enlighten^® laser for tattoo removal and skin tone corrections

The enlighten^® laser is employed as one of our main lasers for tattoo removal in Surrey.

Other than tattoo removal, this laser can be used for:

• Discoloured skin
• Sun damage and sun spots
• Freckles
• Acne scars
• Wrinkles

Back to top

The enlighten^® laser uses both nanosecond and picosecond pulses to destroy pigments in the skin – whether the pigments are from a tattoo, or from skin damage (such as sun damage). After the pigments are broken apart, the body gets rid of them through natural processes.

Picoseconds are 1,000 times shorter than nanoseconds. When pulses are shorter, they result in fewer side effects, while also breaking apart pigments faster.

Having two pulse durations on one machine means that treatments can be precisely targeted for specific skin types and concerns. Depending on the colour, intensity and depth of pigments in the skin, different pulse durations can be used to remove unwanted lesions or ink colours.

The enlighten^® laser also uses three wavelengths of light (532 nm, 1064 nm and 670 nm). These wavelengths reach different depths and colours in the skin. That’s because different colours attract different types of light. Thus, coloured tattoos can absorb the right laser wavelengths to break apart their ink particles.

The multiple wavelengths on the enlighten^® laser also allow for the treatment of specific pigmentation issues, without damaging surrounding skin. For example, some wavelengths are excellent at removing sunspots or age spots on light skin. But, for darker skin types, a different wavelength can be used that is less absorbed by the skin’s pigments, preventing possible damage during treatment.

It’s important to note that lasers can’t break apart all pigment particles in one session. Therefore, multiple sessions are required to gradually remove all the unwanted pigments.

Back to top

The number of treatments required for tattoo removal with the enlighten^® laser can depend on:

• Your skin tone
• The depth of the ink in the skin
• The type of tattoo
• The colour of the ink

Patients should expect no less than 4 sessions to remove a tattoo by laser. However, since the above factors are nearly impossible to control, some patients need 12 or more sessions.

Skin rejuvenation with the enlighten^® laser can require 2 – 4 treatments on average. However, this depends on what is being treated, the intensity of the condition, the skin type and so on.

Back to top

The sensation of the laser can be likened to snapping a rubber band on your skin with each pulse.

A numbing cream is applied to the treatment area, to help mitigate pain. Cold air is also blown on the treatment area while the laser pulses over it. This also helps with pain.

Back to top

Treatments with the enlighten^® laser do require healing of the treatment area, which can last for a few days. However, you will be able to go back to your normal activities right away.

The treatment area may temporarily turn white with each pulse. This is called ‘frosting.’ Frosting is a normal part of tattoo removal treatments. It typically lasts no longer than 30 minutes. Later, the treatment area may be red, and may blister. This is also normal.

When the session is complete, Polysporin^® is applied to the treatment area, to help it heal. You may be asked to continue using Polysporin^® at home, until the area heals.

If you will be doing any activity that can cause infection (such as working in a dusty place, or spending time outdoors), you will need to ensure the area remains covered.

It is advisable to avoid swimming and sun exposure, or activities that can irritate the skin during the healing process.

Back to top

To get a general price guideline of our enlighten^® laser treatments, we encourage you to fill out the form above.

However, the best way to get a cost estimate for your particular case, is to come in for a personalized consultation.