While tattoos are a fantastic way to commemorate an event, honor a person, or share your personal style, there are some tattoos you end up regretting and wishing they weren’t there at all. Luckily tattoos don’t need to be on the skin forever. Whether you have a tattoo that you have grown out of or you are embarrassed by the ink on your skin, at Dermacare Laser & Skin Care Clinics in San Diego, we can help you remove the tattoo to give your skin a blank canvas.
How Is Tattoo Removal Performed?
For years, tattoos were thought to be a permanent mark on your skin; however, with the development of laser technology, your tattoos can be a thing of the past. At Dermacare San Diego, we are proud to use the PicoSure® system to safely and effectively clear your skin of any unwanted tattoos. To achieve optimal results, it is recommended that you receive three to seven treatments spaced six to eight weeks apart; however, this is dependent on the size of the tattoo as well as the ink colors.
Many patients report minimal discomfort and pain with the PicoSure® laser; however, a topical numbing cream will be applied to the treatment area. Once the cream has been administered, your tattoo removal specialist will take the PicoSure® handheld applicator and move it across the targeted skin. The applicator will deliver laser energy that disrupts the tattoo pigment without harming any of the surrounding tissue or skin. The dissolved ink is flushed naturally from the body over time. In addition to dissolving the tattoo ink, the PicoSure® laser treatment also actively increases the production of collagen in the skin. This is important because collagen is responsible for the overall health, quality, and strength of the skin. This means that you can have continued improvement to the treated area to help cleanse the skin, from the inside out.
While it varies depending on the extent of the treatment, most sessions last only 15 minutes
What Recovery and Results Should I Expect?
As with any cosmetic treatment, there are side effects that you should be aware of before undergoing your laser tattoo removal procedure. These side effects include:
- Hyperpigmentation
- Hypopigmentation
- Itching
- Redness
- Scarring
- Slight discomfort
- Swelling
Though you may be able to see some sort of improvement to the appearance of the tattoo, it is important to understand that the PicoSure® laser tattoo removal is a process that requires multiple treatments. However, after the allotted treatment sessions, you can look forward to clear skin in the treatment area. There may be slight discoloration to the skin, though this is usually very faint and nearly undetectable.
Why Should You Trust Dermacare San Diego With Your Laser Tattoo Removal Procedure?
Dr. Jeff Birchall and his talented team at Dermacare Laser & Skin Care Clinics take pride in each of their patients and the procedures that they offer. For over 15 years, they have dedicated their professional lives to helping men and women achieve the cosmetic appearances of their dreams. Whether it be age-related skin concerns (wrinkles, fine lines, and skin laxity) or removing unwanted tattoos from various areas of the body, the professionals at Dermacare San Diego are knowledgeable, caring, and experienced to help you look and feel your best!
For more information about laser tattoo removal, please call Dermacare Laser & Skin Care Clinics. If you are in San Diego, please call 858-230-8040. If you are in Carlsbad, please call 760-206-8926. You may also fill out our online contact form.