Cosmetic Services
Tattoo Removal
Did your tattoo sound like a great idea at the time, but you now wish it was gone? The RevLite is a state-of-the-art laser tattoo removal system that can lighten or remove tattoos by sending pulses of light energy into the skin. These light pulses target various pigments of ink in your tattoo, breaking them down one at a time.
Unlike old tattoo removal devices, RevLite uses multiple laser wavelengths in one device, which makes it very versatile. Each wavelength is optimal for treating specific ink pigments. RevLite provides effective results but does require multiple treatments. The number of treatments necessary to get optimal results will vary.
Results may vary depending on:
- What type of ink was used
- Color(s) of the tattoo
- How deep the tattoo is
- How old the tattoo is
In addition to tattoo removal, the RevLite laser can perform other skin treatments such as pigmented lesions and fine lines and wrinkles.
Schedule your consultation with Zen Dermatology in Sacramento, CA, to see if Tattoo Removal is right for you! At Zen Dermatology, our mission is to help people feel their best with the most effective treatments available. Let’s work together!
Preparing For Your Treatment
What is Laser Tattoo Removal?
Laser Tattoo Removal is a procedure that is performed to remove or partially remove an unwanted tattoo. While tattoos are generally considered permanent, it is now possible to remove them with treatments, fully or partially. The “standard modality for tattoo removal” is the non-invasive removal of tattoo pigments using Q-switched lasers.
The goal is to reduce the pigmentation to the highest degree with the current level of technology. The treatment end-point is when no further observation of tattoo reduction is seen or at the request of the client. Realistic expectations are to reduce a tattoo size/intensity, as opposed to complete removal.
Zen Dermatology performs tattoo removal/reduction with our Revlite Q-Switch laser.
Skin care after each laser treatment must be thoroughly followed. Please follow all instructions carefully! Failure to do so will increase the probability of developing complications.
You will need to get the following supplies for this post treatment:
- Moisturizing occlusive ointment per physician’s directive
- Ice/ cold packs
- A broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunblock SPF 50 or greater for post-treatment.
- Non-stick bandages are recommended
- For the one month prior to treatment, avoid sun exposure, as well as tanning beds and tanning creams. Use a broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunblock SPF 50 or greater when the treatment area is exposed to the sun. If you are tanned, you will not be treated.
- No Retin-A or other Retinols should be used on the area that is to be treated 7-10 days before treatment.
- On the day of treatment, it is important that you clean the area to be treated. If your face and neck are being treated, you should be clean-shaven before the procedure.
If you have any questions about these instructions or the procedure, please contact your provider.
- It is important to follow your provider’s instructions after treatment.
- If you experience redness or swelling after treatment, apply a cold pack for 15-20 minutes to the affected area(s) up to 4 times a day.
- OTC Hydrocortisone cream (e.g.. Cortaid 1% cream) may be applied over the involved areas at bedtime if desired.
- Do not wear restrictive clothing over a treated area for at least 48-72 hours.
- An emollient such as Aquaphor should be applied over each treated area to allow for proper healing.
- Do not let the area dry out or scab. This is especially important during the first 48 hours.
- You may shower the following day, but try to avoid saturation of the involved area (use of a bathtub/spa); also do not scrub the area until it is completely healed.
- For tattoos located on the ankle area and feet: Avoid excessive athletic activity (e.g.. running/jogging) for at least 48-72 hour after a treatment. If swelling occurs in a treated spot elevation of the affected area and applying ice as described above should address the problem.
- If you have any questions about these instructions or the procedure, please contact your provider.
FAQ
Did your tattoo sound like a great idea at the time, but you now wish it was gone? The RevLite is a state-of-the-art laser tattoo removal system that can lighten or remove tattoos by sending pulses of light energy into the skin. These light pulses target various pigments of ink in your tattoo, breaking them down one at a time.
Unlike old tattoo removal devices, the RevLite uses multiple laser wavelengths in one device, which makes it very versatile. Each wavelength is optimal for treating specific ink pigments. RevLite provides effective results but does require multiple treatments. The number of treatments required to get optimal results will vary.
Laser tattoo removal, especially with our RevLite device, is quite comfortable for our patients. You can expect some light tingling as the laser wavelengths pulse through the skin, but it should not be a painful process.
Laser tattoo removal is a process that often takes multiple sessions to complete. As the ink needs to be removed in a layered process, it often takes five to ten sessions to remove a tattoo in its entirety altogether.
The results of your laser tattoo removal will vary depending on several different factors, but we will always do our best to ensure maximum results.
Laser tattoo removal typically does involve some level of pain. We do our best to make you as comfortable as possible by applying topical numbing cream and utilizing our Zimmer.
The length of time will depend on the size of the tattoo(s). Patients should expect to be in the office for about 45-60 minutes for the treatment. While the actual treatment itself only lasts for about 5-30 minutes, between numbing and icing your skin post-treatment, patients will be in the office for about 45-60 minutes.
Laser Tattoo Removal is not an exact science and the results vary depending on how old the tattoo is, what type of ink was used, and the color of the tattoo. Most patients will need between 6-10 treatments.
For laser tattoo removal treatments, we advise waiting 6 weeks between treatments.