Tattoo removal: faster and better than ever!

Was it a youthful mistake? Is it faded? In the wrong place? A design you no longer love?

The reasons for tattoo removal are as diverse as people’s tattoo designs and positions on the body. Tattoo removal used to be painful and time-consuming, but technological advancements have transformed the process.

Today, state-of-the-art laser technology offers a highly effective and convenient solution. At our practice in Rapperswil-Jona on Lake Zurich, we use the PicoPlus® laser to gently and efficiently remove unwanted tattoos of all kinds: images, text, or even the name of an ex.

Method

How does tattoo removal work?

At the start of your tattoo removal journey, we develop a detailed treatment plan after a thorough inspection and dermatological assessment of the tattoo.

During the procedure, the PicoPlus® laser handpiece is guided over the tattooed areas. The PicoPlus® laser is a cutting-edge technology that offers exceptional results. Its ultra-short energy pulses are more advanced than previous models, making the removal process faster, less painful, and highly effective. Unlike older lasers that simply heated the ink, the PicoPlus® uses photomechanical processes to break down colour pigments into tiny particles that are more easily and quickly removed by the body, without damaging the surrounding skin. This unique photomechanical effect ensures better results with fewer treatments.

It also completely removes tattoos that could previously only be partially removed with older laser technologies.

The number of sessions required depends on factors such as the tattoo’s colour, depth, size, and location. Typically, at least four sessions are needed, with a gap of four to six weeks between each session.

Post-treatment, it’s recommended to cool the skin and apply a light, moisturising skincare product to support healing.

Delete your tattoos!

What do I need to bear in mind with laser tattoo removal?

Tattoo removal with a laser can only be effective if the treated skin is not tanned. It is crucial to avoid direct sunlight for several weeks following each treatment. For best results, schedule your treatments during the autumn or winter months. Afterwards, we recommend wearing protective clothing and/or applying a high sun protection factor (depending on the area that was treated) to safeguard the skin and enhance healing.

Body
Neck
Back
Belly
Chest
Arms
Legs
Feet

Causes

Why is it difficult to remove tattoos?

Removing tattoos is difficult because the ink that is applied to the skin during tattooing is designed to be permanent. The needles of the tattoo machines penetrate deep into the dermis, the second layer of the skin, to deposit the ink. As the ink goes under the top layer of skin, it is not easy to reach. Also, there are a variety of inks and colours used in tattoos, and not all of them react the same way to the different removal techniques. Some inks contain metals or other substances that are difficult to remove, others contain colour pigments that the laser barely catches.

A note about colours

Which tattoo colours are the easiest to remove?

Removing tattoos is difficult because the ink that is applied to the skin during tattooing is designed to be permanent. The needles of the tattoo machines penetrate deep into the dermis, the second layer of the skin, to deposit the ink. As the ink goes under the top layer of skin, it is not easy to reach. Also, there are a variety of inks and colours used in tattoos, and not all of them react the same way to the different removal techniques. Some inks contain metals or other substances that are difficult to remove, others contain colour pigments that the laser barely catches.

When removing tattoos, certain colours can be more difficult to remove than others.

Dark colours:
Black ink is usually the easiest to remove as it can effectively absorb most laser wavelengths. However, black ink can sometimes be embedded in very deep layers of the skin, making it difficult to remove.
Blues and greens:
Blue and green inks can sometimes be difficult to remove due to their chemical composition and absorption/reflection properties and very few laser types are suitable for their removal.

Bright and fluorescent colours:
Bright colors such as yellow, orange, pink and bright reds, as well as fluorescent inks can be difficult to remove due to their chemical composition and their lower absorption of laser light.
White:
White ink can be particularly difficult to remove as it often contains titanium dioxide, which reflects light and is less absorbed by lasers.

However, the difficulty of tattoo removal is influenced by various factors beyond just the colour of the ink. These include the depth of the ink deposit, the type of skin, the age of the tattoo, and the type of ink used.

Since detailed records of the ink colour, quantity, or depth are rarely available, the exact duration and frequency of treatment sessions required for complete removal can often be determined more accurately as the procedure progresses.

Patient satisfaction

What results can be achieved with the PicoPlus® laser?

It is now possible to remove tattoos completely. At SK-AESTHETICS in Rapperswil-Jona, we work with the very latest equipment, the PicoPlus® laser, which removes even difficult colours, deep tattoos, and age-related faded colour residues very well. Getting back their natural-coloured, tattoo-free skin is a blessing for many.

Dr Susanne Kristof
SK-AESTHETICS, Rapperswil-Jona

Advantages

of the PicoPlus® laser compared to previous systems:

faster
safe
fewer sessions to remove a tattoo
less pain
almost all colours can be removed
removal of difficult tattoos
fewer side effects such as swelling or redness
back to the natural skin colour

Risks

What are the risks and side effects?

Laser tattoo removal can be uncomfortable, with the level of pain varying depending on the area of the skin being treated. For example, the fingers tend to be particularly sensitive, while areas with more muscle or fat are often described by our patients as less painful or even painless.

While laser removal is generally safe, it can occasionally lead to side effects such as scarring, changes in skin texture, or pigment alterations, especially if the tattoo is large or colourful. Some patients might notice slight shadows remaining after treatment. In rare cases, temporary skin blisters, redness, and mild swelling may occur but typically resolve quickly.

My advice

I recommend that all patients who come to me to remove one or more tattoos have an examination of the tattoo before starting treatment. In some, more difficult cases, it makes sense to carry out a laser test in order to better assess effectiveness and determine the required duration and frequency of treatment.

FAQs – Frequently asked questions

Why do tattoos fade?

The body reacts to the foreign material (the ink particles) with an immune response that leads to the body’s cells trying to remove the ink. This can cause the tattoo to fade, but it will usually not disappear completely.