Are you someone who turned 18 and immediately went out and got a tattoo just to prove your newfound adulthood? Did you put much thought into that tattoo, or did you just pick the first good thing out of the book the tattoo artist handed you? According to the FDA, one out of eight people regret getting at least one of their tattoos. Many men and women make the decision to get a tattoo early on in life, and then later realize it wasn’t the best idea. Or maybe you just don’t like where you chose to have it etched, or you’re not fond of the image you picked out all those years ago. If you’re just over it, and you’re ready to rid yourself of that bad decision, keep reading to learn how Dermatologist Dr. Sikorski of Natural Image OC can help you erase that tattoo for good!

How Is It Removed?

Though tattoos were once deemed permanent decisions, with today’s technology your tattoo can be completely removed, given the right treatment is used and you have the appropriate number of sessions for your unique case. Regardless of whether or not your tattoo is black, or has every color of the rainbow, Dr. Sikorski can work her magic to remove that regrettable ink.

Dr. Sikorski uses the Pico Genesis Laser on her patients for tattoo removal. The Pico Genesis Laser is a 2-in-1 aesthetic laser procedure that returns balance and clearance to your skin.* Each session with the Pico Genesis Laser only lasts about 20 minutes, depending on the characteristics of the tattoo being removed, and is a non-invasive procedure that provides minimal downtime. This means you can come in for a quick session on your lunch break and be back in the office afterward with just minimal redness to the treatment area. The Pico Genesis Laser can be used on all skin types, and almost anyone can benefit from it. In some cases, you may even see ideal results within two treatments.

However, when undergoing tattoo removal, the number of sessions you will need depends on several factors. These can include:

  • Color of the tattoo
  • Depth of the tattoo
  • Age of the tattoo
  • Ink composition of the tattoo
  • Your skin type

The Pico Genesis Laser is highly effective for tattoo removal because it works to break up the color pigmentation of the tattoo by combining two effective wavelengths in ultra-short pulses to create an intense, non-thermal, photo-mechanical disruption and remodeling of the upper dermis. This provides you with more uniform results than traditional methods.*

Tattoo removal is a slow process and takes several sessions before optimal results are achieved. It is important for you to visit with Dr. Sikorski at her office to discuss your ideal results with her, so she can give you a better idea of how many sessions it will likely take before you’re rid of that tattoo forever!

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Does Tattoo Removal Hurt?

Many men and women are reluctant to have their tattoo removed because they’ve heard horror stories about how badly it hurts and the scarring that can be left behind. Those are stories of old, and even if you’ve attempted to have a tattoo removed using the less effective and harmful methods of years past, you may still be eligible for laser tattoo removal using the Genesis Pico Laser.

With today’s advanced technology, tattoo removal is minimally painful and does not damage your skin in the process. Many of Dr. Sikorski’s patients say that laser tattoo removal feels like the quick snap of a rubber band on their skin resulting in just a small amount of discomfort that quickly subsides. If you have sensitive skin, Natural Image OC can provide you with topical numbing cream to make you more comfortable.

Side Effects of Tattoo Removal

While Dr. Sikorski uses the Pico Genesis Laser, which is the latest in laser technology on the market today, there is still the potential for side effects, though they are not common. Some of the possible side effects of laser tattoo removal are:

  • Swelling
  • Redness or tenderness
  • Blistering or scabbing
  • Bruising
  • Hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation

The good news is that most of these side effects are temporary and subside within hours or days. However, hyperpigmentation, which is when the body overproduces melanin in the skin in response to the laser and the treated area is left darker than the surrounding skin, and hypopigmentation, which is when the melanin in the skin is depleted from the laser and leaves the treated skin lighter than it previously was, typically take longer to go away. These annoying color changes are more obvious in people with darker skin tones but generally, do fade over time. If you experience hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation, it may take longer for your tattoo to be completely removed. Dr. Sikorski is most concerned with your overall health, so to ensure no permanent damage is done to the skin in the treatment area, you will have to wait longer between sessions to allow your skin to heal.

What Can I Do to Improve My Results?

  • Keep all of your appointments and follow Dr. Sikorski’s recommendation for the number of sessions you need in order to achieve your optimal results.
  • Follow all of Dr. Sikorski’s instructions for care of your treatment area. Often she will recommend cold compress to relieve pain and antibacterial soap for cleansing. Be sure to follow her instructions to a “T” to ensure you get your ideal results.
  • Stay out of the sun for at least three months. After your laser treatments, your skin will be sensitive to UV rays. It is important that you protect your treated skin with sunscreen and appropriate clothing.

Dermatologist in the Mission Viejo and Orange County area, Dr. Sikorski 1

Make Your Initial Consultation Today

Dr. Sikorski is excited to discuss your tattoo removal during a one-on-one meeting in her office. During your initial consultation, you will be able to ask her questions, meet her staff and take a tour of the office and surgical site.

If you’re tired of looking at that regrettable ink, don’t torture yourself any longer! Call Dr. Sikorski or use our online form today.

*Statements taken from Genesis Pico website.