Jupiter, FL patients ask, “Does it hurt to get laser tattoo removal?”

D eciding to get a tattoo is a personal decision. When you choose to get a tattoo, the design or intended meaning may be sentimental. However, sentiments change. With that comes tattoo regret. laser-tattoo-removal-jupiter-fl 25 percent of people admit to regretting their tattoo. Patients with tattoo regret need options other than hiding the tattoo. In Jupiter, FL, Dr. Peter Vitulli and the professional team at A Center for Dermatology, Cosmetic and Laser Surgery offer laser tattoo removal to effectively get rid of unwanted tattoos with minimal side effects.

How it works

Tattoo ink goes deeper than the surface of the skin. State-of-the-art laser technology is needed to fully remove the tattoo ink. Laser tattoo removal breaks apart targeted ink particles, so your body can naturally eliminate an unwanted tattoo. At A Center for Dermatology, Cosmetic and Laser Surgery, we use the PicoSure laser which uses PressureWave technology. Ultra-short pulses of energy are delivered at the treatment site. The pulses are so quick they cause a change in pressure. This pressure change breaks the ink into tiny particles. The particles are absorbed by the lymphatic system and are eliminated naturally. The surrounding tissue remains unharmed. This PressureWave technology is the key to effective tattoo removal with PicoSure.

Call Our Office More Information 561-427-2000

or Schedule an Appointment today

Patient expectations

If you are experiencing tattoo regret, you are probably researching your options and asking questions such as “is tattoo removal effective” or “does it hurt to get laser tattoo removal?” A consultation with your physician is important to address your questions and concerns.

Laser tattoo removal permanently gets rid of the tattoo ink. Once it is gone, it cannot come back. A typical treatment for an average tattoo takes about 10 minutes. Larger tattoos require more time. A series of treatments scheduled 6-8 weeks apart is needed to achieve optimal results. However, you will notice improvement following each session. The number of sessions needed varies from patient to patient and depends upon factors such as:

Ink colors
Tattoo size
Location on the body
Lifestyle habits

If you have concerns about pain or sensitivity, keep in mind that many patients have compared the feeling of tattoo removal to the tattooing process. PicoSure relies on pressure changes and laser energy to break down the tattoo ink. Discomfort is relative among patients, but most do not require anesthesia. If you have sensitive skin or experience pain with the procedure, relief in the form of numbing agents may be available to make your laser tattoo removal treatment more comfortable.

Side effects and post care

Does it hurt to get laser tattoo removal

Following your treatment, you may be given after-care instructions. Downtime is not necessary. An ice pack helps soothe your skin and any lingering discomfort you may have. Antibiotic cream and a bandage can be used to protect the treatment site. Patients may experience mild side effects such as swelling, pinpoint bleeding, or possible blistering. Treat the area as a mild burn and remember not to pop the blisters. Avoid shaving and sun exposure until the area has fully healed to avoid damaging the skin.

Recommendations for successful treatments

With any laser procedure, there are points to remember to improve your treatment experience and results.

Avoid tanning. Tanning products, tanning beds, and exposure to the sun should be avoided prior to and throughout your treatments. This increases the melanin, or color, in your skin. Lasers are designed to break down pigment. For tattoo removal, the laser works to break down the pigment of the ink. However, when your skin is darker than normal, the laser has trouble selecting the proper color to break down. The laser settings may need to be toned down to avoid burning or negative reactions. This also results in a less aggressive and less effective treatment. Additional treatments may be needed.
Numbing agents are available. Any discomfort felt during tattoo removal has been compared to the tattooing process. The process may be uncomfortable for some patients. For patients with sensitive skin or concerns about pain, a numbing cream or local anesthetic may be used to maintain patient comfort.

Tattoos are no longer permanent. If you are experiencing tattoo regret, contact Dr. Peter Vitulli and A Center for Dermatology, Cosmetic and Laser Surgery to learn more about laser tattoo removal. Call 561-427-2000.