Did you know that 10 percent of the US population has some kind of tattoo? That’s 1 in 10 people!

And out of those 1 in 10, 50 percent eventually come to the realization that they don’t want the tattoo anymore. That’s why many turn to Laser Tattoo Removal.

Whether it was a body design that made more sense when you were younger, or it was a decision you regretted very quickly, you have options. You’ve probably seen it on TV, and heard (possibly from irate parents) that it’s a very painful process.

But rest assured. With new technologies, Laser Tattoo Removal doesn’t have to be a scary process.

What’s the Process Like?

The first question many people have on their minds is, does it hurt? In short, yes, it’s not a painless procedure. Each pulse of light sent through the patient is comparable to the snapping of a rubber band.

Technology for Laser Tattoo Removal has improved, for sure, and in fact most patients don’t need anesthesia.

Patients will be given protective eye wear during the procedure as well.

Will My Tattoo Be Completely Removed?

That depends on a number of factors, including the location of the tattoo and the colors used. The wavelengths of the lasers used to remove a tattoo depend on the color — therefore, more colorful tattoos will need a multitude of lasers.

Meanwhile, tattoos located closer to the heart will have greater circulation and fade more easily. Tattoos further from the heart will have lesser circulation, and may not fade away entirely.

Nonetheless, tattoo removal will almost always take more than one treatment. Patients should generally schedule sessions four to six weeks apart — though in some cases patients might need to wait a minimum of eight weeks before their next session.

A New Way to Remove Your Tattoos: The PicoWay

PicoWay is a premiere alternative to conventional laser tattoo removal treatments. Its innovative technology allows PicoWay to safely and successfully treat multi-colored tattoos on different skin types, using ultra-short pulses.

In fact, the device delivers energy so quickly that it’s measured in picoseconds, which equal one trillionth of a second.

The recommended number of treatments can vary from patient to patient, depending on the size, age, depth, location, and complexity of the tattoo. At your initial consultation with Dr. Colombo, she will assess your tattoo and develop a customized treatment plan, that best meets your needs and goals.

Interested in Laser Tattoo Removal? Contact Integrated Dermatology of Reston today.