The thing you said would never happen, happened. 

That symbol from your wilder days makes you blush every time you see it. 

That long-term relationship didn't actually last forever. Now, you have a reminder glaring back at you every time you step out of the shower. 

Those music lyrics that a younger version of yourself thought were so deep are bothering you. They're distracting during work, and bring attention to you during the holidays.

You've thought it over, and are ready to consider laser tattoo removal. Where do you begin? How does it work? Are there different kinds of laser removal devices?  

As experts of the tattoo removal experience, we'll walk you through the most popular options: Enlighten vs. PicoWay vs. PicoSure.

How Does Tattoo Removal Work? 

Tattoo removal uses the right laser to heat, displace and dissolve ink particles on the skin. The laser works over multiple sessions to fade the pigment that was permanently applied during the tattoo session. 

There are a few different factors that contribute to the success of a removal: 

• Age of the tattoo
• Ink color
• Ink density
• Where the tattoo is placed

Regardless of laser type, most sessions follow the same three steps. 

First, the technician will take a look at the ink and select the right tool. This will depend on the size of the tattoo and the pigment type. The right tool will break them down quickly and thoroughly.

Once the laser starts to work, direct energy shatters the ink into tiny particles. At that point, those particles are no longer bonded to the skin. 

Once dissipated, the body removes the ink through the body's natural healing processes of the lymphatic and waste system. This is why it is important to stay hydrated. 

Industry-Leading Technology 

Specialists have been using lasers for tattoo removal since the 1970s. Early technology was painful and imperfect. Even so, it was an improvement to the steps people usually took for tattoo removal. Early tattoo removal included:

• Food and excrement injection
• Excision
• Cryotherapy
• Chemical burns
• Dermabrasion (removing layers of skin through exfoliating)

These procedures were also painful and often caused scarring. 

Once laser removal was invented, scientists worked tirelessly to improve the user experience. 

Because the original lasers caused scarring and permanent damage to patients skin, it became necessary to develop technology that was safe for the public. Statistics suggest that tattoo removal clinics have grown by over 400% in the last decade. This makes safe technology even more important. 

Luckily, technology has improved beyond burning, surgical excision, and the "scraping" of skin tissue. Newer lasers ensure that difficult pigments like blues and greens can be easier to lighten.

Depending on the system, fewer treatments are necessary. What was once a very painful procedure is becoming less and less painful. Technology is proving that a tattoo does not have to be something a person lives with forever.

The First Laser: Q-Switched Lasers

Q-Switched laser technology became widely available in the 1990s. They produced intense strobes of energy that could break down and shatter the pigments without damaging the surrounding skin.

Important things to consider with the Q-Switched laser system: 

• Painful process
• Potential for sensitive, damaged skin that is sensitive to sunlight
• Long healing time due to the burns that occur on the skin
• Likely pigmentation and discoloration
• Scaring

Luckily, science always has a way of improving a technology's weakness.  

Picoseconds and Nanoseconds

Scientists created the picosecond and nanosecond lasers as a result of Q-Switched laser limitations. Scientists then created the nanosecond laser as an improvement on the picosecond laser. 

Picoseconds and nanoseconds are measurements of seconds. A nanosecond is one-billionth of a second (shorter than a blink); a picosecond is one-trillionth of a second. 

A nanosecond laser uses primarily heat to break up ink on the body. Because it needs longer contact with the skin, it is more painful. A nanosecond laser has the potential to cause more damage to the skin tissue. Because nanosecond laser clients need longer recovery in between sessions, it is consistently a lengthy, expensive, and outdated technology. 

To improve on recovery time, the picosecond laser was developed as an improvement on the nanosecond laser. Due to its speed, it can break pigment up into smaller particles than the nanosecond laser. 

The smaller the particle, the easier it is for the immune system to move out of the body through the bloodstream. Once broken up and on the move, these particles are flushed out through the waste system. 

In laser tattoo removal, any laser exposure under thirty nanoseconds is considered safe. This is because increased exposure to laser technology can cause:

• Permanent changes to the skin
• Thermal burn
• Risk for genetic mutation.

For all colors, a picosecond laser tends to perform better than a nanosecond laser. There is, however, the potential for success with both technologies. Technicians can even switch back and forth between the two for the best outcome. 

Popular Tattoo Removal Devices

Without proper research, you risk accepting treatment with an outdated heat laser. An outdated heat laser can cause scarring and burns on the skin.  Utilizing the new tattoo removal technology of 2021 can help to avoid this unsavory side-effect. 

The three most common tattoo removal devices are PicoWay lasers, PicoSure lasers, and Enlighten lasers.  

PicoSure

The PicoSure laser system was developed as a first-generation picosecond technology. It was designed as an improvement on Q-switched technology. It is the first laser to combine heat with vibrations. 

Scientists were delighted to build a tool that depended on vibrations and gentle pressure waves rather than just painful heat. Benefits included: 

• Improvement on previous laser technology 
• Increased collagen and elastin production 
• Slight photo-acoustic effects 

Though a huge improvement on the existing tattoo removal technology, it's important for a client to be aware of shortcomings. Perceived flaws include: 

• Trouble targeting red and darker tones on the skin
• Still uses photothermal technology, which means more heat

Many tattoo removal services still use the PicoSure system. 

PicoSure

As an improvement to the PicoSure system, the PicoWay laser system was invented after two years of improvements. 

Because it uses additional wavelengths, the PicoWay works quicker and is less painful than its predecessor. 

There is less burning and scarring than the original PicoSure system. 

Enlighten

Enlighten technology was originally introduced in 2015. It is the first FDA-approved laser to use nanosecond and picosecond laser pulse durations for removing tattoos and treating tattoos. It combines the best of the PicoWay and PicoSure technology and adds newer innovations to improve the customer experience. 

The Enlighten 3 laser uses both heat and vibrations to break up a client's ink. With multiple laser types at work, variations in pigment are successfully treated. Enlighten is capable of removing multiple pigment types. 

Because of this, specialists can work with their client to ensure the least amount of follow-up appointments possible. This is great news for clients with the most challenging colors (yellow, purple, and turquoise dyes) and varying densities in shading. 

With just one button on a touch screen, the Enlighten system can increase wave speed from picoseconds to two nanoseconds. Because it uses minimal heat to break down particles, the Enlighten technology requires fewer treatments. It is less painful than the typical picosecond removal.

With the newest versions of Enlighten, technicians use their discretion to decide which laser type to use. In addition to the nanosecond and picosecond technology, the Enlighten III includes a third wavelength and adjustable laser settings.

Which Should You Choose? 

Remember-- your tattoo was intended to be permanent. The removal process will take time and patience in order to ensure optimal results. 

There is, however, a way to ensure the least amount of follow-up appointments as possible. As a client of laser tattoo removal, the best thing you can do is choose one with a great track record. When it comes to comparing Enlighten vs. PicoWay and Enlighten vs. PicoSure, we recommend the Enlighten III laser machine for tattoo removal. 

The Enlighten III Laser is an improvement on earlier models.  It actually combines the technology. It is the only laser of its kind to include as much technology in one tool. 

It is also safe to use on many skin types. This means there is less of a risk for two different kinds of skin damage: 

• hyper-pigmentation
• hypo-pigmentation
  
  

Including lidocaine injections, Enlighten III sessions usually take 10-15 minutes at a time. On average, this system takes 4-6 sessions. Furthermore, It is the least likely to cause scarring of all the different tattoo removal lasers. 

Book a Consultation

When it comes to efficient technology, the Enlighten III Laser is the best tattoo laser of 2021. The laser delivers on the client's desire to reduce session quantity and duration.  

Have an unsightly tattoo you'd like completely removed? Request an Enlighten III consultation, and look forward to a future free of at least one less mistake. 

2. How Many Treatments Do You Need?

Each tattoo removal is unique and varies based on your needs. Treatments will depend on where the tattoo is located on your body, how dark it is, the type of ink, how old it is, and its size. Also, if you are looking to simply cover up your tattoo, our team can usually get enough out after the first treatment. 

Black and red are some of the easiest colors to remove thanks to the contrast in skin tone, and the results are significant even after one treatment. 

Treatments will also usually be paced around 6-8 weeks apart to allow for proper healing in between, and on average most people need 4-6 treatments for total removal. 

3. How Long Does It Take?

Another major benefit of using the latest technology is that each treatment is relatively quick. Most treatments last between 20-30 seconds! Your actual appointment time will take a bit longer to include lidocaine numbing injections, icing after treatments, and repetition. 

Thanks to how short each session is, you can easily fit it into your busy schedule.

4. Does It Hurt?

If the price doesn’t seem daunting, the idea of pain might. We understand this concern which is why at Miami Inkoff we strive for a virtually pain-free experience.

We are one of the only licensed medical clinics in the area to offer the safe use of lidocaine injections for tattoo removal sessions. This greatly reduces pain compared to traditional topical numbing creams or gels. 

Additionally, our new Enlighten 3 tattoo removal laser utilizes nanosecond technology. This process cools the skin which helps reduce pain and recovery time In between treatments!

5. Smoking Affects Removal Time

Are you a smoker? This will prolong your treatment process because of how it constricts your blood vessels. Instead of allowing ink to pass through, it increases your recovery time.

This also means you may need additional treatments to help remove your tattoo. 

6. Can You Completely Remove a Tattoo?

Certain colors and heavier shades are usually harder to cover up. In the past, it’s been difficult to fully remove some colors, like blue and green.

Thanks to new technology and our skilled technicians, we can remove all the different shades of your tattoo!

At your consultation, we will discuss how long the process will be. It may take a few more treatments, but we will help you correct your skin.

7. Can You Cover Up A New Tattoo?

Be wary of those $200 tattoo incentives that some tattoo parlors offer. Sure, it may sound like a fun opportunity, but that 20-minute tattoo process comes with lasting results: good, bad, and sometimes ugly.

While you can remove your tattoo, you will need to wait a minimum of two to three months before starting the tattoo removal process. This is because your skin is currently healing from that intensive procedure, and it will help prevent scarring and infections.

8. Will It Leave A Scar?

In the past, scarring was very common when it came to full tattoo removal. While some scarring is still common, our new device offers significantly less. Our team will work with you to plan on whether you’d like to either cover up or fully remove your tattoo.

This will help you plan on what to expect. With significantly less scarring, it opens up opportunities for not needing to choose a cover-up tattoo over removal.

9. What’s the Average Cost to Remove a Tattoo?

The cost to remove a tattoo fluctuates based on size. There are two main price packages that we offer: the four-session package and the ultimate session package. The first is great for simple black tattoos, and the latter is better for colorful tattoos.

While our process at Miami Inkoff is slightly more expensive, it does mean that you’ll need fewer treatments compared to other places. Also, you will have this process performed in the safety of our clinic with the latest tattoo removal technology. 

Now, don’t let the high price tag leave you feeling hopeless. We are happy to work with you to create a payment plan and even offer a free consultation.

10. What’s the Recovery Time?

Recovery time is thankfully minimal after each treatment. To be safe, we suggest you avoid the sun and overly irritating substances for at least a few days post-treatment to allow your skin to heal. 

We’ll also walk you through proper aftercare to ensure the best results possible.

Schedule Your Tattoo Removal, Today!

Now that you know everything about tattoo removal, it’s time to take the plunge. At Miami Ink Off, we are happy to offer a consultation on your tattoo removal process. We can help you budget and plan your treatments so that you can say goodbye to tattoo remorse. 

Book your consultation today, and see just how we can help you.

Laser tattoo removal does work, but you must do your homework when shopping around. The following are the top 3 things you must do successfully to remove your tattoo.

First, The Laser used matters, do your homework about the tattoo removal laser. The current laser technology removes tattoos quickly and effectively, without any scarring on any skin type

The laser wavelength matters- Every color has distinct energy or wavelength that it reacts to. For example, black ink responds to the 1064nm wavelength emitted by the laser, while red ink responds to a 532nm. The Enlighten III laser used at Miami Ink Off has all the required wavelengths needed to remove all ink colors. For more info go to our blog post on wavelengths.

In addition, The laser must also have dual-wave pico & nano timing for the energy delivery. Our Enlighten laser quickly powers thru unwanted tattoos, using nanoseconds to destroy large ink particles while using the picosecond setting removes the smaller ink particles.

Above is one of our first clients that was still trying to remove the ink particles even after being treated over 20 times. This old laser was not able to move the small particles.  
Once treated at Miami Ink Off with the enlighten laser, the ink is gone, but unfortunatelly the damage done by the other tattoo removal place is permanent.

In conclusion, laser tattoo removal works if you do your homework. So for your final step, check out what patients on google say about the tattoo removal provider your considering.

First, go to Google to review prior patient experiences. Once you chose a location, call for a consult. During the consult, request them to show you previous patients' tattoo removal pictures. Ask to see patients' results with similar skin & ink color to you.

The Results our clients have received with the EnglightenIII Laser have changed their life on more than a few occasions. Our clients have explained that they feel liberated when the tattoo they have dreaded for years is completely removed. 

Three Benefits of the EnglightenIII Laser by Cutera :

1.   ENLIGHTEN III's Wavelength 

3.  Strong Powerful Delivery

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