Tattoo Removal in Santa Barbara

Rethinking the ink? You are not alone. Whether it is because of the specific tattoo (no one wants that ex girlfriend or boyfriend’s name on them anymore!) or deciding that tattoos in general aren’t for them, it is estimated that up to 50% of people who receive tattoos later regret them.

If you are in this group and would like your tattoo removed, we can help! Evolutions offers highly effective tattoo removal technology for a wide variety of tattoos right here in Santa Barbara. Our state of the art Q-switched laser system includes three true lasers that can safely and effectively remove tattoos of almost any color (most systems only have two lasers).

Tattoo Removal at Evolutions is a safe and non-invasive procedure that uses very rapid bursts of laser energy to break down tattoo ink and allow the normal healing process of the body to remove the unwanted ink.  Evolutions also uses Describe PFD patches to increase the safety, effectiveness, and comfort of the treatment.

Tattoos are designed to be permanent, so depending on a number of factors, clearance can take between 4 and 15 treatments. Factors that influence the number of treatments necessary include skin type, tattoo color(s), location on the body, amount of ink, and presence of any scarring in the area. For a specific estimate on the number of treatments likely required, call us at 805-695-2210 to set up a complimentary consultation with one of our friendly and knowledgeable nurses.

The following section answers some of the frequently asked questions about Tattoo Removal. If you are interested in finding out more, please call us at 805-695-2210 to book a complimentary consultation. If you prefer, you may also  fill out an online request form. One of our Spa Coordinators will then get in touch with you.

How does tattoo removal work?

Effective laser tattoo removal requires a Q-switched laser, which fires high powered pulses of laser energy in extremely short bursts (measured in nanoseconds, which are one billionths of a second!). This energy, when applied correctly, heats and breaks down tattoo ink while protecting the surrounding tissue. The affected tattoo ink is then removed using the normal healing process of the body. Multiple treatments are necessary for complete removal.

How many treatments are necessary?

It is important to note that tattoos are designed to be permanent. Consequently, for effective removal it is necessary to undergo a series of treatments. Depending on a variety of factors, clinical endpoints are typically reached in anywhere from 4 to 15 appointments.

In order to estimate the necessary number of treatments, Evolutions uses the Kirby-Desai scale, which assesses the following criteria:

  • Skin type (darker skin types require more treatments)
  • Tattoo Color(s) (black tattoos are the easiest to remove. Multicolored tattoos require more treatments)
  • Location of tattoo (areas with better circulation, such as the head and neck, require fewer treatments than an extremity such as a hand or finger)
  • Amount of Ink (measured both by the density of the tattoo and if it was done professionally or not)
  • Layering (if one tattoo has been covered by another, it will take more treatments to remove)
  • Presence of scarring (The presence of a prior scar in the area will increase the number of treatments needed).

For a specific analysis of your tattoo, call us at 805-695-2210 to schedule a complimentary consultation.

Can all tattoo colors be treated?

With the technology used at Evolutions, almost all tattoo colors can be treated effectively. However, there are certain colors, such as sky blue and other pastels, that do not respond as well to any laser wavelength and are more difficult to treat. Though they can still be treated, complete clearance may take longer or may not be achievable.

What results can I expect?

Tattoos are intended to be permanent, so removing them is a process.  You can expect to see your tattoo visibly lighten after each treatment, with complete (or close to complete) clearance expected after the recommended number of treatments has been done.  If your tattoo is not removed to a satisfactory level at this time, any additional treatments done on the same tattoo will be charged at 50% off.

How long do treatments take?

Treatment time depends on the size of the tattoo and the number of colors (multicolor tattoos require multiple passes), but the majority of treatments are completed in under 5 minutes for a small to medium black tattoo to 10-15 minutes for a medium-sized, multi-color tattoo.

Will the treatment hurt?

There is some discomfort associated with the treatment, but the treatments are MUCH faster than actually getting the tattoo.  Evolutions also uses Describe PFD patches during the treatments, which increase both the comfort level and efficiency of the session as well as decrease healing time.

Will I have to miss work?

You should not have to miss work unless the tattoo removed is on the face. Some redness, localized swelling, and even minor blistering is common, but most clients can return to work right away.

What technology is used?

Evolutions is pleased to have acquired the Quanta Q-Plus C, which is tried, true, and highly effective.  Other tattoo removal lasers only have 1064 and 532 wavelengths available as true lasers (other wavelengths are attempted using filters that dramatically decrease treatment efficacy). The Quanta Q-Plus C has three true laser wavelengths (1064, 532, PLUS 694) which allows us to more effectively treat multicolor tattoos.

The energy delivery system on the Quanta Q-Plus C also provides lower levels of discomfort and negative tissue reaction than older Q-Switched technologies.

In addition to the laser, Evolutions utilizes Describe PFD Patches during our treatments.  Describe PFD Patches are silicone patches infused with perfluorodecalin (PFD) that allows multiple laser passes in a single tattoo removal treatment session and helps the laser reach ink particles deep within the skin.  The Patch allows up to 4x as many passes per office visit compared to treatment without the Patch.  Clients report less discomfort during the treatment and faster healing times when using the Patch.

Click here for more information about the Describe PFD Patch.

How much does it cost?

Treatments are priced by how many square inches of ink is being treated and vary between $225 and $750 per treatment, depending on the size of tattoo (between 1 and 20 square inches).  All pricing includes the Describe PFD patch (or patches if multiple are needed).  If you purchase the recommended number of treatments (based on the Kirby-Desai scale) up front, you will receive a 20% discount.

For a specific quote, please call us at 805-687-0212 to schedule a complimentary consultation.


Please Note: The estimated number of total treatments will be determined at a complimentary consultation. If a series is purchased and the tattoo is removed in fewer than expected treatments, Evolutions will credit the proportional value of any unused treatments to the client’s account. If tattoo is not removed to a satisfactory level after the estimated treatments are completed, Evolutions will provide further treatments at a 50% discount of the per treatment cost the client has paid (either individual or series).

 

Also please note that tattoos that are larger than 20 square inches must be treated in two separate treatments. Each treatment is charged separately.

 

Why should I have tattoo removal treatments done at Evolutions?

Superior Technology
Evolutions uses a highly tattoo removal laser for all colored tattoos.  Many other tattoo removal lasers are not able to treat multicolor tattoos as effectively and are generally considered to be more painful.  Evolutions also uses Describe PFD patches during every treatment, which increase the safety, comfort, and efficacy of every treatment.

Excellent Clinician Training 
For any procedure, the skill of the clinician performing the procedure is critical. A number of factors need to be considered in preparation to treat a client, including skin type, medical history, medications used, etc. Based on these factors, the clinician must then decide what settings to use. If the settings are too high, there is the risk of burns and/or scarring. If the settings are too low, you may not receive a good result. Consequently, it is very important that the clinician performing your procedure is well-trained.

At Evolutions, Dr. Perkins personally and extensively trains all of the clinicians on all aspects of performing tattoo removal treatments, including laser physics, skin anatomy, and practical application. Furthermore, in the unlikely event of any complication, Dr. Perkins is always available to see clients personally and help resolve any issues as quickly as possible.