Tattoo Removal in Tallahassee

When it comes to tattoo removal in Tallahassee, it’s best to choose a well-regarded clinic with the latest in cutting-edge technology. Tallahassee Plastic Surgery Clinic is proud to offer North Florida the Cutera Enlighten laser, one the most advanced laser platforms in the world.

The Cutera Enlighten laser achieves effective removal of tattoos with minimal to no discomfort. Our three board-certified plastic surgeons supervise patient treatment.

Nano and Pico technology is finally here in North Florida, providing you unmatched ability to treat your tattoos. Because we are a Center of Excellence, you can be assured of expert medical care using the most advanced laser platform in the region.

Which Tattoos Can Be Treated with Laser Tattoo Removal?

New, old or faded tattoos
Undesired parts of an existing tattoo
Previously treated tattoos by other laser systems (this reveals how much more advanced our laser system really is)

Who Is a Good Candidate for Tattoo Removal?

Ideal candidates for Cutera Enlighten laser tattoo removal have realistic expectations in terms of results and are in good health. It is an excellent option for people who have tried other tattoo-removal methods in the past without success.

The best candidates have small superficial single-color tattoos, since these are the easiest to remove. However, Enlighten technology can still remove all ink colors and tattoo sizes.

Non-smokers are good candidates for this procedure, since smoking negatively affects circulation in the skin. Circulation carries the shattered tattoo ink particles away from the area.

Alcohol also lessens the effectiveness of the procedure. The liver and the kidneys filter out the ink particles, and drinking makes this more difficult for them.

How Does Laser Tattoo Removal Work?

The Cutera Enlighten laser is the only laser of its kind to offer dual wavelengths with both the nano and pico pulses. It can provide more speed and power options than other lasers on the market, which means more effective treatments in less overall time, up to 40% faster.

A nano second of light comes in at a billionth of a second, while the pico second energy comes in at a trillionth of a second, creating a photo acoustic effect. The laser light hits so fast that it shatters the tattoo ink particle into tiny pieces that your immune system can clear away via the lymphatics.

We can treat a multitude of colors at various settings, unlike other lasers with only one wavelength or pulse duration.

Why Is This Laser Treatment Better?

The Enlighten laser can offer picosecond and nanosecond technology in one platform with industry-leading pulse energy to shatter pigment particles into tiny pieces that your body can handle.

With this technology, we can treat your ink problem more effectively, quickly, safely and with less pain. We can also offer numbing injections to relieve pain during the treatment.

With Enlighten, all skin types are suitable for tattoo removal, from light to dark skin color. We can also treat tattoos that did not respond to other laser treatments because Enlighten offers more power and speed of light.

How Long Does It Take?

Tattoo removal depends on several factors, but usually we can remove tattoos faster and with less treatment than other laser systems because of the advanced nano and pico second technology.

Four treatments are a goal, but some patients need more or fewer treatments depending on their tattoo specifics. It is best to space out these treatments in order to allow the skin to recover, ideally leaving 4 to 6 weeks between each session.

What Is AfterCare Like?

After a tattoo removal treatment, the tattoo fades away over the coming weeks. During this time, you must take care of the treated skin and watch for skin reactions.

It will be necessary to apply topical antibiotic cream to the region, and a bandage may also be required. The skin of the treated area may gently peel after a time. Moisturizing the area regularly will aid in the healing process.

Blisters may form on the skin of the treated area after two days have passed (or sooner in some cases). They should disappear naturally in a week or two. Cover them with a non-stick bandage to protect them from breakage. Do not break the blisters, since this can create scars. If breakage occurs, administer topical healing ointment.

The skin may be irritated and red for a time. To address this, place an ice pack against the area right after the treatment. Make sure the ice is covered instead of being held directly against the skin.

The treated area may feel itchy while the skin recovers; this is a common issue. Hydrocortisone cream helps to soothe the skin in order to reduce scratching.

It is important to remember that swelling, bruising, and tingling are not typical side-effects of this laser tattoo removal procedure. Contact our office if you are experiencing these side-effects.

What Are the Guidelines for the Recovery Process?

Typically, the entire recovery process after Enlighten laser tattoo removal only takes a week or two. The length of the healing process varies based on the size and location of the tattoo that was treated.

Once a patient’s Enlighten laser tattoo removal session is over, they can go back to their daily schedule. Patients must avoid physically taxing activities like heavy exercise or sports.

Avoid sun exposure while the skin of the area is healing, since skin is especially prone to sun damage during this time. Wear proper sunscreen whenever you are outside, and reapply as recommended.

Keep the targeted region elevated for a time in order to avoid the formation of blisters on the skin. This is especially important for lower leg, foot, and ankle tattoos.

You can resume showering three hours after the treatment, but you must avoid high water pressure. You must remove bandages before showering. Avoid pedicures until the healing process is complete, along with baths, hot tubs, and swimming pools.

During the recovery process, you will need to get a healthy amount of sleep, drink plenty of water, eat a balanced diet, and exercise regularly (light exercise starting at least three days after the treatment). These activities will ensure that your immune system stays strong, leading to a faster healing process.

How Much Does Tattoo Removal Cost?

The details of your case define the exact price of your tattoo removal. Factors like the size of the tattoo, the area of the body where it is located, and the number of treatment sessions required will help to determine cost.

Why Choose TPSC and the Cutera Enlighten Laser?

Choose Tallahassee Plastic Surgery Clinic because we have three board-certified plastic surgeons and three certified physician assistants to care for you. Have peace of mind knowing that plastic surgeons who are members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons are in charge of your care.

Lasers are powerful devices, and you must ensure you choose the highest level of training possible to get the safest and most effective care you can find. We are a Cutera Center of Excellence, which means we represent Cutera’s highest standard in the region.

To find out more about tattoo removal in Tallahassee, contact Tallahassee Plastic Surgery Clinic and set up your informative consultation. During this consultation, you can look over tattoo removal before and after photos and find out more about preparation, recovery, and the treatment process.