Tattoo Removal

Conveniently located to serve the areas of New Bern, NC

Tattoo Removal Zannis Plastic Surgery Dr. John Zannis

Tattoo removal is a customizable treatment that reduces the appearance of unwanted tattoos for a more even skin tone and beautiful, natural-looking results. Do you ever wish you could reach back in time and convince yourself not to get that tattoo? The Zannis Center for Plastic Surgery can help! We offer several customizable treatments that remove a tattoo, including lasers that can remove all ink colors. We frequently treat patients with tattoos on every part of the body. If you would like a tattoo faded or permanently removed with minimal scarring, see us to discuss your treatment options.

At Zannis Plastic Surgery in North Carolina, led by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. John Zannis, we’ve helped many patients refresh their skin with customizable tattoo removal procedures. Contact our New Bern office online or call (252) 633-1197 to learn more about how we can refresh your skin and remove unwanted tattoo ink.

About Tattoo Removal

We offer three major treatment methods for tattoo removal. Which one is used in yours will depend upon your skin condition, the size of the tattoo, and your skin type. We will perform a physical examination of your skin to guide you through the options and help you select the ideal technique for your tattoo removal treatment.

The Pico Laser is the most powerful and efficient tattoo laser on the market because it can treat all tattoo colors on all skin types. It is also effective for melasma and dark sun spots, and it is safe to use on all skin types because it can improve the treatment area without harming any surrounding tissue. Pico Lasers can also refresh your skin with fewer sessions than other types of lasers. (1)

The Pico Laser provides noticeable results in so much more than just tattoo removal. If you have hyperpigmentation in areas on your face that you are looking to remove without risking further damage to your skin, a procedure with this innovative new laser technology can be exactly what you need. The treatment also requires minimal downtime, so you can return to your normal routine soon afterward.

Treatments like Pico Laser treatments have remained popular through the years; in 2023, specialists throughout the U.S. performed more than 3.2 million skin treatments to help patients improve the appearance of their skin and address the challenges they dislike. (2)

Types of Tattoo Removal Treatments

Laser Tattoo Removal

Advanced precision laser technology is a proven technique for fading and virtually eliminating the appearance of many types of tattoos. Targeted laser lights help break down tattoo pigments, allowing the body’s natural immune system response to process the ink and remove it from the skin. Laser treatments often require multiple sessions (average 5-6) over many weeks. Pico Lasers are adjustable, and we can adjust the strength of the laser depending on your needs. (3) Our Cartessa Discovery Pico tattoo removal laser offers three wavelengths and pico/nanotechnology for ink removal, which is effective for a range of skin tones and types.

Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion is a deep form of skin exfoliation using a high-speed brush or wheel to remove layers of the skin until the tattoo ink-stained layers are reached and can be removed. Dermabrasion is best for small tattoos without complex colors or shading. Because it can result in skin rawness and scarring in some cases, we may not recommend dermabrasion for larger tattoos or tattoos in highly visible areas of the body.

Excision

Tattoo excision is the full surgical removal of tattooed skin. This is a precise method that offers 100% complete removal of tattoo ink from the skin using a precision scalpel. This is the most invasive tattoo removal technique, but it is not possible for larger tattoos. The effective treatment can permanently remove the ink for natural-looking results.

Benefits

You can enjoy several benefits after tattoo removal, which include:

  • Natural-looking results: We can remove unwanted ink while preserving the surrounding skin for a more even skin tone and lasting results.
  • Minimal downtime: As long as you avoid excessive sun exposure, you can return to your activities afterward.
  • Customizable treatment: We can remove unwanted ink and perform additional treatments depending on your aesthetic goals.
  • FDA-approved treatment: The PicoSure® laser is FDA-approved and a well-tolerated treatment that can remove unwanted ink on a variety of skin tones and types.

Candidates

You are a good candidate for treatment for laser tattoo removal if you have a tattoo that you want to remove. Some candidates also have fine lines or wrinkles, acne scars, age spots, or excess hair that they wish to address during the treatment.

Consultation

During your consultation, we will ask about your medical history to determine the most effective treatment for your aesthetic goals. We will also ask about your medications and lifestyle. If you had any previous treatments to remove your tattoo, we will need to know.

The number of treatments you need and the type of treatment will depend on the condition of your skin and your aesthetic goals. We can discuss the most effective treatment plan for your needs and personalize your treatment for your unique goals.

Preparation

To prepare for laser tattoo removal, you will need to avoid excessive sun exposure that could damage your skin and avoid any harsh skin treatments. You will need to stop using retinoids, chemical peels, and scrubs temporarily because they could compromise your skin. We can provide specific instructions before your treatment to help you prepare.

After Your Treatment

After your treatment, your skin will have a mild inflammatory response, also known as “frosting.” Your skin may also appear slightly inflamed for the first 10-15 minutes. We can provide a topical ointment to soothe and support skin in the following weeks for optimal results. You can cover the treated areas with bandages to protect your skin from the sun. It may take several weeks for the ink particles to gradually break down and be absorbed or eliminated by the body.

Results

Tattoo Removal Zannis Plastic Surgery Dr. John Zannis

After tattoo removal, you can enjoy a more even skin tone and natural-looking results. Depending on the depth of your tattoo, you may need multiple treatments to achieve results. We can discuss a series of treatments over several weeks to effectively reduce the appearance of unwanted tattoo ink while preserving the surrounding tissue for beautiful results.

Additional Treatments

Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is a noninvasive treatment that reduces unwanted hair growth for a smoother appearance while also reducing the need for regular shaving. We administer the laser energy in a gentle, even pattern to target the hair follicles and alter their structure.

Chemical Peels

A chemical peel is a special solution that exfoliates the skin and removes dead skin cells to help you diminish signs of aging and brighten the skin. We offer several different types of chemical peels that penetrate the skin at different depths and stimulate collagen production to refresh your skin.

Fillers

Fillers add natural-looking volume to the skin for a plumper, smoother, and more youthful-looking appearance. We can add volume to the cheeks and lips to diminish fine lines and wrinkles. We offer different fillers designed for both deep and delicate tissue for optimal results.

Cost of Tattoo Removal in New Bern, NC

The cost of tattoo removal will depend on your specific treatment plan and whether or not you need a series of treatments to address your tattoo. During your consultation, we will provide an all-inclusive quote to help you achieve your aesthetic goals. Contact our office online in North Carolina or call (252) 633-1197 to learn more about how we can address unwanted tattoos.

FAQ

How many tattoo removal sessions will I need?

Most patients need a series of sessions to achieve their desired look. However, your treatment plan will depend on the tattoo’s size, color, and depth.

Does tattoo removal hurt?

Most patients describe the sensation of laser removal as similar to a rubber band snapping against the skin.

Will I have scarring after tattoo removal?

You should not have scarring after tattoo removal as long as you avoid excessive sun exposure. We will provide specific aftercare instructions to help you care for your skin for optimal results.

Can tattoo removal address all tattoo colors?

Yes, we can address different colors with different treatments, depending on the type of tattoo, and the depth of the tattoo.

How long will it take to heal from tattoo removal?

Your recovery time will vary, depending on the type of tattoo you have and the depth of your tattoo. We can discuss any questions you have during your consultation.

References

  1. Torbeck R, Bankowski R, Henize S, Saedi N. Lasers in tattoo and pigmentation control: role of the PicoSure® laser system. Medical Devices (Auckland, NZ). 2016;9:63-67. doi:https://doi.org/10.2147/MDER.S77993
  2. American Society of Plastic Surgeons ® Endorsed Partner. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/news/statistics/2023/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2023.pdf
  3. Feng J, Shen S, Song X, Xiang W. Efficacy and safety of picosecond laser for the treatment of melasma: a systematic review and meta-analysis. 2023;38(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-023-03744-y