Tattoo Removal

Posted on: January 1st, 2017 by California Skin Institute

California Skin Institute providers have performed many tattoo removal procedures over the years.* Although, tattoos are typically a way to express oneself or to honor a family member, there is still quite a bit of social stigma surrounding body art. This is especially true when it comes to getting a job or advancing in a career – so much so that upward of 70% of individuals with tattoos tend to keep their ink covered up, according to a Pew Research Center study from a few years ago.

However, many patients who visited California Skin Institute for tattoo removal weren’t content with simply covering up their tattoos. In some cases, they wanted to remove a tattoo because reminded them of a previous relationship or an ended friendship.*

For others, the ink was hurting their career or their relationships because the tattoo was in a visible place that was too difficult to cover up with clothing.

If you’re interested in tattoo removal, the good news is that there are several procedures that can get rid of the ink, including treatments with traditional lasers and a new device called PicoSure.* To schedule your consultation, please call a California Skin Institute practice near you or use the online scheduling portal now.

Laser Tattoo Removal

Before laser tattoo removal became available, getting rid of unwanted ink was a difficult process.* It typically involved aggressive exfoliation treatments, like strong chemical peels and dermabrasion.* However, these did not always produce favorable outcomes because the pigment deep within the skin was difficult to target.*

Laser tattoo removal was a significant step up. At the very core, laser technology delivers energy to the skin via light waves. Depending on the frequency of the waves, the energy is absorbed by different pigment colors in the skin.* This heats up the ink pigment, which causes it to break up into smaller particles, which can then be gradually removed by the body’s lymphatic system.*

Here at California Skin Institute we use technologies like the Q-Switched ND YAG Laser, Alma Harmony Laser, and the Q-Switched Alexandrite laser.* As the tattoo is gradually lightened, and the body discards more and more pigment.*

However, one of the major limitations with traditional laser tattoo removal is the targeting of lighter pigment colors, like red and yellow.* Fortunately, this problem can now be addressed with a new technology called PicoSure.*

PicoSure for Tattoo Removal

PicoSure is a new type of laser that targets pigment with pressure waves.* Like traditional lasers it also emits waves of light. However, it converts the light waves into bursts of pressure with a special filter.* The goal is to disturb structures within the skin through pressure, while reducing the amount of heat damage to healthy cells.*

Further, whereas most lasers deliver bursts in nanoseconds (one billionth of a second), PicoSure uses picoseconds (one trillionth of a second). This reduces the amount of heat delivered to surrounding skin structures – less heat means it’s easier for your body to heal the area after treatment.*

The ability to perform the treatment with less heat also makes PicoSure a good choice for anti-aging treatments.*

For example, California Skin Institute providers can use the device to promote collagen growth, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and remove hyperpigmentation.* With less heat damage to the surrounding tissues, PicoSure often ends up being more comfortable than traditional lasers in this regard.*

Benefits of PicoSure for Tattoo Removal

What really makes PicoSure special for tattoo removal, however, is the shift away from targeting ink pigment through heat alone.* By using waves of pressure, this laser can target even the lighter tattoo colors – providing a more thorough removal of the tattoo.*

PicoSure Tattoo Removal Side Effects

As with any laser treatment, there will be some side effects from PicoSure during tattoo removal. Remember, the ink pigment is broken up within your skin; a process that will inevitably cause micro damage to the tissues.* This will cause redness and soreness in the treatment area.*

Your Tattoo Removal Consultation

If you’re suffering from tattoo regret, help is just a phone call away. We’ve helped many patients remove unwanted ink through our expert treatments, and can do so in a compassionate environment.* To schedule your tattoo removal consultation, please call a California Skin Institute practice near you, or use the online scheduling portal now!

*Individual results may vary and are not guaranteed.