How Does Laser Tattoo Removal Work?

As tattoos have risen in popularity, so have the number of people who regret them. If this sounds familiar, you aren’t alone. Maybe the final result didn’t turn out as you’d hoped. Perhaps you want a visible tattoo removed for aesthetic or professional reasons. Dr. Robert Langdon at The Langdon Center for Laser & Cosmetic Surgery can help with state-of-the-art laser technology for tattoo removal.

*Individual Results May Vary

How Does Laser Tattoo Removal Work?

Tattoo removal lasers of the past have used photothermal energy to heat the tattoo and break down the ink. While this was somewhat effective, it could damage the surrounding tissues and cause the patient significant discomfort. The latest technology uses picosecond pulses, which deliver energy in trillionths of a second. These powerful but short energy pulses shatter the tattoo ink into tiny particles small enough for the body’s lymphatic system to filter them out naturally. The Langdon Center is the only laser center in Connecticut that uses two of these state-of-the-art lasers, the PicoSure laser and the PiQo4 laser system.

The PicoSure laser was the first technology of its kind, using picosecond range laser pulse durations to target multiple tattoo ink colors. With its 755 nm wavelength,the PicoSure laser can effectively remove black and especially green color tattoos in fewer sessions. The picosecond pulses are photomechanical instead of photothermal, so treatments are more comfortable for the patient, This also results in little or no damage to surrounding tissues.

The newer PiQo4 laser system adds 4 additional wavelengths to treat even the most stubborn tattoo inks. By combining nano and picosecond pulses, the PiQo4 is the most versatile laser tattoo removal system available today. Photo-acoustic waves safely pass through the skin to shatter the stubborn ink particles, enabling the lymphatic system to filter them away.

What is Laser Tattoo Removal Treatment Like?

People expect laser tattoo removal to be a fairly painful treatment, but with the PicoSure and PiQo4 lasers, there is less discomfort. We also offer our patients Pro-Nox™, a combination of oxygen and nitrous oxide that takes only seconds to reduce pain and anxiety. Most laser tattoo removal sessions last only 15-20 minutes; afterwards you’re free to resume your regular activities. You may experience some mild redness or swelling, but these resolve within a day or two.

Am I a Good Candidate for Laser Tattoo Removal?

If you have an unwanted tattoo, you could be a good candidate for laser tattoo removal at The Langdon Center. During your consultation, we will assess your tattoo to determine the best treatment protocol for its removal and answer any questions you have.

What Results Can I Expect from Laser Tattoo Removal?

Several factors—age and quality of the ink, depth of the tattoo, and size and location—dictate how effectively your tattoo can be removed. The PicoSure and PiQo4 laser systems are clinically proven to remove tattoos faster than previous technology, so patients average fewersessions to achieve their tattoo removal goals. After treatments, most of our patients find the skin where the tattoo was located indistinguishable from the surrounding skin. It’s as if the tattoo was never there!

Take the Next Step

If you have further questions about laser tattoo removal, we encourage you to schedule a consultation at The Langdon Center in Guilford, CT. Call us at 203-453-8625 or fill out our convenient online contact form.