According to the New Look Laser College, 45 million Americans have at least one tattoo. Of those people, New Look Laser College estimates up to 40% regret their tattoos.
If you have a tattoo you are unhappy with, there are various types of tattoo removal options. At K.O. Blade & Beauty, we can help you decide on the right choice for your personal needs.
Laser Tattoo Removal with PicoSure4
One of the options we offer is laser tattoo removal using the PicoSure4, a sophisticated device that makes the removal of tattoos much easier and more effective.
The PicoSure4 uses a combination of pulses that are nanoseconds and picoseconds in length. For some perspective, it is important to know that a picosecond is 1,000 times shorter than a nanosecond. These picoseconds can remove the shallower and smaller ink particles, while the nanoseconds take care of the deeper and larger particles.
The PicoSure4 device also utilizes four different wavelengths, making removing pigments of various colors and sizes easier.
A laser tattoo removal option like this allows us to more effectively and rapidly remove your tattoos. It is best suited for professional tattoos because professional ones have more even shading and use better quality ink than amateur tattoos. With that being said, the PicoSure4 can help fade amateur tattoos and can even remove some.
The perfect candidate for this type of laser tattoo removal is someone with tattoos anywhere in the body except near the eyes. Other factors that can impact the results include:
- Skin pigmentation
- Overall health
- Age of the tattoo (older tattoos preferred)
We prefer non-smokers for this type of tattoo removal, but we will evaluate each individual’s health to find the best treatment.
Preparing for Laser Tattoo Removal
During our first consultation, we will assess your health levels and the tattoo you want removed to find the best option. If we decide on laser tattoo removal, we will give you some instructions to follow in preparation for your appointment. These can include:
- Avoiding sun exposure and tanning beds
- Avoiding products that cause photosensitivity
- Not having other cosmetic procedures in the area
On the day of the procedure, do not wear lotions, fragrances, oils, or creams. We will clean the area and give you protective eyewear before using the PicoSure4 over the tattoo.
What to Expect
For small and medium tattoos, the session may last between 10 and 15 minutes, while it can take up to an hour with larger ones. Most people need between three and ten sessions to achieve complete tattoo removal. We will schedule sessions at least six weeks apart to allow your body to heal.
Fresher and more vibrant tattoos can take a bit longer to fade, so you may have to wait a few weeks to see results. With older tattoos, you may be able to see results within a few days.
Keep in mind that tattoo removal results vary.
Saline Tattoo Removal
Another option we offer at our clinic is the saline tattoo removal procedure. This removal technique uses a special saline solution made with purified water and milled sea salt, lemon and orange seed extract, and aloe.
We inject this solution into the tattoo, and it will break up the pigment and lift it out of your skin by osmosis. It is a gentler option for people who do not want laser tattoo removal.
This option is best suited for removing cosmetic tattoos since the ink used in those does not respond as well to laser removal. It is also a good choice for smaller tattoos. The more superficial the pigment is, the better the tattoo removal results will be with this type of option.
One of the best things about saline tattoo removal is that it is effective on all skin types and colors, providing a natural and safe way of getting rid of an unwanted traditional or cosmetic tattoo.
Preparing for Saline Tattoo Removal
We will schedule a consultation, where we will discuss the tattoo you would like removed and your overall health to find the best option for the tattoo removal. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or if you have infections in the treatment area, we will postpone the treatment.
Before your saline tattoo removal appointment, we recommend you avoid sun exposure as well as tanning beds and anything else that can make your skin more sensitive, like Retinols and Retin-A.
On the day of your appointment, do not exercise. Wear loose and comfortable clothing that can leave the tattoo area uncovered.
What to Expect
The session can last about an hour and a half, depending on the tattoo size. We will clean and numb the target area using a topical anesthetic. Then we’ll begin injecting the saline solution into the tattoo.
The number of sessions you will need to remove the tattoo will depend on its size, color, and more. Generally, we will allow eight weeks between sessions to let your skin heal.
Get Rid of Unwanted Tattoos in Newport News, VA
If you have a tattoo you no longer want, whether traditional or cosmetic, turning to either of these removal solutions is a good choice. They are safe and effective ways of getting rid of tattoos of any size and color.
At K.O. Blade & Beauty in Newport News, VA, we offer many options to help you get the tattoo removal results you want. Our team of experts will help you decide on the most effective option for your particular needs. Call us today to book a consultation!
