where body and art become one
Starting January 2020, Unify Tattoo Company is proud to be able to offer laser tattoo removal at our studio. Pepper, co-owner and artist will be the one performing this service. Please read further about Pepper's mission, our laser, and FAQ to learn more about laser tattoo removal.
As I’ve grown older, I find it remarkable how fast time actually passes and have been reflecting on all of the amazing opportunities I have had. I started this journey with a tattoo apprenticeship at 17, and after almost 20 years in the industry, I’ve decided it is time for change and growth....
In my early 20’s, I had my first laser removal experience. I was very nervous about it, but was comforted by having a positive experience done in the familiar setting of a tattoo studio. I was excited at the idea of being able to remove a tattoo I wasn’t happy with and didn’t fit my life anymore, when before I was certain I would be stuck with it for the rest of my life. Over time, I started with having 5 of my earliest tattoos removed.
The process is painful and does take multiple sessions to complete, but was worth it. The thrill of not having to continue existing with my choices that no longer represented the person I am and freeing up space for designs I wanted made the temporary pain bearable.
I chose later to have some additional pieces removed after the initial 5. Throughout my travels as a tattoo artist, I had the opportunity to try various venues, tattoo shops and clinics. Unfortunately not all of the experiences were as good as my first. I felt like I was looked at like either, as all of my tattoos were mistakes or they saw dollar signs because of the amount of tattoos I had. It was assumed that they were all bad decisions and that I would want them all removed. It was harder for people with little knowledge of tattoos, to understand why I would keep some but want others gone. These are the experiences that didn’t sit right with me. I love the majority of my tattoos and they tell a story of where I’ve been. They’re not just designs, they’re experiences that make me part of who I am. To already be nervous about the removal, then to feel judged and not understood was a really disappointing and frustrating experience.
Looking back, the most comfortable environment I had experienced removal in was a tattoo studio. Many people come through our doors with old tattoos, that they are unhappy with. No matter the reason they are unhappy, this is something we who work at the shop have all dealt with at some point. Laser offers more coverup options as well as space for new designs. In one location, we will be able to help people get from where they are with their art to where they want to be. We can offer design by design, and not design by default.
2019 brought quite a few changes, 2020 is already set to do even more. In addition to providing tattoos, I will be providing laser tattoo removal as well. This has been a long time dream of mine and I’ve been working diligently over time to make it a reality. My goals are to give clients service in a comfortable setting, work with you and your artist to get your tattoo ready for a new tattoo, offer insight into when your tattoo is ready to be covered up and overall help clients get the tattoo that represents the now, just as others have helped me.
If this is something that you are interested in, or would like to know more, please reach out to the studio either via e-mail: info@unifytattoofl.com or call 904-770-7779
FAQ
At Unify Tattoo Company we are using the RevLite Q-Switched ND:YAG laser system which has the ability to break down tattoo pigment. Varying wavelengths of light allow the laser to target specific colors found in different tattoos. The laser pulses pass through the skin and are absorbed by the ink thus breaking down the pigment in the tattoo, causing the pigment to disperse. In the weeks following the treatment, the body’s immune system will filter and flush away the broken particles of ink to lighten the appearance of the tattoo.
The number of treatments depend on the amount, depth, size and type of pigment used, the age and location of the tattoo, individual overall health, and the desired end goal post treatment. Our focus at Unify Tattoo is to be able to work with our clients to offer more options when it comes to covering an existing tattoo they find undesirable, to one they do find desirable. In this case, the number of treatments required will be determined by what style and type of tattoo they are wanting instead, along with taking the aforementioned factors into consideration. Regardless, a minimum of 8 weeks is required in between sessions. Doing treatments too close together doesn't allow the body enough time to remove the ink that was shattered at the most recent session and can cause permanent damage and side effects to the treated area. The procedure itself will take minutes compared to the time it took to initially apply the tattoo. To help naturally speed up the process proper aftercare along with a healthy lifestyle is encouraged as a stronger immune system will promote better results and healing.
Just like when getting tattooed, different areas are more painful than other areas to get removed. The impact of the energy from the laser light is uncomfortable yet bearable and can be described similar to the sensation of a snap of a rubber band with each pulse. Once the treatment is over, applying ice to the area immediately will help with any residual discomfort.
Blistering is not uncommon with laser tattoo removal, and is an indication that your immune system is healing the area and beginning to remove the ink from your tattoo. If you have a blister, it’s important to not pop the blister as it is your body's way of protecting your skin and stopping bacteria from coming in contact with it. To pop the blister can result in infection, especially if not done properly. Immediately icing the area post treatment can help reduce the likelihood of a blister to form. It is also important to follow proper post-care instructions for maximum healing and minimum scarring risks.
The cost of the procedure will vary based upon the size of tattoo to be treated, and is priced per session. The minimum for treatment starts at 100 and will go up from there. If you are currently a client of Unify Tattoo, we will be offer at 15% discount on the first laser session. We do not have any packages at this time as we not only offer competitive pricing already, but we prefer to go per session to determine when a tattoo will be ready to cover. As we do not collect any additional money up front for sessions, all work done will be paid for at the time of service.
Laser tattoo removal will work on almost anyone. However there are some factors that make some people ideal candidates for this procedure.
Fair Skin
A fair skinned person has greater contrast between their skin and their tattoo. This helps the laser target the tattoo more accurately, avoiding damage to surrounding skin. This doesn't mean if your skin tone is darker that you will experience damage to healthy skin or that your results won't be as defined as those with more fair skin. It does mean you may require more treatments to get the same results.
Darker skin tones run a greater risk of developing hyperpigmentation than those with lighter skin tones. It is also not a recommended procedure for those with a history of skin hypersensitivity, scarring (especially keloids), or skin infections or those on certain medications.
Tattoo Age
Older tattoos have already started to break down, and fade. This reduced the amount of sessions needed to reach the desired results.
Healthy Lifestyle
Laser tattoo removal relies on your immune system to dispose of broken-down ink particles. This means the better health you are in, the easier the process is. A good immune system is ideal because, the process could be lengthy, needing multiple procedures, which can take a toll on your body if it's struggling to heal after each procedure.
Smoking is also something that can hinder the healing process. Anything that puts a strain on your body and immune system is essentially something you want to avoid if you plan to get Laser Removal done.
Have Realistic Expectations
Laser Tattoo Removal does not remove your tattoo 100%. Depending on what you plan to do after treatment, such as cover up the area or leave it ink free, you need to know you may still see a hint of the tattoo. Also understand that the removal itself is a process requiring time, care, and patience.
After treatment, it's best to wait about 8 weeks before starting a tattoo in the same treatment area. It is vital to make sure the skin is completely healed in that area before starting another tattoo. Throughout the process we will monitor the tattoo that has been treated to ensure it's to the point where it needs to be to cover with the desired artwork.
Do I need to make an appointment?
Yes. Please call the studio at 904-770-7779 to schedule your free consultation with Pepper.
Thank you for your interest in our work. We will review your request and respond to you asap. Please note that sometimes the desired artist will not be the best artist for your tattoo idea. At Unify Tattoo Co., we believe in matching the best artist for the best possible outcome for your tattoo. We look forward to hearing your ideas and creating a custom piece of art for you.
You can email Unify Tattoo Company by filling out this form. Thanks for your support!