Laser Tattoo Removal

Laser tattoo treatments involve the use of a laser that allows for different wavelengths to target specific colors associated with the pigmentation of the tattoo itself. A tattoo consists of tiny pockets of ink that are too large for the immune cells of the skin to take away; as a result, the skin is unable to absorb these pockets of ink and therefore the tattoo remains relatively undisturbed over time and without treatment.

Who is a candidate:

Anyone with any skin color, tattoo color, or tattoo size who wants to either fade their tattoos or completely remove them is a candidate for laser tattoo removal. We can completely remove a tattoo or just fade it enough for you to lay another one on top of it, without worrying about the “bleed through” effect.

What Equipment is used?

We have recently added the latest equipment for tattoo removal: the “eclipse Reverse” that uses an innovative method to wick the tattoo ink out of the skin.

Our lasers include the German-made Asclepion TattooStar Ruby laser for black, green, blue, and yellow colors. We also use the latest Picosecond laser technology, the Piqo4 laser for all skin tones and ink colors. These two lasers are the best in Picosecond and Q-switched laser technology for tattoo removal. We are THE ONLY clinic in the entire Portland metro area that offers the 3 very best and most advanced methods in tattoo removal at an affordable price.

How does it work?

The selectivity of the laser wavelength as well as the amount of laser light energy are  important, which is why the laser is the choice for eliminating tattoos. The removal of the tattoo is achieved by the principle that a rise in temperature creates a rise in pressure. This is achieved with one of the 2 special types of lasers called Picosecond lasers and Q-switched laser. When the target (ink color) absorbs the laser light energy, pressure is created to the point where the ink is ruptured through a thermo-mechanical and photo-acoustic process, thus making the tiny pockets of ink smaller and allow for the skin to clear the ink.

How many treatments are required?

Each time a tattoo is treated, a certain percentage of the ink breaks up into extremely tiny ink particles that are easy for the body to clear. Subsequent treatments, sequentially fade the tattoo. It’s usually  hard to tell how many treatments it takes for a tattoo to clear. In general, multicolor tattoos take a minimum of 6 treatments  (each 4-6 weeks apart) to remove the tattoo. It is generally believed that amateur black tattoos are the easiest ones to remove. In general, an average number of 6 treatments is expected. Some individuals may fully respond with 4 treatments, and some may need more than 12. Around 85% of tattoos can be fully removed. Since laser tattoo removal is a process that takes several sessions, you must prepare for this period of treatment months ahead of time. You should know that this is not a one-session treatment. It takes several sessions and at least 18 weeks to clear a tattoo from the first session.

The Piqo4 laser we recently added, has revolutionized the laser tattoo removal process, as it breaks down the ink particle more thoroughly into much smaller fragments that are easier and faster to clean up by the body. This shortens the duration and the number of treatments significantly. In the majority of cases, the tattoo is gone within 4 treatments, and some in as little as just 1 treatment.

For the difficult to treat tattoo that others have failed to completely remove, we have the “Eclipse Reverse”, which can extract the ink from the skin without causing skin discoloration.

Factors influencing the outcome of tattoo removal procedures involve the type of ink used in the tattoo and the density of colors associated with the tattoo, the age of the tattoo, and different colors used in it. Lasers need to see the contrast of colors associated with the tattoo and absorption of heat energies are also a consideration based upon the type of ink used in the tattoo.

How should I prepare for the treatment?

In general, you should avoid direct sun exposure on the treated area for two weeks before and two weeks after your treatment. This is for the area potentially getting darker as a result of inflammation and  the effect of sun light. There is some tolerable discomfort associated with any laser tattoo removal. If, after the treatment, scabbing, blistering or bruising happen (all relatively uncommon for most tattoos), do not pick at them. Rubbing, excessive touching, and poking the blisters can all result in scarring. There is no down time after each treatment.

What does the treatment feel like?

Most individuals and to varying degrees, feel some discomfort with the procedure, even saying that it’s more uncomfortable than getting a tattoo. We will apply ice packs and a specialized medical air chiller to the area if needed, before, during, and after the treatment to increase your comfort level. In case you are very intolerant of the discomfort, a numbing cream can be applied 30-45 minutes before your procedure. There is no downtime after the procedure, and after-care is to keep the wound clean, and avoid infection or rubbing.   Improvements to laser tattoo removal technologies have greatly improved the efficacy of the treatments and have virtually eliminated “ghosting” and other undesirable effects. Multiple treatments are still needed and expectations are based upon the positive results of the treatments (fading versus removal of the tattoo) in determining the total number of treatments needed. Usually the first two treatments do not result in a huge amount of fading, and fading should be expected beginning with treatment 4 and progressively more with subsequent treatments.

Tattoo fading: Tattoos can also be significantly faded before another tattoo is placed on top of it to prevent the bleed-through phenomenon that is often seen with layering of different dark tattoos.   Give us a call or come in for an ALWAYS FREE cosmetic consult and take advantage of our great deals.