Tattoos used to be a lifelong commitment. But thanks to the latest laser technology, you have a way to get rid of ink you don’t love anymore.
In fact, we offer tattoo removal right here at our PureMD MedSpa locations in Beavercreek, Liberty Township, Miamisburg, and Dayton, Ohio. Suresh Gupta, MD, and our experienced team use the PicoSure® laser to break up your tattoo, helping it fade from your skin.
If you’re sick of one of your tattoos, you’re probably wondering if this option is right for you. Understanding how it works can help you decide.
How laser tattoo removal works
Laser tattoo removal works by targeting the pigment that makes up your tattoo.
We use the PicoSure laser to send high-intensity light safely through the outer layer of your skin into the ink of your tattoo. The ink absorbs the light, and the light causes the ink to break into tiny particles. At that point, your body starts the process of flushing the particles out. This takes several weeks.
Each laser treatment destroys some of the ink in your tattoo, but you’ll generally need about 10 sessions to get rid of it entirely. Older tattoos and those with black ink are usually easier to break up, while newer and multi-colored ones generally require more laser treatments.
We space each session about 6-8 weeks apart to allow the area to heal between each appointment, giving you the best results possible.
The tattoo removal process
To keep you as comfortable as we can, we start your appointment by applying a numbing cream and waiting for 15 minutes so it can kick in. While the PicoSure laser is more comfortable than other tattoo-removing lasers, we still take this step to minimize any unwelcome sensations for you.
Our patients liken getting a tattoo removed to having hot oil dripped onto your skin or a rubber band snapped against it. The actual application of the laser — and the sensations that come with it — happens in quick bursts. This part of the process usually takes only a minute or two for smaller tattoos. For large tattoos, it takes around 10 minutes.
After applying the laser, we use an ice roller on the treated area, then apply ointment and a dressing.
You’ll need to keep the area sun-protected and clean as it heals. Some swelling and scabbing are normal right after your appointment. Over time, laser treatment can fade most tattoos to the point that they’re invisible.
If you’d like to see if you’re a candidate for laser tattoo removal, call the PureMD MedSpa office nearest to you or book your visit online today.
