Everything You Need to Know About Tattoo Removal
Thinking about removing an unwanted tattoo? Whether it’s a tattoo that no longer fits your style, a faded piece you’d like to completely clear, or simply something you’re ready to move on from, laser tattoo removal can help.
At Emily Anne Esthetics, we utilize the Candela PicoWay® Pico Laser, an advanced picosecond laser technology designed to efficiently target and break down tattoo ink. While every tattoo and every person responds differently to treatment, understanding what to expect can make the process much more comfortable and predictable.
Does Tattoo Removal Hurt?
Tattoo removal can be uncomfortable, but treatment is typically very quick. Most people describe the sensation as feeling similar to a rapid rubber-band snap against the skin.
Discomfort can vary depending on the location of the tattoo, the amount of ink present, and the sensitivity of the area. Bony or particularly sensitive areas may feel more intense than areas with more soft tissue.
At Emily Anne Esthetics, we use ice packs before and after treatment to help keep you as comfortable as possible throughout your appointment.
How Long Does It Take for a Tattoo to Fade?
One of the most important things to understand about laser tattoo removal is that fading happens gradually.
During treatment, the PicoWay laser delivers extremely rapid energy pulses that help break tattoo ink into much smaller particles. After the laser treatment, your body's natural immune system takes over. White blood cells gradually engulf and transport the fragmented ink particles away through the body's lymphatic system.
Because your body is responsible for clearing the ink after treatment, tattoo removal requires patience. Your lifestyle, circulation, immune response, tattoo characteristics, and the time between treatments can all influence how quickly your tattoo fades.
Rather than thinking of tattoo removal as the laser simply "erasing" your tattoo, think of the laser as breaking the ink down into pieces small enough for your body to gradually clear.
How Long Will My Appointment Last?
The length of your appointment depends largely on the size, location, and colors of your tattoo.
Small tattoos may take only 10–15 seconds of actual treatment time. Larger or more complex tattoos can take several minutes. For example, a full-back tattoo could require approximately 5–10 minutes of treatment time.
Tattoo color also plays an important role. If your tattoo contains multiple colors, we may utilize different laser handpieces and wavelengths to target the various ink colors and achieve the best possible results.
While the treatment itself can be surprisingly quick, your total appointment may be longer to allow time for consultation, preparation, aftercare instructions, and post-treatment care.
What Should I Know Before My Tattoo Removal Appointment?
A little preparation can help your appointment go smoothly.
Before your treatment:
Wear loose, comfortable clothing that provides easy access to the tattooed area.
Avoid applying self-tanner to the treatment area.
Follow any specific pre-treatment instructions provided by your provider.
After treatment:
It's important to give your skin time to recover. Avoid sweating and natural bodies of water for at least 24 hours following your treatment.
As always, follow the individualized aftercare instructions provided by your tattoo removal professional.
What Is the Difference Between Pico and Q-Switched Laser Technology?
Both Q-Switched and picosecond lasers use photoacoustic energy to target tattoo ink rather than relying primarily on thermal heat.
The biggest difference is the speed and duration of the laser pulse.
Picosecond Technology
Picosecond lasers deliver energy in extremely short pulses, creating a powerful photoacoustic effect that helps shatter tattoo ink into very small particles.
Think of it like taking a large boulder and breaking it down into tiny pebbles or grains of sand. The smaller ink particles can then be more readily recognized and cleared by the body's immune system.
Q-Switched Technology
Q-Switched lasers also use photoacoustic energy to break down tattoo ink, but their pulses are generally longer than those of picosecond technology.
A simple way to visualize the difference is to imagine breaking a boulder into a couple of smaller boulders rather than many tiny pieces.
Because Q-Switched pulses can result in more photothermal energy and heat diffusion into surrounding tissue, there can be a greater risk of unwanted skin effects such as pinpoint bleeding, blistering, or changes in pigmentation when treatment is not appropriately selected or performed.
Why We Choose PicoWay
At Emily Anne Esthetics, we utilize the Candela PicoWay® Pico Laser for our tattoo removal treatments.
We chose PicoWay because of its advanced picosecond technology and its ability to target a broad range of tattoo ink colors using different wavelengths. Our goal is to provide an effective, carefully customized treatment based on your individual tattoo and skin.
Can All Skin Tones Be Treated?
Yes. Tattoo removal can be performed on all skin tones.
However, every skin type requires thoughtful treatment planning. Laser settings and treatment parameters should be customized based on your individual skin tone, tattoo, ink colors, and other factors to help achieve effective results while minimizing the risk of unwanted skin reactions.
During your consultation, we can evaluate your tattoo and skin and determine an appropriate treatment approach.
Does the Age of My Tattoo Matter?
It can!
Generally, older tattoos tend to respond more readily to laser tattoo removal than newer tattoos. Your body begins interacting with tattoo ink as soon as it is introduced into the skin, and over time, your immune system naturally works to remove some of those ink particles.
This means a tattoo that has been in your skin for many years may already have experienced some natural fading, while a newer tattoo may contain a higher concentration of ink.
For example, a 20-year-old tattoo may respond differently than a tattoo that was applied only one year ago.
However, tattoo age is only one piece of the puzzle. Ink color, ink density, tattoo location, tattoo depth, skin tone, and your body's individual response can all affect the number of treatments needed.
Every Tattoo Is Different
There is no universal number of sessions that guarantees complete tattoo removal. Some tattoos fade significantly with relatively few treatments, while others require a longer treatment plan.
At Emily Anne Esthetics, we take the time to evaluate your individual tattoo and develop a treatment approach based on its size, colors, age, location, and your skin.
Laser tattoo removal is a process, not an overnight transformation. With the right technology, appropriate treatment intervals, and patience, your body can gradually clear the fragmented ink over time.
Ready to Start Your Tattoo Removal Journey?
If you have a tattoo you're ready to say goodbye to, a consultation is the best place to start. At Emily Anne Esthetics, we use Candela PicoWay® technology to create a customized approach to tattoo removal for every client.
Your tattoo has a story—but you get to decide when that story ends.