Tattoo dissatisfaction is a sensitive topic. The last thing we want to admit is disappointment in the permanent ink we paid to have injected into our skin. However, life is full of mistakes and they’re not limited to the nonpermanent sort!

If you’re between the ages of 18 and 39 in the United States today, there is a 36-38% chance you have at least one tattoo; and, depending on the source, there’s between a 23% and 78% chance that you regret one or more of them. Now, we’d love to give you the benefit of the doubt and assume that your tattoos were inked with the best of intentions and stellar results…but you are reading a blog about tattoo removal, so, odds are that’s not the case.

The good news is, tattoos aren’t as permanent as they once were. Laser tattoo removal is a proven remedy for that embarrassing lower-back tribal or that heart with your ex-girlfriend’s name on your chest. “The tattoo removal market is growing by 18% each year”, according to TattooPro, and that means that the science involved in laser tattoo removal has to improve with demand. At Advanced Skin + Body Aesthetics, we aim to help you get rid of the past using the latest technology. There’s no reason to hold onto those regrets any longer!

How it works

When you’re tattooed, a mechanized needle is used to inject ink into your dermis, which is the layer of skin below the epidermis. Most foreign particles are absorbed by our bodies and expelled, however the pigment particles are too large to be absorbed and remain indefinitely.

Enter the PiQo4 laser by Lumenis—the most powerful laser on the market for removing tattoos of all colors. Tattoo removal lasers work by targeting colored ink particles. The particles absorb laser light, which is converted into heat almost instantly. The PiQo4 laser delivers energy in exceptionally fast nano- and picosecond pulses. Studies have shown that the best way to clear the pigment in tattoos is to first use short bursts of energy in the nanosecond range. This breaks up large “rocks” of ink into smaller “pebbles”. Then, subsequent laser passes utilize even faster picosecond pulses to break these pebbles into “sand”. Once the pigment particles have been broken up into small enough pieces, the white blood cells of the body can absorb and dispose of them, leaving your precious skin ink free.

The PiQo4 laser uses the highest energy, 10 times greater than any competitor system, and because of its deeper penetration, it can clear stubborn tattoos more efficiently and safely. It can also treat a larger-sized area per pulse than competitor lasers, allowing it to reach even the deepest most stubborn colors and clear pigments more efficiently (40% fewer treatments) than other devices. In addition, the PiQo4 laser has a fractionated setting, allowing it to gently remove more challenging pigmentation in darker skin tones without injury.

What to expect

If you’re ready to say goodbye to the past, you’ll first make an appointment for a free consultation. We will make sure you are a good candidate for laser removal and discuss a treatment plan. If you are prone to developing thick scars or keloids, you should let us know before treatment.

Utilizing the Kirby-Desai scale, we will consider aspects like your skin type, tattoo location, ink color, the amount of pigment used, the amount of scarring, and whether the tattoo is layered to estimate the number of sessions you will need to eliminate your tattoo.

Some tattoos take as little as 3-4 sessions to remove, most take 5-8, but some more stubborn tattoos can take up to 10 or more sessions. You should wait at least 6 weeks (8 weeks for darker skin tones) in between treatments, but for ideal results, wait 3 months. The complete removal of a tattoo typically takes around a year.

Pre-treatment precautions:

Avoid sun exposure for 2-4 weeks before (and after) treatment
Discontinue use of Accutane for 6 months prior
Waxing and chemical depilatory of the tattoo area must be avoided for 2 weeks beforehand
You may not undergo any treatment if pregnant

Day of treatment:

Before we begin, we will numb the area with a topical anesthetic cream because your comfort is our main priority and there are numerous techniques to make your experience pleasant. The most discomfort you should feel is the equivalent of being snapped by a rubber band.

The PiQo4 is designed to treat tattoos without damaging the surrounding skin. However, skin may be temporarily discolored and the tattoo may appear gray, pink, or frosted immediately following the treatment. It should return to normal after healing.

After your session, you can resume your normal routine straight away.

Post-treatment instructions:

Use cool compresses and Tylenol for any discomfort
Gently clean area daily with water and pat dry
Apply ointment to the area 2-3 times a day
No swimming or hot tubs until the wound heals
DO NOT pick, peel, rub, scrub, or scratch at the area until it heals
Avoid sun exposure, and if you must be exposed to the sun, wear 30+ SPF or zinc oxide
For 7 days following a session, treat the area delicately and avoid trauma

How to avoid tattoo regret!

Though tattoos aren’t for everyone, they can bring joy and confidence when chosen and placed with care. Many treasure the chance to commemorate a moment in their life in an artistic and enduring way. So, how can you avoid the dread of tattoo regret? Here are some ideas!

1. Take your time!

Make sure that this is the ink you want to spend your life with by spending some time considering it. Take AT LEAST six months to contemplate the design and placement. You can even draw it on in permanent marker or henna and walk around with it for a few days to see how it feels. There is no rush here—you have forever.

2. Avoid problematic areas

You may think you want that hip tattoo when you’re 18-years-old, but what about after you’ve had a couple of kids and it’s been distorted by the stretching and contracting? A survey of 600 people, done by Advanced Dermatology, found that the most regrettable spots to get your tattoo are: the upper back, upper arms, hips, face, and buttocks. Also consider if you want to share your tattoo with the world or if you’d rather have it in a place that is easily coverable.

3. Don’t give into fads or peer pressure

Ensure that you are choosing to tattoo your body for your own reasons and not because everyone else is doing it. It doesn’t matter if rib cage tattoos are the thing of the moment, or if all your buddies want to get matching frog tattoos while you’re in Cabo for spring break. It may take twenty minutes to get that ink, but it could take a year to get rid of it. Choose the time, place, and artwork that works for you because you will be alone with it long after the trends and friends have disappeared!

4. Research your tattoo artist

Take a little time (you have forever, remember) to research the artist and parlour that will be marking your body with indelible ink. Make sure that you like their work, they are licensed, clean, and the studio is well-maintained. Discuss with them what pigments and aftercare will improve the life of your body art. Though a recommendation is always a good start, make sure that you are comfortable with your tattoo artist because this is a substantial decision you’re making.

What else can the PiQo4 do?

PiQo4 can also target pigmentation and discoloration on the face, neck, chest, arms, back, and hands. Common pigmentation issues include sun damage, melasma, and post-inflammatory discolorations from acne. PiQo4 laser treatments tackle a wide range of pigment shades with high energy and fast results. There is no need to live with those birthmarks or discolored scars if they are giving you stress, discomfort, or embarrassment. We know you’re beautiful, let us help you feel your absolute best!

Are you ready?

Are you ready to relieve your tattoo regret and let go of the past? Allow your Lincoln tattoo removal experts to help with the best technology has to offer. Make an appointment for your free consultation today, and while you’re at it—learn more about PiQo4 tattoo removal and PiQo4 pigmentation removal.

Advanced Skin + Body Aesthetics strives to help men and women feel their best. Check out all our offerings in Lincoln Aesthetics and look as good as you feel!