Laser tattoo removal at my Honolulu practice is incredibly effective but still very misunderstood. Nearly all of my prospective patients have questions and concerns about what it feels like and what kind of time commitment it requires. In this blog post, I’d like to clear up some of those uncertainties to ensure you know exactly what to expect.

1.      Our laser turns your unwanted ink to dust — almost.

In my practice, I use PicoSure®, a laser device that’s effective for both skin resurfacing and tattoo removal. When used for fading an unwanted tattoo, PicoSure delivers short, intense bursts of laser energy that break tattoo ink down into extremely small particles — smaller than those created by competing lasers. Almost dustlike in size, these particles are easily eliminated by the body, for more effective results in fewer treatments.

2.      It feels like getting a tattoo.

You might have heard that laser tattoo removal is an extremely painful experience. I think most candidates will be relieved to know that treatment with PicoSure really isn’t. In fact, many people liken the sensation to the feeling of originally getting the tattoo. We use a topical numbing cream that further enhances the comfort of the procedure. Of course, the sensation also depends on where on your body you’re having the procedure performed, as well as your individual reaction to pain.

3.      You may not need as many treatments as you think.

As I mentioned earlier, PicoSure breaks down tattoo ink into extremely small particles, which makes the process of fading and eliminating ink much more efficient. During your initial consultation, I’ll evaluate the size, color, and location of your tattoo to give you a more specific idea of how many treatments you’ll need.