Category: Laser Tattoo Removal

The benefits of laser tattoo removal have everyone in the tattoo industry talking.

Tattoos are a popular form of self-expression, but what if your once-beloved ink no longer resonates with your present self? Enter laser tattoo removal – a revolutionary solution that offers countless benefits to those seeking a clean slate. In this blog post, I’ll explore the advantages of laser tattoo removal, shedding light on how I can help you regain confidence, embrace change, and allow you to either regain your skin or even simply update your old outdated tatto work with something new and fresh.

Safe and Effective Removal

Gone are the days of painful and risky tattoo removal techniques. Laser tattoo removal has become the gold standard thanks to its unparalleled safety and effectiveness. The procedure involves using high-intensity laser beams that precisely target the ink particles in your skin. These beams break down the pigments into smaller fragments, allowing your body’s immune system to flush them out naturally. With advanced technology, modern lasers can specifically target the ink while leaving the surrounding skin unharmed, making it a safe and gentle option for almost all skin types.

Erasing Regret: Emotional and Psychological Benefits

Regrettable tattoos can constantly remind of the past, causing emotional distress and hindering personal growth. Opting for laser tattoo removal frees you from the emotional baggage associated with unwanted ink. As the tattoo fades away, so does its negative attachment, allowing you to move forward with a renewed sense of self-confidence and positivity. Embracing the change brought on by laser tattoo removal can foster a healthier mindset, leading to improved mental well-being.

Reclaiming Professional Opportunities

In today’s competitive job market, visible tattoos can sometimes limit career opportunities, especially in industries with strict appearance policies. Laser tattoo removal offers a lifeline to professionals looking to reclaim their job prospects. Removing visible tattoos presents a more polished and professional image, boosting your chances of landing your dream job or advancing your career. Don’t let your ink define your career; take control with laser tattoo removal.

Freedom of Expression

While some tattoos may lose significance over time, others can become problematic due to changes in personal beliefs, relationships, or lifestyle choices. Laser tattoo removal empowers you to reinvent yourself and embrace new passions without the burden of old ink. It grants you the freedom to explore fresh ideas, styles, and forms of self-expression, as you’re no longer bound by the limitations of a permanent design etched on your skin.

Minimal Downtime and Quick Results

Laser tattoo removal offers a faster and more efficient process than traditional tattoo removal methods. Multiple sessions may be required depending on the tattoo’s size and complexity, but the results are well worth the effort. Each session is relatively quick and has minimal downtime, allowing you to resume your daily activities without significant interruption. Furthermore, advancements in laser technology have made the process more comfortable and less painful than ever.

Conclusion

Laser tattoo removal opens a world of possibilities for those seeking a fresh start and a renewed sense of self. Beyond the physical removal of ink, it offers emotional, psychological, and professional benefits that can be genuinely life-changing. Through safe and effective treatments, laser tattoo removal empowers you to embrace change, let go of the past, and unlock the hidden potential underneath your skin. If you want to embark on a transformative journey, consider the many benefits of laser tattoo removal – your canvas awaits a brand-new masterpiece.

Book your FREE consultation today!

The ability for a tattoo coverup has been around for a long time; laser brings us into a new world where we have more freedom over what we are working with as a coverup. When you typically cover up a tattoo for a couple of years. Down the road, you can see the old tattoo start to resurface under the new tattoo; this can even happen when the new tattoo is a total blackout. With a laser, we can break down the ink so that the new tattoos ink saturation will cover the old like a fresh coat of pain and won’t have to deal with seeing anything surface down the road.

The 2nd is the freedom that the artist can have in these situations. Tattoo artists must always figure out what is possible to tattoo for a coverup. What subject matter will work, and that’s not always going to be what you want as a client, thus making you now have a 2nd tattoo that isn’t great. With a laser, we can take that out of the equation.

Throughout five treatments, Tattooer Milo Alfring of Black Sage Studio and I started a journey to help him with a new tattoo coverup. He had been working on a full torso tattoo and made his way from the bottom up, knowing we would get his chest lightened up so he could finish the top. This post shows that process from start to finish and will help you understand the journey!

The Original Tattoo

What you are looking at here are the two birds that we will be treating with laser tattoo removal for them to be covered up eventually. All the work under them is new tattoo work and will be brought up to the top of his chest/collarbone area when we are done. The line work is heavy, and the fill is “black and grey.” This usually leads to a few treatments to break down the line of work. The black and grey filler should come out with only 1 or 2 treatments.

After One Treatment

As you can see in the photo above, virtually all his black and grey filler is gone. I talk with my clients about this quite a bit. Black and grey tattoos typically come out very fast because the black ink is mixed with water to dilute the pigment and give it that grey tone. Less ink = faster results.

Another thing to notice is how broken his line work looks. In the previous image, all the line work is clean and smooth, and now after only one treatment, you can see it’s turning rough and broken-looking. The client can sometimes have difficulty seeing results throughout the laser tattoo removal because they see the tattoo daily. I help ensure my clients know the process works by pointing out these changes.

After three treatments, we can see his grey wash filler is wholly gone, and the line work is breaking up more and more. The line work is also starting to look “fuzzy,” which means the body is breaking it down nicely. Another thing to notice through this process is that there aren’t any signs of blistering or scaring. I use a method called “low and slow.” The idea behind this method is to maintain the skin’s integrity without damage, leading to no side effects for the client to deal with when appropriately treated.

As time passes, the body continues to break down the ink, with each treatment working behind the scenes to help with the tattoo coverup journey. Working with the Low and Slow method, we can work on tattoos as early as once a month. This allows us to maintain steady progress and see great results throughout our sessions.

Treatment Video

People love to ask me what treatments are like and how long they take, so here is a video from our journey over the last few months. The average session only lasts around 30 seconds to 1 min.

Ready for a tattoo coverup

We did five treatments on Milos’s chest for his journey to a new tattoo coverup, and we had terrific results! As you can see in the image below, we got around a 90% reduction overall, and this is WELL beyond what you need for a proper coverup. Alongside his tattoo removal results, we kept his skin clean and free of blisters or scarring, thus allowing for his tattoo to be able to treat his skin as if there was never a tattoo there in the first place.

In Conclusion

As you can see, Milo’s chest is now so light that he won’t even have to worry about the new tattoo he will do on his chest. He now has the freedom to move forward with any designs possible for his continued work, thus completing his torso exactly how he and his artist intended without sacrificing style or design.

Book your FREE Consultation today, and let us help you with your future tattoo removal needs!

Laser tattoo removal is an increasingly popular method for removing unwanted tattoos. However, the process can be accompanied by some discomfort and pain. Knowing how to effectively manage Laser Tattoo Removal pain is essential if you’re considering tattoo removal or have already scheduled a session. In this blog post, we’ll explore some helpful tips and techniques to make your laser tattoo removal experience as comfortable as possible.

1. Choose a Qualified and Experienced Practitioner

The first step in minimizing pain during laser tattoo removal is to choose a qualified and experienced tattoo removal specialist such as Black Sage Laser. With over six years and thousands of clients, we have a lot of expertise in helping manage pain during laser treatments and continuously work to make the treatments as fast as possible. Our average client only has to sit for 30 seconds to 1 min.

2. Numbing Creams or Anesthetics

Numbing creams or anesthetics can be beneficial in reducing pain during laser tattoo removal, but they can also have side effects. Before your session, consult with your tattoo removal specialist about using a numbing cream. They may recommend applying a suitable product to the treatment area before the procedure to numb the skin and minimize discomfort.

3. Cooling Techniques for laser tattoo removal pain

Cooling techniques are another effective way to manage pain during laser tattoo removal. At Black Sage Laser, we use a Zimmer cooler cooling device to blow cold air over the treated area. The cold air helps numb the skin, making the procedure more tolerable. Additionally, ice packs or cold compresses before and after the session can temporarily relieve pain and reduce swelling.

4. Distraction Techniques

Distraction techniques can surprisingly effectively manage pain and discomfort during laser tattoo removal. Consider bringing headphones and listening to your favorite music or an engaging podcast during the procedure. Focusing on something other than the laser can help redirect your attention and make the process more bearable

5. Deep Breathing and Relaxation Techniques

Deep breathing and relaxation techniques can help you cope with pain and anxiety during tattoo removal sessions. Practice deep breaths before and during the procedure to relax your body and calm your mind. Controlled breathing can help reduce tension and distract from discomfort. Another technique we have found to be effective is humming. Humming can act as a meditative state during the treatments and help you stay relaxed and calm, thus reducing the overall pain and allowing your treatment to be done much quicker.

6. Over-the-Counter Pain Medication

If your tattoo removal specialist allows it, over-the-counter pain medication can be taken before your laser tattoo removal session. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, can help reduce pain and inflammation. However, it’s essential to consult with your tattoo removal specialist before taking any medication to ensure it doesn’t interfere with the laser treatment or your health.

7. Follow Aftercare Instructions

Proper aftercare is crucial for minimizing laser tattoo removal pain and promoting healing after laser tattoo removal. Your tattoo removal specialist will provide specific instructions, such as keeping the area clean, applying prescribed ointments, and avoiding exposure to the sun. Adhering to these instructions will aid in the recovery process and help alleviate any discomfort you may experience.

Conclusion:

While laser tattoo removal pain can cause discomfort, following these tips and techniques can help you manage it effectively. Choosing a qualified tattoo removal specialist, using numbing creams or anesthetics, employing cooling techniques, and practicing distraction, deep breathing, and relaxation techniques can all provide a more comfortable experience. Remember to consult your tattoo removal specialist for personalized advice and prioritize proper aftercare. By doing so, you’ll navigate your laser tattoo removal journey with greater ease and achieve the desired results.

Tattoo coverups have become a popular thing over the years for those that may have an unwanted tattoo on their skin. This can come from age, poor execution, or simply a desire to have a better tattoo than the ones they currently have. Let’s face it, the tattoo industry has become quite the art form in the last 20 years and most artists these days have a very different outlook on what they want to tattoo. For those looking to cover up their tattoos, laser tattoo removal has become a popular and effective method.

How laser tattoo removal works

laser tattoo removal uses a high-intensity laser beam to break down the pigment in the tattoo ink. The laser breaks down the ink particles into tiny fragments, which are then absorbed by the body’s immune system and eliminated. The process requires several sessions spaced out over 4-6 weeks, depending on the size and complexity of the tattoo. When getting into the world of coverups the number of sessions largely depends on the tattoo, how it was done, as well as age. Age plays such a huge part in the world of tattoo removal and you can read more about that in my post “Tattoo Removal-Factors-You-Should Know.”

Why should you choose laser tattoo coverup?

While laser tattoo removal can be used to remove a tattoo completely, it’s a very effective option for those looking to cover up a tattoo with a new design. Cover-up tattoos can be more challenging to design and execute due to the existing ink. Most artists have 2 options.

1. coverup the existing tattoo with something organic (trees, water, mountains, etc.) in order to have creative freedom over the new tattoo’s “flow”.
2. Black out the design heavily in order to hide the ink as much as possible underneath.

While either of these options is ok to discuss with your artists the one thing most people don’t talk about is after time goes by and the new tattoos ink truly settles in the skin. Once the new ink settles, the previously tattooed ink is likely to show up underneath the new ink. This is often why we see people who are looking to laser off old coverup tattoos that just didn’t turn out how they wanted them.

Laser tattoo removal for cover-ups works by removing specific areas of the existing tattoo, creating a blank and or lightened canvas for the new design to be applied. The laser can remove most ink colors, making it easier to cover up with new designs or color schemes. This process allows for more freedom in design and can create a cleaner, more polished look for the cover-up.

The Process

It’s important to note that laser tattoo removal is not a quick or painless process. Patients may experience discomfort during and after the procedure, as well as potential side effects such as scarring, swelling, and redness. It’s essential to discuss these risks with a qualified professional before beginning treatment.

Choosing the right clinic or professional for laser tattoo removal is crucial to ensure safe and effective treatment. Look for experienced providers who use FDA-approved lasers and have a track record of successful results. Be wary of clinics offering quick and cheap treatments, as these may not provide the best outcomes and may lead to complications.

In conclusion, laser tattoo removal has become a popular and effective option for those looking to cover up or remove tattoos. With the ability to remove most ink colors, the process can create a blank canvas for new designs to be applied. It’s important to choose a qualified professional and discuss potential risks before beginning treatment. With the right approach, laser tattoo removal can help individuals achieve their desired tattoo goals and express themselves confidently.

Laser tattoo removal is growing in popularity these days due to the fact that most people have realized they’re not stuck with the tattoos they have and have the ability to remove and or lighten them. Having options for your existing tattoos is such an amazing opportunity IMO because it really helps you be able to fix or eliminate things you’re not happy with.

How Laser Tattoo Removal Technology Works

Laser tattoo removal works by emitting pulses of high-intensity light that target the pigment in the tattoo ink. The light energy causes the ink particles to break apart into smaller fragments, which are then gradually eliminated by the body’s immune system. Obviously, there’s a far more technical way for me to explain all of this but that’s the simple side of it.

The 3 wavelengths of our laser

The Quanta Q-Plus C operates with 3 wavelengths each designed to target a specific color spectrum allowing us to remove a tattoo completely. Below is a breakdown of those wavelengths in nanometers.

• 1064nm – This wavelength handles all of your inks based in black.
• 694nm – This wavelength will target the Blue spectrum of colors. Blue, Green, purple, etc.
• 532nm – This wavelength targets the Red based inks. Red, Orange, Yellow, etc.

As you can see with these 3 wavelengths we are able to target all the colors in a tattoo, or even just 1 of those colors if need be.

Can we remove specific colors?

To a degree yes. Now that you have a general understanding of what each laser wavelength targets let’s talk colors. People like to ask about removing the red or blue from a tattoo so they can re-color it because maybe at the time it wasn’t executed properly and they want to redo it. The answer to that is “yes, to a degree”.

Let’s say I have a Blue circle on my arm that has a black outline around it. As we target the blue ink specifically the laser we’ll also zap some of the black outlines that’s because the blue ink will bleed into the black ink when the tattoo is being created. The same goes for all colors.

Now it’s not going to remove the black ink completely because the blue wavelength (694nm) isn’t set up to see black but it can affect the black line’s edge and cause it to possibly look worse in the end. That being said if my plan is to say remove the blue ink inside the circle and color it in with green, or purple then this becomes less of a worry. If I want to try and remove the blue ink so it’s simply a black outline with no color in the middle, this can prevent a challenge only because we aren’t sure just how much the outline would be affected by the blue ink being removed.

How accurate can the laser get?

Lasers, as we all know, are very accurate, once set up properly they’ll shoot at a specific mark perfectly each time but that’s also not quite what we are talking about here. In this case, we are talking about “can you remove this letter of my tattoo?” or “can we get rid of just that line that was messed up?”. The answer is, “YES WE CAN!”

I have a few clients I’m currently working with and we are doing just that. These clients have full sleeves and we are targeting specific tattoos in their sleeves or say a set of words inside a candy heart. It’s fun! Laser technology has brought us the ability to do so much more than just remove a tattoo completely.

In conclusion, you are never stuck with what you have these days. With some time, patience, and laser tattoo removal you really have the ability to do whatever you want to do with your tattoos in regards to coverups, removal, or even just fixes. Don’t let your old or simply poorly done tattoos discourage you from having the beautiful work we all strive for and don’t hesitate to reach out to me with any and all questions you might have regarding an idea or plan you thinking about!

If you have dark skin, the process of removing a tattoo can be more complicated than for those with lighter skin. However, with advancements in laser technology, it is now possible for people to achieve laser tattoo removal for dark skin safely and effectively. Below is a guideline for what you should know when getting laser tattoo removal for dark skin.

Why is laser tattoo removal different for dark skin?

Dark skin contains more melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. This extra melanin can make it more challenging to remove a tattoo with lasers because the laser energy can be absorbed by the melanin, causing damage to the surrounding in. Issues such as hypopigmentation are a factor when removing the tattoo. Still, with darker skin and the Quanta Q-Plus C laser, we have been able to combat these side effects quite well, leaving little to no scarring on darker skin types.

What to expect during the laser tattoo removal process

During a laser tattoo removal session, we will use the latest in laser technology to break down the tattoo ink into small particles that can be absorbed by the body. The number of sessions required for complete removal depends on several factors, including the size, location, and age of the tattoo, as well as the color and type of ink used. Darker skin can result in more treatments than normal simply because we use a “low and slow” method to ensure a safe procedure for skin types 4 and above. Below is a copy of the Fitzpatrick Scale where you can reference what you think your skin type would be.

Aftercare

After the treatment, it is common to experience some redness and swelling, which should subside within a few days. Sun exposure should be avoided for 2 few weeks to minimize the risk of pigmentation changes. This is most important for skin types 4 and above due to the added melanin in the skin. Overexposure to the sun after laser tattoo removal for dark skin has a higher risk of pigment changes and there’s no point in getting a tattoo removed just to be left with a permanent scar where the tattoo was in the first place. Outside of these factors, the aftercare is the same for all skin types. We highly recommend following our aftercare sheet for the best results in your tattoo removal process.

Choosing the right practitioner for laser tattoo removal on dark skin

When choosing a practitioner for laser tattoo removal on dark skin, it is important to select someone who has experience and expertise in working with dark skin. This is due to the process being slightly complicated, and a skilled practitioner will have the necessary knowledge and tools to safely and effectively remove the tattoo. With over 6 years under our belt removing tattoos we have seen our fair share of tattoo removal for dark skin and are very confident in our ability to see great results no matter what the challenge.

In conclusion, laser tattoo removal for dark skin is a viable option for everyone. With advances in laser technology and the expertise of our laser technician, tattoos can be safely and effectively removed, allowing people with dark skin to move on from their old tattoos and embrace a new, chapter in their lives, even if that means getting a new tattoo over the old one. Always talk to your laser technician and ask as many questions as you can. We are very open and knowledgeable about this process and have no problems sitting with our clients making sure they are fully aware of the entire process, start to finish.

Tattoos are a popular form of self-expression, but for some, they may no longer hold the same meaning or significance as they once did. For these individuals, laser tattoo removal may be an option to consider.

Before undergoing laser tattoo removal, it is important to consider the following:

Color of the tattoo:

Different colors of ink absorb different wavelengths of laser energy, making certain colors more difficult to remove than others. For example, black and blue inks are typically easier to remove, while purple and brown inks may be more challenging. With laser tattoo removal we face color challenges all the time and we have plenty of options to try with even the most stubborn inks.

Size of the tattoo:

Larger tattoos may require more treatment sessions than smaller ones. The size of the tattoo can also mean there is far more ink involved in the tattoo. We talk to our clients about the amount of ink in a tattoo and how that can affect the removal process greatly. A tattoo that has been filled in with great depth and heavy amounts of ink such as a Tribal or Neo Traditional tattoo will take more treatments to break down than a Black and Grey tattoo will.

Location of the tattoo:

Tattoos located in areas of the body with thin skin, such as the face or ankle, may be more sensitive and require extra care during the removal process. Another thing is that tattoos closer to the heart have been known to remove faster. Blood flow plays a big role in tattoo removal and the closer your tattoo is to the engine the better your body’s ability to provide the necessary blood flow to work on it.

The cost:

Laser tattoo removal can be expensive we really can’t sugarcoat this part. But we can say that prices vary from tattoo to tattoo. I.e. a solid square that’s 4″ in diameter would be around $200 per session but if that same square was just an outline it would only be $99. If you would like to read an article on tattoo removal costs and what to expect you can do so here.

The pain:

The procedure can be uncomfortable and may cause pain or discomfort during or after the treatment. At Black Sage, we use what’s known as a Chiller, a cryo machine that blows out -27º cold air to help numb the skin during the process but the biggest highlight is the time factor. Most people don’t realize that the average tattoo removal treatment only lasts 30 seconds to 1 minute. Our clients often tell us “ya it can be painful, but it’s so fast that it’s very manageable.”

The healing process:

After the treatment, it is normal to experience redness, swelling, and some tenderness in the treated area. You should keep the area clean and moisturized using aloe vera, and avoid exposing the area to the sun or other forms of UV light until it is completely healed. We recommend our clients keep the treated area out of direct sunlight and soaking in water for 5-7 days after treatment. Showers are permitted after 24 hours.

The age of the tattoo:

Age plays such a huge role in laser tattoo removal. Tattoos under 5 years old are considered new in our world and can take a few more treatments to lighten or remove completely. 10 years and older and you fall into the spectrum of normal removal times. 20+ years will knock down your removal time by 25% or more and if you happen to have a 30+-year-old tattoo you can pretty much see amazing results in only 1 or 2 sessions. Now, remember the type of tattoo, skin type, health, and tattoo location all play a factor in this as well.

The results may vary:

It’s important to have realistic expectations about the outcome of the procedure. It may not be possible to completely remove a tattoo, particularly newer or larger tattoos. Although these tattoos can be challenging we have seen great results with our treatment procedures and are always happy to talk to everyone about whatever challenges they might be facing on a full removal as well as coverups.

Laser tattoo removal is a non-invasive procedure that uses laser energy to break down the ink particles in the tattoo, allowing the body to naturally remove the ink over time. This procedure should always be performed by a licensed professional such as our technician at Black Sage Laser.

Overall, laser tattoo removal is a safe and effective option for those looking to remove unwanted tattoos. It is important to carefully consider the factors listed above and to book a free consultation to determine the best course of treatment for your tattoo or tattoos.

The history of tattoo removal can be traced back to ancient times when various methods were used to remove tattoos. However, it wasn’t until the invention of laser technology in the 1960s that tattoo removal became a more viable and effective option. Nowadays technology is very efficient and we have the ability to remove and lighten tattoos with little to no scarring or damage to the skin at all.

Early methods of Tattoo Removal

Early removal methods, such as Salabrasion or Dermabrasion. The process of sanding down to deeper levels of the skin with a high-speed rotary device and involves physically abrading the skin to remove the tattoo. Needless to say, these methods are often very painful and result in very bad scarring as you can see in the example here. I can’t stress enough how much I do NOT recommend these methods for getting rid of your unwanted tattoos.

Laser Technology

With the invention of laser technology, tattoo removal became much less invasive and resulted in fewer side effects. The first laser designed for tattoo removal was the Q-switched ruby laser, which was developed in the 1960s. This laser emitted short pulses of intense light that broke down the ink particles in tattoos, allowing them to be absorbed and eliminated by the body.

At first, this laser worked quite well for tattoo removal due to the fact that most black tattoo inks were based on the color blue and the “ruby” laser sees the spectrums of blue the best. this means, blue, green, purple, and so on. The challenge came later on as tattoo inks progressed and ink companies found deeper darker black inks by basing them in browns and other colors. When this happened the Ruby wavelength started to prove less effective against these colors.

In the decades that followed, other types of lasers were developed, including the Q-switched Nd: YAG laser which would fire at an Nanometer of 1064nm. Penetrating the skin far deeper thus attacking the black inks people were after. Not long thereafter scientists also found that a wavelength of 532nm (half of 1064nm) proved very useful against the red pigments in tattoos and thus you had the birth of the 3-wavelength laser tattoo removal machine such as the one we use, the Quanta Q-Plus C.

Things to remember

Today, laser tattoo removal is a popular cosmetic procedure, with many different types of lasers available to choose from, and knowing what this technology is capable of and what the side effects might be is very important. The type of laser used for tattoo removal depends on the size, color, and location of the tattoo, as well as the patient’s skin type. At Black Sage Laser we trust in the Quanta Q-Plus C and chose this laser over all others like the PicoSure because, after all of our research, we found it was truly the number one machine out there for tattoo removal.

In conclusion, the history of tattoo removal has come a long way since ancient times and even since the days of sanding down the skin, but hey it all had to start somewhere right? With the development of laser technology, tattoo removal has become a safe and effective option for those looking to remove unwanted tattoos or even just lighten them up to get better more modern work. While there is still room for improvement in the field, today’s tattoo removal techniques are much less painful and invasive than those of the past. Make sure you reach out to our professional laser technician and set up an in-person consultation to answer any and all questions you might have.