Tattoos are a popular means of self-expression and a way to embrace lasting works of art. Not all tattoos, however, live up to the expectations of the client, and when body art doesn’t meet your current aesthetic goals, it can put a damper on your confidence.
At Dermatology & Laser Center of San Diego, our team of medical professionals is here to help you erase body ink that no longer meets your approval. Laser tattoo removal can help you regain clear skin safely and effectively.
Everyone has the right to choose how they present themselves to the world, or even how they feel about the appearance of their own body. Tattoos give you the chance to express yourself or memorialize a meaningful time in your life.
Not all body art, though, is done with the same level of skill. Some tattoos simply do not turn out the way you’d imagined, leaving you with body art that you aren’t excited about.
Tattoo technology also changes over time. Today’s body art is far more advanced than what was available years ago. Some people choose to have their tattoos removed because they’re eager to replace old ink with a newer, more detailed design.
And for some, old tattoos are a reminder of a person or phase that is no longer relevant or meaningful. We all grow and change over time, and there’s nothing wrong with wanting to move beyond a tattoo that once seemed like a great idea but is now causing you to feel self-conscious about how your skin looks.
No matter what brings you to consider tattoo removal, we’re here to help.
Perhaps the best way to understand laser tattoo removal is to think about how tattoos are created in the first place. When a tattoo artist creates your body art, they use a device to place ink into the deeper layers of your skin.
Your immune system reacts to this disruption by launching a strong healing response. That’s what causes the inflammation, redness, and scabbing that follow a new tattoo. Some of the ink particles will be swept away into your lymphatic system and eventually cleared from your body.
Some of the ink articles are simply too large for this process to take place. They remain embedded in your skin and are visible at the surface. That’s what makes tattoos such a lasting choice (and not too long ago, a permanent choice).
Laser tattoo removal uses concentrated beams of light to break apart the ink particles in your tattoo. The light passes into your skin and is absorbed by the pigment in your tattoo. That light converts into heat, damaging the ink particles and breaking them down into smaller pieces.
Your immune response kicks in again, but this time your body can clear more of the ink because the pieces are smaller. Over time, you’ll see the tattoo fading, and many people can achieve completely clear skin after a series of treatments.
Tattoo removal is a customized experience, and your treatment plan depends on the size, depth, location, and colors of your body art. During your initial consultation, our practitioners assess your skin and discuss an optimal treatment path.
You’ll learn what to expect in terms of the timeline for your treatment, as well as the overall cost. You’ll also explore ways to support your body as it adjusts after treatment sessions.
Thanks to advancements in medical laser technology, there is no need to live with body art that no longer meets your aesthetic ideals. Dermatology & Laser Center of San Diego offers state-of-the-art laser tattoo removal systems that deliver safe and effective results. To learn more, set aside a few moments to schedule your visit, either online or by phone.
