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While laser therapy is arguably the best way to have a tattoo removed, the equipment involved plays a big role. 

At Defy we utilize a Q-Switched Laser for tattoo removal, which is considered the most superior in this category.

 

A Q switched laser utilizes a high powered laser beam pulse which does not affect the the surrounding tissue due to the precision in which it treats, there is very little thermal interaction with tissues. This equates in minimal damage to surrounding tissues internally and is very good at targeting only the tattoo ink pigments.

This also means that there is a much quicker and less complicated healing time.

The Q Switched laser has been determined as a gold standard for tattoo removal. It works by producing extremely short pulses of high energy light. The light is then absorbed by the particles of the tattoo pigment. The tattoo pigment is heated up and begins to break down the ink into smaller particles.

 

We are also able to use the  Q-Switch laser to treat some pigmented lesions including freckles, age spots, sun damage spots. It works by targeting the melanin in the superficial layer of your skin. When these pigmented lesions absorb the light energy it gets converted into heat.

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 What is unique about Q-Switched Tattoo Removal? 

 Q-switched laser  technology is the only method that is able to penetrate and shatter tattoo ink down to the dermis, through photo acoustic waves. This is accomplished without causing damage to the surrounding skin tissue. The 1064nm and 532nm cover over 80% of tattoo colors removal  without damage to the skin, that can result in scarring.

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What are some indications for Q-Switch? 

Tattoos, and as stated above-some pigmented lesions including age spots, freckles, sun damage spots.

 

What color tattoo’s can be treated? 

Good - Black, Blue, Dark Blue, Dark Green, Brown, Red, Purple, Orange. Difficult – Tan, Yellow, Bright Green, Sky Blue.

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What to expect?

The laser tattoo removal itself may not be uncomfortable but to ensure a more comfortable experience we will cleanse the area to be treated and apply an appropriate numbing agent. Discomfort is a normal response during treatment and recovery.

 

 The targeted areas will feel tender and sensitive to touch due to swelling and blistering thereafter. Over a few day these effects subside, so does any pain. Immediately after treatment, you will notice frosting on the area where the laser came in contact with the ink. It is caused by the rapid local heating of skin pigment releasing carbon dioxide on the surface of the skin. This is the first stage of healing and it lasts for only a few minutes. More noticeable frosting occurs when treating  dark ink versus lighter inks. The frosting will be followed  by swelling around the treated area. Redness, tenderness and swelling usually subside within a day or two after treatment. Blisters will start forming within 24 hours after treatment and they may appear alarming, but these indicate that your body is healing as it should. It is important to avoid picking the blisters as they will drain on their own and dry into scabs. Be patient as  it can take 10-14 days after treatment for these areas to fall off, as long as you do not pick or cause them to become irritated.  You may even return to your usual activities shortly after treatment. The area can be bandaged to keep it dry for a few days following the treatment.

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How does it feel? 

Laser tattoo is uncomfortable but very tolerable. We utilize a numbing agent and/ or cold air to help minimize the any discomfort. It  typically does involve some level of pain, either during treatment or while recovering. Most feel it hurts less than they expected a clients say that the sensation of removal is comparable to getting a tattoo, described as a feeling of a rubber band snap.

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Are there any side effects? 

There are several symptoms you might experience post-treatment such as swelling,  blisters, pinpoint bleeding, redness, temporary darkening, hypopigmentation, hyperpigmentation, and bruising. These are common and usually subside within a couple weeks.

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Is it safe? 

Yes.

 

How much can a procedure cost? 

Due to Tattoo removal requiring multiple sessionsc to complete, on average it will cost about ten times as much for removal as it costs to have it applied.

 Our pricing is very competitive and offer package pricing to better enable clients to complete their removal treatments. We recommend scheduling a complimentary consult for an accurate quote and to ensure we can effectively treat your tattoo. 

 

Who is a good candidate? 

Those with realistic expectations and with tattoo pigment that are in the 'optimized-good' colors above.

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