Laser Tattoo Removal at Pinnacle Tattoo
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of equipment is used?
Utilizing state-of-the-art equipment, Pinnacle Laser Tattoo Removal uses the Sybaritic SkinClear™ TA-2 Super Q-Switched Nd: YAG laser system.
How do lasers remove tattoos?
Through a process known as selective photothermolysis, the Sybaritic SkinClear™ TA-2 Super Q-Switched Nd: YAG laser system targets and fragments most tattoo pigments while leaving the surrounding tissues unharmed and intact. The body then eliminates the resulting smaller tattoo ink particles by phagocytosis.
Can all tattoos be removed?
Tattoos are meant to be permanent, so removing one is a difficult task. Under optimum conditions up to 97% of the fading of the tattoo can be accomplished. The degree of remaining color variations or blemishes depends on several factors, including but not limited to:
Skin color: Skin color is categorized on a scale from one to six (light to dark). The greater the difference between your skin color and the tattoo colors, the better the outcome.
Type of ink used: Inks of poorer quality will be easier to remove than some of the high-grade inks on the market today.
Depth of tattoo: Older tattooing methods sometimes result in ink being deposited in superficial tissue, which is an easier target for the laser to reach and remove.
Professional vs. Amateur: Professional tattoos can be more difficult to remove due to the depth and quality of the ink as well as the colors used.
What determines the success of tattoo removal?
Complete removal of a tattoo is based on several things. The size, location, application, age, and color of inks used in the tattoo all factor in, as well as the health of the patient and thus their body’s ability to heal.
Who is a candidate for laser tattoo removal?
Individuals with fair skin and superficially placed tattoos on the arms, chest, buttocks or legs are the best candidates. Tattoos on dark skinned individuals, or tattoos on the ankles or fingers, areas where there is less body fat, are the most difficult to treat. A thorough discussion with a tattoo removal specialist can better determine the potential success rate of laser tattoo removal for any given tattoo and skin type.
Can the laser remove all colors?
The Sybaritic SkinClear™ TA-2 Super Q-Switched Nd: YAG laser system offers dual wavelengths 1064 nm and 532 nm and incorporates a KTP crystal frequency doubling dual wavelength feature to allow the technician to easily change from a 1064 nm to a 532 nm single-wavelength laser beam. The 1064 nm is designed for the removal of dark colors, i.e. black, dark-blue, and purple, while the 532 nm wavelength is designed for mid-ranged colors, such as red, orange, and brown. The frequency doubling dual wavelength feature offers multiple indications, which provides for optimal results on removing a wide range of pigments.
What is partial removal?
An example of partial removal would be removing a name without disturbing the integrity of the surrounding tattoo.
What is lightening?
In the event you are planning to cover-up an undesirable tattoo, many tattoo artists recommend lightening the existing tattoo before applying a professional cover-up. The lightening process ensures the highest quality cover-up available. The lighter the tattoo is before the cover up, the more design flexibility and color choices become available to you and the tattoo artist.
When can I tattoo over the old tattoo?
Once the treated area has healed and the desired lightening results have been achieved, your tattoo artist can apply the new tattoo. Generally, this process takes an average of three or four treatments about four to six weeks apart. We are always pleased to work closely with your tattoo artist to create the best treatment plan to suit your specific situation.
What is the typical number of treatments needed?
This is a difficult question to answer and one in which there is no set standard answer. However, as a general rule we can estimate on average between three to twelve treatments, all approximately four to six weeks apart. The number of treatments necessary depends on various factors, which can include; skin color, type of ink, the depth of the tattoo, and whether the tattoo was applied by a professional tattoo artist or an amateur.
How long does it take to heal?
Much like a tattoo, the treated area of skin takes seven to ten days to heal.
How much time is there between sessions?
For optimal results, it is best to allow four to six weeks between your treatment sessions. This will ensure you receive the most ink reduction for your money, time, and effort.
Does tattoo removal hurt and what can I expect?
The range of sensational descriptions has been as broad as the tattoos themselves. Some have suggested the pain to be minimal, while other individuals have described the pain to be similar to getting a tattoo, but many times faster.
At Pinnacle Laser Tattoo Removal, your comfort is of high importance to us. We are happy to discuss the pain management options available to you during a no-cost/no-obligation consultation.
Are there any side effects?
Side effects of laser procedures are generally few but may include hyper pigmentation or an abundance of color in the skin at the treatment site and hypo pigmentation, where the treated area lacks normal skin color. Other possible side effects include infection of the site, lack of complete pigment removal, and a chance of permanent scarring.
What results can I expect?
The first week after your laser treatment is about healing. The following six weeks, your skin cells and other immune cells will slowly remove the tiny ink particles, which have been broken up by the laser treatment. Within this time you will notice your tattoo begin to fade. The precise results and appearance of your tattoo vary from patient to patient. After each treatment session you will see the tattoo become lighter.