It is indeed. And we know what we’re talking about. We have successfully treated almost 24000 individuals over the past 15 years. Beyond our vast experience, we’d also like to brag a little about the owner and founder of Ink-B-Gone, Shelley Novello. She is respected in her field and has earned many qualifications and honors, such as:
- She is a Certified Laser Technician
- She graduated from Rocky Mountain Laser College in 2006
- She has supplemental advanced training from Quanta Laser Systems and Cynosure
- She is a Laser Safety Officer
- She provides advanced training for clinics in the US and Canada
- She sets the culture for our treatment facility and makes sure that everyone who works here meets the same high standards that she sets for herself
However, you don’t have to rely simply on facts about our experience and our fearless leader for the answer to your question about safety.
Let’s look at what the Food and Drug Administration has to say:
Why the FDA? The inks and pigments used in tattoos fall under the jurisdiction of the FDA. They are responsible for more than simply the “food” and “drugs” in their title. Here is their mission statement:
The Food and Drug Administration is responsible for protecting the public health by ensuring the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, and medical devices; and by ensuring the safety of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, and products that emit radiation.
The lasers used to remove tattoos are regulated by the FDA, and the FDA is responsible for marketing clearances of laser devices. The FDA has determined that laser surgery is “an effective and safe way to remove tattoos.”
An FDA dermatologist, Markham Luke, MD, Ph.D., states that laser devices are cleared for use under several safety conditions, all of which we abide by religiously. For example, they require the correct type of laser, require an understanding of the reaction of tissue to laser, and require knowledge of how to treat the area after the procedure.
In addition, Dr. Luke states that tattoo removal laser devices should be operated either by or under the supervision of a healthcare professional. Our top-notch healthcare professional is Dr. Dennis Kotelko M.D., who has been overseeing laser tattoo removal in the region for over 17 years. We operate under the license of Dr. Kotelko, and he defines our medical protocol.
Laser tattoo removal is a popular industry that is growing:
One study reports that 17% of people with tattoos regret having them done (not because they don’t like the ink, but because they no longer have fond feelings for the person whose name is permanently and boldly displayed on their skin). Another study increased the ratio of regretful tattooed people to 3 out of every 4!
According to a leading online product review and comparison resource, tattoo removal services will increase by 18% each year over the next several years. This is a rapidly growing field that is completely mainstream. Allied Market Research reports that laser procedures used for tattoo removal are the most influential segment of the market. This is due to 5 main factors:
- A rise in public awareness of effectiveness and safety
- Faster recovery times
- Fewer side effects compared to surgeries
- Increased demand for laser technology
- The fact that tattoo removal lasers work
What are some possible side effects of laser tattoo removal procedures?
Well, you will feel some discomfort. For most people, that’s all it really is; discomfort. But pain is subjective. We all experience it differently. What may simply feel like a small rubber band snapping against one person may feel quite a bit worse to someone else.
Your level of discomfort also depends on how big the tattoo is, where it is located on your body, and how relaxed you are. You can read more about this in our blog, How Bad Does Tattoo Removal Hurt?
Your skin may tingle or itch for a few days, and you may experience slight swelling or even blistering. These things are not fun, but they are safe. There is also a small chance that your tattoo site may become infected. However, that chance is lessened if you follow aftercare instructions.
Some rare cases may result in uneven skin color, especially for those with darker skin tones. The surrounding skin can end up darker than where the tattoo was, (hyperpigmentation) or lighter than where the tattoo was (hypopigmentation).
Incidentally, if you have questions about what happens after the treatments, you may be interested in our blog, What Does the Laser Removal Healing Process Look Like?
The best way to know is to ask!
When you’re ready to look into laser tattoo removal, it’s important to find a professional and expert technician you trust. Before you can commit to anything, you can come in for a free consultation here at Ink-B-Gone, the leading laser tattoo removers in Colorado. We will be completely transparent with you every step of the way.
You may be interested in checking out some of our blogs about tattoo removal and Ink-B-Gone. Or follow us on social media for more helpful tips and guidance:
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/INKBGONE
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inkbgone/?hl=en
