Laser Tattoo Removal

Tattoos have always been a part of American mainstream culture. It is estimated that more than 10 million Americans have at least one tattoo and tattooing is big business. Despite their growing popularity, it is estimated that more than 50% of individuals who have a tattoo later regret having it and want it removed. In the past, tattoo removal was done using unsophisticated surgery techniques, all of which left individuals with a lot of scarring. However, with recent advances in medical technology, laser therapy has become the gold standard for removal of tattoos. Lasers work by producing short pulses of intense light that pass harmlessly through the top layers of the skin to be selectively absorbed by the tattoo pigment. This laser energy causes the tattoo pigment to fragment into smaller particles that are then removed by the body's immune system.

Am I a candidate for Laser Tattoo Removal?

If you are in good health (no serious health concerns), have realistic expectations and do not have hypo-/hyper- pigmentation or Keloid scarring in your family or personal history, you may be a good candidate for Laser Tattoo Removal.

What is Laser Tattoo Removal?

Laser Tattoo Removal is the penetration and break up of the ink articles that were implanted into your skin. This procedure uses an Alexandrite laser. This procedure can take about 2 years to fully remove a a tattoo ad even then it is not guaranteed.

What does a typical Laser Tattoo Removal consultation entail?

Laser Tattoo Removal is the penetration and break up of the ink articles that were implanted into your skin. This procedure uses an Alexandrite laser. This procedure can take about 2 years to fully remove a a tattoo ad even then it is not guaranteed.

How is Laser Tattoo Removal performed?

The laser is applied with pulses lasting micro-seconds. Sometimes it is accompanied by a short burst of Freon type substance or other freezing agent shortly before to minimize pain. It takes about 180 pulses for a small tattoo the size of a box of matches. You will wear glasses protect your eyes. It is really quite simple.

The treatment area will be swollen, red and very tender. It is really like a burn. Blisters may form. Do not pick at the skin, let it heal naturally. You will ice it down for the first 24 hours and thereafter for comfort. It will crust up and eventually fall off. In the months ahead your body will dispose of the cracked ink by its normal waste disposal protocol.

Can I go out in the sun after the procedure?

You can go out in the sun after a treatment as long as the area treated is completely covered from the sun. This could severely damage your skin. Do not expose your treatment area to the sun for at least 2 weeks, and even then, apply sun block. The laser literally evaporated some of the layers of skin in the process so you will have little natural protection.