Candela PicoWay System Tattoo Removal Journey

I decided to get my first tattoo out of impulse, which I highly regret now. So now here I am eight years later going through the process of Laser Tattoo Removal. I went in for my first session at HairFree Laser Center a little nervous yet excited to finally go through with the process. The staff were immediately warm and welcoming, soon after completing the paper work I was called in and explained the process and the details of using the Candela PicoWay Laser System. The actual treatment took less than 5 minutes, no numbing cream was necessary, the pain was very tolerable, considering that I was expecting major pain. After I was done, there was a slight burning sensation which a few hours later went away. I was then explained the importance of post treatment care, and scheduled my next appointment to be 5 weeks from now. It's been hours since my treatment an I can honestly say there is no blistering, or burning, there is a little bit or redness but that is to be expected. Being my first tattoo removal experience I can say I am very excited as to what the end results will be.

It has only been my second session & I am glad to say I see a difference! The picture above shows the before and after my second treatment. There is definitely complete fading on the thinner lines, and dotted fading on the thicker areas. Although the intensity on the laser was increased, the pain level remained the same as my first session. Since the pain was completely tolerable numbing cream was not needed. Plus the environment and staff are always very pleasant making it so much easier to distract away from the pain. I had a minor burning sensation soon after the treatment but quickly went away, bacitracin zinc was applied and the area was covered with a non stick gauze. I also experienced minor brusing around the edges, which eventually went away days later . At home i followed the post treatment care instructions provided, Bacitracin Zinc is an antibiotic ointment which helps prevent infection, I apply it and cover the area for about a week or until it heals and cover it with a non stick gauze as well. My sessions are spaced to every 8 weeks, allowing my skin to recover. Since laser tattoo removal breaks up ink droplets for white blood cells to carry away, The Laser Picoway System bursts of energy create a photo-mechanical impact breaking up tattoo ink into smaller particles making it much easier to eliminate particles. I very much look forward to my next session!

I'm one step closer to complete removal of my tattoo and the results are great so far. On the previous update, after session number two, the results were visible but more so in person. Since I always avoid to wet the area post treatment for at least 24 hours, I shower before going in. I also avoid applying any lotions on the area before the procedure. Once i am in the patients chair it only take about 5 minute from there. The intensity on the PicoWay increases for every session. This time around the healing took a little bit longer than usual because my scabs were a little thicker than my last session. There was a tiny bit of brusing right around the edges along with a little swelling which went away in about two days of so. I have not yet experienced any type of blistering. I apply bacitracin ointment and cover the area through out the healing process which usually takes about a week or so. Even though it is summer in California I have kept away from tanning in order not to interfere with my results, I also drink lots of water. Since the ink particles are carried away through the blood system, I try to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Once the area is completely healed, I have been applying Vitamin E oil to prevent any possible scarring after the scabs have shed, but this is only my personal choice. So far so good.