Using the new laser technology,
with multiple light wavelengths, with several
laser therapies directed to specific particular
colors, your tattoo can be removed with an
excellent cosmetic result, usually without any
scarring.
Lasers have been used for many
years for a variety of medical procedures. They
have an extraordinary track record for safety
and accuracy. Immediately after the tattoo
removal the areas may appear red. Pain is
generally mild and transient. Side effects are
uncommon and generally temporary.
FAQ:
What is laser
tattoo removal and what does it accomplish?
Q switch Nd:YAG laser is the
newest laser for tattoo removal. This laser can
significantly lighten or remove many tattoo
inks, and is particularly advanced in the
removal of blue, black and red inks. Nd:YAG
laser works to remove tattoo ink using specific
wavelengths of light. These wavelengths are pass
through the skin and break up the particles of
tattoo pigment. The rapid absorption of light
energy causes the tattoo ink to destruct, where
it is then removed by the body's natural
filtering systems. The laser helps the body by
breaking up the pigment into small particles
that can be removed more rapidly.
How is the
treatment performed?
You will need to discontinue
use of aspirin-like products 10 days prior to
your treatment. A topical anesthesia gel is
applied to the tattoo for 30 minutes before
treatment in order to anesthetize the skin.
After the skin in anesthetized, your doctor
passes the laser light over your tattoo. Most
patients equate the pain of removal with the
pain of getting the tattoo. As treatments
progress, the pain decreases because there is
less pigment to absorb the laser energy. Each
procedure takes between 5 to 15 minutes
depending on the size of the tattoo.
How many treatment
sessions will it take to remove the tattoo?
The number of treatments for
clearance of a tattoo depends on the amount and
type of ink used and the depth of the ink in the
skin. In some cases, complete clearance can not
be achieved. It is impossible for any doctor to
determine exactly how many treatments it will
take for complete removal because the variables
are usually unknown, such as the type of ink and
how much was used. Several additional factors
can affect the long-term outcome of your
treatment. Older tattoos are easier to remove
than newer ones; tattoos applied by amateurs are
easier to remove than those applied by
professionals. Certain pigments are easier to
remove, with fluorescent colors being the least
responsive to treatment. The type of ink used
may also affect the results, since some inks
create a paradoxical reaction, causing the skin
to become darker instead of lighter. Your
physician can advise you on what to expect based
on your particular tattoo. During your initial
consultation, your doctor will be able to
estimate how many treatments may be necessary
for the clearance of your tattoo.
What type of
post-treatment care is necessary?
The area may be red, as if mildly sunburned, for
several weeks. There may be some bruising, and
with deeper tattoos bleeding is not uncommon.
The area may be treated with an antibiotic
ointment and a bandage applied.
Recovery times depend on the extent of the
treatment and the individual’s capacity to heal.
Redness and sensitivity may continue for several
weeks, and there may be discoloration and a
change in skin texture in the area, which will
gradually improve. You should avoid exposing the
treated area to the sun, as this may retard
healing. You may not notice significant results
until several treatments have been completed.
Most people are satisfied with the pigment
removal achieved through laser treatment. It is
important to remember, however, that your skin
will never look as it did before you had the
tattoo, even though the tattooed pigment has
been removed. After you have healed, you will
need to continually protect your new skin. In
the early weeks and months following the
treatment, your skin will be very susceptible to
sun damage. If at all possible, avoid prolonged
exposure to the sun. If you must be in the sun
for a short time, use sunscreen.
How much do the treatments
cost?
Laser tattoo removal involves the use of
sophisticated expensive laser equipment in order
to deliver precise and effective energy
pulses. For us to better assess your needs, we
invite you to schedule for a consultation.
Cost/Fee