Body ink has become a huge trend today, moving beyond the tattooed biceps of sailors and bikers to people of every age and all walks of life. In 2014, more than one in five adults in the U.S. admitted to having at least one tattoo, according to a Harris Interactive poll. The rise in the number of tattooed people and the increasing societal acceptance of tattoos has also led to an increase in “tattoo regret,” a term coined for those who have second thoughts about their body art, perhaps wishing for it to be covered up with a new tattoo or removed entirely.
Reasons for Tattoo Regret
There are a number of reasons why you may want to remove or cover up a tattoo:
- The tattoo symbol or name is no longer relevant to your life (ex: names of exes, symbols from your college days)
- The tattoo is in a visible location and makes you feel self-conscious about your appearance
- Your tattoo is not high quality work
- Your body ink is prohibiting you from landing your dream job
- Your tattoo has significantly changed or faded over time
No matter your reason, tattoo removal is becoming nearly as popular as getting your art from the local tattoo parlor. With innovative laser technology today, eliminating unwanted ink is easier than ever before.
The Art of Tattoo Removal
The PicoSure laser is considered the gold standard in tattoo removal today. It represents the first innovation in laser tattoo removal in 20 years. The PicoSure laser effectively shatters targeted ink into tiny particles that can be eliminated by the lymphatic system. Even traditionally difficult colors to remove like greens and blues can be eliminated with the PicoSure in fewer treatment sessions than other tattoo removal methods.
Sticking with the Process
While PicoSure may offer faster tattoo removal than other types of cosmetic treatments, elimination of body ink is not an instant process. It takes a number of treatment sessions, usually spaced around 6-8 weeks apart, to achieve satisfactory results. It is helpful to remember the potential benefits of tattoo removal as you go through the process – whether it is renewed self-confidence, the ability to wear certain articles of clothing or the shot at a job promotion – to keep you motivated until you see the results you want.
William Umansky, MD and Jeffrey Umansky, MD use the PicoSure laser to perform tattoo removal at Umansky Plastic Surgery. The procedure usually takes less than an hour to complete and improvement will be seen after each treatment session. To learn more about PicoSure for tattoo removal, contact Umansky Plastic Surgery at 858-281-4560.