Whether you’ve fallen out of love with the person whose name is tattooed on your thigh or fallen out of love with a particular tattoo you’ve had for years, you can, fortunately, get that ink removed.
Laser tattoo removal techniques are more advanced than ever. They help reduce or eliminate the appearance of your old tattoos without hurting your skin or creating scar tissue.
About 30% of Americans have at least one tattoo. Nearly half of millennials, or those ages 26-40, sport at least one. With all that ink out there, it’s not surprising that there are a lot of regrets. About 25% of those with tattoos wish they didn’t have them.
Getting a tattoo removed is not a simple procedure, but it is an effective one.
At Los Gatos Dermatology, our experienced team, led by board-certified cosmetic dermatologist Bruce Saal, MD, uses two advanced laser products, PicoSure® and TattooStar.
Depending on the size, shape, colors, and location of your tattoo, as well as your skin tone, Dr. Saal recommends the best laser to help you remove your tattoo.
These advanced lasers remove tattoos of all ink colors on all skin tones. Older lasers were not as effective on darker skin tones and red, yellow, or green ink.
It’s important to use an experienced dermatologist who specializes in this procedure. Dr. Saal has over 40 years of experience in traditional dermatologic services and the newest, most cutting-edge procedures
Laser tattoo removal works by breaking up the pigments with a high-intensity pulsed beam of light. The pigment is eventually absorbed into your lymphatic system and eliminated.
The surrounding skin doesn’t get damaged during the procedure. About five to eight sessions are necessary to eliminate the tattoo completely, with each treatment scheduled about eight to 12 weeks apart.
Tattoo removal would hurt if we didn’t use procedures to control the pain. To help numb the pain and make the procedure more comfortable, we use numbing creams, shots of lidocaine, and ice.
After each session, you may notice that the area we treated may be sore or blister. Follow our post-procedure instructions carefully to avoid infection or other problems.
For more information on laser tattoo removal and how to get rid of an unwanted tattoo, call us at Los Gatos Dermatology in Los Gatos, California, for an appointment. You can also send us a message here.
