What to Expect for Laser Tattoo Removal

Ah, the good old days: You were young, wild, and free, and you got a tattoo that 20-year-old you was stoked about. Maybe it’s a song lyric you no longer resonate with. Maybe it’s an ex’s name. Maybe it’s simply a tattoo that was not very well done. 

Whatever the reason you no longer love your ink, Dr. Lori Scott of Lori Scott Family Care can wipe it away with laser tattoo removal. If you’ve ever wondered exactly how laser tattoo removal works, you’ve come to the right place: Here, Dr. Scott explains everything you need to know about getting rid of a permanent tattoo.

How does laser tattoo removal work? 

Dr. Scott uses the PicoSure® laser by Cynosure®, a Q-switched Nd-YAG laser, which targets pigments in the skin as well as damaged skin cells. The PicoSure laser sends a blast of concentrated light energy into your skin where the tattoo ink lies, and the intense energy breaks up the pigment into smaller particles. 

Your body breaks down the small pigment particles and expels them as waste. Over time, with a few PicoSure laser tattoo removal sessions, your tattoo will lighten in color and can completely disappear, depending on your skin color and the colors of your tattoo.

Possible side effects of laser tattoo removal 

There are some common, but mild, side effects of PicoSure laser treatments. Your skin may be red and sensitive for up to a few hours after treatment, but any redness, soreness, or swelling will subside shortly. You don’t need to take any time away from your daily activities, such as work and exercise, unless you want to.

What to expect at your appointment

Your laser tattoo removal appointment will be a breeze. Dr. Scott numbs the skin where your tattoo is with a topical cream — much like the one your tattoo artist may have used when you originally got your tattoo. 

Then, Dr. Scott applies the laser to your skin. PicoSure treatments typically don’t last longer than 30 minutes, but the exact time varies based on the size of your tattoo, as well as the vibrancy of its colors. 

You’ll come back for follow-up appointments until you’re happy with the appearance of your skin. Some patients continue their PicoSure treatments until the tattoo is entirely gone, while others are happy as long as it fades significantly. 

Who is a good candidate for laser tattoo removal?

Laser tattoo removal can work for anyone with any tattoo, but the PicoSure laser does work better in some particular scenarios. For example, older tattoos are easier to remove with PicoSure, as are tattoos that don’t have too many bright colors. People with lighter skin tend to have the best results because there is greater contrast between the tattoo pigment and skin pigment. 

Dr. Scott can help you determine if laser tattoo removal is right for you: Book a consultation by calling our Kinston, North Carolina, office at 252-238-7079 or book online today.