PicoSure® Laser Tattoo Removal
Centrally located in Southampton, PA and serving Philadelphia, Bucks, and Montgomery Counties, the Kole Plastic Surgery Center uses the PicoSure® laser for patients interested in tattoo removal.
Over hundreds of years, tattooing has developed into a common way to display independence, artistic expression and individuality. Indeed, studies show that roughly 21 percent of American adults have a tattoo, including 60 percent of women aged 18 and older.
However, this has also led to increased demand for tattoo removal. Modern aesthetic lasers provide a safer and more effective means of removing ink from the skin. Lasers do this by targeting the pigment with a high-intensity beam of light, which causes it to degrade into smaller particles. Afterward, the body absorbs the ink, and the tattoo fades until it’s no longer visible. For over two decades, Q-Switched lasers have been the gold standard of tattoo and skin spot removal.
Today, the PicoSure® laser creates a photomechanical impact with its ultra-short pulses, effectively smashing the ink into fine particles. Because these are so tiny, they’re easier for the body to absorb and are eliminated via natural bodily processes. Because of this, each PicoSure® treatment will cause the tattoo to become lighter and disappear faster than ever.
About PicoSure® Laser Tattoo Removal
PicoSure® is the first significant advancement in laser tattoo removal in two decades for these reasons:
- 1,000 times faster than Q-Switched lasers
- Ink is more thoroughly destroyed
- Removal is faster and more complete, even on hard-to-target colors such as greens and blues
- Requires fewer treatments than older laser methods
- Typically removes tattoos that are resistant and have stopped responding to other laser methods
- Fewer side effects
PicoSure® utilizes PressureWave™ technology to more thoroughly disrupt the tattoo ink. This offers improved clearance in fewer treatments and causes less skin injury. As the ink is broken down into smaller particles, the immune system removes them from the body. With each treatment, the tattoo becomes more faded. The destruction of tattoo ink pigment is far more complete with PicoSure® than the traditional YAG tattoo removal devices.
Will The Laser Tattoo Removal Hurt?
Some minor discomfort is to be expected, and most people liken the sensation to that of a rubber band snapping against the skin. However, this can vary with each patient. We will do everything we can to ensure that you experience as little pain or discomfort as possible.
With that in mind, we often apply a high-potency topical anesthetic cream or in more sensitive patients may actually use an injectable local anesthesia and routinely use a Zimmer Chiller, which blows cold air over the skin, during the procedure to help you stay comfortable.
What Is the Cost of PicoSure® Laser Treatment for Tattoo Removal in Philadelphia and Bucks County?
During your consultation appointment, we’ll measure the tattoo and estimate how many treatments will be necessary to remove it completely. If the tattoo is very large, like a sleeve, we do not price it by the square inch. Instead, we’ll give you a custom price that depends on the size of the tattoo and the expected difficulty of removal.
Here is a PicoSure Tattoo Removal Pricing Guide:
- Size of Business Card or Smaller (3.5 x 2 inches) = $300 per treatment
- Up to 10 square inches = $500 per treatment
- 10 – 20 square inches = $750 per treatment
- More than 20 square inches (customized size) = $1,000 and up per treatment.
To learn more about pricing
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All procedures performed by Dr. Kole not a technician.
The Kole Plastic Surgery Center Center accepts cash, check, and credit card (MasterCard®, Visa®, American Express®, Discover®) as acceptable forms of payment.
Financing is also available through CareCredit®, United Medical Credit, and Advanced Care.
How Many Treatments Does It Take To Remove A Tattoo?
Each tattoo responds differently to the treatment depending on various factors. There are differences in ink color and composition, the density and depth of placement, your skin type, and unique immunological factors. Tattoos that are over bony prominences and smokers require additional treatments. Ink originating in Asia is of higher quality and is more difficult to remove. Ink from Mexico and amateur tattoos require fewer treatments. Estimating the number of treatments required is merely an educated guess, and you may require more or fewer treatments than stated. At your consultation, Dr. Kole will estimate how many treatments you’ll likely need to remove the tattoo.
How Frequently Can I Return for More Treatments?
Tattoo removal is a gradual process that relies on your immune system. It’s recommended to space treatments at least six weeks apart. As the tattoo becomes less apparent, treatments may need to be further apart – about every eight weeks.
What Is The Aftercare Like?
During the procedure, the tattoo may blanch white for a short time. It will then slightly swell and turn red, but this typically disappears within a few hours. It’s important to cover your tattoo with an ointment and a bandage the first day after treatment. In most cases, it will feel like a sunburn and shouldn’t hurt unless touched. It’s also important to keep it covered between treatments to avoid sun damage and darkening of the skin. During your consultation, Dr. Kole will provide you with specific instructions.
Are There Contraindications For PicoSure®?
Currently, PicoSure® is only available for people with skin types I through IV. People with type V (black) skin cannot receive PicoSure® treatment without going a small test spot to see if the laser reacts with the patient’s own melanin. The procedure also cannot be used to remove cosmetic tattoos (permanent makeup).
Contact Us Today for a Consultation
Do you have a tattoo that no longer suits your lifestyle or reminds you of a past unpleasant experience? Now may be the time to consider laser tattoo removal by Kole Plastic Surgery. As a board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Kole offers treatments for tattoo removal for men and women in Southampton, PA, Philadelphia County, Bucks County, Montgomery County and surrounding areas of Bucks County, PA. The treatments eliminate the pigments without scarring your skin. In just a few treatments, your unwanted tattoo will be nothing more than a distant memory. Contact us today to schedule a personal consultation.
