Tattoo Removal

Tattoos are a popular form of artistic expression, but tattoo regret can set in for a number of reasons. If you’re seeking a new job, breaking into a career that doesn’t allow tattoos, or have tattoos that no longer reflect your true self, removal is the best option. No longer are tattoos completely permanent; laser tattoo removal is a relatively painless and non-invasive solution to eliminate unwanted ink. The team of Gainesville dermatologists at Gainesville Dermatology Aesthetic Center provides patients the best in laser tattoo removal. Contact us today to book your tattoo removal consultation or learn more about our other skin care services!

What Is Laser Tattoo Removal?

Lasers are the most common method for removing tattoos. Unlike dermabrasion, chemical peels, or surgical excision of the tattoos, lasers are non-invasive. This process takes multiple appointments with a dermatologist in Gainesville, FL, depending on the type and color of the tattoo ink. Tattoo removal cost is based on the size and type of tattoo.

How Does Laser Tattoo Removal Work?

Tattoos contain thousands of ink particles embedded in the skin. Typically the body’s immune system removes small, foreign objects, but tattoo ink is too big, making it permanent on the skin. Our laser, Candela’s Alex Trivantage, zaps away these particles by breaking up the pigment colors with a high-intensity light beam, regardless of ink type or color; however, black tattoo pigments are the easiest to remove since the color absorbs all laser wavelengths. The number of treatments needed to completely remove the tattoo depends on its size, style, location, and the colors used, but it usually takes 1–10 sessions. At Gainesville Dermatology Aesthetic Center, we are dedicated to providing patients with the best care using a noninvasive approach.

How Long Will It Take To Remove The Tattoo?

The speed of tattoo removal depends on many different factors, from skin type to tattoo type. Dermatologists in Gainesville and many others use the Kirby-Desai scale, which helps determine the time it will take to remove the tattoo. The scale accounts for the following factors:

Skin type
Tattoo colors
Location on the body

Amount of ink
Tattoo layering
Pre-existing scarring

Benefits Of Laser Tattoo Removal

Laser tattoo removal is considered safer than other treatment options and has a lower risk of infection. It also offers a more therapeutic approach than dermabrasion or surgical procedures. Laser treatment of tattoos is the gold standard because it offers patients a low-risk and hidh-reward procedure without a myriad of side effects.

Risks Of Laser Tattoo Removal

As with any procedure, it’s important for patients to be aware of the risks of laser tattoo removal. These include:

Infection
Some scarring
Skin discoloration

Poor wound healing
Possible need for further surgery
Lack of complete pigment removal

Tattoo Removal Procedure

The Alex Trivantage laser is a Q-switched laser that releases energy in a single, powerful pulse. Before the treatment begins, the patient’s skin is numbed with a topical or injected anesthetic. During the procedure, a powerful pulse of energy is applied to the tattoo to break up the ink. The laser targets only skin with the tattoo, leaving the surrounding tissue with little damage. Much like getting the tattoo, its removal can be somewhat painful — patients compare it to having a rubber band snapped against skin repeatedly.

Tattoo Removal Recovery

No matter the type of tattoo removal procedure you select, gauze will be placed over the open wound, and some bleeding is to be expected. Immediately after the laser treatment, patients will be given an ice pack to soothe the affected area. Be sure to generously apply sunscreen or other skin care products to the treated area if you go outside. During the recovery process, it’s important to gently wash the area with soap, apply an antibiotic cream or ointment, and bandage it regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does It Hurt To Get a Tattoo Removed?

Tattoo removal typically feels like a rubber band being snapped against the skin repeatedly, while others believe it feels like getting splashed with hot grease. Numbing cream can help alleviate the pain, and most report getting the tattoo removed hurts more than getting the tattoo itself.

How Long Does It Typically Take for the Skin to Fully Heal?

There are a variety of factors that go into laser tattoo removal and its recovery, such as the color of the tattoo, size, and what body part the tattoo is on. Multiple sessions are required to consistently remove the tattoo, ensuring the skin and lymphatic system heal properly.

How Long Should You Wait Between Removal Sessions?

Sessions are held every 6-8 weeks to allow the skin to heal and remove the ink slowly. Going too fast or doing too much at a time can reduce effectiveness.

Which Color Tattoos Are Easiest to Remove?

Black and dark navy are the easiest colors of tattoo to remove.

Which Color Tattoos Are The Hardest to Remove?How Long Does It Take To Fully Remove a Tattoo?

Fully removing a tattoo is a long process, taking anywhere from a few months to a few years.

Does Tattoo Age Matter?

Yes, older tattoos that have faded are easier to remove via laser treatment. Fresh tattoos, especially those less than a year old, tend to be more saturated and take more sessions to remove.

How Does Placement Affect Removal?

Tattoo placement directly affects removal as the lymphatic system can clear out ink faster in high circulation areas such as by the heart, chest, arms, and back.

Are Stick and Poke Tattoos Easier To Remove?

Yes, tattoos done by amateurs or DIY tattoos are typically easier to remove as they do not penetrate the skin as deep as a professional tattoo.

Can I Go In The Sun After My Sessions?

It is best to avoid direct sunlight throughout the entire removal process. Sun exposure can alter the pigmentation of the skin, leaving the area a different shade than the rest of your body. If you must go outdoors, we recommend using high SPF sun protection at all times.