Laser Tattoo Removal
What you once loved… doesn’t have to last forever.
Tattoos are not forever
Did your tattoo seem attractive in your 20s but not so attractive today? Or is your tattoo a permanent reminder of what was just a temporary feeling? If so, you are not alone! That change of heart, or feeling of regret, is the #1 reason why people seek tattoo removal. Fortunately, de-inking has progressed from a so-so, time-consuming process to a much faster, safe and effective method. Finally, that unforgettable tattoo can become forgotten with the most advanced laser tattoo removal technology available in the market— enlightenTM.
Benefits of enlightenTM Laser Tattoo Removal
Common Questions
enlighten™ features extremely short and high-power picosecond laser pulses which efficiently and quickly break down the ink particles in tattoos. A ‘picosecond’ is one-trillionth of a second, and is 1,000 times shorter than the ‘nanosecond’ pulses used in existing lasers for tattoo removal. Picosecond laser pulses have been shown to remove tattoos more completely and in fewer treatment sessions than traditional laser used historically in the past.
The total number of treatments vary depending on the composition, depth and the color of the ink, as well as the size of the tattoo. You should be prepared for multiple treatment sessions, and your provider can give you a better idea of the total number of treatments needed during your consultation and once your treatments begin.
Tattoo ink is deposited deep in the skin. In order to reach all of the ink in the skin, multiple treatment sessions are needed for clearance. Depth, size and color of the tattoo also impact the number of treatments needed.
Patients compare the procedure to a rubber band being snapped against their skin. Topical or local anesthetics may be available from your provider to minimize discomfort.
Most patients experience redness and swelling immediately following the treatment. These side effects are temporary.
Patients can return to regular activities immediately following the treatment.
The below image shows a split study of a tattoo. The right side of the tattoo was treated by a traditional tattoo removal laser and the left side was treated by enlighenTM. Post 6 weeks following the third treatment the side treated by enlighten™ showed better clearance over the side treated by the traditional laser tattoo removal.
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Before & After Photos
Everything You Wanted To Know About Laser Tattoo Removal
Making the decision to get a tattoo is a big one, but what happens when you do not like how it turns out, or change your mind years down the road? Over the years, there have been a number of laser tattoo removal options on the market. While these removal procedures have proven to be effective, they often take a number of sessions stretched out over long periods of time, and may not penetrate deep enough to completely remove the ink under the skin. In order to more effectively remove tattoos in a broad range of colors, the Enlighten™ system has entered the market. While it still requires numerous session to achieve the desired result, Enlighten™ penetrates deeper and works harder at removing more colors, even the more difficult to remove ones.
How is the Enlighten™ Laser different?
Unlike older forms of laser tattoo removal, the Enlighten™ laser supplies dual wavelengths and multiple pulse speeds to increase its efficacy at removing tattoos. Even if your tattoo has a variety of ink colors, which can be difficult for older lasers to remove, Enlighten™ can target these areas. This combination provides the power needed to effectively remove tattoos in less time, and with less treatments, than older laser tattoo removal technologies.
Each session takes approximately 15-30 minutes depending on the area. Patients often describe the sensation of the machine as stinging, or similar to a rubber band being popped against the skin. At Zappi & Buccheri Zappi Dermatology, we suggest applying a topical numbing cream provided by our office for pain relief prior to the treatment.
Laser technologies have advanced significantly in recent years, with both laser vein treatment and laser hair removal becoming more effective as well.
How many sessions does it take to remove a tattoo with the Enlighten™ Laser?
The number of sessions required to remove a tattoo depends on a variety of factors; most notably the size of the tattoo, the density, and the colors of ink used. With the Enlighten™ laser, it is not uncommon to begin seeing results after 1-2 sessions, however many patients will need between 3 and 6 sessions for the most dramatic improvement. Sessions are scheduled several weeks apart to give the body time to clear the ink particles and heal. While the Enlighten™ Laser does the work of breaking the ink a part, the body takes over afterwards and works over time to remove the ink from the skin. The best way to understand how many sessions may be needed, is to schedule a consultation with one of the American Board of Dermatology certified providers at Zappi & Buccheri Zappi Dermatology. If you are interested in any other cosmetic dermatology treatments you can also bring those up with your dermatologist during your consultation.
What are the side effects and typical aftercare/downtime?
Having a tattoo removed with Enlighten™ is comparable to the pain of having a tattoo done. Some describe the pain as a stinging sensation, similar to that felt when a rubber band is popped against the skin. You will be instructed on the wound care involved with this procedure before you leave. Your job will basically be to keep the area clean, moist with vaseline and covered for about a week. After each Enlighten session, the skin in the treated area may feel similar to a slight sunburn. Depending on the sensitivity of your skin, you may experience anything from just a slight redness and tenderness, to swelling and sometimes even a blister or scab. It is important to keep this area out of the sun during the healing process, as well as keep it clean.
The board certified Dermatologists at Zappi & Buccheri Zappi Dermatology offer consultations to discuss laser tattoo removal with the Enlighten™ laser system. During a consultation, the doctors will help come up with a treatment plan, including the proposed number of sessions needed for removal.
WHAT OUR PATIENTS SAY
You are our number one priority. Our entire team takes great pride in hearing that our patients are happy with the service and care we provide.
Doctor Zappi is the absolute best professional and a kind human being. Have been going to him for years, I don’t trust anyone else.
This office was fantastic. They saw me immediately and Dr. Zappi was attentive with great bedside manner. Would recommend to anyone.
Dr. Buccheri-Zappi is always positive, professional and warm. I have recommended her to friends and colleagues.