PFD patch and tattoo removal, the dawn of a new day

What is a PFD Patch?

Created by DESCRIBE, a PFD Patch is a square of silicone infused with perfluorodecalin (PFD) – a completely inert, harmless liquid that allows your Laser Removal Technician to treat your tattoo up to 4 times with the laser in a single treatment session. Not only does the Patch allow up to 4X as many laser passes per visit compared to conventional treatment, it also helps the laser reach ink particles deep within the skin, which may be particularly beneficial for older tattoos.

PFD has been used for over 10 years to help prevent what we call “frosting”. Frosting is a skin reaction in which your skin turns white during laser treatment. When this happens, we can’t continue treatment because it won’t remove any more ink. Your skin would be too sensitive to continue after frosting, anyway.

Frosting is what makes us have to wait 4 weeks between laser treatments. The way PFD patches came into play was that they would apply the PFD solution after a treatment then wait about 30 min and do a treatment again- essentially working on a single client for a few hours. While this is great for removing the tattoo faster, I can say none of my clients would want to do laser treatments for multiple hours. I mean who would really?

Does the PFD Patch have side effects?

Well to start we can do up to 4 treatment in 1 session. Imagine you can get 4months worth of laser removal results in a single day!? That sounds amazing to me and I know all of my clients would differ on that as an option as soon as I tell them. Secondly its been called “Most Innovative Laser Tattoo Removal Product of 2016” by Patient’s Guide so thats definitely something! Third, most clients are reporting less pain during the treatments with the PFD patch vs. with out it. That right there is the nail in the coffin. I would say the biggest thing aside from cost that my clients talk about with me is the pain side of laser tattoo removal. Now I do offer some numbing creams and what not that can help with the pain of removal but they themselves can also have side effects to the treatments such as slowing the process down in the long run. So again, up to 4 treatments, in 1 session, higher laser levels safer allowing us to remove more ink and reported less pain. Sounds like a no brainer to me.

Does the PFD patch have side effects?

Side effects from the PFD patch are the same as normal laser treatment as as we know all laser removal has possible side effects and we do our best to avoid them at every turn, that being said if we are able to do laser removal in half the time it normally takes with less pain and no additional side effects then count me in!

Aren’t you worried about losing money with the PFD patch?

The cost of the Patch, as well as the cost per session for laser tattoo removal, can vary by each laser removal technician you talk to and the region that you are in. It’s also important to remember that we are able to do up to 4 passes per treatment vs. only 1 at at a time so that will offset the cost of using the patch.

Lets face it, if we can get a better result in half the amount of time its worth it in my opinion. I’ve always maintained the business practice that I would rather get you results as fast and safely as I can so you will recommend me to all your fiends and family that may need help in the laser world. I truly take pride in helping people in my life and the more clients I can help remove an unwanted tattoo or get into a beautiful new coverup the happier I am.

Why should I use the patch?

We can do up to 4 passes in a single treatment vs. only 1. That means up to 4 months of treatments in a single session! (so awesome!)
The PFD patch actually absorbs laser energy that can cause more damage to the skin without it therefor making treatments safer.
Patients have reported less pain, redness and swelling after treatments with the patch. Less injury can mean you are able to do more treatments sooner than you would normally.

December 19, 2022January 7, 2023

Black and Grey tattoo removal, fast results and great for coverups

brian henry black and grey marilyn monroe portrait tattoo

Every time I talk tattoo removal with clients there is always one major question I get asked, “How many treatments do you think I’ll need”. While normal full tattoo removal averages 12-13 sessions, Black and grey tattoos offer us a much better result in a much faster time frame.

What is a black and grey tattoo?

Black and grey tattoos are a specific style of tattooing that involves only using black and white inks and relying on the skin to create depth and shading. Its very popular in the portrait and realism styles of tattooing. Black and gray tattoos’ have a look that could be compared to a rendering done with graphite. It is particularly suitable for large, elaborate tattoos that contain a lot of details, but it’s not limited to that. Black and grey styles are also very popular with with sacred geometry, small designs and lettering. In this Marilyn Monroe Portrait you can see how the skin plays a major part in creating the depth and shading of the face, which is a great example of a black and grey tattoo style.

Why is removing black and grey tattoos the best?

Tattooers don’t typically use heavy amounts of solid black ink over huge areas and pack the ink it over and over like they would in say a “Tribal” style tattoo. This is why removal of them is typically very easy. On average I see a 50% or more difference in the first 1 or 2 treatments, It’s quite remarkable. Here is a good example of only one treatment to a black and grey tattoo. This is a very basic black and grey tattoo but the results are pretty consistent when removing this style. What you can notice here is all of the grey that was used to fill in the design is mostly gone while the line work remains a little. This is a great example of how heavier, darker inks need more treatment that lighter Softer ones do.

Does age still play a part in faster removal of black and grey tattoos?

The simple answer to this is Yes. Age is 100% always a factor in tattoo removal and as discussed in our post Tattoo Removal Factors You Should Know even in the black and grey world if the tattoo is brand new or let’s say under 2 years old it will be slower process. Now that’s not to say the grey wash wouldn’t come out quickly but the few places in the tattoo that have been heavily filled in to create the depth in the overall look of the design will take more treatments than say something over 10 years old.

What about covering up a black and grey tattoo?

When we discuss coverups we have quite a few factors to go over. The biggest being “what style are you going to cover this tattoo with”. Black and grey tattoos covered with a full color tattoo is a lot easier than trying to go black and grey over black and grey. Now thats not to say it can’t work. The black and grey style uses so much skin tone to create depth and shading, you’ll need to think about your coverup design throughly and work with your artist on how they can cover the tattoo up successfully. Over the years I’ve done quite a few lightenings of Black and grey tattoos for coverups and we’ve been able to make it work quite well. The key was always working with the tattoo artists closely and allowing them to make the decision on how many treatments are needed in the end.

Remember, whether you’re doing a cover up or a full removal, black and grey tattoos are in your favor so rejoice in that! Knowing that your path will typically be faster than the average tattoo removal is alway something we love to hear!
Cheers and thanks for reading.

November 7, 2022February 7, 2023

Lasers Don’t Remove Tattoos 100%, but the Human Body is an Incredible thing!

Tattoo removal services, full tattoo removal, tatoo removal for coverup, fading a tattoo for coverup

Why lasers don’t remove tattoos 100%

The real answer to the question of why lasers don’t fully remove tattoos is that we simply don’t need to try to laser it 100% away. The less we can attack the skin with a laser, the better. Laser tattoo removal always has a risk of scarring or pigmentation changes, but if we can avoid that, we always will!

How a laser removes ink

Tattoo removal lasers break the ink in your tattoo down into tiny particles. This allows your body to remove and flush these particles. Over time and with repeated laser sessions, your tattoo will away”

Tattoo removal isn’t a short process, and if you want removal with no scars, blistering, or pigment loss then you have to have a bit of patience. You’re not going to hear a laser technician tell you “lasers don’t remove tattoos 100%”, ever. Why would we want to be negative to you about the process? My approach to this business is to educate as well as be honest. I do my best to educate my clients about the process as much as I can, simply because you should always know what you are getting into and exactly how it works.

Is there a faster way to get tattoo removal?

Yes – with a major catch. There are “faster” ways to make it happen out there, but I can tell you from my experience those only lead to scars. Now ask yourself this “do I want a scar of this tattoo left on my body when the process is finished?” 9 out of 10x the answer is no. So why rush things? This is definitely a time when taking the long road helps immensely.

Full tattoo removal typically takes 12/13 sessions and we strive at all times to make sure you only go home with red swollen skin that will heal up in 24/48 hours. The idea is to keep the laser breaking up the ink to the best of its ability without hurting your skin in the process. Throughout your laser process, you’ll see the tattoo breaking up slowly, typically you don’t see a huge difference right away, it’s around treatment 3 or 4 that you really start to see the results happening. Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule but all of this information is simply the averages of what we see in the industry.

When will the tattoo be 100% gone?

Upon your last session, it is very common for you to be left with a light grey version of your tattoo, I like to call this a “shadow”. The remaining ink particles left over will eventually be eaten up by your body over the course of a year or so. Again patience is key. Below is a great example of what your body will do in 1 year’s time.

lasers don't remove tattoos — Original Tattoo

How the body is doing its job.

First, we have the original Tattoo, a Dark black outline with grey wash shading and a little red and yellow in the face. This type of tattoo is one you will generally deal with the line work the most, as the shading isn’t done very heavily and should give us great results quickly.

Next, we have the tattoo after 6 treatments and you can see a significant difference which is what we always strive for at the 1/2 point to full removal.

This client was going to do a coverup eventually so at this point we went as far as we needed to in order for them to be able to get a brand-new tattoo. The key to coverups is to get the old ink light enough that the tattooer won’t have to compromise the new design as well as having this tattoo show up underneath the new one after the new ink settled in their skin. You can learn more about the coverup process in my article here.

Now, this is my favorite part, this is that same tattoo 1 year later having never treated it beyond her initial 6 treatments. This shows you what the body is doing on its own and again how patience is key here.

Not only Is fading of the tattoo significantly better but their skin looks amazing as well. no scars, no loss of pigment, etc.

Since lasers don’t remove tattoos 100% we have to rely on the body and the body never really stops working until it simply has no ink left to take care of.

In Conclusion

Lasers don’t remove tattoos 100% but your body is also a factor in the removal process. The body is an amazing thing! It’s also great to know that there are options out there that leave us with beautiful skin and great results at the same time. I know searching for laser tattoo removal and looking at images on Google can be a super scary thing so I really hope this post will give people hope and more worthwhile information.

Thanks for reading.

October 31, 2022October 31, 2022

How long laser tattoo removal takes

Learn more about the process and figure out how long laser tattoo removal takes

Tattoos are permanent artwork in our skin…or that’s what we’ve been told. With new technology, it’s now possible to remove a tattoo. To many, this is great news. If you’re doing research and wondering how long laser tattoo removal takes you’re in the right place.

Tattoo removal typically takes longer than the original process of getting the tattoo. Removing the layers of ink from your skin is a process that’s well worth it. There are 2 main factors when we talk about how long it takes to remove a tattoo: how many sessions, and the length of those sessions.

How long does a tattoo removal session last?

The answer is: it depends. Obviously, larger pieces will take longer to treat, and smaller ones, less time. Some of my clients’ treatments take 30 seconds, and some can take 30 minutes or more depending on the area to be treated. The best part about laser tattoo removal is that it is a pretty quick for each session. Since we’re centrally located in Evergreen, Colorado many of my clients come from all over the state for their treatments. There are hotels, restaurants, shopping and outdoor activities all within just a few miles of the shop, so many of my clients find something fun to do before or after their treatments around town.

How many sessions does it take to remove a tattoo?

Several factors play into how long laser tattoo removal takes as far as sessions go, including: size, color, age of the tattoo, and it’s saturation. Saturation simply means how dark the tattoo is from when it was originally done, and how much ink was packed into the skin.

Other factors that influence how many sessions it takes to remove a tattoo include your overall health, the actual laser used, and the qualifications of the laser tattoo removal specialist that will be performing the procedure for you. There are big differences in the types of lasers available to us today for laser tattoo removal. It’s important to do your research on what kind of laser the clinic you’re considering uses as your skin’s health (and your wallet’s health) depend on it.

The laser used can affect your skin by giving you blisters or burns (which can be permanent). A less effective laser could also cost you more money and time, ending up in more sessions and a longer wait time to get rid of the tattoo you’re not fond of.

When you speak directly with your laser tattoo removal specialist, ask for an estimate from them on how many sessions they believe it will take to remove your tattoo or lighten it for cover up. A qualified professional will have a pretty good idea of the timeline, although different inks and pigments remove differently from the skin. To learn more about the factors that influence the timeline of your tattoo removal, check out this blog.

How long between tattoo removal sessions?

Usually we leave 6-8 weeks between removal sessions, which enables your body to flush out the ink particles and for your skin to recover from the process. Even though your skin’s surface may look and feel fine on the outside, the inner layers of your skin being treated by the laser need time to fully heal in between sessions.

Why does the type of laser matter?

Think about what the laser does to remove the tattoo ink from your skin. A laser blasts the ink into tiny particles using high heat from the laser- so it’s easy to understand how this could go from fine to NOT fine for your skin pretty quickly if the best laser is not used. We utilize the only true 3 wavelength q switched laser in the world…which means it has the ability to most effectively target inks and preserve the integrity of your skin. Our laser is the most effective and skin safe system available.

Removing a tattoo is your choice

I love helping my clients with laser tattoo removal because let’s face it…lots of us have tattoos we would rather forget about. I’ve yet to meet anyone that regretted starting the removal process (if done correctly). It gives you the freedom to make a choice on what used to be considered a permanent decision. Who doesn’t love a do over?!

Cheers,

Jim

October 22, 2022November 15, 2022

Exactly how much does tattoo removal hurt?

does tattoo removal hurt? What tattoo removal feels like, is laser tattoo removal dangerous

Not loving your tattoo and thinking about whether you can take the pain of getting it removed? Lots of people wonder how much tattoo removal hurts

Why does tattoo removal hurt?

Think about if you’ve ever burnt yourself on a pan hot from the oven, or hot water. The same concept applies to laser tattoo removal- the heat and intensity of the laser is what enables it to break up the ink in your skin into tiny particles. These particles are then flushed out through your immune system. Session after session, more particles are blasted until you’re left with a beautiful blank canvas…or a lightened tattoo prime for a cover up with the artist of your choice.

What does tattoo removal feel like?

While getting a tattoo lasered off does come with some minor discomfort, most people say that it’s less than they expected. The pain that comes with laser tattoo removal is similar to the snap of a rubber band as the laser pulses against your skin to break up the ink. Some people liken it to scratching a bad sunburn, or the feeling of a drop of hot oil splashing your skin. Everyone has a different idea of what it feels like.

Does laser tattoo removal hurt more than getting a tattoo?

Since laser is the only way to fully remove a tattoo, the discomfort that comes along with it is well worth it. If you can take the pain of getting a tattoo, you definitely can tolerate getting it removed. Everyone has different feelings about their pain tolerance and how much they can handle.

Other methods of tattoo removal like creams, saline treatments or even dermabrasion aren’t effective in removing tattoos. While these may be relatively pain free options, they are not considered to be an actual way to remove a tattoo for good, and they can cause permanent damage to your skin.

does tattoo removal hurt? — Does tattoo removal hurt? It’s spicy- but you can handle it

How long does tattoo removal pain last?

You may experience discomfort for a few hours after your session, similar to the sensation of a sunburn. Since we use an awesome cooling system while we treat your skin with the laser, it helps a lot with any feelings of heat in the area not only during the procedure but after as well. Some of my clients like to go home and apply an ice pack to the area to cool it down…but most of my clients go on with their day as normal, forgetting about any discomfort shortly after. You may have mild swelling and discomfort the next day, which will fade quickly over the next few days to a week.

Tattoo removal pain factors

The best thing about the discomfort associated with tattoo removal is that it’s QUICK. Where you may be sitting for a tattoo for several hours, with laser tattoo removal, you’re done within a few minutes and sometimes as little as 30 seconds. This makes it much easier to handle compared to the process of getting a tattoo.

The size of your tattoo, the saturation of the ink, how thick the lines of the tattoo are and its placement have a lot to do with how painful the process will be for you. Your personal pain tolerance will also play a part. Many clients report that the process gets easier as it goes on, because they know what to expect and seeing results is motivational for them. Just like getting a tattoo, the process of laser tattoo removal is something of a rite of passage- and one many can easily take.

Easing the pain of tattoo removal

Make sure to show up to your appointment having eaten beforehand and being well hydrated. For larger pieces, I do offer a complimentary numbing cream formulated exclusively for my laser clients. This would be applied an hour before your appointment. Squeezing tennis balls or stress balls can be helpful to some of my clients as well. The use of a cooling device during the procedure helps keep the skin cool and you comfortable.

Is laser tattoo removal for me?

At the end of the day, if you’re motivated to remove a tattoo or lighten it for a cover up…you’ll be able to handle it. Curious how much tattoo removal costs or have questions? Hit me up on social or book a free no pressure consult here.

Cheers!
Jim

October 15, 2022November 15, 2022

How laser tattoo removal works

Laser tattoo removal works in mysterious ways- learn more so you can get the best results from your treatments

By now you’ve learned that the only legitimate way to remove a tattoo is through laser tattoo removal. When I say legitimate, I mean the only way to completely remove a tattoo that doesn’t permanently damage your skin. Just like any other cosmetic procedure, it’s smart to learn a little about the process before you start undergoing treatments so you know how to get the best results and what to expect.

Why tattoos are “permanent”

When you get a tattoo, the ink is deposited into the dermis, which is a layer just under the outermost layer of your skin. After getting tattooed, your immune system kicks in to heal the layer of skin that has had ink added to it. Some of the ink is moved through your system and away from the area…but most stays behind. This is why tattoos are considered to be “permanent” even though they typically fade over time and now can be removed by lasers.

How lasers can remove tattoos

Laser tattoo removal works by blasting the ink in your skin into tiny particles which are later flushed out through your body’s lymphatic system. This is why it’s key to be in good health and to not smoke when you’re removing a tattoo. Your immune system kicks into overdrive to remove the ink particles.

Your health plays a role

One of the most interesting aspects of how laser tattoo removal works is the role your body plays in the process. Since getting the laser treatment is what we focus on, we often don’t consider how the ink is ultimately removed from your body. Your body takes the microscopic particles of laser treated ink and flushes them out using white blood cells.

This process of cleansing and flushing actually never stops, and your body will continue to process out the ink particles for months and years after getting laser tattoo removal treatments. Check out the image below- there’s a year and a half in between these pictures with no laser removal treatments. It’s a testament to the amazing regeneration our bodies can undergo over time. And it’s another reminder of why your health is a key factor in how successful and timely your tattoo removal journey is!

Here’s another example of the body’s ability to continue flushing ink particles over time. The middle image was after this client’s last treatment. The last image shows the end result after the immune system has done it’s job…awesome!

how tattoo removal works — The middle image was right after this client’s last session. It faded completely afterwards!

The type of laser used matters

Speed and heat are key to how laser tattoo removal works. Different wavelengths on the laser can address different colors in your tattoo. At Black Sage we use the Quanta Q-Plus C laser, the only true three wavelength Q-switched system available in the world. This means we can specifically target each color in your tattoo removal process so you get the best results in the most efficient period of time. We also utilize a cooling system during laser treatments which increase your comfort and reduces the risk of burns or blistering.

Our cutting edge laser technology allows us to remove most any tattoos, while keeping in mind that there are a lot of factors other than your health that influence your results. These include the saturation of ink, color, age of the tattoo, and placement. Older tattoos made up of mostly black ink are typically the easiest to remove.

Choosing a tattoo removal clinic

Make sure you’re able to speak to the laser tech that will be removing your tattoo to ask questions beforehand. Find someone with experience, who doesn’t push you to purchase a package up front. Ask about the laser, their opinions on skin integrity (blistering), and anything else you’re curious about. Ultimately, for a highly personal decision it’s important you feel completely comfortable and trust in the technology and person who will be performing the laser tattoo removal process for you.

Lots of medi spas are popping up that offer laser tattoo removal, other skin treatments, microblading and more. This may seem convenient, but unfortunately, laser tattoo removal is not their specialty and your results can reflect that.

We consider all factors when consulting with you so that we can give you a fair and reasonable estimate of time to remove a tattoo and tailor your overall treatment plan to your situation. We have great success removing tattoos of all ages, colors and placements and we work closely with tattoo shops in Colorado for cover ups. Check out some images on our Insta to see for yourself, and shoot us a DM if you have questions or want to book a free, no pressure consultation.

Cheers,

Jim

October 7, 2022November 15, 2022

Denver Tattoo Cover Up: What to Look For

Blasting over an old tattoo with a new one is not the only way to go about a Denver tattoo cover up

Let’s face it, most of us have a tattoo that we’re not fond of. Whether it’s an old tattoo that no longer meshes with our current self, a past lover’s name, or simply something we’d rather get rid of, many people find themselves looking for a Denver tattoo cover up. By now, you may have heard that simply covering a tattoo with a new one is NOT your only option. By removing a tattoo, you can enjoy your skin being free and clear of something you’re not in love with anymore…or you can get a completely new piece from the artist of your choice. Let’s dive in.

Is covering an old tattoo with a new one your best choice?

There’s a lot of reasons why someone may want to cover up an old tattoo and I caution those looking for a quick fix no matter how badly you want that old tattoo gone. Some cover ups on small, faded out tattoos can work really well. For other tattoos that may be harder to cover, you may end up with a mesh of two tattoos after a couple years, where you can see your old tattoo underneath the new one.

Since removing 2 tattoos is nearly impossible, this becomes a permanent decision. So if you have any doubt about whether or not your tattoo can be completely covered and look awesome long term, you may want to consider laser tattoo removal.

Do your research before you commit

It’s important to research the laser tattoo removal clinic you go to before you start getting treatments. There is a massive difference in education amongst laser tattoo removal specialists and the laser that is being used. Ask your tech about potential side effects especially if your goal is to get a tattoo cover up in the future.

denver-tattoo-cover-up-scar-example — A scar from laser tattoo removal (not done at Black Sage Laser)

Think about trying to ask your favorite tattoo artist to tattoo over a permanent scar. That would be difficult for them, if not impossible, right? This is why you need to fully understand your laser tech’s view on blistering before you begin treatment with them. If they tell you blistering is normal and you’ll likely blister after each session…RUN! These blisters WILL cause permanent damage to your skin, and even if you don’t want to get a tattoo cover up later you will be left with scars for life.

Ask your laser tech about what kind of laser they’re using and do your research online before you get any treatments done. There are lasers out there (like the PicoSure) that are known to cause blisters and scarring. All laser clinics have different equipment and different levels of training. A lot of clinics are high pressure sales environments. If they push you to purchase a package up front, be wary. Check out this image of a scar left by a laser (NOT mine). This is permanent skin damage. Yikes!

Working with a Denver cover up tattoo artist

For a Denver tattoo cover up, we work with many tattoo shops across the state of Colorado. In fact, a huge chunk of my clients are referred to me by their chosen tattoo artists to lighten or remove a tattoo to prep it to be covered. These tattoo artists refer clients to me because they know I have a deeper level of understanding of ink pigments and how they sit in the skin over time.

After all, Black Sage Laser is an extension of Black Sage Studio located right down the hall, and I’m married to a highly talented tattoo artist. I also perform laser tattoo removal on the actual tattoo artists who refer clients to me!

The choice is up to you- just do your research

If you have questions about what the process is like, check out my laser tattoo removal FAQ. It’s a good start to understanding what it’s all about and what to expect.

In the end, it’s all about trusting who you choose to perform an important procedure on your skin. If you’re looking for a Denver tattoo cover up, make sure you choose the right removal tech with the right equipment. The integrity of your skin depends on it!

Cheers,

Jim

September 29, 2022November 15, 2022

How to remove a tattoo completely

Thankfully, tattoos are no longer permanent. Learn how you can utilize laser to remove a tattoo completely (yes, you read that right!)

If you live in Colorado and you’re looking to remove a tattoo completely you’ve come to the right place to find out more about the process. Gone are the days where tattoos are permanent…and for all of us with tattoos we are no longer fond of this is great news.

Most everyone I know these days has at least one tattoo they’d rather get rid of and there’s nothing wrong with this at all. There used to be some stigma surrounding laser tattoo removal, but I love to view it simply as a personal choice. Just like getting a tattoo, removing it is also an option. If you’re wondering how how to remove a permanent tattoo, read on.

First of all, scrap the tattoo removal creams and fake laser pens. Not only is this stuff not effective, but it could permanently damage your skin. Laser tattoo removal is the gold standard these days to remove tattoos.

Tattoos that are good for removing

As you may have read in some of my other blogs, the age and saturation of your tattoo are key in how long the laser tattoo removal process will take. What does this mean for your tattoo? For example, a 10-20 year old tattoo will likely respond very well to laser treatments and lighten up quickly. A 2-5 year old fresh tattoo can absolutely still be treated, taking more sessions to break down the ink in your skin.

The saturation of your tattoo is a factor when undergoing the laser removal process as well. Saturation is basically how much ink is packed into the tattoo. Was the original tattoo pretty light to begin with, or did the artist really pack in a lot of deep, dark inks? These factors play into how many sessions you’ll be looking at to remove your tattoo.

How long does it take to remove a tattoo?

Lots of people ask how long it takes to remove a tattoo completely. Since this depends on several factors, I do my best as a Certified Laser Tattoo Removal Specialist to give you my thoughts and estimations based on my extensive experience removing tattoos of all types. It’s important for you to be able to speak with whoever is actually performing the laser tattoo removal service for you- so you are on the same page for expectations.

Don’t get caught up in a sales pitch where they pressure you into purchasing a expensive package for full tattoo removal without ever speaking to the actual person who will be performing the laser procedure. You deserve to consult directly with your laser tech.

What the tattoo removal process is like

When you show up for your first treatment, you’ll fill out some quick intake information and I will review it during your consultation. This is to ensure your results are the best possible, that we preserve your health and the quality of your skin. We’ll talk about the tattoo you’re looking to remove and I will give you an estimate on how many sessions I think will take to remove it as well as answer any other questions you have about the process.

After we chat, I will get the laser running and ready to go and ensure you’re comfortable. The best part about this process is that it’s QUICK. I will do a spot test with the laser to ensure there are no reactions. After we’re clear to proceed, I will treat your tattoo. Obviously the time you’ll be in the chair depends on the size of your tattoo, but for a tattoo only a couple inches in diameter, you could sit for around 30 seconds and be done! Bigger tattoos take longer, and I do offer a complimentary numbing cream for you if you need it. This is applied an hour before the appointment and definitely takes the edge off.

Is tattoo removal painful?

Lots of my new clients ask what the process will actually feel like…does it hurt? I like to say it’s spicy! Again, the best part is that it is a very fast process. After we finish up, we’ll book your next session. When you get home, it helps to take some of the heat out of your skin with an ice pack or aloe if you desire.

Completely removing a tattoo IS possible

Many people want to completely remove a tattoo completely instead of lightening it for a cover up. This is a personal choice that I respect, and it is possible to totally get rid of a tattoo that you no longer like. It’s just a matter of time and patience. Completely removing a tattoo is a journey that we can partner together on. If you want to find out what kind of timeline you’re looking at to erase an old tattoo, contact me and we’ll go from there.

Cheers!

Jim

September 15, 2022November 15, 2022

Sun Exposure and Laser Tattoo Removal

Learn how sun can affect your removal process

If you’re thinking about your sun exposure and laser tattoo removal, you’re on the right track. Getting a tattoo removed is a highly personal choice, similar to coloring your hair, getting braces, working out, or getting a new piercing. Many people also choose to undergo cosmetic surgery, Botox, microblading, and more. All of these choices are up to the individual, and I respect those who’ve chosen to remove a tattoo. Just like getting a brand new tattoo, removing ink of something of a rite of passage.

Getting rid of a tattoo you are unhappy with is a process. Despite some of the videos or tattoo removal before & afters you may have seen, laser tattoo removal actually happens over time over the course of multiple sessions. Usually we an fully remove a tattoo in 10-14 sessions, but this does depend on the age of the tattoo, saturation and colors involved.

Those who have chosen to remove a tattoo with laser know that they are committing to a journey for the ultimate outcome of being able to beautifully cover up a tattoo they’re unhappy with, or remove it completely. How many sessions a tattoo takes to remove really depends on the age and saturation of the ink…and some other factors like your health.

When you consider an elective process like laser tattoo removal, it’s helpful to think about how it may impact your life, so that you know what to expect. One of the things I talk about often with my new clients is sun exposure. Much like a new tattoo, I advise my clients to stay out of the sun especially right after a laser treatment.

How laser tattoo removal works

Think about the concept of laser tattoo removal: we blast your tattoo with a laser that breaks up all of the ink into tiny particles. These particles then are then flushed through your immune system and out of your body. Then the process is repeated every 4-6 weeks until we have achieved the outcome you desire. More info about the process can be found in our FAQ. A laser can reach temperatures up to 900 degrees Fahrenheit. Imagine how it feels to have a gnarly sunburn, then to spend a few minutes outside in bright hot sun. Not pleasant, right? This is exactly what we try to avoid with sun exposure and laser tattoo removal.

Why blistering can damage your skin

The problem with blistering and tattoo removal is that it can damage your skin permanently. Blistering results from getting burned. Think about any time you’ve touched a hot oven by accident. Maybe you even have a scar somewhere from getting burned at some point in your life (I know I sure as hell do).

When blisters form after getting laser tattoo removal, this can lead to permanent scarring. That’s why it’s so important to make sure you know whoever is doing your treatment has the proper training and is using state of the art equipment. All laser “clinics” are not made equal…and the quality of your skin can suffer because of it.

It’s generally smart to keep the tattoo you’re working on out of the sun as much as possible during treatment. That doesn’t mean YOU have to stay out of this beautiful Colorado weather…just cover it or wear SPF. Sun exposure and laser tattoo removal just don’t mix.

Scarring from blisters is not the only risk you take on when you expose your get sun exposure after tattoo removal. You can also run the risk loss of pigment after tattoo removal when you go into the sun. This is called hypo pigmentation (removing pigmentation/color from your skin). Hyper pigmentation (darkening of the skin) can also occur. Both of these issues are obviously bad outcomes for laser tattoo removal when you’re looking to remove a tattoo or lighten a tattoo for a cover up.

Too much sun before laser tattoo removal treatments can also slow the process down. We all make mistakes, but I advise my clients to be careful about getting sun exposure and laser tattoo removal.

Sun exposure and laser tattoo removal don’t mix

Tanning and laser tattoo removal

Enjoying sun exposure a little too much can cause additional melanin in your skin (making you tanner and darker) and when combined with laser tattoo removal, can cause hyper and hypo pigmentation.

Some clients ask about using tanning lotions or self tanning creams instead of using the tanning bed while getting a tattoo removed. This is also not recommended. These creams can react to the laser and cause hypo pigmentation (lightening of the skin). Your skin also absorbs chemicals it comes into contact with including lotions and creams, and you want your immune system in good shape for this process.

At the end of the day, laser tattoo removal is a commitment with a great reward. It’s awesome to see people stoked that they can completely forget about an old tattoo they had….or see them work with a tattoo artist to create something completely new and special to them. Generally sun exposure and laser tattoo removal just don’t mix. If you choose to get a tattoo removed this is a great time to take care of your health, make sure you’re not smoking, and lay off the tanning beds and creams.

I’m always here to chat about your goals in removing a tattoo you no longer love and answer your questions whether they are about the process, tattoo removal cost, or anything else. Give me a call at the shop or setup a free, no pressure, no judgment consult.

Cheers!

Jim

September 7, 2022November 15, 2022

Smoking and removing a tattoo: Facts that could concern you

Smoker? Removing a tattoo may be more challenging

Removing a tattoo can be difficult enough, but smoking can have an impact on your success

If you’re thinking about getting a tattoo removed, there are a lot of factors that you should know about before getting started so that you can get the best result from the process. I usually see clients for 10-12 sessions to lighten for a cover up or completely remove a tattoo. Since there are 4-5 weeks between each removal session, it takes a time commitment. Besides time, there are other factors that come into play.

The age of the tattoo, the saturation of the ink, and the colors used all can ultimately influence the end result and how easy it is for you to lighten or completely remove your tattoo. Typically these are the factors that are most talked about when someone is considering laser tattoo removal to get a tattoo cover up, or to totally remove a tattoo.

Smoking and how it affects tattoo removal

However, another factor that is less talked about is whether or not you are a smoker. To get into why this matters, it’s best to talk about how the tattoo removal process actually works first.

Laser tattoo removal works by basically blasting tattoo particles in your skin apart into tiny pieces with a laser. This means that as those particles are broken up into smaller and smaller pieces, they are then sent into your bloodstream to be flushed out by your body’s immune system. After all, that old ink has to go somewhere, right? But because a smoker’s immune system is not in optimal condition, it can be much harder for a smoker’s body to flush out and remove the ink particles. This means that laser tattoo removal results may be harder to get in the same period of time for someone that is a smoker compared to a nonsmoker.

It’s been known for a long time that smoking negatively affects your body’s health and it’s ability to heal wounds. Toxins in cigarettes like carbon monoxide and nicotine depress your body’s immune system, which is what supports your immune function and ability to recover from wounds or illnesses. Nicotine reduces the amount of red blood cells your body makes, lowering your body’s ability to heal wounds. Carbon monoxide reduces the amount of oxygen in your system, negatively affecting how your immune system functions. Whether you smoke cigarettes or something else, any kind of smoking will negatively affect your immune system.

Surprising facts about smoking

According to a study published by the American Medical Association’s Archives of Dermatology, smoking can reduce the effectiveness of laser tattoo removal by up to 70%. This can obviously make your quest in removing a tattoo much more difficult, time consuming, costly, and potentially frustrating.

If you’re considering removing a tattoo and you’re also a smoker, I encourage you to consider your long term goals including your health and how much time you are willing to invest in an elective process that can come with a higher price tag. If the effectiveness of this process is drastically reduced because of your health, then it may take a much longer time to achieve the results you desire, or, you may not be able to remove your tattoo to the extent you want.

Consider your health

If you are extremely interested in removing a tattoo, you may want to quit smoking altogether for now and focus on your health. This includes not smoking, eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and getting appropriate exercise.

Knowing more information helps you make decisions for your health and your tattoo removal journey. Maybe you choose to quit smoking and focus on your health during the laser tattoo removal process. Or, maybe tattoo removal is just not a choice you can currently make. If you have questions about the process or want to talk to the actual person who removes tattoos, fill out our free consultation form or give me a call. We can chat about your concerns and options for removing a tattoo.

Cheers,

Jim