fbpx

PICOSECOND LASER PROCEDURE

Sometimes, people outgrow their tattoos. They may become regretful of a tattoo they got when they were younger, be forced to comply by stricter standards in their professional lives, or otherwise want to remove a tattoo that they feel no longer represents them. That’s where Dr. Frank’s experience in laser tattoo removal comes in. Depending on how dark your tattoo is, how long you have had the tattoo, and the pigment of your skin, Dr. Frank will be able to plan and guide you through your tattoo removal.

How Tattoo Removal Works

It is important to remember that tattoo removal is a process. It may take anywhere from 4-12 treatments for a significant difference to be seen in the appearance of your tattoo*. Essentially, the focus of the laser treatment is to disintegrate the ink particles of the tattoo. A high intensity light beam is targeted at the pigmentation, causing it to break apart, become absorbed into the body, and be excreted through the body’s natural immune system. The laser treatment causes the pigment to fade substantially over time which can vary depending on the age and color of the tattoo.

Ideal Candidates for Tattoo Removal

Candidates are those who wish to reduce the appearance of their tattoo for any number of reasons. This includes patients who have been previously unsuccessful in the reduction through other means, and even those who have tried laser tattoo reduction in the past. Because the treatment and its effectiveness varies so dramatically from person to person, scheduling an in person consultation visit with Dr. Frank is highly recommended.

As a general rule of thumb, dark ink colors – particularly black – are most easily reduced and lighter skin tones respond relatively better to the laser reduction. Since the body’s excretion of the tattoo ink is part of the process, the effectiveness of the removal is partially determined by the location of the tattoo. Places in the body with the most circulation most easily wash away the pigmentation, while places with low circulation (like the fingers and toes) are typically harder to treat.

 

Before & After

Recovery Time

Though you don’t need to take off from work or your daily routine to recover, you should be aware that minor swelling, redness, and blistering is completely normal and even expected*. Laser tattoo removal is a multi-step process, so these symptoms may arise upon each session. Still, the level of discomfort that patients typically report after treatment by Dr. Frank is consistently low.

 

Results

The process is gradual and is often considered more painful and expensive when compared to the cost of getting a tattoo. Results are apparent after as few as two or three sessions, but an average of 10 sessions is needed for an apparent reduction in appearance*. For a more accurate evaluation of your individual condition, and to see whether or not a laser tattoo removal is a possible option for you, schedule your consultation appointment by calling our NYC office today.

FAQs

How painful is laser tattoo removal?

Though the treatment is relatively painless, sessions are usually complete in under half an hour. Dr. Frank knows that reduction of a tattoo may be a big decision in his patients’ lives. It is for this reason that he makes a conscious effort to be as gentle and informative as possible throughout the entire procedure – so that you can feel most comfortable in his care as you work together to reach your common goal.

Is it possible for your skin pigmentation to be affected by the tattoo removal?

Though uncommon, it is indeed possible for the skin around the area treated to become slightly discolored. Still, as the body continues to remove the pigmentation and the ink continues to flow out your system, the discoloration should subside.

Is anesthesia used during the procedure?

Usually, no anesthesia is required. However, with intricate, larger tattoos and with patients who have a relatively low pain threshold, Dr. Frank often recommends painkillers and topical creams.