Having a tattoo is like portraying a part of your personality on your skin. This type of body art can be truly rewarding! However, if your preferences and interests have changed since getting a tattoo, you may not feel as satisfied with your ink as you once were. If you're ready to move on from a tattoo that is no longer relevant for you, there are a couple of options you might consider. One is to have the tattoo covered up with another tattoo. This can be tricky or even impossible in some cases. The other option is to have your tattoo removed.
At NaturallYou, we provide tattoo removal treatment in a comfortable, friendly atmosphere. We've got two offices to serve you. To learn more about tattoo removal, contact us today at 203-340-9998!
What is Tattoo Removal and How Does it Work?
Laser tattoo removal is the most commonly performed treatment to get rid of unwanted ink. This procedure works by targeting the ink particles using pulses of specific wavelengths of light. Laser tattoo devices are designed with multiple different wavelengths to accurately contact a wide variety of pigments. When the light gets absorbed by the different pigments of tattoo ink, the particles beneath the skin shatter into tiny fragments. In this smaller form, the ink becomes a target for the immune system. Over time, these small particles are picked up from their localized area and flushed out of the body.
What are the Benefits of Tattoo Removal?
The primary benefit of tattoo removal is that you don't have to live with body art that is not a reflection of who you are! That alone is significant. Beyond the major transition away from an outdated tattoo, the procedure itself is beneficial. Compared to older methods of removing unwanted tattoo ink, laser tattoo removal is efficient, comfortable, and safe. The process targets pigment only, not healthy skin, so there are fewer risks involved. The process can take some time due to the gradual breakdown of pigment and the subsequent immune response that must occur, but you may begin to see the unwanted ink fading within weeks of your first treatment.
Who is a Candidate for Tattoo Removal?
Due to the way in which lasers work (by targeting pigment), the laser tattoo removal process may be more suitable for light to medium skin tones. When you visit our Connecticut or New York office, we can evaluate your skin tone and determine which setting on our laser device, if any, would be safe and effective in your case. Your dermatologic health is most important when discussing the best way to address a tattoo that you no longer want. We will not recommend treatment if we believe it would be inefficient or risky. That said, laser tattoo removal is appropriate for most people who would like to bid farewell to old ink.
What are My Treatment Options for Tattoo Removal?
Historically, unwanted tattoo ink has been treated with techniques such as chemical peeling, dermabrasion, and surgical excision. All of these techniques are outdone by laser tattoo removal! The newer systems that are in place to target tattoo pigments feature built-in safety mechanisms that prevent overheating and burning. The target of laser tattoo removal is pigment alone, whereas other methods work by removing thin layers of skin until pigment is lightened or removed.
How Can I Prepare for Tattoo Removal?
For laser technology to work as efficiently as it can, it's best to have good contrast between the target pigment and the color of your skin. To achieve this, we recommend avoiding unnecessary sun exposure. Beginning a few weeks before your tattoo removal treatment, become diligent in your use of broad-spectrum SPF30 sunscreen. Also, do not schedule other services in the treatment area, including other laser treatments or peels. Your provider may suggest avoiding certain medications before treatment, and to refrain from using any new medications, supplements, or products as you go through your series of laser sessions. Products that you should avoid before getting laser treatment include benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid, retinol, and hydroxy acids. After your consultation for laser tattoo removal, you may be given a larger list of Do's and Don'ts to follow as you prepare for your sessions.
What is the Procedure Like?
Your laser tattoo removal procedure may take from just a few minutes to about an hour. Sometimes, larger tattoos are treated in smaller sections. Doing this minimizes post-treatment swelling. This treatment is done without the use of an anesthetic. Do not apply numbing cream before your appointment. It can impair the efficacy of the process and ultimately add time and sessions to your treatment program. Before beginning, your provider will cleanse the skin where the tattoo is to be removed. You may be given protective goggles to wear. Using a handheld device, your provider will direct pulses of laser energy to the tattoo. Each pulse can feel like a snap against your skin. This can feel uncomfortable. However, laser tattoo removal is not as painful as most people anticipate. It's far less painful than getting a tattoo! After your session, you'll be given instructions that outline how to care for your skin during its healing phase.
Effects on Tattoo Pigments
Pre-Treatment
3-months (3rd RX)
6-months (6th RX)
Four treatments 8 weeks apart
Schedule Tattoo Removal at NaturallYou!
You don't need to live with a tattoo forever if you don't want to. Contact us today at 203-340-9998 to schedule your consultation for tattoo removal. We're proud to serve clients from comfortable offices in Greenwich, CT and Westchester, NY.