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Tattoo Removal FAQ

Before and after tattoo removal

Tattoos are a trendy and growing form of body art and self-expression. According to a Harris Poll taken a little over a year ago nearly half of Millennials (ages 18-35) and 1/3 of Gen Xers (ages 36-50) have at least one tattoo. Even older generations such as Baby Boomers make up a small percentage of the tattooed poll. However, it is not uncommon for people to change their mind about their body art. As high as ¼ of people who have a tattoo also have tattoo regret. Laser tattoo removal is one of the most popular and efficacious forms of tattoo removal, but often many are apprehensive since they do not know what to expect or are worried about pain or downtime. We wanted to provide some information regarding tattoo removal FAQ we often hear in our Chicago-area tattoo removal clinic. Here is the skinny:

 

Tattoo Removal FAQ: Most Common Questions & Answers About Tattoo Removal in Chicagoland Area

Technology Matters

There are many tattoo removal devices on the market that claim to be the best of the best. Laser tattoo removal has been around for almost 20 years so of course there have been advances in technology. Many tattoo removal providers still carry older laser systems such as the q-switched for example. While older laser systems do work they use older technology which can result in a higher number of treatments, tattoo resistance and an increased risk of scarring. The latest and gold standard technology available uses picosecond technology. Pico technology lasers use pressure instead of heat and break the ink down more microscopically making it easier for the body to absorb and ultimately eliminate. A good analogy would be that a qswitched laser breaks pigment down to pebble-size particles while a Pico laser breaks ink down to sand size particles.

Wavelengths also play an important role in the tattoo removal process. Certain ink colors respond best to certain wavelengths. Some lasers, even Pico lasers, only carry 1 wavelength, therefore are not designed to treat multi-color tattoos. Dr. Ritacca feels the best laser for tattoo removal is the PiQo4 laser which has 4 picosecond technology wavelengths making it possible to target 96% of ink in as little as 4-6 treatments whereas older laser systems can take as many as 10-15 treatments and still not be able to target certain ink colors.

 

What To Expect During Your Tattoo Removal Treatment

Many people have misconceptions about what the treatment is like and are scared because they have heard it is painful. While the treatments themselves can be uncomfortable, described as a hot snapping sensation, they are often very quick. While treatment time does vary based on the size and complexity of a tattoo often a small or standard tattoo can be treated in just a couple of minutes or less. Also, there are many things that can be done to help with the discomfort during treatment such as numbing the area prior and using a cooling device on the skin during treatment. Once the treatment is complete ointment is applied and the tattoo is bandaged. Tattoo removal sessions are typically repeated every 6 weeks.

Tattoo Removal After Care

The average healing time for a tattoo after laser tattoo removal is about 5-7 days. Common post care includes cleansing the tattoo, applying ointment, and keeping it bandaged while healing. There is no downtime in the aspect of returning to work and most day to day activities. There may be some activity restrictions based on the location of the tattoo so your provider will provide specific instructions individualized to you.

Get Started with Tattoo Removal in the Chicagoland Area

While there are many different factors that contribute to the speed of removal such as the sharpness of the ink, location of the tattoo, skin tone, and how quickly your body eliminates the ink, tattoo removal can be faster and safer with advanced technology. Dr. Ritacca has been practicing tattoo removal for almost 20 years. Not only is technology important but experience is key. We offer complimentary consultations for laser tattoo removal, pricing starting as low as $75, as well as a tattoo removal guarantee for qualifying tattoos. Do you have more questions that this tattoo removal FAQ didn’t address? Are you ready to get started with tattoo removal in Chicago? Call us today to schedule your complimentary consultation (847)367-8815.

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