Laser Tattoo Removal

How Laser Tattoo Removal Works

Whether it was an impulse decision or a tattoo that’s no longer relevant or wanted, laser tattoo removal at MEDermis can completely remove your tattoo or fade it so the tattoo can be covered up with new art. Cover-up tattoos are now more popular than ever because of the advancement in laser technology. Because the laser removal process is non-invasive, it does not damage or leave scar tissue. That way, we are wiping the slate clean to put new artwork on.

Laser tattoo removal has come a long way since it began years ago. Past methods were painful and/or ineffective and very expensive. With the advancement of laser technology, tattoo removal can be accomplished safely and with minimal discomfort.

At MEDermis Laser Clinic, we use the most advanced technology available for laser tattoo removal, the Spectra laser system by Lutronic. The Spectra system has proven to be superior in removing stubborn tattoos with virtually no risk of scarring or pigment changes.

The Spectra laser delivers light at incredibly high energy for a tiny fraction of a second onto the skin, which selectively breaks the tattoo ink into minute particles. The body’s natural healing processes then remove the broken-down pigment over time.

How Is Laser Treatment Different From Other Removal Methods?

Tattoo removal is almost as old as the practice of applying tattoos — older methods include applying wine, lime or garlic to the skin in an effort to remove the ink. While those methods aren’t used anymore, other solutions have emerged. Today’s most accepted, and safest, removal technique is laser removal. Older tattoo removal methods include:

  • Dermabrasion
  • Salabrasion
  • Scarification
  • Surgical removal
  • Camouflaging
  • Intense pulsed light

While these alternative removal methods may start to remove or fade your tattoo, unlike laser treatment, they will most likely result in pain, burning, itching, weeping pores, bruising, swelling, scabbing, discoloration, bleeding, infection and permanent scarring.

Is Laser Tattoo Removal Safer Than Other Tattoo Removal Methods?

Considered the best form of tattoo removal today, the laser tattoo removal process involves a certified tattoo removal specialist who uses a laser to break the ink into smaller particles that the body naturally removes later. Typically, removing dark pigments like blue or black is easiest, and lighter colors like light greens and yellows are more challenging. Unlike older methods like dermabrasion or salabrasion, a laser can remove these colors with little to no scarring or other side effects like pain, swelling, bleeding, infection or permanent scarring.

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How Long Does Laser Removal Take?

With the Spectra laser system, we find that most tattoos disappear in three to seven sessions with each session spaced about six to eight weeks apart. Sessions can range from 15 to 30 minutes. At MEDermis Laser Clinic, we can remove any type or style of tattoo in any area of the body.

Determining how long your tattoo removal will take depends on the characteristics of your tattoo, including:

  • Age: Older tattoos can be removed in fewer treatments than newer ones because the older ink has lower density and concentration.
  • Color: You might not know that certain colors are easier to remove from your skin than others. Black, blues and other dark pigments are the easiest to remove, while oranges, yellows, pinks, purples and browns are only moderately difficult to remove. The hardest colors for a specialist to remove are light greens, light blues and turquoise as these colors are more difficult for the laser to find due to the phthalocyanine dyes used in lighter-colored inks.
  • Location: Because the broken ink particles are flushed out by the body, areas with low circulation will take more time to fade. Toes, fingers, ears and noses most commonly show slower removal results.
  • Density: How concentrated your ink is helps determine how many sessions you’ll need — newer tattoos are highly concentrated while older ones are less so. The shading on your tattoo is the quickest aspect to show fading because the density of the ink is so low.

Why Can’t a Tattoo Be Removed in One Session?

Tattoos have multiple layers of ink stacked on each other within the layers of your skin. Because the ink is so thickly concentrated, the pigment parts cannot be completely broken down in a single session. At each session, we’ll use our lasers to adequately cover your tattoo and break up as much ink as possible. You’ll notice after each session the ink fading — especially areas of shading. However, you should note that for fresh tattoos, the ink is still very thick and dense, so the level of fading will be less noticeable than on an older tattoo.

What is Recovery After a Session Like?

After a session, you can live life as usual including showering, exercise, and normal activities. You may have redness, swelling, temporary soreness, or blistering. Your Certified Licensed Laser Specialist will use a thin dressing to protect your skin while it heals. This dressing can be removed after a few hours. It is a good idea to avoid heat and the sun for a few days after treatment. We will go over in detail how to care for the area after each treatment.

If you have any questions or concerns after a session, do not hesitate to get in touch with us. Although our clinic hours are certain days/hours, we are available seven days a week to answer questions or concerns. Call (512) 637-5277 for our Austin clinic or (210) 402-4030 for our San Antonio clinic.

Always Trust a Professional Tattoo Removal Specialist

Why trust a professional tattoo removal specialist when your local dermatologist claims they can remove your unwanted ink? A generalist laser clinic will often offer multiple dermatological services, versus a specialist who will have a broader level of tattoo removal experience since that’s their devoted skillset.

A specialist will be more effective because they’re also certified, have professional liability coverage, comply with non-medical class laser operations, and are USDA-approved. Tattoo removal specialists will also be using the best technology available in tattoo removal — at MEDermis Laser Clinic, we use a Spectra laser system. A tattoo generalist will be less experienced in removal techniques and procedures will be using a non-dedicated and non-specific laser machine, which will cause increased costs, risks, and side effects.

Call MEDermis Laser Clinic Today for Professional Laser Tattoo Removal

At MEDermis Laser Clinic, our certified tattoo removal specialists want to make removing your dated and unfashionable tattoo as easy as possible without damaging your beautiful skin. We have the most experienced removal staff in the Austin and San Antonio, TX areas with 300,000 tattoo removals to date. And with over 12 years of experience, we have an ink clearance rate of 95-98 percent.

Join us for a free tattoo removal consultation today, where we can discuss the number of sessions you’ll need and answer any questions or concerns you may have. Schedule an appointment today by filling out our online consultation request form, or call us at 210-402-4030 or 512-637-5277.