Although permanence is one of the hallmark characteristics of any tattoo, you may find that as your circumstances and aesthetic preferences evolve over time, you are no longer satisfied with your earlier tattoo selection or placement. Exact numbers vary, but it is estimated that more than 45 million Americans have at least one tattoo, and approximately half of these individuals regret their decision to get a tattoo. While some individuals may attempt to cover their initial tattoo with a new image transposed over the original, even the most skillfully applied ‘cover-up’ techniques are not appropriate or effective for all tattoos, and a cover-up is not a helpful solution for patients seeking complete tattoo removal.
Advances in Tattoo Removal Techniques
In addition to being highly uncomfortable and unreliable, older tattoo removal methods were not appropriate for all skin types and skin colors, and often resulted in permanent damage to the patient’s skin. Fortunately, modern tattoo removal methods have progressed significantly over the past five years, and now harness the power of advanced laser technologies to safely and comfortably ‘de-ink’ patients who are unhappy with their current body art.
The most advanced of these integrative laser tattoo removal technologies can be found in the category of Q-Switched lasers, which function by searching for contrasting pigmentation between your skin tone and the tattoo ink. The laser then directs powerful pulsating heat energy at the skin to shatter the ink into microscopic particles small enough for your lymphatic system to easily absorb. Although a number of medical aesthetic companies have produced Q-Switched lasers, Fotona's QX MAX is the highest performance single-pulse Q-Switched laser on the market.
The single-pulse feature of the QX MAX laser is crucial because the isolated nanosecond pulses are better able to remove pigment than multiple-pulse technologies of equivalently high power, resulting in improved laser treatment efficacy in a single session. Featuring four wavelengths in one system, the QX MAX is able to provide highly-effective tattoo removal treatments for virtually all pigment colors, making it one of the few tattoo removal treatments with the ability to successfully remove even complex, multi-colored tattoos.
Fotona's specially-designed, R-HX handpiece produces a completely flat laser beam profile that is hexagonal in shape, which allows for safe, precise, and controlled delivery of laser pulses to the treatment area while minimizing the risk of damage to the outermost layer of the skin (epidermis). This unique shape also helps to reduce the potential for common tattoo removal complications, such as: bleeding, tissue splatter and skin texture changes.
After learning about the remarkable features of this new laser removal technology, Medical Director Bijan Farah, MD decided to equip his practice with Fotona's QX MAX laser and R-HX handpiece, making Rejuvenate Medical Spa the only practice in the greater Los Angeles area with this cutting edge laser tattoo removal equipment. You can rest easy knowing that Rejuvenate Medical Spa’s laser tattoo removal equipment is safe and appropriate for use on all skin types and ethnicities, and is unlikely to produce any post-treatment skin irritation or complications.
Your Tattoo Removal Experience
During your initial tattoo removal consultation, Dr. Farah will perform a confidential medical evaluation to screen for potential skin or immune system problems, and will then assess the color, density, size, and placement of your tattoo(s) before providing you with an accurate cost estimate and his thoughts as to the number of sessions you will require for complete tattoo removal.
Patience will be necessary throughout your tattoo removal process, as the complete and permanent removal of your tattoos will likely involve multiple sessions spaced approximately 3 weeks apart. It is important to manage your treatment expectations, as even the most advanced tattoo removal techniques may not be 100% effective for every patient.
In general, grey/black or amateur tattoos are easier to remove than multi-color, professional tattoos, and fair-skinned patients typically require fewer tattoo removal sessions than patients with darker skin.
Ensuring your safety and comfort throughout the duration of your tattoo removal experience is the primary concern of every Rejuvenate Medical Spa staff member. To this end, we may administer injectable local anesthetics, topical numbing creams, and ice prior to your laser tattoo removal session to reduce any pain or tenderness.
Contact Rejuvenate Medical Spa
Our goal at Rejuvenate Medical Spa is to ensure that each and every patient receives customized treatments designed to meet their individual goals. All procedures at Rejuvenate Medical Spa are overseen by our Medical Director, Dr. Bijan Farah. Dr. Farah understands that importance of having well-informed patients, and will take the time to thoroughly review all of your laser tattoo removal options and procedural details so that you are completely comfortable and confident going into your treatment session.
If you are dissatisfied with the appearance of one or more tattoos, and are interested in learning more about the advanced laser tattoo removal options available at Rejuvenate Medical Spa, please contact our office today. We look forward to speaking with you and to scheduling your initial consultation with Dr. Farah!
