Q - How does laser tattoo removal work?
A - The safest and most effect tattoo removal method today is by a laser. Laser emits fast and concentrated pulses of light energy, which penetrates the skin to break up the ink particles. Our body’s immune system then remove these pigments over time. The laser energy is harmless and will only target pigmented skin, leaving the un-inked surrounding skin unharmed.
The Smooth Image only uses the state of the art laser technology on the market today, PicoSecond laser.
Q - How does the PicoSecond Laser differ from other tattoo removal lasers?
A - Over the past 20 years there has been no innovative or new technology for tattoo removal. Multi-colored tattoos were often treated with different lasers as there was no one laser available to treat all colors. This state-of-the-art technology has revolutionized the effectiveness of tattoo removal. The pulse width of the picosecond technology is 100 X faster than nanosecond technology, which is most lasers on the market today. PicoSecond laser is not only is it effective on all tattoo colors, but compared with other tattoo removal lasers, tattoo treatments now take half of the overall time, saving patients both time and dollars.
Q - PicoSecond Benefits
A - * Effective on All Color Tattoo
* Half the time/ treatments compared to traditional laser tattoo removal
* Less likely for Hypopigmentation
* Faster treatment sessions
Q - How many tattoo removal treatments will I require and how often?
A - Every tattoo and individual is different. A number of variables such as the size of the tattoo, the colours, where on the body the tattoo was placed and the types of inks that were used, can all affect the outcome. However, on average, half the amount of treatments is usually required when compared to nanosecond (Q-Switch) technology, with a 4-8 week period between each treatment. This gives the body time to clear away the ink particles before the next treatment.
Q - How long does each treatment take?
A - PicoSecond is one of the fastest laser on today’s market with shorter pulse lengths, leading to quicker healing of the target chromophores for a much more effective tattoo clearance. Compared to traditional laser, it will take about one-third to half the time. Sizing of the tattoo will also determine how long the treatments will be, usually a few minutes or slightly longer.
Q - Do the treatments with the PicoSecond laser hurt?
A - As with most tattoo removal treatments, there will be a level of discomfort but most patients tolerate the discomfort well. And it’s important to remember that with the revolutionary PicoSecond laser the number of treatments and time required is halved when compared to the older dated technology. And most patients report that the discomfort experienced is well worth the removal of their unwanted tattoo! We do offer very effective topical anaesthetic cream that you can purchase and apply before your appointment.
Q - What can I expect after a tattoo removal treatment?
A - Post treatment there is usually a whitening of the tattoo and blisters and scabs may form. An ice-pack can be placed on the treated area and a mild analgesic may be taken. The skin around the treated area will not be affected.
Q - Will the tattoo disappear completely after treatment?
A - There is no guarantee that the tattoo will disappear completely, however, reports from patients who have undergone tattoo removal with the PicoSecond laser have been outstanding and have surpassed all other tattoo removal technology results.
Q - What are the risks of treatment?
A - In most cases, the PicoSecond laser treatment leads to satisfactory fading or complete removal of the tattoo without significant side effects. Serious side effects are very unusual.
The most common problem with tattoo treatment is incomplete fading or removal of the tattoo. This is mainly an issue with complicated multicoloured tattoos. Heavy professional tattoos in particular may not completely fade. Significant and sometimes irreversible darkening of tattoo ink may occur, where the pigment is impossible to remove. This is mostly a problem with flesh coloured, red, tan, and white inks, and a small test area can be done to detect this problem.
Although true scarring is very unlikely there can be some mild change in the texture of the skin (perhaps 1-2% of cases). Sometimes there is pre-existing texture change in the skin caused by the tattooing process itself. Please tell us if you have a tendency toward forming unusual scars.
There can also be some loss of natural tanning ability in the treated area, which usually improves with time. You can reduce the chance of irregular tanning by protecting the tattooed area from sun exposure. Hypo pigmentation (lightening of the skin) or hyper pigmentation (darkening of the skin) are quite infrequent, and are almost always temporary.
Allergic reactions can occur after treatment, especially if you are already having an allergic reaction (redness and itching) in your tattoo. Allergic reactions are rare, and can usually be treated with Benadryl. Allergic reactions are usually caused by metallic dyes, which contain mercury, manginess, chromium, cobalt, or cadmium.
Take the first step & call or text us. You will be glad you did !
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