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.