How Does Laser Tattoo Removal Work?

There are many lasers that can be used for laser tattoo removal, but finding the right one for your needs can be a difficult call to make on your own. At Reno Sparks MedSpa in Reno, NV, we’re happy to offer our experience and advice to find you a good match. For instance, the Cynosure PicoSure has a lot of versatility and is often considered one of the best lasers out there, but we have other options as well.

How Does Laser Tattoo Removal Work?

Picosecond Technology

When you receive laser tattoo removal with the Cynosure PicoSure, you get to enjoy the benefits of something called picosecond “PressureWave” technology. Some older lasers remove ink pigment by heating up and cooking the inked cells. It’s fairly effective since it causes the cells to die and release pigment, but picosecond technology offers a different approach.

Lasers equipped with picosecond technology are able to release tattoo pigment by shattering the inked cells quickly, rather than slowly cooking them. This can help the treatment be a faster, more comfortable, and more effective way to clear out your unwanted ink. Each treatment will continue to blast away the pigment in your tattoo, and when you reach the end of your treatment series you will be able to enjoy clear skin again.

How Long Will Laser Tattoo Removal Take?

Your Estimate

It’s difficult to guess how many treatments you’ll need without an evaluation. During a consultation, we can take a look at your tattoo and talk through any factors that can affect how many treatments you’ll need. In general, a tattoo the size of a baseball could potentially be removed in six treatments.

Regardless of how many treatments you need, each appointment will help bring you closer to the end goal. As the pigment is broken up and your body disposes of it, you’ll be able to watch your unwanted tattoo fade more and more each session.

Tattoo Size

Smaller tattoos will usually not require as many treatments, simply because there’s less pigment to deal with. The smaller treatment area may also help the laser focus more thoroughly on the entirety of your tattoo during your session. Larger tattoos may need a few more sessions, but can still be removed with high-quality laser systems.

Tattoo Color

Some older laser systems can’t remove colorful tattoos. Thankfully, the laser system we use is designed to handle tattoos of any shade.

Patients may find that they notice results slightly faster with darker tattoos. That said, picking the right laser for the job can help make removal as quick and effective as possible, regardless of the tattoo’s pigment. We would be glad to offer personalized advice about which laser system we recommend for your needs when we meet with you.

Tattoo Age

The body’s immune system very slowly works on removing tattoos on its own, which is why most tattoos will fade and blur somewhat as the years go by. This can help “jump-start” the tattoo removal process. If your ink is already fading and showing signs of age, you may not require as many laser tattoo removal sessions to get rid of it.

What Benefits Does the Cynosure PicoSure Laser Offer?

Advanced

The Cynosure PicoSure represents the next step of laser technology. This laser can often remove tattoos in less than half of the treatments that older laser systems require. This helps our patients get the same great results in a shorter treatment series. This technology also helps make each treatment as quick as possible.

That said, older laser systems aren’t completely obsolete. We still offer an older laser system that can be used for certain tattoo colors, as well as other skin conditions such as treating melasma and scars.

Versatile

This laser is able to function as several lasers wrapped up in one package. It can operate at three different wavelengths, which helps it manage tattoos of various colors, types, and sizes. It also is able to have fractional as well as non-factional functionalities, making it a great laser for skin tightening, scar reduction, and dark spot removal.

What Are Some Common Reasons People Remove Tattoos?

Relationship Changes

Getting your significant other’s name or face tattooed may have felt like a good idea at the time, but many clients find themselves regretting tattoos like this if their relationship status changes.

This can happen with romantic relationships, but it can also happen with friendships. It’s very common for friends to pick out tattoos for each other or get matching tattoos. These tattoos may evolve from a fun bonding experience into a painful reminder of the friendship is falling apart.

Faded Ink

A well-done, professional tattoo is often able to stand the test of time. However, some parts of the body are more prone to having ink fade faster than others. Clients may find the tattoos on their hands or feet, or in areas with a lot of friction and sun exposure, may fade faster than they expected. Sometimes tattoos fade unevenly, which can make them look messy.

Removing faded ink allows you to get a clean slate so you can decide whether you want to replace the tattoo, or pick a different area for a new tattoo.

Better Options

Some clients find that tattoos become a passion. After they get their first one, they may start to save and plan for a whole canvas of tattoos across their body. Over time, they may develop a cohesive idea of how they want their tattoos to look together. Unfortunately, sometimes that means their first tattoo, which they may not have put as much thought into, may not work with their changing tastes.

Ultimately, removing a tattoo that doesn’t fit in with your current aesthetic can help you free up space for a new tattoo that’s a better match for your plans.

Changing Values

A lot can change throughout our lifetimes. Some people find themselves with old tattoos that represent beliefs or values they don’t adhere to anymore. Removing these tattoos can help them close out that chapter of their story so they can move on.

Changing Jobs

Tattoos on the upper arms, legs, or back are fairly easy to cover up at work. However, tattoos on the hands, neck, face, or even the lower arms can be trickier to hide. Tattoos aren’t a problem in some workplaces, but those who find themselves climbing up the corporate ladder may feel more confident if they clear out their more noticeable tattoos.

Setting Examples

Becoming a parent can change a lot of things in life. Some parents find themselves re-evaluating the type of tattoos they have. They may feel as though some of their tattoos don’t set the type of example they want to portray for their kids. In this case, if they can’t easily cover the tattoo up, they may want to have it removed.

Clashing Colors

Brightly colored tattoos can be a lot of fun. However, having a big statement tattoo with neon colors can pose some challenges when it comes to picking a professional outfit that doesn’t clash with the tattoo. Some people may find themselves wanting to do away with the bright colors so they can get a greyscale tattoo that will match anything they want to wear.

Skin Concerns

If you’ve had a family member develop skin cancer, or if you have developed it on a different area of your body, you may be concerned that your tattoo could hide developing skin issues. Since it’s important to catch skin cancer as early as possible, removing tattoos can give people extra peace of mind. This is especially true for those who have big, bold tattoos that cover a lot of skin.

World Traveling

Some areas of the world are more restrictive towards tattoos than others. Those who find themselves working in different countries or are simply passionate about world travel may want to remove any tattoos that could be offensive to the areas they frequently visit. This could be less stressful than trying to remember to cover the tattoo with clothing, jewelry, or concealer.

Body Adjustments

If the body undergoes a dramatic change, it can alter how a tattoo looks. This could happen due to weight loss or gain, pregnancy, or scarring due to surgery. If the tattoo can’t be salvaged, removing it might be a good option.

Ready To Learn More About Laser Tattoo Removal?

If you have more questions, we’d be happy to help you better understand the whole treatment process. Reach out to us at Reno Sparks MedSpa in Reno, NV, today, and we can help you get started on developing the right treatment series to liberate you from your unwanted tattoo.