The Truth about Laser Tattoo Removal

Have Tattoo Regret? You’re not alone. Laser tattoo removal is a popular cosmetic procedure
at Pure Dermatology and across the country. The truth is – this is not as simple as walking and
getting your tattoo “removed” or instantly ‘lasered off”. We can certainly make massive strides
in lightening the tattoo to make it less noticeable – but there is not always a magic wand that will
erase it and make it seem like nothing happened.
According to a 2023 Pew Research Center survey, 32% of US adults have a tattoo, with 22% of
those having more than one. 69% of tattooed said they got a tattoo to honor or
remember someone or something, while 47% said they were making a statement about what
they believe. Research also shows that about a quarter of people with tattoos regret getting one
or more of their tattoos. That’s a lot of unwanted tattoo ink to remove!

Trusted Laser Tattoo Removal by Puredermnola

How Does laser tattoo removal work?
Laser tattoo removal works by breaking up the ink particles into tiny fragments. The tiny
ink fragments can then be cleared by your own immune system. Your immune cells gobble up
the tink ink particles and clear them through your lymphatic system.

How many treatments will I need?
We generally recommend at least 4-8 sessions, depending on the ink density, color, depth of
tattoo, and age of tattoo. We like to space these sessions apart by at least 2 months.

What ink colors are treatable by laser tattoo removal?
All colors are generally able to be treated by laser tattoo removal – but some colors are way
easier to treat than others. Blue-black tattoos of a single color are traditionally the easiest
tattoos to lighten by laser. Green and Yellow tend to be trickiest. It is important to consult with
a Board-Certified Dermatologist for your tattoo removal, bc certain colors require certain laser
wavelengths to adequately lighten.

At Pure Dermatolgy, we have three different wavelengths to treat tattoo ink. We also have the Engligten laser which is an industry leader because of its quick picosecond pulses that can excel at removing light gray tattoo ink. The traditional nanosecond tattoo removal lasers aren’t as successful at removing the ink in the last sessions of the tattoo when it gets very light.

Is laser tattoo removal painful?
At Pure Dermatology, we use injectable and or topical numbing cream to make the process painless. It can be quite painful if treated without numbing medication.

Is there downtime to laser tattoo removal?
Yes! This is very important to consider when wanting to lighten a tattoo. The lasered site will need careful wound care until healed. The surface of the skin will need to be kept clean and
moisturized with something like Avene Cicalfate and covered with a bandage until it is healed.

Are there possible side effects of Laser Tattoo Removal?
Yes. Seeking treatment by a Board-Certified Dermatologist can decrease the risk of side
effects. But even when treated by an experienced health care professional, there are side
effects such as scarring, infection, hypopigmentation, and hyperpigmentation. It is also
possible to get a paradoxical darkening of tattoo ink if certain ingredients are present in the ink –
it is often impossible to predict the ingredients of the tattoo ink or the darkening.

Does Laser Tattoo Removal always work?
No, it does not always work at totally removing a tattoo. Sometimes it is a home-run and the former tattoo is barely noticeable. A lot of time, patients get to a point where they are satisfied bc
the tattoo is much less noticeable. Sometimes the process can be frustrating, because ceratin inks can be stubborn and not lighten adequately by the laser.

How do I get started with Laser Tattoo Removal?
Search your area for a Board-Certified Dermatologist who has experience with laser tattoo
removal. Book an appointment at Pure Dermatology in New Orleans if you would like to
consider this procedure!

At Pure Dermatology, we pride ourselves in being very honest with patient expectations. Let’s take a minute to clear up some Tattoo Facts vs Myths.

MYTH: That laser “removes the ink” of that tattoo
FACT: The laser actually breaks up the tattoo ink into tiny particles, allowing the bodies immune system to slowly clear them out. Upon repeated treatment with the laser, the particles will get smaller and fewer, allowing the tattoo to lighten as the body clears the ink through the lymph system.

MYTH: Dark tattoos are the hardest to remove.
FACT: Tattoos that contain many different colors are the hardest to remove. Common tattoo removal lasers have a difficult time with green and yellow ink, and black and dark blue tend to be easier to remove colors like purple that are blends are lots of different colors can also pose a challenge. We pick laser wavelengths to match the tattoo color that they will target, and some colors don’t have as effective lasers to choose from. The darker or more intensely concentrated the tattoo pigment, generally the more laser sessions will be necessary.

MYTH: Tattoos on dark skin are impossible to remove.
FACT: We can still remove tattoos on dark skin, or skin of color. Laser expertise is necessary to remove tattoos in all skin tones, but particularly in skin of color. At Pure Dermatology, we use the Enlighten laser to remove tattoos in all skin tones – this is thought to be the most effective laser on the market due to its ability to use fast picosecond pulses. *insert Enlighten link.

MYTH: Only old tattoos can be removed.
FACT: Have INSTANT tattoo regret? No problem. Tattoos of all ages can be removed. Generally, older tattoos will have experienced some natural fading which can make them easier to remove.

MYTH: Tattoo removal is EASY! One and DONE!
FACT: Tattoo removal is not easy! It will take a series of on average about 6 treatments to remove your tattoo, generally performed 2-3 months apart.

MYTH: Tattoo removal is a MAGIC WAND! It will look like nothing ever happened!
FACT: This is not always the case – it is difficult to remove tattoos in their entirety. We can make VAST improvements in unwanted tattoos, and most laser tattoo removal patients are happy with vast improvements. We educate patients going into the process, so that they have realistic expectations, and they are not disappointed. That being said, sometimes laser tattoo removal results can be spectacular!

MYTH: Laser tattoo removal is extremely painful.
FACT: At Pure Dermatology, we offer injectable anesthetic before the laser is performed. This makes it pain free!!

MYTH: Laser tattoo removal has no downtime.
FACT: There will be downtime after your tattoo removal laser. The laser will make tiny wounds when the ink particles are targeted. The treated area will require meticulous wound care for at least 2 weeks after treatment. Keep it moisturized and covered with a large non-stick bandage. It’s best to keep the tattoo out of the sun between treatments, and always apply broad spectrum SPF when exposed to sunlight.

MYTH: Laser tattoo removal always leaves scars.
FACT: NOT TRUE! Well performed laser tattoo removal does not have to leave a scar.

Learn more about laser tattoo removal from the American Academy of Dermatology.

Have more questions about laser tattoo removal? Book a free laser consult to discuss further! We use the most up to date, state of the art, advanced laser technology at Pure Dermatology. Read more about the Enlighten Laser and the Lutronic LaseMD Ultra.