Laser Tattoo Removal
WHAT IS TATTOO REMOVAL?
Tattoo removal can be achieved in a number of ways, ranging from laser treatments, chemical peels, dermabrasion and surgical excision.
LASER TATTOO REMOVAL
Lasers are the most common method of tattoo removal performed today. Tattoos consist of thousands of particles of tattoo ink suspended in the skin. The normal human immune system typically removes small foreign particles from the skin. Tattoo ink particles are too big to be removed by this system and are thus considered permanent. The use of lasers helps to break up these particles into smaller pieces that can be removed by the immune system.
Laser treatments work by targeting the ink particles in the skin with highly concentrated light waves that heat up the ink particles and cause them to fragment into smaller particles that are able to be cleared away by the body’s immune system.
Complete removal of a tattoo is usually not accomplished in one laser treatment session. Laser tattoo removal typically requires more than one treatment to reduce the size of the ink particles and make it easier for them to be dispersed by the immune system.
Depending on the tattoo design, size and color, it may take 1-10 laser sessions to remove the ink. Some colors of ink are harder to remove than others and may not be able to be completely removed. There should be a six-week time period between each laser session to allow the wounds to heal and the body to absorb as much of the ink as is possible.
Laser tattoo removal is somewhat painful. Many patient describe it as like having a heavy rubber band snapped against the skin repeatedly. Topical skin numbing medications can be used. Most of the time laser tattoo removal is tolerated very well.
After the procedure the patient will have an open wound that will need to be taken care of. Typical post procedure care of the wound includes cleaning it with soap and water daily, applying antibiotic ointment to the wound and then keeping it covered with some type of dressing until it is healed. Typically, healing is complete around five days after the procedure is done.
Other methods of tattoo removal are more invasive than laser removal and are therefore less commonly performed today. These methods include dermabrasion, chemical peels and surgical excision of the tattoo.
DOES TATTOO REMOVAL HURT?
There is some degree of discomfort when getting a tattoo removed, although the pain is relatively manageable. Sometimes, skin numbing can be used to help make the pain more tolerable.
TATTOO REMOVAL HEALING
It will take some time for the skin to heal after tattoo removal. Most side effects are temporary, with the most common reactions being redness, swelling, bruising, scabbing and tenderness. Most of the time these reactions resolve within a week.
WHAT RESULTS SHOULD I EXPECT AFTER TATTOO REMOVAL?
The results of tattoo removal are variable depending on the treatment option used for your case. Some treatment options require several sessions, so results will not be immediate. Each session will show some progress toward the final result, though the number of treatments needed to achieve your final result may vary.
Results for tattoo removal are variable and dependent on factors such as:
The type of procedure used
The area of the body the tattoo is located in
The size of the tattoo
The complexity of the design of the tattoo
The color of ink used in the tattoo
For optimal results, it is important that you take proper care of the wounds following your tattoo removal procedure. Be sure to follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions and clean the wound with soap and water daily.
Complete removal of the tattoo is the ultimate goal for any tattoo removal procedures. However, patients should have realistic expectations based on the factors referenced above. Regardless of which treatment is used, it may not be possible to completely remove the entire tattoo. For patients who have their tattoo removed using surgical excision, it’s important to understand that there will be a surgical scar left behind.
Pearl Plastic Surgery and Medical Spa requires a credit card on file to hold all appointments. We require 48 hours advance notice of any appointment changes or cancellations. Any no-shows, reschedule, or cancellations within this notification period are subject to the full charge of the service, loss of deposits, and fees. A $100 cancellation/no-show fee will be charged for services that are customizable treatments (i.e botox, filler, Daxxi)
We absolutely understand life happens, and we will do our best to accommodate emergency situations. In this event, please let our office staff know as soon as possible.
**If you book your appointment online, our office will reach out to you to get a card on file**
