Acoustic Pulse Technology and Laser Tattoo Removal
Tattoos have never been safer or more accepted than they are today. Nearly half of all Americans have at least one tattoo. Surprised? It is also true that the majority of individuals with tattoos keep them covered most or all of the time. The United States is one of the most heavily tattooed countries on the planet, and that trend looks to continue moving forward. All of that being said, tattoos are big decisions. The removal of the stigma does not mean that everyone is out here making great life choices by getting Korn tattoos. And when you accidentally on purpose get that Korn tattoo after all, you might one day want to get that tattoo removed.
Today, we will review acoustic pulse technology and laser tattoo removal by exploring why folks get their tattoos removed, explain acoustic pulse tech, and delve into acoustic pulses from a scientific perspective.
Why Do People Seek Laser Tattoo Removal?
As a brief editorial, your humble author has about half a dozen tattoos, the bulk of which were applied before my 21st birthday. While I do not regret any of my tattoos, there is no question that many individuals will either immediately or eventually wish that unicorn tattoo on their ankle wasn’t there anymore. There are a few simple reasons why an individual might seek to have their tattoo(s) removed:
The tattoo evokes a painful memory. Tattoos are deeply personal for many people. Whether you have a “mom” tattoo, a tattoo of your favorite band, or a tattoo of your husband or wife’s name, that can evoke bittersweet memories. Of course, sometimes those memories lose the sweet and become all bitter. In these cases, permanent removal might be a good option.
The individual is a different person than they once were. As an extension of this thought, it is common for people to grow in a different direction than they might have expected. Your wilder days might feel like an embarrassment, or that tattoo might not fit your current career choice.
Setting a good example for your children. On another personal note, I have no issues showing my tattoos in front of my six-year-old. Yet many do, and that is a perfectly legitimate reason to want to safely and responsibly remove tattoos.
What is an Acoustic Pulse?
To understand acoustic pulse, let’s examine each part of the term. Acoustic is defined in part as “of or relating to the sense or organs of hearing, to sound, or to the science of sounds…operated by or utilizing sound waves.” Pulse is defined in part as “rhythmical beating, vibrating, or sounding.” Putting these two terms together, we understand that acoustic pulse technology uses rhythmic sound waves to produce a desired result.
Acoustic pulses have a wide range of scientific and engineering applications including acoustic microscopy, photoacoustic spectroscopy, pressure waves and superposition, and more. One of the primary values of acoustic pulse technology is that it can be used to discreetly penetrate beneath the surface of solid objects to interact with material beneath. When we are talking about tattoo removal, dislodging ink from the skin without permanently damaging the skin is an ideal usage of acoustic pulses.
Acoustic Pulse Therapies for Tattoo Removal
An example of an acoustic pulse therapy has been pioneered by Soliton. According to their website: “Soliton’s RAP (Rapid Acoustic Pulse) Device works in partnership with a short pulse laser to achieve superior results in tattoo removal.”
Soliton’s solution uses rapid acoustic pulse technologies in between traditional short pulse laser tattoo removal treatments. Current lasers used for tattoo removal include “Alexandrite, YAG and Ruby. Each works on different pigment colors and compounds, so the dermatologist will use one or a combination of lasers depending on the nature of a specific tattoo.” The basic concept of laser tattoo removal is that the lasers target specific pigments, break those pigments (ink) into smaller pieces, and those pieces will eventually be passed naturally from the body.
Acoustic pulse therapies improve traditional laser therapies in two key ways:
Acoustic pulses enhance the laser therapy’s ability to break down pigments into smaller, passable pieces.
Acoustic pulses work to eliminate the vacuoles which typically form during laser tattoo removal.
Join us for SCALE 2020 to Discuss Acoustic Pulse Tech, Laser Tattoo Removal, and Much More!
This July 22-25th, join us at the world famous Music City Convention Center in downtown Nashville for SCALE 2020! The annual Symposium for Cosmetic Advances & Laser Education is bigger and better than ever. We are proud to present a wide range of exhibitors and sponsors who will be discussing topics ranging from robotic dermatological surgeries to acne to non-invasive cosmetic procedures. Register now to reserve your spot to the premier multidisciplinary meeting for aesthetic medicine, surgery and dermatology in the United States!