Getting a tattoo is a deeply personal decision that has also long been considered a permanent one. However, thanks to innovations in lasers, you no longer have to live with a decision you made in the past to get a tattoo. The staff at Simply Smooth Laser Center in Tampa understands how important it is to feel your best, which is why we offer laser tattoo removal treatments designed to get the optimum results possible.
At Simply Smooth Laser Center, the innovative PicoWay® tattoo laser allows us to fade and remove tattoos safely and quickly. Working with any skin tone, the PicoWay tattoo laser can be effective on a wide variety of tattoo types and colors, including designs that may not have responded to previous removal methods.
To learn more about the results that are possible with laser tattoo removal, please request a consultation today.
How PicoWay Laser Tattoo Removal Works
There are a number of different methods for removing a tattoo, such as dermabrasion and surgical removal. Laser removal is considered the most effective method to remove tattoos and works by focusing concentrated beams of light that penetrate the skin and break up the ink pigments underneath it, fading the tattoo. The broken-up particles of ink are slowly absorbed and expelled by the body over time.
The PicoWay laser is a revolutionary tool that uses 3 wavelengths to break up and remove a variety of pigments under the skin. With the highest peak power and shortest delivery pulses, PicoWay allows us to deliver safe and effective treatments with minimal side effects in fewer treatments
The PicoWay laser uses pulses that are 40 percent shorter than other picosecond lasers at around one-trillionth of a second. This breaks up the ink pigment into even smaller particles, making it faster and easier for the body to absorb and remove them.
Your PicoWay Laser Tattoo Removal Treatment
PicoWay laser tattoo removal is a quick, simple procedure that can be comfortably done in our Simply Smooth Laser Center. Although the treatment time varies from person to person, most laser tattoo removal sessions last about 20 minutes and smaller tattoos can be treated in less than 5 minutes.
Often, multiple sessions will be required to completely break down the pigment under the skin and completely remove a tattoo. Because the body needs time to process and eliminate these ink particles, sessions are typically scheduled between 8 and 12 weeks apart.
Although laser tattoo removal can be a very effective way to remove a tattoo, results vary according to skin type, colors used in the tattoo and how deep into the skin the ink was injected. Black and darker inks generally respond better to laser removal than lighter colors, but PicoWay laser tattoo removal can remove all ink colors and tints.
Laser Tattoo Removal FAQs
How much does laser tattoo removal cost?
The cost of laser tattoo removal depends on a variety of factors, including how large the tattoo is, the colors used in the tattoo and how many sessions will be needed to fully remove it. If you have concerns about being able to afford your tattoo removal, talk to us about your financing options and any special offers we might have.
Is laser tattoo removal dangerous?
No, this procedure is considered safe — in many cases, safer than getting the tattoo in the first place. While this does depend on where you get the procedure, if you are working with an experienced and certified laser technician, you can feel assured that the procedure is safe and effective. Just keep in mind that this doesn’t mean it is without risk. All clinical procedures have the potential to cause side effects.
How can you make sure laser tattoo removal is safe for me?
While there is never a 100 percent guarantee you won’t develop some side effects, we take steps to ensure it is as safe as possible for you. This begins with your consultation. At this appointment, we will talk to you about your health history and any medications you currently take. If you have any previous experience with laser treatments of any sort, we will discuss this as well.
At this consultation, we also perform a patch test on your skin to see if you have an adverse reaction to the laser. You will be responsible for informing us if a reaction does develop and updating us if you begin taking any medications or natural health products between your consultation and your appointment. Your first laser tattoo removal session will take place about 2 to 4 weeks after the patch test.
Can the laser fully eliminate the tattoo?
In some cases, yes. In others, the tattoo can be faded to the point of near invisibility, making it easy to cover with makeup or a new tattoo. Factors that determine how much a tattoo will fade include:
- Color
- Depth of pigment
- Age of the tattoo
- Location
In some cases, when the tattoo is faded to just a shadow of itself, laser tattoo removal results will continue to develop after treatments are complete.
Will laser tattoo removal be painful?
Most people consider the pain of laser tattoo removal to be comparable to what they experienced when getting the tattoo. However, everyone perceives pain and discomfort differently. We offer topical numbing products to help keep you comfortable during the procedure.
How many sessions will I need for maximum tattoo removal?
This will depend on your tattoo and how your body responds to treatment. Some people need just three treatments spaced 4 to 8 weeks apart. Others may need 12 or more session. We should be able to give you an estimate before treatment begins, but keep in mind that this may not be precise. As we see how your body responds to the laser, you may end up needing more or fewer treatments.