There are many methods for removing tattoos, with laser tattoo removal being one of the current go-to options as it provides effective results without the need for surgery or additional artwork. The PicoWay and PicoSure lasers are the latest state of the art technology on the market. As every tattoo and client can differ and will react differently towards laser tattoo removal a consultation and patch test is vital. You want to find a clinic that has many years of experience treating a range of tattoos regardless of the colour, design, area or skin type.
The PicoWay laser is often best for treating red, black and yellow inks. On the other hand, the PicoSure laser technology can target shades of blue, green, purple. red and blacks. Fluorescent colours are harder to target but would have to be assessed before making a decision on whether the tattoo removal treatment would be successful or not. Based on light absorption it means that some pigments within a tattoo will be absorbed by laser wavelengths better than other pigments. This is crucial if you have a tattoo with a few different colours and shades, to ensure you pick a clinic that offers a range of technology and wavelengths in order to target all of these pigments within the tattoo you are looking to remove. During a laser tattoo removal treatment, the high energy pulses light into the skin and it goes straight into the tissue and hits the tattoo pigment and the pigment absorbs the light and breaks these pigments into smaller particles so the body can remove it through your autoimmune system. The ink used for tattoos is generally made from compounds of heavy metals like lead, copper and manganese. A needle is used to push the ink deep into the skin. The body reacts to the intrusion by sending white blood cells to engulf the metal particles. Some ink particles that are small enough to be carried by the white blood cells are taken to the liver where they’re processed. The larger ones can’t be carried off by the white blood cells, meaning the tattoo will fade over time but won’t disappear entirely.
On average it can take between 6-12 treatments to remove a tattoo fully and a gap of 8 weeks is recommended in between treatments. Laser tattoo removal with Pico lasers avoids damaging the skin while removing the tattoo, unlike other tattoo removal methods. It can be uncomfortable, however, there are a few techniques to make clients more at ease, including the application of numbing cream, and cryo cooling the skin before, during and after the treatment. It is vital to follow the aftercare instructions provided as it can lead to infections and scarring. It is helpful to massage the treated area a few days after your treatment to help the ink leave the body, stimulating the blood supply in the area will aid the removal of the ink. Exercise after treatments should be avoided as it can create heat in the body and histamine reaction which can inflame the skin and cause you to have irritation and blisters.
