We use an Nd:YAG Picosecond laser for laser tattoo removal.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The procedure may or may not be uncomfortable. For those who find it uncomfortable, they report the feeling being similar to being snapped by a rubber band. During recovery the area will feel tender and sensitive to touch due to swelling and blistering. Once these side effects subside over the next few days, the pain improves. Pain can be managed by over-the-counter analgesia such as acetaminophen. You can also use some topical lidocaine. There is little to no downtime. You can even return to your usual activities shortly after treatment with the exception of workouts that cause sweating. Keep the area covered when there is a chance of other clothing causing friction to the area as it is healing.
Tattoo clearance WILL require several sessions. The laser uses light to breakdown the pigment. Once the laser breaks down the ink, your immune system removes the pigment particles over the following weeks. After a couple treatments you will notice your tattoo beginning to lighten. It will continue to do so with every session until the pigment is no longer visible. Please note: Cosmetic tattoos, such as eyebrows can turn red/orange during the tattoo removal process due to the break down of the iron oxide pigments.
Side effects are an expected part of laser tattoo removal. In fact, some of these are an important part of the immune response that helps eliminate the ink from the skin.
Common side effects include:
- Redness
- Tenderness
- Blistering
- Swelling
- Crusting/Scabs
- Bruising
- Hyperpigmentation
- Hypopigmentation
You may notice frosting of the treated skin immediately following the treatment. Swelling, tenderness and redness begin to occur shortly after the frosting disappears. Redness, tenderness and swelling usually subside a day or two after treatment. Blisters can start forming within 24 hours after treatment. They may appear alarming, but these indicate that your body is healing as it should. Avoid picking at your blisters because they will drain on their own and dry into scabs. The crust will eventually fall off within 10-14 days after treatment.
Pigmentation changes on the targeted areas can occur when the body’s melanin production is thrown off balance after a laser treatment. Hyperpigmentation results when your body overproduces melanin. Hypopigmentation is when the areas appear bleached as melanin gets depleted by the laser treatment. Typically, hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation are temporary, and they resolve with time.
Poor aftercare can increase the likelihood of scarring, delayed healing and infection. Remember that you also have an important role for the outcome of your laser tattoo removal.
PRE-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS
- Sun exposure, including tanning beds and the application of sunless tanning products, must be avoided for 2 weeks prior and after the treatment, preferably 4 weeks. Sun exposure, tanning, and sunless tanning products decrease the effectiveness of the laser treatment and increase the chance of post-treatment complications.
- An optional pre-treatment kit containing topical lidocaine and Tegaderm film can be picked up during business hours prior to your scheduled appointment. Please apply the lidocaine 30-60 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment and cover with either the provided Tegaderm film or some plastic wrap.
- Accutane and any other photosensitizing medication should be discontinued for a period of at least 6 months prior to receiving treatment and should not be used during your course of treatment.
- Waxing and/or the use of chemical depilatories must be avoided in the treatment area for 2 weeks before and after the treatment to avoid skin sensitivity. Shaving is allowed before treatment to remove surface hair in the areas to be treated.
- You must not be pregnant!
- During the course of your treatments, notify the provider of any changes to your medical history, health status, or personal activities that may be relevant to your treatment.
POST-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS
- Post Treatment Kits are available for purchase ($25) and include: Skin cleanser, ice pack, gauze, tape or Tegaderm, healing ointment, sunscreen.
- Immediately after treatment, there may be “frosting” on the area that was treated. Redness and swelling is typical. Pinpoint bleeding may also occur.
- A cool compress may be applied and Tylenol is recommended for discomfort.
- The treated area should be cared for delicately until healing is complete and care should be taken to avoid trauma to the area for the first 7 days after treatment.
- Clean the treated area twice per day with a gentle cleanser and allow water or shower to run over the wound, and then pat the area dry. Do NOT scrub the area.
- Apply a healing ointment such as: Aquaphor, Bacitracin, or Vaseline to wound area 2-3 times a day. Keep the area moist, and let the scabs fall off on their own.
- Cover the treated area with a nonstick gauze (after ointment is applied) until the wound is healed. Do NOT pick, peel, rub, scrub, or scratch at the skin in the treatment area throughout the healing process. If crusting occurs, do not shave or pick area.
- Blisters and scabs can be a normal response to tattoo removal, although some patients may not experience them. In the case that you do, it is important not to pop or pick at them. If the blister pops on its own, keep the skin over it covered with a healing ointment and gauze to promote healing and prevent scarring.
- No swimming or using hot tubs/whirlpools until the wound heals.
- Don’t apply makeup or any potentially irritating product on treated skin while it heals.
- Avoid shaving treated areas unless the skin is healed.
- Physical exercise that causes perspiration should be discontinued for at least 2-7 days after treatment as excessive perspiration may disrupt the healing process.
- Avoid sun exposure. When treatment area is exposed to the sun use a thick layer of 30+ SPF sunblock with zinc oxide and reapply every 2 hours.
- A follow up treatment session can be scheduled 6-8 weeks later if the area is completely healed.
- Please contact us if you feel the area is not healing as expected or if you have questions or concerns.