Tattoo Removal Specialist
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Refresh Rx Hawaii
Eugene M.C. Lee, MD
Internal Medicine & Sculpsure and Tempsure Specialist located in Honolulu, HI
Your tattoo felt like a symbol that would embody who you were forever. However, people change, and now the tattoo you once loved feels out of place. Fortunately, PicoSure® by Cynosure® is effective at removing tattoos of all sizes, colors, and locations. Contact Refresh Rx Hawaii in Honolulu, Hawaii to learn more about this innovative treatment.
Tattoo Removal Q & A
How does tattoo removal work?
PicoSure is the world’s first picosecond laser that works to remove unwanted ink on the body, without harming the surrounding tissue. It uses PressureWave® technology, which produces rapid bursts of energy to create pressure changes that break apart ink particles in the skin. Once those particles break down, your lymphatic system absorbs them and your immune system destroys them. PicoSure can remove tattoos of all colors and sizes, including multicolored tattoos.
In addition to removing tattoos, the PicoSure laser is also useful for reducing the appearance of wrinkles, age lines, and acne scars. The procedure is non-invasive and requires no downtime afterward. Typically, it involves fewer treatments than traditional laser tattoo removal.
What can I expect during treatment?
The team at Refresh Rx Hawaii starts by giving you a set of protective eye shields which you wear for the duration of the treatment. In some cases, the aesthetic specialists then apply a topical numbing cream to minimize discomfort. They will then test your skin’s reaction to the laser to determine the most effective energy level for treatment. Then, the PicoSure lasers pulse beams of intense light through the top layers of your skin. For many, the discomfort of this is no more than the snapping of a rubber band.
Each treatment takes between 10-15 minutes. However, the treatment time can vary depending on the size, color, and number of different colors comprise the tattoo.
Your specialist creates a personalized treatment plan based on your tattoo, including how many treatments you will need. Typically, there are six to eight weeks between each treatment.
Are there any side effects to tattoo removal?
Because PicoSure uses pressure and heat to break apart ink particles, patients are less likely to experience many of the traditional side effects associated with laser tattoo removal, such as pain and prolonged redness. Many patients experience between one and three hours of swelling and redness in the treated area.
Because PicoSure targets melanin to remove pigmentation, excess melanin in the skin due to a heavy tan may interfere with the treatment process. Using SPF 30 or higher sunscreen before and after treatment is recommended, as it makes your skin temporarily more susceptible to sun damage.
If you’re interested in getting rid of an unsightly tattoo, PicoSure might be the right option for you. Contact Refresh Rx Hawaii today to learn more.
