Why Laser Tattoo Removal Sessions Must Be Spaced Out
One of the biggest reservations people interested in laser tattoo removal have is the length of time it will take for their tattoo to be completely removed. Unfortunately, it does take time to remove a tattoo, and the exact amount of treatments required can vary based on many factors.
The average tattoo will typically require anywhere between 6 to 12 treatments using PiQo4 technology. Since these treatments are completed 6-8 weeks apart; you’re looking at potentially more than a year for your tattoo to be completely gone. While this may sound like an extremely long time, that is actually a significant improvement compared to older Q-Switch lasers which often require 20 or more treatments that are spaced 6 to 8 weeks apart.
Why Session Spacing Is Necessary
Our tattoo removal patients often wonder why they can’t come for treatments more frequently. Some say they would be willing to come back weekly if it will speed things up. However, there are two very important reasons treatment sessions must be spaced out:
1. The body’s process of removing ink particles
The PiQo4 laser uses ultra-short pulse bursts of energy to shatter the tattoo into tiny ink particles in the skin. These particles are now small enough for white blood cells to carry them off to the liver and kidneys for disposal. This process takes time; the body doesn’t even start the process until weeks after the treatment is done. In the end, a person’s immune system and skin quality determine how long the process takes. And going back for a second treatment before the process is complete could cause some serious problems.
2. Proper healing time
The second reason for downtime between treatment sessions is that your skin needs time to heal after being exposed to laser-induced trauma. Undergoing another session before your skin is properly healed could result in the development of skin irritation, open wounds, skin discoloration, and permanent scarring. Healing time does differ from person to person so your provider will assess the area between each treatment and adjust the duration between sessions to be as short as possible without compromising your skin’s health.
Complete removal takes time
PiQo4 technology has drastically improved the time it takes for tattoos to be cleared. However removing a permanent tattoo takes time as your body needs to dispose of destroyed ink and heal. PiQo4 treatment sessions are much shorter than traditional tattoo removal devices as it uses 10 times greater energy.
Kelly Wala is a Registered Nurse with a Baccalaureate Degree of Science in Nursing from Eastern Kentucky University. As an Aesthetic Nurse Specialist for the past 10 years Kelly specialized in a full complement of non-surgical aesthetic services such as facial injectables, laser and light therapy, body contouring, and skin care. Kelly was the first in Texas to perform the Injectable Threadlift. Kelly is a Faculty trainer for Allergan Facial Aesthetics and Coolsculpting as well as a Faculty trainer for Galderma Facial Aesthetics and Sculptra. Aesthetics
Great info on this post, I didn’t realize that tattoo removal requires proper healing time. I thought it was just one zap and that tattoo would be gone haha. I’ll call you guys to get an consultation!!
I have light skin and I hope once the ball starts rolling I can get this thing hit within 6 or 7 weeks max…
Hi Joshua,
You may have an advantage on this with a lighter skin tone, especially if the tattoo ink is highly contrasted. We hope your tattoo vanishes quickly!
Thanks,
WD Staff
I can confirm that PiQo4 treatment sessions are much shorter than the traditional tattoo removal. I switched over to finish off doing a tattoo (black on biceps). It only took a few treatments to get rid of everything
Impressive content! This is a valuable resource for Tattoo Removal. Thanks for sharing!