A great tattoo artist is a gem of a find because a bad tattoo is forever, right? Not quite! While finding a talented and professional artist is a must, no tattoo – good or bad – is forever. Laser tattoo removal works. But finding the right removal professional is as important as locating a great tattoo artist. Why? Because it impacts results.

I Don’t Want My Tattoo Anymore

There are many reasons to want a tattoo removed. Laser tattoo removal is the safer and more effective way to erase ink, but how well it works depends on a few factors. The age and type (professional or amateur) of a tattoo impact results. Your skin type is also a factor.

Technology plays a big part in successful removal, as does the rate at which it is done. The laser used needs to operate on multiple wavelengths that will penetrate the tattoo’s pigments. Multi-color tats require a laser capable of using multiple wavelengths to address each color – and our Quanta Discovery Pico laser uses three wavelengths to target each color.  But there are still five other factors a licensed professional must consider before safely treating a tattoo.

Factor 1: Fitzpatrick Skin Type

For most lasers it easier to remove tattoos from lighter skin tones or those that are a type I to type II on the Fitzpatrick scale. The darker the pigment, the easier the light from the laser is absorbed. Black ink on light skin is the easier tat to remove. Darker skin tones, or skin with more melanin, need special consideration to ensure the heat from the laser is absorbed by the ink and not the skin’s natural dark pigment. However, the Quanta Discovery Pico laser uses three wavelengths and two modes and can safely treat all colors on all skin types. 

Factor 2: Tattoo Layering

Layered tats, also referred to as cover-ups, are created when one tattoo is used to cover another. Layering adds density and volume to the ink. As a result, removal takes more treatment and more time.

Factor 3: Tattoo Location

Lightening a tat involves breaking up the ink into small particles that the body can naturally absorb and flush away. Tattoos found in areas with good vascular supply and high blood count – the face, neck, and back – will respond better to treatment than those found elsewhere.

Factor 4: Tattoo Ink

Ink colors and the amount of ink used impact how rapidly and effectively a tattoo is removed. Professionally applied tats usually take more treatments to reverse. Whereas amateur or homemade tats take fewer and less aggressive treatments. Older tattoos are typically faded while newer ones are vivid; both impact treatment time and intensity.

Factor 5: Pre-Existing Scarring

If the area where the tattoo is located has pre-existing scarring, laser removal can be more difficult. Scar tissue produces collagen deposits, which can be more difficult to penetrate with the laser. A tat that resulted in scarring will be harder to treat but not impossible. There are laser removal systems designed to improve scar tissue while breaking down and fading away the tattoo.

Laser Tattoo Removal Works

Tattoos are designed to last a lifetime. While they will fade over time, it’s rare for them to disappear altogether without removal treatment. Laser-based treatment works, and can produce rapid, safe, and effective results.

Are you thinking about having a tattoo removed? Why not contact us directly for a free, personalized consultation?

Dermacare Hampton Roads is not your average laser and skin care clinic. We opened our doors in May of 2006 and began providing Hampton Roads, Virginia with the most comprehensive skin care and rejuvenation treatments available. We have successfully provided safe and effective laser tattoo removal for over a decade, establishing ourselves as the leading expert in Hampton Roads.

Making a Proud Difference

Our goal is to make a difference in people’s lives. Not only do we strive to achieve this on a daily basis with the patients who choose our clinic, but we also endeavor to make a lasting difference in the community through philanthropic efforts.

Positively impacting people is our passion, and it shines through in every service we offer and everything we do.

As experts in all things laser and skin care related, we make an extra effort to personalize every treatment. Skin is as unique as you, and we use our services as a baseline from which to create a personalized treatment designed to reach your goals.

When it comes to laser tattoo removal, our nurses and physician’s assistant have over 15 years of combined experience. We offer the most current and effective removal methods at cost-effective prices.

Cutting-Edge Laser Tattoo Removal

Gone are the days of depending solely on invasive and often damaging tattoo removal techniques. Current laser technology allows for a safer, more effective, and non-invasive approach.

Dermacare Hampton Roads uses the Quanta Discovery Pico+. It is the most advanced and comprehensive tattoo removal laser on the planet as of 2019! With it, we can achieve full color tattoo removal.  It is the only Q-Switched and Pico Second combination laser with 3 true lasers in key wavelengths: 1064nm, 694nm and 532nm.  That means NO dye packs which diminish the power of the lasers.  

A Focus on Cost Effective Service

It is the combination of the Quanta Disovery Pico+ laser and our experienced Medical Laser providers that sets us apart from other laser tattoo removal providers. In addition, we provide free consultations to inform and educate while customizing the best treatment methods and techniques to achieve your desired goals.

We also offer military/1st responder/teacher pricing and discounts alongside our always changing monthly specials.

Find out how we can make laser tattoo removal work for you. Contact us to book your personal consultation!

What horror story have you heard about laser tattoo removal? Is it really as bad as some say? Is there any safe way to remove your unwanted tattoos?

Let’s be honest; laser tattoo removal is uncomfortable. While most people don’t need anesthesia, a topical anesthetic is often applied before treatment. Where the tattoo is located plays a major role in any resulting discomfort, and the truth is a lot of tattoos are in sensitive areas. If the person performing a removal isn’t well trained and experienced, discomfort can be magnified, and unwanted complications can arise.

The Truth of Laser Tattoo Removal

Laser tattoo removal is safer than many other removal methods. There are minimal side effects to it; however, there are some factors to consider. For example, there is a small chance of treatment leaving a permanent scar. The treated skin can also become paler (hypopigmentation) or darker (hyperpigmentation) than the surrounding skin.

How a tattoo is removed varies. The color of your skin, the depth of the tattoo pigment, it’s age, and other factors can affect the removal technique. Small tattoos are usually faster to fade because they require fewer pulses with the laser while larger ones will need more to remove.

Effective laser tattoo removal requires two key things:

1. A series of treatments to completely fade the pigments.
2. A laser with the multiple wavelengths capable of treating colored tattoos.

If all factors are properly addressed, the tattoo should become progressively lighter after each visit until it is no longer visible.

Tattoo Removal Safety = Choosing a Competent Practice

The need for a competent practice staffed by laser tattoo removal experts cannot be undersold. It is critical for the laser to be used by a trained and licensed professional. Misuse can result in burns and permanent damage to the skin.

During a properly executed treatment, you can expect:

• The use of protective eye shields to safeguard your eyes.
• A skin test to determine how your skin reacts to the laser so the most effective settings for treatment can be used.
• Topical anesthesia should be discussed in case you need it.
• During the procedure, the technician will pass the laser over the tattoo without staying in one area for too long.
• After treatment, an ice pack may be used to help soothe the treated area.
• Finally, an antibiotic cream or ointment in combination with a bandage may be used to protect the treated area.

The practice should discuss how to care for the treated area in between sessions. You will be advised to cover the area with sunblock when outside to avoid damage while the skin heals.

Laser Tattoo Removal Safety

Laser treatment is widely regarded as the safer tattoo removal method versus excision, dermabrasion, and salabrasion. It has minimal side effects and downtime after treatments.

Perhaps the most important decision you will make is the provider you select. Ensure they are reputable and knowledgeable, licensed medical professionals that are experts in their field. With the right practice, laser tattoo removal is a safe and effective procedure capable of erasing any ink you no longer want.

It’s one of the most commonly asked questions by patients: will the color of my tattoo affect laser tattoo removal?

The truth is color does impact the removal of a tattoo using laser technology. You see, a laser is a light-based technology that works by using light wavelengths. In order to effectively remove a tattoo, a variation of wavelengths needs to be used to target the different colors or pigments that make up the tattoo.

How Light and Color Affect Tattoo Removal

Tattoo removal works by using a laser to break up ink particles. Some tattoo ink colors absorb some wavelengths better than others. Absorption can be impacted by factors like how old the tattoo is and how it was applied. Pigment or ink color also affects how light wavelengths are absorbed.

The laser is pulsed over the tattoo to direct light energy over the ink. This energy is then absorbed and works to shatter the pigment into tiny particles that the body’s filtration system can flush away.

Effective removal requires multiple sessions. The tattoo will then fade after each treatment until it is no long visible.

A laser needs to operate at multiple wavelengths to be able to treat a tattoo of multiple colors.

Which Colors Are Harder to Remove?

Black tattoo pigment absorbs all wavelengths, which makes it the easiest color to erase. Newer laser tattoo removal methods can remove or lighten nearly all colors with few side effects. Even the boldest of colors can be effectively lightened with multiple treatments.

However, not all lasers are created equal. When a clinic purchases a laser for tattoo removal, it’s up to the clinic to choose one with the proper technology to effectively treat multiple pigments. In fact, wavelength is one of the most important factors any tattoo removal practice will consider when buying their machine.

At Dermacare Hampton Roads, we take our tech one step further. We use the Quanta Discovery Pico laser.  Not only does it use three wavelengths to shatter the pigment, but it also operates in two modes:  Q-Switch and Pico Second.   It fills the critical need for multiple wavelengths and provides consistent results with few complications.

Other Factors That Affect Tattoo Removal

The number of treatments you will need to lighten and fade your tattoo depends on a few factors. The age of the tattoo and the size and color of the tattoo make a difference in how treatment is approached and the number of sessions that will be needed. Every treatment process is unique, which is why a personal consultation is so crucial.

You can learn more about the technology we use and the results we achieve by visiting our Laser Tattoo Removal page and following our blog as we discuss this topic in more detail.

According to a 2017 study by Statista, four out of 10 adults have at least one tattoo. Interestingly, another survey found that 70% of business owners dislike tattoos on employees, and 11% of people with tattoos opt to have them removed.

Since tattoo removal clinics have grown by a staggering 400% over the past 10 years and their success rates continue to increase, just how does laser tattoo removal work?

Before we answer this question, there’s a more important one to consider.

What Makes Tattoos Permanent?

Today’s tattoos are applied using a needle that punctures into the epidermis and deposits pigments deep inside the dermis. With every puncture, a wound is created as the ink is deposited. The body’s inflammatory process is triggered.

Essentially, the body’s immune system steps up to remove the foreign pigments. While it succeeds in driving out some, ink will remain. This is why tattoos last for life but fade with time.

How Lasers Remove Tattoos

The body’s immune response works to slowly fade a tattoo over time as it chips away at the foreign pigments. To remove a tattoo completely, it needs help. This is where laser technology assists.

Lasers remove tattoos by breaking up the pigments with a high-intensity light beam.

As it is directed into the skin, it is selectively absorbed by the ink particles trapped in the dermis of the skin. When these particles absorb the laser’s light energy, they instantly shatter into tiny fragments.

Once the laser has broken the ink into smaller pieces, the body’s immune system begins to remove the ink over the weeks that follow, flushing it away from the tattooed area. The results manifest as the tattoo lightens in appearance.

Each additional laser treatment breaks down more and more of the ink until the tattoo is no longer visible. The laser and immune system work together to fade it.

How Long Does Laser Tattoo Removal Take?

The number of treatments necessary to remove a tattoo varies.

The amount and type of ink used and the depth of the ink in the skin all impact how many treatments a tattoo will need.

Ink color also plays a factor with black being the easiest to treat.

Dermacare’s Quanta Discovery Pico laser removes ink by producing an assortment of wavelengths targeting different ink colors. The light passes into the skin and is absorbed by the pigment, causing it to shatter into small particles, which are then flushed through the lymphatic system, the body’s natural filtering system.

Professional tattoos can take six to 12 treatments and amateur four to five, but Dermacare has something that can speed up the tattoo removal process.

Trust the Right Care Provider

If you have a tattoo, then you know the importance of finding a professional and experienced tattoo artist. When a tattoo is amateurly applied, complications can happen. Sometimes, those complications can cause serious health issues.

Who you choose to remove a tattoo is equally important for the same reasons. Amateur, inexperienced, or unsanitary tattoo removal can cause serious cosmetic and health complications. Unfortunately, with the growth of laser tattoo removal clinics has come a rise in shady and dangerous clinics focused on immediate profit versus positive patient outcome.

Dermacare Hampton Roads specializes in the safe and effective laser removal of professional, amateur (homemade), traumatic, and surgical tattoos. Our nurses have over 15 years of combined experience in laser tattoo removal, and our staff members are all highly trained medical professionals.

Our focus is on achieving the best outcomes for our patients at a reasonable cost, which is precisely why we use technology like the DeScribe Patch. We support the military, law enforcement, and first responders with a 10% discount on laser tattoo removal packages and interest-free financing for six to 12 months through Care Credit and Greensky.

Get a Consultation First

Every tattoo removal is unique, which is why you see so many before and after images stating that results may vary. Regardless of whether you want to get rid of a tattoo or invest in tattoo lightening for a cover-up, booking a consultation with us is essential.

At your consultation, we will discuss your desired outcome and explore factors that may impact it. Together, we will choose the best removal option for you and consider the range of results possible.

Laser tattoo removal is the safest and most effective way to treat an otherwise permanent mark with limited side effects and no downtime.

Let’s talk about your tattoo today!

When it comes to generating maximum results, when you opt for laser tattoo removal is as important as who you trust to perform the procedure. Laser tattoo removal is best performed when the skin is its lightest – either when you are not tan or the area of the tattoo to be removed will be covered by clothing. However, our cutting edge Quanta Discovery Pico laser can treat all skin types safely, all year round.

Dermacare of Hampton Roads is your safest and most effective laser tattoo removal specialist. We have been practicing for well over a decade, and our team of nurses has over 15 years of combined experience.

How Does It Work?

Laser tattoo removal works by breaking up the tattoo pigment and allowing your lymphatic system to redistribute it to the lymph nodes. Our Quanta Discovery Pico laser uses a variety of wavelengths to target different ink colors effectively. When our laser treatment passes into the skin, the ink absorbs it and is broken into tiny particles that the lymphatic system then filters away.

Length of treatment depends on the type of tattoo. Up until recently, standard laser treatment took 6-12 sessions to remove professional tattoos and 4-5 to remove amateur tattoos. Sessions were standardly spaced 6-8 weeks apart. 

What to Expect

If you have decided to have a tattoo removed, it’s important to explore all treatment choices. At Dermacare of Hampton of Roads, we work to discuss all treatment options with the goal of helping achieve your maximum results.

How effective is our tattoo removal? Our laser treatment series can fade tattoos by more than 95%, often erasing them completely. Your results may vary depending on the type of tattoo, the ink used, and the depth of its application. These are all factors we will discuss with you up front.

Are There Side Effects?

As you can imagine, laser tattoo removal is non-invasive. Our pinpointed removal system leaves the surrounding skin unharmed. Side effects are rare but can include pinpoint bleeding and swelling to the superficial wound associated with treatment. Downtime will be limited and is often non-existent. Most patients carry on with their daily activities after treatment without interruption.

The DeScribe patch is just one of the tools that gives our laser tattoo removal treatment a major edge. Our highly experienced medical staff with over 15 years of combined experience really drive it home. Not only can we provide the highest quality treatment, but we can also do so in the most cost-effective and time-efficient manner. If you’re ready to remove one or more tattoos, contact us today to request your free consultation.