UnTattooU - Tattoo Removal

While many love tattoos, for some people they are not what they need anymore. They represent a time in a person’s life that might have been relevant 15 years ago, but not necessarily now. Yes, tattoos are meant to be forever but “forever” does not have to mean, “until death do you part.” If you are not in love with your tattoo anymore, there are options.

For the past couple of decades, the industry standard in the tattoo removal process has been the Q-Switched Laser. It uses heat to break up the ink in a person’s skin. The laser can be uncomfortable and can take 10-20 sessions for the treatment to be complete! In the DC Metro Area, there is another way. It is a different laser and it is found just off of Maple Avenue West in Vienna, Virginia. The location – UnTattooU.

I had the opportunity to sit down with Norah Gourlay, RN, MSN, the Director of Operations at UnTattooU to discuss what makes it the place to go for tattoo removals. UnTattooU opened its doors for business in March of 2014 with two very special qualities. The first is they hire registered nurses to perform the treatments. Gourlay speaks of this as being a great asset to the company due to their education, assessment skills, and clinical expertise that you do not find in just anyone. The second is their method of tattoo removal.  It is the PicoSure Laser and UnTattooU is the only place using it in the DC Metro area.

Norah Gourlay explains:

“The PicoSure Laser is the newest laser on the market for tattoo removal. It’s also FDA approved for facial rejuvenation, fine lines, wrinkles and acne scars. For tattoo removal it is the newest technology. The older technology, which isn’t a bad technology, has been the standard for over 20 years is the Q-Switched Laser. The PicoSure uses a photomechanical action to break up the ink, so it’s not relying on heat which can cause destruction to surrounding tissue. The PicoSure is also very good with blue and green ink where previous technology did not do as good of a job removing those colors. Blues and greens can come off very easily, sometimes in as little as 3 or 4 treatments.”

Nothing is perfect and like the Q-Switched Laser, there is always a possibility of slight skin discoloration. It is true of any light-based treatment. Another thing that makes PicoSure different is it can get through scar tissue that builds up during laser treatment. Gourlay says they are, “completing treatment series for some people that have had 20 Q-Switched treatments and their tattoo has become recalcitrant. That means it is stubborn and will not get any lighter. The PicoSure can get through that to break up the ink. While it can take 12-20 rounds with a Q-Switched Laser, Gourlay averages that the typical PicoSure client only needs about 6. The Q-Switched Laser is great for all skin types though, from the extremely pale to the extremely dark. The PicoSure is great for most skin types but the testing on darker skin has not been as extensive as the Q-Switched. Luckily for their clients, UnTattooU has both lasers.

While it is more expensive than the Q-Switched process, PicoSure is much faster. It provides a quicker option for the clients that come into UnTattooU. It could be a bride getting ready for her big day, a new military recruit, someone in the corporate world looking to advance in a career where tattoos are not viewed as professional (or even allowed), or just the average Joe with an ex’s name tattooed on his arm. Anyone and everyone are welcome.

UnTattooU also works with tattoo parlors in the area. They have a great relationship with many and are looking to expand that rapport in the future. Artists send clients to them to get tattoos lightened up before another one is done. It is very much an ink-friendly business. Actually, it is a friendly business all around. Has anyone has ever walked into a doctor’s office and immediately felt like something bad was about to happen? The walls are white, the receptionist is in a closed box, and there is that one flickering light in the waiting room? Maybe that was just my doctor’s office but that is not UnTattooU. You walk up the stairs into a very warm and welcoming reception area. The receptionist is very kind and everyone is willing to answer your questions. Norah Gourlay was extremely knowledgeable and pleasant to talk to. The environment makes you feel comfortable from the warm colors of the walls to the coziness of the chairs.

If you are looking to get a tattoo removed, give UnTattooU a go. Their consultations are 100% complementary and they work to customize a removal plan specific to you, your skin-type, and your tattoo. They are affordable and work out payment options and interest free financing. Treatments start as low as $75 and if you refer a client who buys a treatment you get $100 off your next treatment. That offer is for providers as well. There is also a 10% military discount.

UnTattooU will be at DC Tattoo Expo #5 that is taking place January 16-18, 2015 at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, VA. To find more information about UnTattooU, visit their website at www.untattoou.com or on their Facebook at www.facebook.com/untattoou. You can also give them a call at (703) 255-2600. If you have a tattoo you want to remove definitely take a look at UnTattooU.