, you can easily remove even the darkest and largest tattoos.
At our clinic, the two laser systems we rely on are the PicoLazer and Q-Switch Laser. Our FDA approved lasers are designed to remove tattoos of any color on almost any area of the body.
When it comes down to it, most lasers are similar because they all use heat to destroy the pigment of a tattoo without harming the surface of your skin. The main difference between these two lasers is speed. The PicoLazer emits rapid pulses of light in picoseconds, while the Q-Switch laser emits light pulses in nanoseconds.
Selecting the laser system for your treatment will depend on various factors, such as the size and location of the tattoo, the pigment type and the color of your tattoo, and even the age of the tattoo. We will help you select the ideal laser treatment based on your tattoo, as well as your skin type and skin tone.
Although we offer the most advanced technology available to effectively remove unwanted tattoos, we will not be able to remove a tattoo in only one treatment. We can remove most tattoos in 6 treatments, others may need more.
The number of treatments you will need to destroy the pigment in the subdermal layers of your skin will depend on the color of the ink and the size of the tattoo. Sometimes, the age of the tattoo may also affect how many treatments you will need. For example, older tattoos can sometimes be removed more quickly than newer tattoos. Likewise, it may be faster to remove smaller tattoos than larger tattoos.
Overall, the treatment process for removing unwanted tattoos is simple. You can expect your treatment to take at least 60 minutes to complete most of the time. If you have smaller tattoos, your appointment may only take 30 minutes.
Your treatment will be tolerable. Most patients compare the sensation of the laser treatment to the sensation of getting a tattoo or to the sensation of snapping rubber bands. We can always discuss comfort options before your treatment, such as the use of a cooling device or numbing agent.
Before your laser treatment, you will need to avoid direct contact with the sun for at least two weeks in any area you intend to treat. By avoiding sunlight, you will be able to avoid potential hyperpigmentation or skin darkening from the laser treatment.
You should also avoid other laser treatments, including radiofrequency microneedling and laser hair removal for at least two weeks. You should not wax or use chemical exfoliants for a few days before your treatment. We may have more specific preparation instructions based on your skin type and skin tone.
After your treatment, you should focus on helping your skin recover as quickly as possible. This means drinking plenty of water, keeping your skin moisturized, such as with aloe vera gel, and avoiding direct contact with the sun. For the first two weeks after your treatment, if you are outside, then you should wear SPF 40 or greater on any area that has been treated to avoid hyperpigmentation.
For most people, the earliest results of this treatment will not be visible for several weeks. Your results will improve over time as you have additional treatments.
If you have a new tattoo that you want to remove, then you will need to wait at least six months before you can have laser treatments. This is because new tattoos have pigment that is more resistant to laser treatment. Otherwise, you can have an unwanted tattoo removed at any time that is convenient for you.
You are likely a good candidate for laser treatments to remove tattoos if you have unwanted tattoos anywhere on your body. Many people who use these treatments want to remove unwanted tattoos for various reasons. You will need to attend a consultation to select the treatment that is most appropriate for you.
Unwanted tattoos can be hard to deal with, but fortunately, there are advanced treatments available at Trouvaille Med Spa in Bourbonnais. Call today to schedule a free consult!