Tattoo Removal and Esthetic Skin Treatments at DAELA Portland

It is almost impossible to accurately predict how many sessions will be required to reach your goal removal level.

• The average sessions will vary as dramatically as 3-15 sessions, keeping in mind that some tattoos are very colorful and complex.
• People also have different desires when it comes to removal. Some want to remove it just enough to be able to cover it again, others want a complete and total removal.
• This complexity makes it impossible to establish a set number of sessions.

However:

• If your removal for cosmetic tattoos requires more than 3-session, we will apply a 15% discount to each session after 3.
• If your removal for traditional tattoos takes more than 5 sessions, we will apply a 15% discount to each session after 5.

4-Weeks Prior:

• Avoid sun exposure: Minimize sun exposure and use broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher on the treatment area for at least four weeks before the procedure.
• Sun exposure can increase the risk of complications such as burns, hyperpigmentation, and uneven results.

2 Weeks prior:

• Avoid certain medications and skincare products: Avoid using retinoids, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and other exfoliating agents for
•  Inform your provider about any prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, supplements, or topical products you are using.

3-Days Prior:

• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to the procedure to keep your skin hydrated and enhance the healing process
• Avoid smoking and alcohol: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can impair the skin's ability to heal properly and increase the risk of complications. Try to avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption in the days leading up to the procedure.
• Discontinue any irritant topical agents for 2-3 days prior to treatment.
•  Discontinue supplements such as iron supplements or herbal supplements such as ginkgo, ginseng or garlic and fish oil. 

The day of the treatment:

• Shave the treatment area (But not your brows please!): 
• Avoid waxing, plucking, or using depilatory creams, as these methods can disrupt the hair follicles and interfere with the effectiveness of the laser treatment.
• Arrive for treatment with clean skin. There should be no lotion, make-up, perfume, powder or bath/shower oil present on the skin in the area to be treated.

Pre-treatment instructions:

• Avoid the sun 4-6 weeks before and after treatment until your physician allows it.
• The use of self-tanning skin care products must be discontinued 1-2 weeks prior to treatment. Any residual self-tanner must be removed prior to treatment.

5 days before treatment:

• Stop any oral or topical medications or other skin care products on the area to be treated.
• Discontinue supplements such as iron supplements or herbal supplements such as ginkgo, ginseng or garlic and fish oil supplements.

Important Note:

• Tanned skin should not be treated. If treated within 2 weeks of active (natural sunlight or tanning booth) tan, you may develop hypopigmentation (white spots) and this may not clear for 2-3 months, or even longer.

After laser tattoo removal, the skin undergoes a process of healing and regeneration.

Here are some important steps to take care of your skin after laser tattoo removal:

1. Keep the area clean: Wash the treated area gently with mild soap and water twice a day to prevent infection. Pat the area dry with a clean towel.

2. Apply antibiotic ointment: Your dermatologist may recommend applying an antibiotic ointment or a soothing cream to the treated area to promote healing and prevent infection. Follow their instructions carefully.

3. Keep the area covered: Depending on the size and location of the tattoo, your dermatologist may recommend covering the treated area with a sterile bandage or dressing to protect it from irritation and infection. Keep the area covered as directed by your dermatologist.

4. Avoid picking or scratching: It's normal for the treated area to scab and peel as it heals. Avoid picking, scratching, or rubbing the area, as this can increase the risk of scarring and infection.

5. Protect the area from the sun: Protect the treated area from direct sunlight by covering it with clothing or applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Sun exposure can increase the risk of hyperpigmentation and other complications.

6. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated and promote healing from the inside out.

7. Avoid strenuous activities: Activities that cause excessive sweating or friction on the treated area. Be cautious in your approach to things that may irritate the area.

After undergoing laser skin treatments, it's crucial to follow proper post-care instructions to optimize results and minimize complications.

Here are some general guidelines:

1. Follow your dermatologist's instructions: Your dermatologist or skincare professional will provide specific instructions tailored to your skin type and the type of laser treatment you received. Follow their guidance closely.

2. Protect your skin from the sun: Avoid direct sun exposure for a few weeks following the treatment, as your skin will be more sensitive to UV rays. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, and wear protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses when outdoors.

3. Keep your skin hydrated: Use gentle, non-irritating moisturizers to keep your skin hydrated. Avoid products containing harsh chemicals, fragrances, or exfoliating agents until your skin has fully healed.

4. Avoid picking or scratching: It's normal for your skin to feel sensitive or itchy after laser treatment, but avoid picking, scratching, or rubbing the treated area to prevent infection and scarring.

5. Use gentle skincare products: Avoid using harsh or abrasive skincare products for at least a week after treatment. Stick to gentle cleansers and moisturizers recommended by your dermatologist.

6. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.

7. Avoid heat exposure: Avoid hot baths, saunas, steam rooms, and intense workouts that cause excessive sweating for the first few days after treatment.

8. Be patient: It may take some time for your skin to fully heal and for you to see the final results of your laser treatment. Be patient and follow your skincare professional's advice for the best outcome.

This is the single biggest concern anyone has about laser tattoo removal.

The simple answer is:

1. Minimal Discomfort: PicoWay is designed to minimize discomfort for patients, providing a less painful removal experience than other lasers. The ultra-short pulses of energy target the pigment with minimal impact on the surrounding tissue, resulting in less pain and downtime compared to other lasers.

2. Numbing: We provide multiple numbing solutions to help ease discomfort, which can largely be anxiety fueled discomfort. We take our time and talk you through the entire process.
3. Fast Sessions: Less time and less pain than the original tattoo. The PicoWay laser works quickly, so your session time is relatively short, with 5-20 minutes actual time under the small and unintimidating, wand.

• Esthetic skin treatments with the PicoWay laser are fairly quick and involve minimal discomfort.
• The setting on the PicoWay Resolve Resurfacing tool is lower than a tattoo removal setting.
• The sessions are quick, effective, and provide minimal discomfort!

The Picoway Resolve is a fractional picosecond laser system primarily used for non-ablative skin resurfacing and rejuvenation.

• It's designed to address various aesthetic concerns and offer several skin treatments.
• Here are some of the esthetic skin treatments available with Picoway Resolve:

1. Skin Rejuvenation: Picoway Resolve can improve overall skin tone and texture by stimulating collagen production. It can reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and enlarged pores, resulting in smoother and more youthful-looking skin.

2. Acne Scar Treatment: The laser energy from Picoway Resolve can target and break down scar tissue caused by acne, helping to improve the appearance of acne scars. It promotes collagen remodeling, which can lead to smoother skin texture over time.

3. Pigmentation Correction: Picoway Resolve can target and lighten various types of pigmentation irregularities, including sun spots, age spots, and melasma. The laser energy breaks down excess melanin in the skin, leading to a more even complexion.

4. Tattoo Removal: While Picoway Resolve is primarily used for skin rejuvenation, it can also be effective for tattoo removal. The picosecond pulses of laser energy break down tattoo pigment into smaller particles, which are then naturally eliminated by the body's immune system.

5. Vascular Lesion Treatment: Picoway Resolve can target and reduce the appearance of vascular lesions such as spider veins, broken capillaries, and cherry angiomas. The laser energy heats and destroys the targeted blood vessels, leading to their gradual disappearance.

6. Scar Revision: In addition to acne scars, Picoway Resolve can be used to improve the appearance of other types of scars, including surgical scars and stretch marks. The laser stimulates collagen production, which helps to soften and smooth the scar tissue over time.

• It's important to note that the effectiveness of Picoway Resolve treatments may vary depending on factors such as the patient's skin type, the severity of the condition being treated, and the number of treatment sessions. Additionally, it's crucial to consult with a qualified practitioner to determine the most suitable treatment plan based on your individual needs and goals.

Yes!

• After your sessions on the PicoWay laser removal system, your old cosmetic tattoos will be a thing of the past.
• Even better? Your skin texture will also improve, providing a canvas for reapplication of your brow tattoos.
• Some customers may opt to do enough sessions to completely remove the old cosmetic tattoos, while others may want just enough removal to apply Powder Brows with minimal color correction required.
• All options will be covered with you during consultation.

• Brow, lip, freckles, beauty marks and eyeliner tattoos can be removed with the PicoWay laser.
• Brow tattoos, freckles and beauty marks are the simplest to remove and do not require a consultation.
• Eyeliner tattoos and lip tattoos are more complicated because of the nature of the area and skin at the tattooed areas.
• If these removals are to be performed, an in-person consultation is required.

The number of sessions required to remove a tattoo with a Picoway laser can vary depending on several factors, including:

1. Size and Complexity of the Tattoo: Larger or more intricate tattoos typically require more sessions to remove completely compared to smaller or simpler tattoos.

2. Ink Color and Type: Certain ink colors, such as black, respond more effectively to laser tattoo removal than others. Additionally, amateur tattoos or those with less densely packed ink may be easier to remove compared to professional tattoos with dense, multicolored ink.

3. Skin Type: Skin type can affect the response to laser treatments. Generally, individuals with lighter skin tones tend to respond better to laser tattoo removal than those with darker skin tones, as there's a lower risk of pigmentation changes or scarring.

4. Depth of the Tattoo: The depth at which the ink is deposited in the skin can influence the number of sessions required for removal. Deeper tattoos may require more sessions to reach and break down all layers of ink.

5. Individual Healing Response: Each individual's body responds differently to laser treatments. Factors such as the rate of tattoo fading, skin healing, and overall response to treatment can affect the number of sessions needed.

On average, multiple sessions spaced several weeks apart are typically required for optimal results with laser tattoo removal. This allows the skin to heal between sessions and for the body's immune system to gradually eliminate the fragmented ink particles. However, it's essential to consult with a qualified practitioner who can assess your specific tattoo and provide personalized recommendations regarding the number of sessions needed for optimal results. They can also discuss the expected outcome, potential risks, and aftercare instructions to ensure the best possible outcome.

Tattoo removal is a work in progress, unique to each person.

• Because everyone's skin type is different, and every tattoo is comprised of different inks, different colors, and different components, it is impossible to predict or guarantee how many sessions a complete removal will take.
• Another factor to consider is the desired amount of removal. Some people want to remove just enough to successfully reapply cosmetic tattoos or traditional tattoos.
• Depending on personal goals, this can reduce the number of sessions needed and can be determined as you go.
• DAELA does not ask people to commit to any number of sessions, rather we proceed until the client is satisfied.

Yes, esthetic skin treatments with the Picoway laser typically require multiple sessions for optimal results.

• The exact number of sessions can vary depending on various factors such as the specific treatment being performed, the severity of the skin condition, individual skin characteristics, and the desired outcome.
• For example, treatments like skin rejuvenation, pigmentation correction, acne scar treatment, and wrinkle reduction generally involve a series of sessions spaced several weeks apart. This allows the skin to heal between treatments and for the effects of the laser to gradually become apparent.
• The number of sessions needed can range anywhere from three to six or more, depending on the individual's response to treatment and the extent of improvement desired. Some patients may see noticeable improvement after just a few sessions, while others may require additional treatments to achieve their desired results.
• It's important for patients to discuss their treatment goals and expectations with a qualified practitioner who can assess their skin condition and recommend a personalized treatment plan. The practitioner can provide guidance on the number of sessions needed and the interval between treatments to achieve the best possible outcome while minimizing the risk of side effects.

Procedure Overview:

1. Consultation: Before the treatment session, you would typically have a consultation, which can be done in-person, via phone or email. During this consultation, your skin type, concerns, and treatment goals will be assessed to determine if PicoWay is suitable for you.

2. Preparation: On the day of the treatment, your skin will be thoroughly cleansed and prepped for the procedure. This may involve removing any makeup or skincare products.

3. Anesthesia: Depending on your pain tolerance and the intensity of the treatment, a topical numbing cream may be applied to the treatment areas to minimize discomfort.

4. Laser Treatment:

   a. Face: The laser will be carefully applied to the entire face, targeting areas of concern such as fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation, and acne scars. The PicoWay laser emits ultra-short pulses of energy, which penetrate the skin to break down pigment and stimulate collagen production without causing damage to the surrounding tissue.

   b. Neck: The treatment will then be extended to the neck area, addressing concerns such as neck lines, creases, and uneven skin tone.

   c. Décolletage: Finally, the laser will be applied to the décolletage area (the upper chest and cleavage), targeting sun damage, wrinkles, and pigmentation.

5. Post-Treatment Care: After the session, your skin may appear red or slightly swollen, similar to a mild sunburn. We will apply soothing creams help alleviate any discomfort and promote healing. It's essential to follow their post-treatment instructions carefully, which may include avoiding sun exposure, wearing sunscreen, and using gentle skincare products.

6. Follow-Up Sessions: While you may notice improvements in your skin's appearance after just one session, multiple sessions are usually recommended for optimal results. The number of sessions required will depend on your individual skin concerns and treatment goals.

7. Results: Over the following weeks and months, you should start to see improvements in the texture, tone, and overall appearance of your skin as collagen production is stimulated and pigment is gradually broken down and eliminated by the body.

• The PicoWay Laser is the most effective on the market and can treat all skin types and all tattoo ink colors.
• Keep in mind no two people (or tattoos) are created equal, so individual results vary.
• While complete elimination of a tattoo may or may not be possible, we will be able to remove enough so you can reimagine what was once there.

Contraindications
Therapy using the PicoWay laser is contraindicated for those patients who:
• Are hypersensitive to light in the infrared wavelength region
• Have recent unprotected sun exposure, including the use of tanning beds or tanning products, such as creams, lotions and sprays. Allow tan to fade prior to treatment.
• Take medication which is known to increase sensitivity to sunlight
• Have seizure disorders triggered by light
• Has a history of squamous cell carcinoma or melanoma
• Has a history of healing problems and keloid scarring
• Take medication that alters the wound-healing response
• Has used oral isotretinoin (Accutane®) within 12 months of initial treatment or plans on using during the course of the treatment. Note: Skin must regain its normal degree of moisture prior to treatment, e.g., lack of noticeable
skin flaking, skin peeling and skin surface roughness
• Has a history of immunosuppression/immune deficiency disorders (including HIV infection or AIDS) or use of
immunosuppressive medications
• Take anticoagulants
• Have an active localized or systemic infection, or an open wound in the area being treated.
• Are pregnant or breast-feeding• 
• Has poorly controlled medical conditions including significant systemic illness.

Possible side effects

• Improper use of the system could result in possible side effects. Although these effects are rare and expected to be transient, any adverse reaction should be immediately reported to the physician.
• Side effects may include any of those conditions listed below.
• Side effects may appear either at the time of treatment or shortly after.
• Some dark-skinned patients may have a delayed response one-to-two days after treatment and should be evaluated post-test accordingly.
• The side effects may include:
  • Discomfort
  • Excessive skin redness (erythema) and/or swelling (edema)
  • Damage to natural skin texture (crust, blister, burn)
  • Change of pigmentation (hyper- or hypo-pigmentation)
  • Scarring
  • Rarely, a tattoo contains pigments with titanium or zinc, which may darken with laser treatment.