Are you rethinking your ink? Perhaps you got your tattoo as a teenager, your tattoo no longer has meaning, or you just don’t like the design anymore.  No matter the reason, laser tattoo removal can help to eliminate your unwanted tattoo for good. This treatment is proven and safe for long-term results. Read on for some basic information regarding tattoo removal, as well as how it works, and what to expect during and following treatment. Being informed on what to expect with your tattoo removal treatment will make the process much smoother.

About Laser Tattoo Removal

Laser tattoo removal is a treatment done to eliminate tattoo ink in the skin. At Jupiter Dermatology & Hair Restoration, we use the PIQ04 laser to remove tattoos. This laser is the most powerful and versatile on the market with four wavelengths, allowing for treatment of every color ink. It also has the largest spot size, meaning that it can treat a tattoo much faster, as well as penetrate deeper into the skin to treat a tattoo at all levels.

With tattoos, black inks and some reds are the easiest to remove, while greens and light blues are the hardest. The PIQ04 laser can treat nine of the most common ink colors, allowing patients with even brightly-colored tattoos to see fading after a few treatments. Patients can also expect up to 40% fewer treatments than they would if they were using other lasers, which means they can see results much quicker.

How Does the PIQ04 Laser Work?

The PIQ04 laser uses ultra-short pulses of laser energy that shatters targeted ink into small particles that are naturally eliminated by the body. While other tattoo removal devices may require up to 30 treatments, the PIQ04 laser usually only require 8-12 treatments to see optimal results, saving you time and money.  In some cases black tattoos can be removed with as little as three treatments.

What is Treatment Like? Is there a painless option?

Yes! As a full service dermatology office, we have the ability to make it painless. During treatment, a topical numbing cream will be applied to the treatment area to ensure your comfort. Additional local anesthesia can be used to feel absolutely nothing. Additionally we have the Zimmer chiller which cools the skin to provide more comfort and patient safety. Then, the laser handpiece will be passed over the treatment area, removing pigment under the skin. The process usually takes about 20 minutes to complete but can vary based on the size of the tattoo, the amount of ink used, the depth of the ink in the skin, and the location. With the above techniques  patients should not feel  feel any  discomfort during the laser treatment. At Jupiter Dermatology, tattoo removal is very well tolerated and painless.

Any questions regarding what to expect during treatment can be discussed during your consultation.

What to Expect During Recovery

Following your laser tattoo removal treatment, there are a couple of steps to the healing process. First, your skin will turn to a frosty white color. This is caused when the laser penetrates the skin, releasing carbon dioxide, and is completely normal. With certain colors like red and blue  the treated skin may begin to peel, blister, or scab. About 1-2 weeks later, all blistering and scabs should fully subside. After 4-6 weeks, the treated skin is usually fully healed, and the patient is able to undergo an additional treatment session if needed.

Some tips to help speed up recovery include:

• Applying a cold compress to the treatment area for the first 24 hours to reduce discomfort.
• Avoiding physical activity and sweating for 24 hours.
• Avoiding hot water, hot tubs, and high-pressure showers for 1 weeks after treatment.
• Don’t pick or peel the scabs in the treatment area.
• Avoid tanning (including spray tanning) for 4-6 weeks after treatment.
• Stay hydrated!

By taking these steps you can help to quicken recovery. However, remember to follow your doctor’s specific post-treatment instructions to see optimal results.

Is Tattoo Removal Covered by Insurance?

Because tattoo removal is a personal option in most cases, most insurance carriers won’t cover the process unless it is necessary medically. However, our office does participate with many insurances you can contact to be sure.

What is the cost?

The cost depends on the complexity of the tattoo and colors. However our not  exceed prices will insure your budget is limited, and in some cases as little as $150 per month.

Contact Us Today

At Jupiter Dermatology & Hair Restoration, Dr. Mejia and our team strive to provide our patients with exceptional and personalized care. We will work with you to create an individualized treatment plan to meet your unique aesthetic goals. Please feel free to ask any questions regarding your treatment or procedure, as we believe in transparency and want you to be as comfortable as possible.

If you are unhappy with an existing tattoo and live in or near the Jupiter, FL area, contact our office today at (561) 748-0510. We would be happy to schedule your initial consultation, as well as answer any questions that you may have. Our main goal is to provide professional service and beautiful, natural-looking results.