Tattoo Removal

June 10, 2022

What to Do if You Don’t Love Your Tattoo

Tattoo Removal blog, dermatology, laser, provider, tattoo removal

Some tattoos are meaningful, thoroughly planned pieces of art that are immensely personal and will always hold a special place in your heart. Others may be more spur-of-the-moment decisions or aesthetic choices that fall out of line with your personal style. Regardless of when and why you first received your tattoo, there are countless reasons why you may not want it anymore.

Of course, tattoos are designed to be permanent, so what steps should you take to resolve yours? Follow these tips from our very experienced tattoo removal providers at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta.

Don’t Love Your Tattoo? Here’s What to Do

At Dermatology Associates of Atlanta, we have been helping patients remove or fade their unwanted tattoos since the 1990s, the early days of laser treatments. Our team of board-certified dermatologists and physician assistants has helped countless patients once again feel more confident in their skin, so allow us to guide you through the process. Follow the steps below if you are no longer in love with your tattoo.

1. Weigh Your Options

If you aren’t happy with your tattoo, there are two primary options: removing it or modifying it. Laser tattoo removal is a safe way to remove your tattoo, often accomplishing thorough results so your tattoo has minimal or no visible ink. The other option is to modify the tattoo you dislike by getting a new tattoo on top of it. For modification, you are limited to the designs a tattoo artist can create with what you already have.

Some people also choose to combine these two. They get laser tattoo removal on part of their tattoo that they dislike and then receive a new tattoo to modify the part that is still intact.

2. Choose a Laser Tattoo Removal Provider

If you decide on laser tattoo removal, you’ll need to choose your provider carefully. While the goal of this treatment is cosmetic, it is still a medical procedure that needs to be performed with skill and care to minimize the risks.

Be sure to choose a provider who is medically qualified, such as a dermatologist or physician assistant specializing in dermatological care. You also need a provider who operates in a sterile medical facility and uses laser equipment that is up to date and well-maintained. They need to specifically have experience and training in laser tattoo removal as well.

At Dermatology Associates of Atlanta, for example, all of our laser tattoo removal procedures are done by board-certified dermatologists or physician assistants. We use cutting-edge laser technology including PicoWay and PicoSure lasers, allowing us to perform treatments that are safer and more efficient, all within our safe and clean medical office.

3. Complete a Pre-Treatment Consultation

After you have chosen a laser tattoo removal provider, your next step is a consultation with the provider. At this appointment, they will be able to examine your tattoo and explain what you can expect from your treatments. They’ll be able to verify that you are a good candidate for laser tattoo removal and answer any questions you have about the procedure. Your provider may also treat a small area of your tattoo as a test spot to see how your skin and your tattoo react.

4. Begin Your Laser Tattoo Removal Treatments

Once you’ve had your consultation and you’re comfortable with your provider, you’ll begin your laser tattoo removal treatments. It will take a series of treatments to remove your tattoo as thoroughly as possible. The number of treatments will vary from patient to patient, depending on factors like the size of your tattoo, the color or colors of your tattoo, where your tattoo is located, the technology your provider uses, and more.

To receive the best possible results from your laser tattoo removal, it’s important to maintain a consistent treatment schedule. Your provider will also give you care instructions to follow before and after each session, so be sure to follow these instructions closely.

Beginning Your Laser Tattoo Removal Process

If you would like to remove all or part of a tattoo, our team at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta will be happy to help. Schedule a laser tattoo removal consultation today with our experienced and skilled providers.

Share....

March 16, 2022

Why Technology Makes a Difference in Tattoo Removal

Tattoo Removal dermatology, PicoSure, Picoway, skin care, tattoo removal

Each one of us can look back and see how much technology has changed in our lifetimes. Whether you’re 70 or 17, plenty has changed in those years merely in basic ways like phones and digital technology. The world of dermatology has seen dramatic improvements in recent technology too, and one procedure that has benefitted particularly well is tattoo removal.

If you’re considering laser tattoo removal, the technology that your provider offers will make more of a difference than you probably realize. Our laser tattoo removal specialists at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta are experienced, board-certified dermatologists and physician assistants and have witnessed firsthand the power of today’s advanced technology and its improvement over past options. For this reason, we’re here to give you a glance into laser tattoo removal technology and why you need a provider that has access to top lasers.

Targeting Ink Colors Appropriately

In a nutshell, laser tattoo removal works because the ink absorbs the light from the laser, and that laser’s energy breaks up the ink particles so your body can remove them. However, as you may remember from science classes back in the day, different colors will absorb and be affected by different wavelengths of light.

This is why some colors of tattoo ink are more difficult to remove than others. However, newer lasers are more effective in removing these challenging colors. If you choose a provider who is using outdated lasers, you may need a surprisingly large number of treatments and even after a long course of treatment, you may not have very thorough results.

Effective Results

Over the years, researchers have learned more and more about the way tattoo ink reacts to different types of lasers and laser pulses. They have also developed technology that creates the ideal circumstances to break up ink particles more effectively.

This means that with more advanced lasers such as the picosecond lasers PicoSure® and PicoWay® can remove tattoos more thoroughly and with fewer treatments than earlier lasers would require. As a patient, you can enjoy a shorter overall tattoo removal process and fewer appointments needed. Dermatology Associates of Atlanta is proud to be one of the very few practices that offer both the PicoSure® and PicoWay® lasers, giving our patients the unique advantage of exceptional results.

Safety

While laser tattoo removal is a popular treatment with a good safety record, there are certain risks that will always be inherent with laser treatments, such as the risk of burns or pigmentation changes.

More advanced lasers, however, can reduce these risks. Part of keeping your risks low also involves the ability to use the ideal laser for your skin type, because different people and tattoos are suited to different types of lasers. A provider with experience and access to a wide variety of lasers will be able to choose the right laser for your skin so you get the results you want with minimal risks.

What Does This Mean for Tattoo Removal Patients?

What does all of this talk about laser tattoo removal technology mean for you as a patient? Ultimately, it boils down to the fact that as you choose a laser tattoo removal provider, you need to consider the technology that the provider has access to.

Dermatology Associates of Atlanta is proud to have the Southeast’s most experienced laser center, our specialty center the Laser Institute of Georgia. Not only have we been working with laser treatments for over 30 years, but we have the most advanced tattoo removal lasers available on the market today in 2022. Our fleet of high-performing lasers and our specialized experience allows us to pinpoint the perfect technology for you so you get better, more efficient, and safer laser tattoo removal results.

To see for yourself, schedule an appointment at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta today. Follow us as well on Facebook and Instagram for more skin care tips.

Share....

November 30, 2021

Laser Treatments for Your Holiday Wishlist

Laser Hair Removal, Laser Treatments, Tattoo Removal dermatology, laser treatments, skincare, tattoo removal, wrinkles

The holidays are coming up quickly, and who doesn’t want to look their best for all those pictures and reunions with family and friends? It takes time to make changes to your appearance, though, so now is the time to start if you want to look younger or brighter for the holidays. In fact, if a rejuvenated look, more convenient hair removal solution, reduction in spider veins, or less tattooed appearance is on your wish list, these laser treatments at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta may do the trick.

Laser Hair Removal

Removing unwanted hair through traditional means like waxing or shaving can take a lot of time, and the problem never goes away: you’ll be waxing every few weeks or shaving every few days forever. Laser hair removal is a gift that keeps giving because you may enjoy results for years.

Keep in mind that it takes several treatments to see full results. So, while your laser hair removal won’t be complete before the holidays, you can start it now so you’ll have smoother skin by the time the warm weather has returned. Make sure to choose an experienced laser hair removal center, like Dermatology Associates of Atlanta where we have been performing laser hair removal for over 30 years.

Laser Treatments for Wrinkles

Aging is one of the most common aesthetic concerns for people across many age groups. It’s not surprising, then that there are several laser treatments available to address signs of aging and create a younger, revitalized look. Dermatology Associates of Atlanta has been performing laser treatments for over 25 years, with every laser treatment performed by a board-certified dermatologist or physician assistant rather than a technician. We’re proud to offer a variety of options, including:

DOT Laser Therapy, a fractionated laser treatment that ablates your skin in a pattern of dots, stimulating the healing process to smooth and firm skin while also reducing signs of sun damage and minimizing acne scars
Fraxel®, a renowned fractionated laser that offers similar advantages and results to DOT Laser Therapy
LaseMD™, a newer non-ablative laser that treats age spots, fine lines, and wrinkles with less recovery time than ablative fractionated laser treatments
PicoSure®, a laser that was first known for advanced tattoo removal but added a new lens array a few years ago that stimulates your body’s natural healing process to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots using very, quick pulses of light

Laser Tattoo Removal

You may not be able to remove a tattoo as easily as you’d remove a piece of jewelry but it doesn’t have to be permanent either. If you have a tattoo you’d like to remove or modify, our advanced picosecond lasers including PicoSure® and PicoWay® are able to treat most tattoos more efficiently and with stronger results.

Laser Treatments for Facial Redness and Facial Spider Veins

Facial redness, including redness from rosacea, and facial spider veins are very common but they can still be unwanted and they’re not easy to conceal with makeup. Instead, you can use laser treatments to reduce or remove these types of issues. We offer several options at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta, including:

VBeam® Prima, a laser treatment that is safe for most skin types, with results after a few days
FotoFacial®, a type of light therapy called intense pulsed light or IPL which uses pulses of light to reach deep into your skin and reduce rosacea symptoms, facial spider veins, and even some signs of aging
Lumecca™, another type of IPL technology that reduces facial redness, spider veins, and signs of aging

Checking Off Your Laser Treatment Wishlist

For so many cosmetic concerns from aging to unwanted hair and even a tattoo that no longer fits your aesthetics, there are laser treatments that can help you attain the results you want, whether it takes one treatment or a series of sessions. To explore your options or to give yourself an early gift for this holiday season, call Dermatology Associates of Atlanta today to schedule a consultation. Make sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more skin care tips and insights.

Share....

November 18, 2021

Laser Tattoo Removal Aftercare Tips

Tattoo Removal blog, dermatology, skin care, sun exposure, tattoo removal

Laser tattoo removal is the gold standard when it comes to reducing or removing an unwanted tattoo. No matter why you no longer want your tattoo, our experienced providers at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta are proud to offer PicoWay® and PicoSure®, the most advanced laser technology available today. This technology alongside the expertise of our knowledgeable dermatologists and dermatological physician assistants provides exceptional results as efficiently as possible.

While there is plenty we can do to make sure your laser tattoo removal is as effective and smooth as possible, you play a role as well based on how you care for your skin after each treatment. Our tattoo removal experts are offering our top tips for helping your skin heal after your laser treatments.

Don’t Go Overboard with Cleansing

After your tattoo removal procedure, we’ll give you instructions for caring for the treatment area. This generally involves cleaning the area twice per day. It’s important to note that when it comes to cleaning your skin after your laser procedure, more is not better. Going overboard by washing your skin too frequently can dry your skin and using overly harsh cleanser can irritate your skin. Use a gentle cleanser and only wash the skin as frequently as your provider instructs you.

Keep the Area Moisturized the Right Way

Hydration is important for allowing your body’s healing process to work properly. Keeping your post-laser skin hydrated, though, doesn’t involve exposing it to water. Instead, the goal is to strengthen and replicate your body’s moisture barrier so it holds in hydration. You can do this by applying petroleum jelly or Aquaphor® to your treated skin each time you replace your bandage.

Make Sun Protection a Priority

After a laser treatment like laser tattoo removal, your skin will be more vulnerable to sun damage. Sun exposure can lead to complications like long-lasting changes to your skin’s pigment.

To avoid this problem, it’s crucial to protect your treatment area from the sun for at least six weeks after each laser tattoo removal session. Don’t assume that your bandage will fully protect you against sun damage – keep the treatment area in the shade or under tightly woven clothing as often as possible.

Even after your skin has healed enough that you no longer need a bandage, you need to continue protecting your skin for the remainder of the six-week post-procedure period. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher on the area. Ideally, choose a sunscreen that contains zinc oxide as well.

Track Your Healing Process

If you’re caring for your post-laser skin properly, the risk of developing an infection is low. Regardless, it’s important to watch how your skin is healing and keep an eye out for the signs of an infection, like worsening pain, worsening redness, pus, or swelling. It helps to examine the area each day when you change your bandage. You might also find it helpful to take a picture each time you check the treatment area so you can compare them day by day.

Above All, Follow Your Provider’s Instructions

After your laser session, your provider will give you instructions for caring for your skin as it heals. While the tips above are helpful to supplement those instructions, remember that your provider’s instructions should always be your first resource. The instructions may be customized to you based on your specific treatment area, procedure details, skin health history, and more. If you have questions at any point after your treatment, you can always call your provider to ask.

If you’re considering laser tattoo removal, Dermatology Associates of Atlanta can help. Call our Atlanta dermatology office today to schedule your consultation. Follow us as well on Facebook and Instagram for more skin care tips.

Share....

September 16, 2021

Why Not All Laser Tattoo Removal Treatments are Created Equal

Dermatology News, Tattoo Removal laser tattoo removal, laser treatments, PicoSure, Picoway, tattoo removal

We all have things in our life that we look back on and ask, “Why did I do that?” or “Why was I ever interested in that?” Maybe it was a particular fashion choice or a type of music you followed, or perhaps it was even something more long-lasting: a tattoo.

If you have a tattoo that no longer fits your interests or the image you want to portray, you’re not alone. Our laser specialists at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta and our Laser Institute of Georgia perform laser tattoo removal on people of all ages on a daily basis. In fact, as members of the American Society of Laser Medicine and Surgery, we have been performing laser tattoo removal for over 20 years. As you browse around for laser tattoo removal, you’ll probably find many different facilities and providers that offer this service. Does your choice of a provider make a difference?

The short answer is yes, it does. In fact, there are several factors that affect the safety and effectiveness of your laser tattoo removal sessions because of the provider you choose.

Reasons Your Treatment Provider Will Affect Your Laser Tattoo Removal Results

If you know people who have had laser tattoo removal, you may know that some people’s tattoos took longer to remove than others. Some of this variation is due to differences in the tattoos themselves, like the tattoo depth, colors, and more, but there are also numerous ways your choice of a tattoo removal provider will impact your results.

1. Providers Have Different Lasers

There are several types of lasers that can be used for tattoo removal, and not all treatment providers have access to the ideal lasers for your needs. For tattoo removal to be effective, the specific type of laser light needs to be attracted to the pigment in the tattoo so that the laser can break up the ink particles. Different colors attract different types of light, so your provider needs to use the right laser based on the color of ink in your tattoo.

On top of targeting specific colors, there are more advanced lasers today that are more effective than the lasers that were used for tattoo removal in the 2000s and earlier. The most advanced lasers for tattoo removal today are called picosecond lasers, which go by brand names like PicoSure and PicoWay. If you choose a provider that has access to these superior lasers like our team at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta, you’ll get better results.

2. Your Treatment Provider’s Skill Matters

Laser tattoo removal isn’t an automated process. It needs to be carefully optimized and controlled by a well-trained, knowledgeable, and experienced provider such as a board-certified dermatologist or specialized physician assistant. At DAA, all our laser tattoo removal treatments are performed by board-certified dermatologists or licensed physician assistants, not by aestheticians or medical assistants like the treatments you would find at many other facilities.

Your provider must assess factors like your skin type, tattoo depth, tattoo colors, tattoo age, and more to choose the perfect laser and adjust the settings accordingly. They also need to observe how your skin is reacting during the session and adjust the treatment if necessary.

3. Your Treatment Facility Matters

Laser tattoo removal is a medical procedure, so it needs to be performed in a sterile and safe environment. This is why it’s best to choose a true medical facility like a dermatology office for your laser tattoo removal.

On top of the sanitary environment, your treatment facility needs to have the proper safety protocol and safety equipment, such as goggles to protect your eyes. They need to maintain their laser equipment well too to ensure that it works properly.

4. A Good Provider Guides Your Pre-Treatment and Post-Treatment Care

There are steps you need to take before and after your tattoo removal treatments to keep your skin safe and healthy. For example, you need to avoid sun exposure before and after each session, and after your treatment, you need to keep the area clean while it heals. An effective provider will counsel you on pre-treatment and post-treatment care.

If you have a tattoo you’d like to remove, choosing the right treatment provider is the first step on the path toward safely getting the results you want. Dermatology Associates of Atlanta is here to help with experienced providers, the most advanced lasers available, and a safe medical environment. To learn more, schedule a tattoo removal consultation with Dermatology Associates of Atlanta today. Remember to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more skin care tips.

Share....

August 15, 2021

Answering Your Top Questions About Laser Tattoo Removal

Tattoo Removal dermatology, lasers, Picoway, skin treatments, tattoo removal

There are countless reasons people choose to get tattoos…and just as many reasons why some people choose to have their tattoos removed. However, laser tattoo removal can be a lengthy process, so it’s important to have a good grasp of what you can expect before you start your treatments. That’s why our experts at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta are tackling your top questions about laser tattoo removal treatments.

How Does Laser Tattoo Removal Work?

During a laser tattoo removal treatment, one of our experienced board-certified dermatologists or physician assistants uses a precise wavelength of laser on your tattoo. The laser is attracted to the color in the ink, and when it reaches the ink, the laser breaks up the ink particles. This makes the ink small enough for your body to remove naturally.

How Effective is Laser Tattoo Removal?

Laser tattoo removal is generally a highly effective treatment. It does depend, though, on the knowledge and skill of the provider who is administering the procedure. It also depends on the quality of the laser, which is why we use the most advanced tattoo removal laser available today, called PicoWay, at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta. In fact, we are one of the few facilities in the United States that has both the PicoSure and the PicoWay, two highly effective picosecond lasers. This allows us to treat dark tattoos in fewer sessions and to treat multi-colored tattoos that are otherwise very difficult to remove.

If you get your treatments from an experienced and qualified provider who uses advanced equipment, like the providers at DAA’s Laser Institute of Georgia which has been a leader in the area for over 25 years, you are likely to finish your treatments with little or no visible evidence of your old tattoo.

How Long Does Laser Tattoo Removal Take?

Laser tattoo removal is a multi-session treatment process. The number of sessions you’ll need will depend on several factors, such as:

The size and/or number of tattoos you have
The color(s) of ink used in your tattoo
How long you’ve had your tattoo
How deep your tattoo ink was placed
Where your tattoo is on your body
The quality of the laser used for your treatments
The training and expertise of your laser tattoo removal provider

Who Should I Trust with My Laser Tattoo Removal?

Performing laser tattoo removal treatments safely and effectively requires in-depth knowledge of your skin’s unique anatomy as well as extensive experience administering the procedure and working with the lasers used. If you are considering laser tattoo removal, it’s important to choose a qualified professional like an experienced board-certified dermatologist or a physician assistant who specializes in dermatology.

Are There Side Effects to Laser Tattoo Removal?

When laser tattoo removal is performed by an experienced and qualified provider, the risk of side effects is minimal. However, your side effects will largely depend on whether you take the necessary steps to care for and protect your skin before and after your treatments. At your pre-treatment consultation, your tattoo removal provider will give you detailed care instructions which may include protecting your skin from the sun; using specific soaps or ointments; keeping the treatment area clean, dry, and covered after each procedure; and so on. Follow these instructions carefully to minimize your risk of side effects like scarring and skin discoloration.

If you have one or more tattoos that no longer fit the aesthetics you want for your body, our team is here to help. Call Dermatology Associates of Atlanta to schedule your tattoo removal consultation today. In the meantime, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest skin care tips and special offers.

Share....

December 1, 2020

What to Expect During a Laser Tattoo Removal Session

Laser Treatments, Skin Care, Tattoo Removal cosmetic procedure, dermatologist, laser tattoo removal, laser treatment, PicoSure

Time passes and things change. As the years went by, you may have decided that the tattoo you were initially so excited about is now something you no longer want on your body. This situation is common given the fact that many people choose to get their tattoo removed. However, if you’ve never been to a laser tattoo removal session before, you may not be sure what to expect. The board-certified dermatologists and physician assistants at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta want you to feel confident and prepared when you go in for your first tattoo removal session. To help, we’ve compiled a few common things to expect when it comes to laser tattoo removal.

The Basics of What to Expect

Assuming that you’ve already had a consultation, your first laser removal tattoo session will start with your provider giving you a protective pair of glasses to wear during the treatment. Then your provider will test your skin’s reaction to the laser and decide what the most effective energy and setting is for your situation. After that, the treatment will start and your provider will use the laser to pass pulses of light throughout your tattoo in order to break down tattoo pigments.

The length of your session depends on the size of your tattoo. For those with smaller tattoos, the session normally takes less than 15 minutes while those with larger tattoos can spend much longer than this to receive a treatment. We will review this with you prior to treatment.

Will It Be Uncomfortable?

Laser tattoo removal is typically displayed as being painful. However, pain is subjective and the level of pain that patients feel differs from person to person. The location of your tattoo plays a large role in how much discomfort you will experience. Another factor is how sensitive and tolerable you are to pain.

If you are sensitive to pain, you can choose to apply a topical, prescription anesthetic cream provided by your provider to your skin before your treatment. During treatment, we use a Zimmer Cryo cooler to decrease pain and lower the risk of scarring. Some patients also use nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, to reduce discomfort while those with smaller tattoos can benefit from local anesthesia injections. Immediately after your session, you can cover your tattoo with an ice pack to soothe the area and apply an antibiotic ointment and to protect your skin.

Your First Session Typically Won’t Be Your Last

While most patients wish that removing a tattoo was as easy as getting one, that is almost never the case. No matter the size of your tattoo, you will most likely need multiple sessions to get the results you want. Even the best lasers are only able to break down a certain amount of pigments each session. Fortunately, we are one of the few centers in the country that offer both PicoWay™ and PicoSure™ which are the most up-to-date laser technologies that typically require fewer sessions, effectively target most tattoo colors and greatly reduce the risk of scarring compared to other tattoo removal lasers. Your provider will assess your tattoo and, depending on factors such as size, color and age of your tattoo, we will give you an estimate of how many sessions you will need.

Additionally, you won’t be able to attend removal sessions back to back. After laser treatment, your skin needs between four to six weeks to absorb the broken down pigments and heal. Receiving any additional treatment during this period is counterproductive and may cause increased scarring potential or permanent skin damage. Given this, you should expect the removal process to take over a year to fully complete.

Ultimately, laser tattoo removal is an extremely safe and effective option for those looking to remove their unwanted tattoo. If you’re interested in learning more about tattoo removal and about the lasers we offer such as PicoSure™ and PicoWay™, contact Dermatology Associates of Atlanta today. Also, make sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for more skincare information.

Share....

December 19, 2017

Ask DAA: What Types of Tattoos are Most Difficult to Remove?

Dermatology News, Laser Treatments, Tattoo Removal, The Laser Institute of Georgia Atlanta pico lasers for tattoo removal, atlanta tattoo removal, how hard will it be to remove my tattoo, how many laser tattoo removal treatments will I need, laser tattoo removal Atlanta

Everyone makes choices that they come to regret later, but hopefully they’re mostly minor ones. For people who regret their tattoos, there is hope in the form of laser treatments. But understandably, patients want to know what they’re in for before they start. It helps to know that our providers at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta have been treating tattoos for over 25 years with the latest technology, which today includes the advanced PicoWay® and PicoSure® lasers. While everyone’s body responds differently, making it impossible to truly predict the number of treatments a patient will need, there are some factors that do make some tattoos more challenging to remove:

Color

Laser tattoo removal works when the color in the ink absorbs the energy from the laser. Different colors of ink absorb color differently. Specifically, lighter colors like white, yellow, light blue, and pink are the most difficult to remove, as are green, red, and neon colors. White ink (and light colors that were made by combining darker ink with white ink) sometimes turns darker before it begins to fade.

Skin tone

Laser tattoo removal tends to work more quickly on people with lighter skin. Darker skin tends to absorb some of the laser energy that was meant for the tattoo ink (especially when treating red and green ink), and dark skin usually requires milder laser settings to limit side effects. For these reasons, tattoo ink often receives less laser energy in patients with darker skin, so it takes longer to remove. Fortunately, at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta, we can use the PicoWay® 1064 wavelength safely for all skin types.

Tattoo age

As most people with tattoos have noticed, ink tends to fade over time. If it’s an old tattoo you want to remove, your body has already done some of the work for you. New tattoos, on the other hand, take longer.

Location of the tattoo

The closer to your heart a tattoo is, the more blood flow goes through that area. While the laser energy breaks down the tattoo ink, it’s your body’s natural response that actually gets rid of the ink. The better your blood flow, the more easily your body can remove the ink. This means that tattoos in areas with lower circulation (like your hands, fingers, and feet) take longer to remove.

How the tattoo was administered

Getting your tattoo from a professional makes the process safer and more successful, but it also makes the tattoo more difficult to remove. Homemade tattoos are usually less deep, so the ink fades faster. Keep in mind, though, that ensuring that your tattoo is safe is much more important than making it easier to remove, so we do not recommend getting an amateur or homemade tattoo. This is just one of many dermatologist-recommended skincare tips on our Dermatology Associates of Atlanta Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ pages.

Tattoo layers

Getting your tattoo modified or touched up with fresh ink can certainly make it look better. The downside, though, is that multiple layers of ink take more treatments to remove than a single layer.

Smoking

As we mentioned earlier, strong blood flow is crucial for tattoo removal. Smoking hinders your blood flow, so it has a direct effect on the tattoo removal process.

If you have some of the difficulty factors above, don’t worry. At Dermatology Associates of Atlanta and our laser specialty center, The Laser Institute of Georgia, we’re proud to use the most advanced technology available – specialized lasers called PicoWay® and PicoSure®. The combination of the latest technology with our highly experienced and skilled dermatologists and physician assistants means that our patients enjoy successful results in fewer treatments. To get started removing your unwanted tattoo, schedule a consultation at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta.

Share....

October 23, 2017

What to Expect from Tattoo Removal

Laser Treatments, New Technologies, Tattoo Removal, The Laser Institute of Georgia Atlanta laser tattoo removal, dermatologist Georgia, how does laser tattoo removal work, tattoo removal treatments in Atlanta, what does laser tattoo removal feel like

The reason tattoos are long-lasting is because the particles are too big for your body to absorb and clear out of its system. Laser tattoo removal works by sending specific wavelengths of light into the ink particles, which breaks them apart into much smaller particles. This allows your body to absorb the ink and remove them from your skin. The latest technology is picosecond lasers like PicoWay™ and PicoSure® use shorter pulses for even more versatile and effective results, and we use both of these advanced lasers at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta. With each tattoo removal treatment, more and more ink is broken down enough for your immune system to remove it safely and naturally.

The Tattoo Removal Process

Laser tattoo removal varies considerably from one patient to another (and from one tattoo to another), so our providers always begin with an in-person consultation. Your tattoo removal will depend on the size, location, and coloration of your tattoo, as well as how it was applied, the type of ink that was used, and other factors. At your consultation, one of our board-certified dermatologists or physician assistants will be able to evaluate your tattoo, design a course of treatment, and estimate the number of sessions you’ll need. They may also perform a “test spot” to see how your skin reacts to the laser.

Before your laser skin treatment, many patients choose to have a topical numbing cream applied to make the procedure more comfortable. Different lasers and settings are used to target different colors, so during your procedure, your provider will use the necessary laser(s) and slowly pass over your tattoo. For small tattoos, this can take just a matter of a few minutes, while larger tattoos will take longer.

When your treatment is completed, the provider will apply an ointment and dressing to help your skin heal. Your skin will probably feel sunburnt and sensitive, and you may have some other side effects as well like blistering, redness, and swelling, but this will generally fade within a few weeks.

The number of treatments you’ll need will vary, but they’re typically spaced 4-6 weeks apart, depending on how quickly your body responds. Keep in mind that some inks get darker before they fade, so you may notice this change in your earlier treatments.

Laser Tattoo Removal Results

Before laser tattoo removal, it’s important to look over before and after photos so you know what to expect. Not all tattoos can be completely removed, so you may have a slight “ghost” of the tattoo that remains, although for most patients, this subtle remaining ink is far preferable to the dark and noticeable tattoo they had before.

As with any medical or cosmetic procedure, there is a risk of side effects. For laser tattoo removal, these potential side effects include darkened or lightened skin around the treatment area (though this is usually temporary), scars, burns, and textural changes in the skin. These issues are rare when your treatments are performed by a qualified medical professional who is experienced in tattoo removal and is using up-to-date equipment, so our providers at DAA have the benefit of the most cutting-edge tattoo removal lasers, including PicoWay™ and PicoSure®.

Just as the choice to get a tattoo is a personal one, so is the choice to have it removed. Regardless of why you want to remove your tattoo, our providers at DAA can offer years (or in some cases decades) of experience, cutting-edge technology, and a caring touch. To find out more about what you can expect from your treatment process, schedule a laser tattoo removal consultation at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta.

Share....

August 25, 2016

Fast Facts about Laser Tattoo Removal

Cosmetic/Plastic Surgery News, Dermatology News, Laser Treatments, Tattoo Removal atlanta tattoo removal, dermatologist Georgia, how does laser tattoo removal work, laser tattoo removal Atlanta, picosure tattoo removal

Interestingly, much of cosmetic dermatology involves not adding something to the skin but removing something the patient is unhappy with. Tattoos, however, are a unique situation. They’re a decision that’s intended to last forever, but much can change over the course of a decade or two to make you stop enjoying your body art. Some patients simply want to have their tattoo modified or replaced with an updated design. In any case, laser tattoo removal is a medically proven way to fade away your ink safely and effectively. If you’re considering this popular laser treatment, here are some fun and helpful facts you may enjoy from our laser tattoo removal experts at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta (DAA).

If you’re planning laser tattoo removal, remember that it is a true medical procedure, so safety should be the most important factor in deciding on a facility and a provider. Be sure to look for a qualified medical professional like a board-certified dermatologist or physician assistant with extensive experience in laser tattoo removal. At DAA, not only are our providers highly experienced in the procedure, but we also use the latest and most advanced tattoo removal lasers, PicoWay and PicoSure, to make each treatment as safe and effective as possible. To start discussing what we can do for your tattoo, schedule a consultation with us. Or, for more helpful tips, follow Dermatology Associates of Atlanta on Twitter, Facebook, and Google+.

Share....

1 2

Tattoo Removal

What to Do if You Don’t Love Your Tattoo

Why Technology Makes a Difference in Tattoo Removal

Laser Treatments for Your Holiday Wishlist

Laser Tattoo Removal Aftercare Tips

Why Not All Laser Tattoo Removal Treatments are Created Equal

Reasons Your Treatment Provider Will Affect Your Laser Tattoo Removal Results

1. Providers Have Different Lasers

2. Your Treatment Provider’s Skill Matters

3. Your Treatment Facility Matters

4. A Good Provider Guides Your Pre-Treatment and Post-Treatment Care

Answering Your Top Questions About Laser Tattoo Removal

What to Expect During a Laser Tattoo Removal Session

The Basics of What to Expect

Will It Be Uncomfortable?

Your First Session Typically Won’t Be Your Last

Ask DAA: What Types of Tattoos are Most Difficult to Remove?

What to Expect from Tattoo Removal

Fast Facts about Laser Tattoo Removal

Our Centers

Up Coming Events

Archived Posts

ATTENTION PATIENTS

For Prescription Refill Requests, please message us your needs through the www.mypatientvisit.com portal ONLY.

*******************************

Our Holiday Schedule:

Our offices will be closed Wednesday, November 22nd (starting at 12pm) through Sunday, November 26th for Thanksgiving week.

*******************************

* Our specials are in full swing! Save big on laser hair removal, microneedling treatments, injectables, cosmetic laser treatments, and more. Click here to learn about specials and upcoming events!