People seek out tattoo removal for a range of reasons. Maybe what used to be a fun memento is now a painful reminder of different times. Maybe the tattoo was carried out poorly, didn’t age well, or you’ve simply grown to dislike it over time. No matter the reason, Le Reve Skincare & Laser Center in Fort Worth, TX is here to help you clear the canvas of your skin by removing tattoos you no longer enjoy.
How Fast Is Laser Tattoo Removal?
Your Treatment Series
Tattoo removal will usually take several appointments to complete. We’ll space these sessions at least two weeks apart so your skin will have some time to process the treatment. Each session will get you closer to clear skin. For complete removal, most patients will need 6-15 laser treatments, depending on the tattoo.
Your Appointments
The length of your appointment can also vary depending on your skin health, the tattoo itself, and your desired timeline. When you visit us, we’ll be able to give you a better idea of what to expect. We want to match each patient’s needs as well as possible, so feel free to use the consultation as a way to talk about any concerns you have.
In the meantime, there are several factors to keep in mind that can affect how many appointments you’ll need.
Tattoo Size
A small, simple tattoo will not take as much time to remove as a large one. Small tattoos have less pigment to break apart. They also tend to be composed of thin lines, which fade more readily than thick ones. Less skin surface to cover also means the appointment will likely be shorter.
That said, you don’t need to worry if you have a large tattoo. Even though the process may take a little longer, we can still provide you with thorough and effective results.
Tattoo Color
Some colors fade quicker than others. Dark colors like green, gray, and black tend to be the easiest for lasers to target. However, our laser treatment has multiple color settings that allow us to target colors that traditional lasers may struggle with. This means we can help patients with tattoos that some other lasers can’t handle.
Tattoo Age
Tattoos tend to fade over time as the body’s immune system slowly absorbs and carries away the tattoo’s pigment. Since laser treatment works by breaking up pigment, a faded tattoo will have given the laser a head start. Newer tattoos will have more intact pigment and may need a few extra sessions to completely remove.
How Does It Work?
The Enlighten Laser
We believe in using cutting-edge technology with a strong track record, which is why we are proud to use the Enlighten laser system. This laser delivers short pulses of energy that can be programmed to a specific wavelength to target your tattoo.
Skin Safety
The laser energy can completely bypass the epidermis. By delivering this energy directly to the tattoo, it’s able to start breaking that pigment up while protecting the outer layer of your skin.
Multiple Settings
If your tattoo has multiple colors, it will require multiple wavelengths that target those colors. The good news is this laser already is equipped with a range of wavelengths, so we can customize it according to your needs.
What Are the Alternatives?
Research Beforehand
There are several approaches when it comes to tattoo removal, but laser removal is considered the safest option. While laser removal will usually take a series of treatments, it tends to be gentler on the patient and their skin than many of the alternatives.
It’s important to remember that any removal method should be carried out by qualified professionals, whether you seek out laser removal or a different option.
Salabrasion
One alternative to laser treatment is salabrasion. The word “abrasion” means to use friction to wear something away, which is what salabrasion does. This treatment usually involves using salt and water to rub the skin. The outer layers of skin will be rubbed away in this process so the ink can be removed.
This process is usually repeated several times until the tattoo is gone. Due to how hard it can be on the skin, scars are common. Sometimes it won’t work completely at all, which means the patient will have put themselves through pain and skin damage for no reason.
Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion is similar to salabrasion but can be safer and more effective when carried out by professionals. This method also uses friction, usually delivered by a medical grinding machine, to carefully remove the outer layers of the patient’s skin and break apart the skin layers that contain ink particles. It may need to be repeated.
Surgical Removal
Rather than using friction, this surgical method simply removes the section of tattooed skin. The patient will need enough excess skin to stretch over where the tattoo used to be. If the patient doesn’t have sufficient skin, some replacement skin can be taken from a different area of the patient’s body, and grafted over the old tattoo site. Depending on the size of the tattoo, there may be a scar left behind.
Removal Creams
Some people may try to remove tattoos at home by buying various creams. It can seem like such an easy solution to slather on cream and hope for the best, but this can be risky. If these creams even work, their corrosive nature can lead to skin damage, discoloration, and scarring.
Tattoo removal should be done under professional supervision. We want you to be able to get rid of your tattoo and still enjoy healthy skin. Rather than trying to cut corners and potentially having to spend more money repairing your skin, we recommend seeking out the safest, most effective treatment so you can get it done right the first time.
What Are the Benefits?
Freedom and Relief
Some unwanted tattoos are annoying, while others are embarrassing or just distracting. Ultimately, it doesn’t really matter why you want to remove the tattoo. It can be frustrating to look at a tattoo you don’t like every day.
Having the tattoo removed gives you a chance to reclaim your skin. Patients who have been hiding the tattoo with layers of foundation won’t have to deal with that hassle anymore and can feel a little more liberated and spontaneous.
Ready for Events
If you don’t want your tattoo showing during an event like a wedding, it can limit the kind of clothes you wear on the big day. Taking care of the tattoo ahead of time means you can pick your outfit based on what you want to wear, rather than what you think is going to hide the tattoo most effectively.
If you are seeking out tattoo removal for a wedding or other similar event, let us know the upcoming date and we’ll give you an idea of how quickly you can expect results.
Increased Confidence
While many businesses are becoming more open-minded about tattoos, some businesses are still opposed to them. Depending on the type of tattoo and the location, it may be difficult to hide it during an interview or work.
If your tattoo is interfering with your career or confidence as you’re seeking a new job, we can help you remove the tattoo and minimize your stress.
Moving On
It’s common to see people with the name of a romantic partner tattooed on them. For some, what could have started off as a permanent reminder of their love can turn into a painful reminder that makes them feel trapped in the past.
Removing tattoos like this can help a patient feel like they’re finally moving on, and saves them from having to explain the tattoo to any future romantic partners.
Personal Preference
Tastes change, and so do tattoos. Sometimes what we thought looked cool 10 years ago isn’t as appealing to us now. Sometimes even if you still like the design, you may not like the way the tattoo aged.
Sometimes we all need a fresh start. As the skin loses elasticity and tattoos lose their vibrance, patients may feel ready to say goodbye to their old tattoos.
Am I a Good Candidate?
Meeting With Us
Powerful versatility allows our laser treatment to handle tattoos of almost any size, color, or depth. Of course, we recognize that each person is individual, and it’s important to make sure the treatment is a good fit for you before we dive right into it.
A consultation will allow us to talk you through the treatment process, and you can let us know your goals and expectations. Once we finish your consultation, we can move forward with your treatment series.
Ready To Take the Next Step?
If you’re not happy with your tattoo, there’s no reason you have to be stuck with it forever. When you meet with us, we can tailor a treatment plan for you, so you can look forward to a clean slate. Contact us at Le Reve Skincare & Laser Center in Fort Worth, TX, today to get your appointment scheduled.
