If you’re second-guessing your ink, you’re not alone. More than 20% of individuals with tattoos say they regret at least one piece of their body art. Whether you’re sporting the name of an ex, hiding a poorly done design, or kicking yourself over that cartoon character you got at 18, you can erase your tattoo for good.
Over a series of in-office treatments, you can safely and effectively make your ink a distant memory.
With multiple wavelengths, our laser system is specially programmed to treat every color of your tattoo, even pigment-rich shades like purple and turquoise. By directing an intense, focused beam of light at your skin, we can target only the ink, not the area around it. The laser heats and vibrates the ink, breaking it down into smaller and smaller particles that are absorbed and eliminated naturally by your immune system. Depending on the size, color and age of your tattoo, it can take several treatments over the course of a year or more to see the results you desire.
Laser treatments can be used to lighten a tattoo if you wish to cover it up with new art, isolate and remove a specific portion of a tattoo, or eliminate the tattoo completely.
If you were able to tolerate your tattoo application, you can definitely handle laser tattoo removal. Most patients say the sensation is similar to a quick snap of a rubber band. To reduce your pain, we will administer a numbing agent before treatment begins. Tattoo removal may be uncomfortable, but it is bearable for most patients.
The removal process depends on several factors, including pigment shades and size of the tattoo. While the multiple wavelengths of our laser system can speed up the process when compared to other clinics, most patients will need between four to eight treatments. We require a minimum of six to eight weeks between sessions to allow your skin to properly heal.
Our laser pulse is so short, powerful and targeted that we can effectively treat the tattoo without affecting the skin around it. Most often, scars left by the removed tattoo were injuries that occurred when the ink was applied.
Following your treatment, you may experience some redness, tenderness or swelling, but side effects usually subside within 24 to 48 hours.
If you stick with our course of action and follow your post-procedure instructions, most patients see their tattoos disappear within a year. However, certain pigments may remain in the skin, creating a ghost-like appearance that’s virtually unnoticeable to others. Certain aesthetic procedures, such as microneedling, can help eliminate this effect.
If you no longer love your tattoo or if your ink no longer fits your lifestyle, schedule your free, no-judgment consultation with Dr. Kristen Kuk at Cobb Dermatology & Aesthetics. During your visit, she’ll discuss your desired outcome, explain how many treatments you’ll need, and answer any questions you have. For more information on tattoo removal in Lynchburg, contact us at 434-947-5321.
