Benefits of Tattoo Removal:
- Removes Unwanted Tattoos
- Nonsurgical
- Uses Laser Technology
- Permanent Results
Before & After Gallery
Treatment Options
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Get Rid Of Unwanted Tattoos With Laser Tattoo Removal.
Tattooing is an art that has been around for thousands of years. Today, roughly 30% of Americans have at least one tattoo. Of that number of people, about 25% of them end up regretting their decision to get inked. Hence the demand for tattoo removal services. At Derm Aesthetics of Northern Kentucky, we utilize Q-switched laser technology to effectively rid you of that past mishap.
How does laser tattoo removal work?
Concentrated bursts of laser energy from the Q-switched laser target the tattoo and heat up the ink beneath the skin’s surface. The heat causes the ink to break into smaller particles, which can then be eliminated naturally by the body’s immune system. Tattoos with many different colors might require the use of different laser frequencies. Black tattoo ink absorbs all laser wavelengths, which makes it the easiest color to treat. Other colors must be treated by selected frequencies based upon the specific pigment color.
The term “Q-switch” refers to the type of pulse created by the particular laser technology used. Q-switched lasers create laser beam pulses that last mere billionths of a second. Because the laser energy is emitted in such brief periods, the energy is concentrated into very powerful pulses that have two key benefits. First, the pulses are powerful enough to shatter tiny fragments of ink or pigmentation as well as stimulate collagen production. Second, since the energy administered lasts mere nanoseconds, the surrounding tissue is unaffected. That means only the targeted ink is heated up and destroyed and the nearby skin is spared any unwanted side effects.
Am I a candidate for laser tattoo removal?
If you’ve got a tattoo you want removed, you may be a candidate for laser tattoo removal. During your consultation, we’ll examine your tattoo(s), determine if you are indeed a candidate, and then create a customized plan for removal.
How many tattoo removal treatments will I need?
The number of treatment sessions needed will depend on the size, age, and color(s) of your tattoo. Your skin tone, as well as how deep the tattoo pigment is, also contributes to determining the number of treatments needed. In general, smaller tattoos require fewer pulses with the laser, while larger ones need more for removal. In either case, however, it will take several treatments to completely remove the tattoo. Your tattoo should become progressively lighter with each treatment. Tattoos may be removed in three to eight visits (sometimes more are needed). We’ll go over how many sessions you may need during your consultation.
Are there potential side effects with laser tattoo removal?
Because laser treatment selectively treats only the pigment in the tattoo, laser removal treatment is considered safer than other tattoo removal methods. However, side effects may include the following:
- Temporary redness/tenderness at treatment site (most common).
- Risk of infection.
- Slight chance a permanent scar will develop.
- Possible hypopigmentation.
After the laser tattoo removal treatment, you may feel a minor burning sensation for a few hours. You may also experience some welts, bruising, and itching. We’ll be sure to go over all potential side effects at your consultation and make sure you have a clear understanding of exactly what to expect.
What should I expect during the tattoo removal treatment itself?
Treatment with lasers varies from patient to patient depending on a number of factors. In general, you can likely expect the following when you arrive for your treatment session:
- You’ll be given protective eye shields to wear while we operate the laser.
- We’ll test your skin’s reaction to the laser to determine the most effective energy for treatment.
- A handpiece is then placed against the surface of your skin from which the laser light is repeatedly moved over the surface of the tattoo until the whole area has been treated.
Does laser tattoo removal hurt?
Because tattoos are meant to be permanent, the process of removing them can be uncomfortable for some people. Those who’ve had tattoos removed reported varying levels of discomfort. Some say it feels the same as getting the tattoo in the first place, while others describe it as a feeling of a rubber band being snapped against the skin repeatedly. To ensure your comfort, a topical numbing cream may be used. We also offer the option for the Pro-Nox™ Nitrous Oxide System to provide the utmost comfort. The treated area may feel sore and raw for several days after your procedure, with full recovery taking up to two to three weeks. Sunscreen is imperative if you plan on being outside in the weeks following treatment.
What’s my next step in getting laser tattoo removal in Northern Kentucky?
If you’ve got a tattoo that just doesn’t suit you any longer, the skin professionals at Derm Aesthetics of Northern Kentucky are here to help. Schedule your consultation today by calling us at (859) 363-5395.
