Laser Tattoo Removal
Get Rid of That Unwanted Tattoo with Laser Tattoo Removal
Are you bothered by that tattoo that features your ex’s name? Or do you have a tattoo that meant something important to you – twenty years ago? Maybe you have a tattoo you’d like to fade before you cover it with something more vibrant.
Now might just be time to discover laser tattoo removal with the PicoWay laser, now available at Twin Ports Dermatology in Duluth, MN!
What is Laser Tattoo Removal?
Laser tattoo removal is an innovative procedure that uses laser light energy to break down tattoo pigmentation until they’re eventually destroyed.
Here’s how that works: Your laser tattoo removal device will emit waves of light energy. These waves penetrate the dermal tissue and target tattoo pigmentation, which makes up the color of the tattoo.
Over time and with enough treatments, the pigment becomes so broken down that the body is able to safely absorb the particles, leaving behind clearer skin.
At Twin Ports Dermatology, we use the PicoWay laser for all of our laser tattoo removal treatments. PicoWay is considered the gold standard technology for tattoo removal, with results generated in half the time (and with less discomfort) than other traditional laser tattoo removal technologies!
Consultations Are Available Now
Take the first step. Get your questions answered and find out which treatment option is best for your personal situation by meeting with one of our knowledgeable medical staff at Twin Ports Dermatology for an in-person consultation.
Simply fill out the form on this page, and one of our experienced team members will reach out to you promptly to schedule your consultation.
Am I a Good Candidate for Laser Tattoo Removal?
You’re a good candidate for laser tattoo removal treatments if you have an unwanted tattoo and would like to get rid of it, or if you’d like to fade a tattoo in preparation to cover it with new ink.
The PicoWay laser excels at getting rid of most tattoo pigmentation no matter the color of your ink or skin. The Northland has never before had the option of removing all tattoo ink colors until now. However, candidates see the best results if their tattoo is older or smaller. The PicoWay laser is safe and effective for all skin types.
How Long Does a Typical Treatment Take?
A typical laser tattoo removal treatment takes about 15 to 45 minutes per session. You may need 4-12 treatments (spaced 8-12 weeks apart) for total removal or 3-4 sessions to reach the desired fade for a cover-up.
What Results Will I See?
Results can include:
- Faded or completely diminished tattoo
- Smoother, clearer skin
- And more!
Depending on how many sessions you need, you should see your laser tattoo removal results within six to twelve months.
Is There Any Downtime?
There’s no downtime associated with your laser tattoo removal treatment, although you may experience some redness and mild discomfort at the treatment site. We do ask that you wear sunscreen on the treated spot, as your skin will be particularly vulnerable to the sun.
Many medications make you sensitive to laser procedures and can result in adverse reactions. Below is a list of common medications. If you are on any of these medications, please reschedule your appointment after being off these for two weeks. If your appointment is within two weeks, please call us to reschedule.
Isotretinoin (Accutane)
Adapalene (Differin)
Tretinoin (Retin-A, Renova)
Dapsone (Aczone)
Acitretin (Soriatane)
Dacarbazine (DTIC-Dome)
Fluorouracil (Fluoroplex, Efudex, 5 FU, Carac)
Methotrexate (Mexate; and others)
Vinblastine (Veiban)
Gold Salt thiomalate (Solganol)
Amitriptyline (Elavil; and others)
Bupropion (Wellbutrin)
Clomipramine (Anafranil)
Desipramine (Norpramin; Petrofrane)
Doxepin (Adapin; Sinequan)
Fluoxetine (Prozac)
Imipramine (Tofranil; and others)
Maprotiline
Mirtazapine (Remuron)
Nortriptyline (Aventyl; Pamelor)
Paroxetine (Paxil)
Protriptyline (Vivactil)
Sertraline (Zoloft)
Tricyclics (class)
Trimipramine (Surmontil)
Flucytosine (Ancobon)
Griseofulvin
Voricanozole (Vfend)
Astemizole
Brompheniramine
Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
Cyproheptadine (Periactin)
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl; and others)
Loratadine (Claritin)
Terfenadine
Celecoxib (Celebrex)
ibuprofen (Motrin)
Naproxen (Naprosyn)
Piroxicam (Feldene)
Ketoprofen (Frotek)
Azithromycin (Zithromax)
Ciprofloxacin (Cetraxal, Cipro XR)
Dapsone (Aczone)
Demeclocycline (Declomycin; others)
Doxycycline (Vibramycin, Adoxa, Doryx, Periostat, Monodox, Oracea)
Griseofluvin (Fulvicin-U/F;others)
Hexachlorophene
Levofloxacin
Lomefloxacin (Maxaquin)
Methacycline (Rondomycin)
Minocycline (Solodyn, Minocyn)
Nalidixic acid (NegGram; others)
Oxytetracycline (Terramycin; others)
Quinolones(class) (ofloxacin, Floxin)
Sulfonamides(class)
Sulfacyntine
Sulfamethazine
Sulfamethizole
Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (Bactrim, Septra)
Sulfasalazine (Azulfadine)
Sulfathiazole
Sulfisoxazole (Gantrisin)
Tetracyclines (class)
Chlorpromazine (Thorazine; and others)
Fluphenazine (Permitil; Prolixin)
Haloperidol (Haldol)
Perphenazine (Trilafon)
Piperacetazine (Quide)
Prochlorperazine (Compazine; and others)
Risperidone
Promethazine (Phenergan; and others)
Thioridazine (Mellaril)
Trifluoperazine (Stelazine; and others)
Triflupromazine (Vesprin)
Trichlormethiazide (Metahydrin; and others)
Thiazides (Diuril; HydroDIURIL)
Thiothixene
Trimeprazine
Acetohexamide (Dymelor)
Trimeprazine (Termaril
Chlorpropamide (Diabinese; Insulase)
Tolazamide (Tolinase) Tolbutamide (Orinase; and others)
Glimepiride (Amaryl)
Glipizide (Glucotrol)
Glyburide (Glynase)
Tolazimide (Tolinase)
Tolbutamide (Orinase;others)
ACE inhibitors (Vasotec)
Amiodarone (Cordarone)
Diltiazem (Cardizem)
Disopyramide (Norpace)
Losartan
Lovastatin (Mevacor)
Pravastatin (Pravachol)
Quinidine
Sotalol
Simvastatin (Zocor)
Simvastatin (Zocor, FloLipid)
Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
Lovastatin (Altoprev)
Pravastatin (Pravachol)
Acetazolamide (Diamox)
Amiloride (Midamor)
Bendroflumethiazide (Naturetin; and others)
Benzthiazide (exna and others)
Chlorothiazide (Diuril and others)
Chlorthalidone
Cyclothiazide (Anhydron)
Furosemide (Lasix)
Hydroflumethiazide (Diucardin; and others)
Hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL; and others)
Methyclothiazide (Aquatensen; Enduron)
Metolazone (Diulo; Zaroxolyn)
Polythiazide (Renese)
Quinethazone (Hydromox)
Triamterene (Dyrenium)
Trichlormethiazide (Metahydrin;others)
Thiazides (class)
Estrogen replacement
Oral contraceptives
Other hormones
Additional plant families
Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria)
Angelica root and fruit (Angelica species)
Bergamot peel (Citrus bergamia
Bitter orange peel (Citrus aurantium)
Buttercup plant (Ranunculus species)
Carrot family
Celery (Apium graveolens)
Cow Parsnip (Heracleum lanatum)
Dill (Anthium graveolens)
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
Fig (Ficus carica)
Goosefoot (Chenopodium species)
Iron tablets
Khella fruit (Ammi visnaga)
Lemon peel (Citrus limonia)
Lomatium (Lomatium dissectum)
Lovage root (Levisticum officinale)
Parsley (Petroselinum sativum)
Psoralea seeds (Cullen corylifolia, Psoralea corylifolia)
Queen Anne’s lace (Daucus carota)
Rue leaves (Ruta graveolens)
St Johns Wart (Hypericum perforatum)
Yarrow plant (Achillea millefolium)
Methoxsalen (Oxsoralen)
Trioxsalen
PABA (p-aminobenzoic acid)
Sunscreens containing benzophenones
- Immediately following treatment, erythema (redness) and edema (swelling) may occur at the treatment site. You may also see some slight frosting; this typically lasts 2 hours or longer. The erythema may last up to 10 days. The treatment area may feel like a sunburn for a few hours after the treatment, but it will subside.
- Apply ice as needed, on and off, for the next 24 hours. Then, apply Aquaphor to the treated area for 7-10 days and keep the area hydrated.
- Do not tan the area. Avoid sun exposure to avoid hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation. Please apply sunscreen to the area 24 hours after your treatment, even if it’s covered with clothing. Sun will travel through your clothing. The use of sunscreen every day on the area will also help the ink absorb and may help with itching. We recommend EltaMD sunscreens, which are medical grade and will provide the necessary protection.
- Some scabbing, light bleeding, and itching may occur. Do not pick or scratch. The crust will flake off in 7-10 days.
- Do not pop blisters. If you do blister, apply Aquaphor until the blisters pop on their own.
- When bathing or showering, use lukewarm water for the first 24 hours and treat your skin gently.
- Avoid heat, such as saunas, steam rooms, Jacuzzis, extremely hot showers, or strenuous activities. Avoid prolonged heat for a minimum of 24 hours post-treatment.
- It takes two weeks for your body to absorb whatever amount of ink broken up in this treatment.
- It will take multiple treatments before you begin to see a difference.
- Please let your laser technician know if you have any changes in your health or medications.
- Please call your primary care physician if an infection develops.
- Drink a lot of water.
- If you have questions about your treatment, please call us immediately at 218-302-1000. Note we are not open on weekends; if you have a medical concern on the weekend, please visit urgent care. Call us the following Monday so we can assist you.
- We do request a 24-hour cancellation policy for appointments, please. Failure to do will result in a $50 fee.
- Refunds on products are for exchange only within 30 days. Refunds on procedures will receive credit toward future purchases.
Take the First Step - Request A Consultation
If you would like to schedule an in-person consultation, please fill out the form on this page and one of our knowledgeable medical staff members at Twin Ports Dermatology will reach out to you promptly. You can also call our Duluth, MN office directly to schedule: 218-302-1000.
Twin Ports Dermatology serves the greater Duluth area. We’re the only locally owned private dermatology clinic & medspa in the area.
*Individual results may vary
