Are you suffering from “tattoo regret?" If so, you’re not alone.
According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), more than 45,000 tattoo removal procedures were performed in 2013 alone, and perhaps for good reason. A recent study by Dr. Andrew Timming of St. Andrew's University School of Management in Scotland in 2013 revealed that visible tattoos still have a negative perception among employers and could be hurting job seekers chances of getting hired.
Common reasons patients ask for tattoos to be removed include:
- Aging. Tattoos that seemed sexy and fun at 21 may be less appealing at 40.
- Name removal. Many patients wish to have the name of a partner erased after the relationship has ended.
- Bad tattoo job. No one wants to wear a misspelled word one minute longer than they have to.
- Style. Some patients seek to remove tattoos because they have gone out of style, or because they have become so popular that they are no longer unique or statement-making. For example, lower back tattoos were a fringe trend that became extremely popular in the early 2000s (eventually becoming known as “tramp stamps”—another possible reason to want one gone!)
- Job hunting. Many patients worry that their tattoo(s) may negatively impact their job search. In today’s competitive job market, they feel that hiring managers may dismiss them due to stereotypes, or because tattoos don’t fit the more conservative image of the organization.
Previously, many prospective patients may have avoided tattoo removal because they had heard it was painful, prohibitively expensive, or they have seen that others have gotten results that were inconsistent or, worse, caused scarring. But that is no longer the case.
If you are ready to say “goodbye” to a tattoo you’re not happy with anymore, Southern Surgical Arts has just the solution for you.
The New Look of Tattoo Removal
Introducing the new, state-of-the-art technology that has made tattoo removal more comfortable, effective and affordable than ever before: the PicoSure aesthetic laser. The PicoSure laser is far more effective and consistent than any other device in the world, and is much less likely to cause scarring than older technologies. It is THE gold standard for tattoo removal.
PicoSure works by delivering extremely short bursts of energy into the tattoo, “shattering” the ink into tiny bits that can be gradually cleared by the body. Because the PicoSure laser can deliver energy in shorter increments of seconds than the older, traditional lasers used for removing tattoos, and can break the ink into tinier pieces, PicoSure can eliminate tattoos in fewer sessions. Tattoos can be completely removed in between 3-5 sessions versus up to 20 sessions required by “old-school” laser tattoo removal.
This results in less pain, faster recovery time, and greater results.
PicoSure is an ideal choice for removing black tattoos as well as eliminating tattoos in harder-to-remove colors such as purple, green and blue.
While PicoSure treatments may cost more per treatment than procedures done with older-technology lasers, it is ultimately more affordable than these alternatives because you will need far fewer treatment sessions.
What Do I Need to Know?
You may be a candidate for PicoSure if your tattoo is black, green, blue or purple (or a combination of these colors). PicoSure is most effective on these colors and for fair-skinned patients. It is not recommended for red ink tattoos. While the laser can be used on darker skin tones, some loss of skin pigmentation may result. In most cases this is temporary, but you should discuss this possibility with your cosmetic surgeon during a consultation.
PicoSure treatments are typically spaced out 4-6 weeks, giving the skin time to absorb the ink distributed by the last treatment. Cost depends on the type and size of the tattoo, which determines the number of treatments necessary.
PicoSure is considered to be mildly uncomfortable, equal to or slightly less than getting your original tattoo. It is less painful than with the other laser removal technology, or with older alternatives such as dermabrasion or acid treatments. If you are concerned about discomfort, your cosmetic surgeon should be able to provide you with a topical anesthetic prior to your treatment.
Where Can I Get It?
The PicoSure laser is not yet widely available. We are pleased to offer this new treatment as part of our commitment to providing our patients with the most state-of-the-art technology on the market. If you’re interested removing your tattoo using the new PicoSure laser, call Southern Surgical Arts at 426-266-3331 for a free consultation. We look forward to sharing this exciting new option with you!
