What You Should Know About Tattoo Removal
Many people have tattoos these days. As of 10 years ago, about a quarter of the adult population under 50 had a tattoo. It has undoubtedly gone up since then. However, about 17% of those with tattoos have reported wanting to get at least one removed. Everyone has different reasons for wanting to get rid of a tattoo that they’ve had. Often, people report that they got it too young and it doesn’t mean anything to them anymore. Or, the tattoo is in a location they are embarrassed about. It could even be a tattoo of someone’s name that is no longer in your life. Whatever your individual reason, you need to know what your options are for tattoo removal.
How are tattoos generally removed?
Tattoo removal has been around for nearly as long as tattoos themselves, though to say the sophistication of tattoo removal has improved by leaps and bounds over the years would be a severe understatement. Consider that early tattoo removal consisted of using acid treatments and you can see why laser tattoo removal has become a much more desirable option.
Since the 1990s, tattoo removal has been pretty much entirely laser based. Gone are the days of salt scrubbing or freezing. However, that’s not to say laser tattoo removal has always had a great reputation. The early days of laser treatment showed mixed results and patients often reported a great deal of pain and scarring. Even to this day, not all tattoo removal lasers are the same as they all leverage different technologies. If you’re looking for the best chances at great results with minimal discomfort and scarring, then the Enlighten Laser could be for you.
How laser tattoo removal works
There are many tattoo removal techniques out there, so you want to make sure that you’re opting for the best. The Enlighten Laser is one of the most sophisticated laser treatments available for tattoo removal no matter what kind of tattoo you are trying to get rid of. You can say goodbye to unwanted body art following your course of treatment.
The advantage of the Enlighten Laser is that is customizable. This allows the laser to not only treat nearly any kind of tattoo, but it can also adjust to pigment color to ensure that the pigments are properly removed and looks appropriate for your skin color. The laser light used is an ultra-high intensity beam that is targeted directly into the pigment of the tattoo. The laser light breaks apart the pigment and stimulates the skin to absorb it into the body. This is completely harmless.
While the process may sound like it would be painful, the sensation is actually very mild. Some people report that the laser treatment can feel like a rubber band snapping against the skin. Most people don’t find that the process causes any kind of major discomfort. Still, for those who are sensitive, a topical anesthetic can be applied in order to minimize any troubling sensations. During the treatment, you’ll wear protective eyewear since a laser light is being used in close proximity to you. After you’re done and return home, you can apply ice to the area to help minimize any soreness you may feel following the procedure.
Ice to start is helpful, but it’s very important to follow the aftercare process provided by your dermatologist in order to get the best results. It is strongly encouraged that you avoid direct sun exposure, tanning beds, and lotions. It’s also wise to keep the treated area moist so the skin can properly heal. The best way to do this is to use an antibiotic topical ointment and wrap the treated area in a bandage to make sure you keep it clean. Any other skin treatments must be avoided until you receive the approval from your dermatologist that the area has properly healed.
Multiple laser treatments may be required to completely remove the tattoo. This is all based on your individual tattoo, including size, intricacy, the types of pigment used, and how your skin responds. Your dermatologist will go over what the treatment plan will look like with you.
Conclusion
Tattoos are often chosen because they mean something to the person getting them. Other times, they were tattooed out of spontaneity or for fun. Maybe you just don’t like your tattoo anymore. Whatever your personal reason for seeking tattoo removal services, it’s important to get the very best care to ensure you get the desired results with minimal after effects. With Enlighten Laser treatment, you should be able to get the results that you’re after and say goodbye to your unwanted tattoo. If you are interested in tattoo removal services, book an appointment online with us today. Dr. Fromowitz and the team at Dermatology of Boca are here to provide you with the care you need so you can get the results you need to look your best.