Tattoos are meant to be a lasting reminder of something personally meaningful, and at some point in their lives, roughly 25% of all Americans decide to have that meaningful something permanently inked on their bodies. It’s estimated that about half of people with tattoos will eventually have a change of heart, however, and decide to get them removed to be tattoo free or to embrace a new tattoo in the same location. At Kalia Dermatology and Laser Center in Los Gatos, California, we offer PicoSure laser tattoo removal for patients in the San Francisco Bay area.

How Are Tattoos Removed?

Tattoos can be difficult to remove because the ink is set beneath your top layer of skin, which is exactly what makes them last for life. Early removal methods, including surgery and dermabrasion, often caused scarring that was less appealing than the artwork itself. Kalia physicians use advanced PicoSure laser technology to lighten or remove tattoos with little risk of skin damage. During treatments with PicoSure, patented PressureWave technology delivers ultra-short pulses of specialized energy to target ink particles. These pulses are so rapid they cause a change in pressure that breaks the ink apart into tiny dust-like particles. The tiny particles will be absorbed by your lymphatic system and flushed from your body naturally. This is different from older forms of laser tattoo removal that were less effective and required many more treatments. PicoSure typically requires 66% fewer treatments than older laser technology.

What Kind of Tattoos Can PicoSure Remove?

PicoSure tattoo removal requires fewer treatments than traditional laser tattoo removal, and is a safe way to lighten or fully remove any ink you no longer want. The technology works effectively for:

• Multicolored tattoos: Including blues and greens
• Hard-to-remove black ink tattoos
• Stubborn tattoos: Previously treated tattoos
  

What Can I Expect From The Treatment?

Although laser tattoo removal is an individually tailored process, most tattoos require a series of treatments about 6 weeks apart. The number of treatments you’ll need depends on the size of your tattoo, where it’s located, and the quality and color of the ink. Many factors can influence whether your tattoo will fade or disappear:  

• Older tattoos: Tend to disappear more easily and with fewer treatments
• Extremity tattoos: The further down your legs or arms are usually harder to remove
• Amateur tattoos: Easier to remove than professional ones
  

After assessing the size, color, location, and type of tattoo you have, your physician will come up with a customized treatment plan. Your tattoo will fade with each treatment, and although many tattoos can be removed in 4-6 visits, some may require further treatment.

Is The Treatment Painful?

Laser tattoo removal feels similar to the tattooing process. Because the PicoSure laser relies on pressure changes — instead of just heat — to smash ink particles apart, some patients may feel discomfort. Your physician can provide aides to make you feel more comfortable.