Factors Influencing Success

Did you know that the color of your tattoo plays a large role in how easy it is to remove? Different laser wavelengths of light are needed to remove different colors of ink. The relationship between wavelengths and targeting specific colors is essential for proper tattoo removal. Wavelengths are the key to safely and effectively removing unwanted ink. Your laser specialist will need multiple laser wavelengths to achieve complete clearance of your tattoo.

In the past, certain blues and greens of tattoos were not easy to remove. This is now only an issue for outdated technology. In general, black, brown and dark blue inks are easier to remove. Red, orange, yellow, and greens — and the increasingly popular white inks — are some of the hardest to remove completely. In fact, a few years ago it would have been impossible to remove some tattoos made up of these colors. Now, with the state of the art PicoSure laser, these stubborn inks can often be removed without a problem. The PicoSure laser treats at three different wavelengths: 532nm, 755nm, and 1064 nm, making it ideal for removal of the full spectrum of tattoo ink colors.

The age of the tattoo can make a big difference in the removal process. As a general rule, the newer your tattoo, the longer it will take to fully remove. Your body treats tattoo ink as a foreign substance, and over time your cells send agents to slowly eat at this invader. This is why older tattoos look faded at the edges, and can appear blurry as they age. With older ink, the body has already done some of the tattoo removal work in its own natural way, leaving less work for the lasers. Fresh tattoos will need more treatments to fully dissolve. Previously treated tattoos will also require special attention from our Laser Specialist because of the skin damage and scaring caused by over-treating with ineffective lasers in an attempt to remove unwanted ink. When treating with PicoSure®, scars noticed as the ink is removed are often a result of the original tattoo application.

Your success with laser treatments will differ, depending on factors related to your health, your skin, and the tattoo itself. Technological developments like PicoSure technology make it easier to provide treatments in the face of potential complications. As tattoo culture continues to expand around the world, the tattoo removal industry is constantly evolving to find new and better ways to treat different skin types and ink types. The only way you will know exactly how many treatments you will need for the complete removal of your ink is to make an appointment with one of our trained specialists.

Size, color, and location of the tattoo are all important factors in determining how many treatments you will need. Our experience has demonstrated that the majority of people benefit from at least five treatments. However, several more treatments may be necessary to obtain your optimal result.

Dr. Wetherington is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He is a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. He is a former President of the Georgia Society of Plastic Surgeons.