Photo-acoustic / Pico Laser Tattoo Removal
Artistry Wellness Hawai ‘i is proud to carry Enlighten SR Pico laser to offer tattoo removal to help address tattoo regret.
Tattoo Treatment Video
Tattoo Treatment Video
Frequently Asked Questions
HOW DOES IT WORK?
The Enlighten works by firing a beam of light through the skin in extremely short pulses. The light is absorbed by the tattoo ink creating a reaction which breaks the ink down into very tiny particles. The particles are removed over time by macrophages who carry off these fragments of ink. The Enilighten SR uses picosecond technology to break up different types and colors of ink. Because each pulse is so short (typically one trillionth of a second) and is targeted directly onto the pigment, there is normally no lasting damage to the skin or surrounding tissue. The whole procedure is repeated several times, usually at four to six weekly intervals, so allowing time for the body to remove as much pigment as possible.
HOW LONG DOES THE TREATMENT TAKE?
The use of topical numbing cream is optional. The procedure itself takes approximately 20-30 minutes depending on the size and number of tattoos. Should topical numbing is desired, an additional 30-45 minutes will be needed.
HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?
With the Enlighten technology 3-6 sessions of tattoo removal spaced 6 weeks apart are usually required to remove most tattoos. A consultation with one of the providers at Artistry Wellness Hawaii will give you a better estimate of the number of treatments that may be required to remove your tattoo. Remember, the laser only does half of the job of removing tattoos. Your body must then move the ink through the body. Smoking may delay clearing of tattoos in same clients. Remember, tattoo removal requires patience and persistence.
WILL THE TREATMENT HURT?
Enlighten laser pulses are so short they shatter the pigment with an acoustic shockwave, not with absorption of heat. This ultra-fast pulse feels similar to a rubber band snap. Although not pain-free, the process is considerably less painful than getting a tattoo in the first place. Topical anesthetic is typically used to minimize the sensation.
ARE THERE ANY AFTER EFFECT POST TREATMENT?
Following an Enlighten laser tattoo removal treatment, the affected area will be red. Small blisters may develop after 48 hours and the skin will gently peel a few days later. Complete recovery can vary from 1-2 weeks depending on the location and size of the tattoo. If blistering occurs, prolonged immersion in water, e.g. swimming should be avoided. The recovery is typically pain-free and wound care is limited to vaseline and a bandage. You can then watch your tattoo progressively fade away within weeks after your treatment. Ideal spacing between treatment is 4-6 weeks.
WILL MY TATTOO BE COMPLETELY REMOVED?
Getting rid of a tattoo is much more complicated than getting one. It’s not always possible to completely erase a tattoo. The ink colors, ink types, age of the tattoo and depth of the ink deposits all factor into the final level of clearance. We’ll always aim for 100%, but even when it’s not possible to completely remove a tattoo, you can expect effective fading.
Your Visit
BEFORE YOUR VISIT
Four Weeks Prior
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No sun-tanning or self-tanners including spray tans, tanning lotions, tanning beds, sun exposure, etc.
One Week Prior
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Avoid taking medications or supplements that thin the blood—Aspirin, Fish Oil, Vitamin E, and any NSAID’s (Non Steroidal Anti inflammatory agents such as Motrin, Advil, Aleve, Ibuprofen, Naproxen). Please consult with your primary care physician/practitioner prior to discontinuing any medications.
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Notify clinic with any changes to your health history or medications since your last appointment
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History of herpes or cold sores may require an anti-viral prescription prior to treatment
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Avoid treatments that may irritate the skin for 1-2 weeks prior to treatment (waxing, depilatory hair removal creams, chemical peels, etc.)
48 Hours Prior
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Avoid skin irritants (examples below)
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Products containing tretinoin, retinol, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic/salicylic acids, vitamin C/ascorbic acid, astringents, etc.
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24 Hours Prior
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Do not drink alcohol.
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Avoid caffeine.
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Plan your appointment well in advance and make sure you are not attending a party or a wedding venue for at least 1 week.
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If you develop a cold / flu, cold sore, blemish, or rash, etc. in the area to be treated prior to your appointment, we recommend that you please reschedule your appointment until it resolves.
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History of a histamine flare response may necessitate antihistamine dosage prior to treatment.
DAY OF YOUR VISIT
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Please arrive at the office with a "clean face"—makeup-free and washed.
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Excess hair may need to be shaved. Men should be cleanly shaved.
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A topical anesthetic or "numbing cream" may be applied to the treatment area to maximize your comfort. Please arrive on time as this process may take anywhere from 15-30 minutes.
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Hydrate.
AFTER YOUR VISIT
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Cold compresses or chilled gel packs may be applied post treatment.
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Bruising, redness and swelling are common and resolve with time
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Treated pigment will turn darker (brown to black) within 24-48 hours
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Do not pick at treated areas.
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Treated pigment will exfoliate off the face in approximately 1 week.
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Treated pigment will exfoliate off the body in approximately 2-3 weeks.
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Avoid sun exposure and use a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB and preferably mineral/physical) sunscreen to prevent further sun damage
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Avoid heat – hot tubs, saunas, etc. for 1-2 days
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Avoid skin irritants (examples below) a few days post-treatment
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Products containing tretinoin, retinol, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic/salicylic acids, astringents, etc. ntil the skin is fully healed and all crusting has resolved.
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Multiple treatments are required
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Notify clinic of any concerns (blistering, excessive redness/swelling, localized rash with or without redness, itching, etc.)
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Consult with clinic about when to resume skin care regimen.
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Warning: If excessive swelling or signs of infection occur, please contact the office immediately. (Moderate swelling immediately post treatment is normal). Signs of infection include:
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Drainage that looks like pus
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Increased warmth and/or redness around the treatment area
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Significant tenderness or pain around the treatment area
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Fever - Temperature of 100.5F or greater