How do lasers remove tattoos?
When they’re set to operate at specific wavelengths, lasers selectively target the colored ink in tattoos. This means they safely remove tattoos without damaging surrounding tissues.
As tattoo ink absorbs laser energy, it heats up to a temperature that makes the ink particles break down into smaller and smaller particles. Then they’re naturally absorbed and eliminated by the body.
How does the Pico laser speed up tattoo removal?
Pico is short for a picosecond, which represents how rapidly the Pico emits laser pulses. This very rapid pace results in shattering tattoo ink into even tinier particles that are dust-like, which leads to quicker destruction and removal of tattoo ink.
What should you expect during and after treatment?
The Pico removes tattoos in fewer treatments than most other laser treatments. One session lasts about 10 minutes, but the length of your treatment depends on the size and type of tattoo and if numbing is needed.
Tattoo removal requires intense laser energy, which is tolerated by some people, but each person’s sensitivity is different. Your practitioner at MedWeight and Lasers can provide numbing cream, or we use the Pronox, and we use cold air to ensure your comfort.
You won’t need to take any downtime, but your skin appears red for a short time and you need to avoid exposure to sunlight. Your next session takes place in about six to eight weeks, after the area has completely healed.
Why do you need more than one treatment to remove a tattoo?
Tattoo removal requires more than one treatment because multiple layers of ink must be eliminated one layer at a time. The number of sessions you need depends on the characteristics of your tattoo, such as:
- Size: large tattoos take longer to remove
- Colors: multiple colors generally require more treatments; some ink colors are more difficult to remove
- Quality: tattoos applied by professionals are easier to remove because the ink penetrates to uniform levels in the skin
- Age: newer tattoos take longer compared to older tattoos in which some of the ink has been absorbed into the body
What other factors impact tattoo removal?
It’s important to have the work done by medical experts using the best technology. You can count on the experienced team at MedWeight and Lasers to let you know the number of treatments that may be required and to assess your medical history. It may not be safe to remove your tattoo if you have certain medical conditions, such as autoimmune disorders or uncontrolled diabetes.
