Tattoo and Birth Mark Removal

TATOO AND BIRTHMARK LASER REMOVAL 

Q:How does the laser work?

 The laser uses a powerful light beam to damage the ink under the skin. There is no cutting of the skin.

The tattoo ink soaks up the beam's energy and gets extremely hot for a fraction of a second. This is enough to break up the ink causing it to fade slowly. Over the next few weeks the body can clear these small particles of ink. When these are out of the way the laser beam can shine down to the next layer of ink. Allow at least a month between treatments.

Q:How many sittings are required?

 We can only ESTIMATE the number of treatments it will take to completely remove the tattoo.

This is because:

1. the wide variation of inks and pigmented materials used for tattooing,

2. the inks themselves are made up of a combination of different chemical substances,

3. the amount of ink placed in the tattoo, as well as the depth of pigment placement varies from one tattoo to another,

4. the ability of your white blood cells to “gobble up and drag away” different pigment particles varies,

5. other unknown factors.

As a result of these many issues we cannot be absolutely certain how your particular tattoo will respond.

Most “amateur or homemade” tattoos will generally require about 5-7 laser treatments. “Professional” tattoos and those done with harder inks, tend to be more variable in response, and average about 8-12 laser treatments.

Some stubborn tattoo inks may require even more treatments.While the most noticeable lightening of the tattoo usually occurs after the first treatment, continued lightening occurs with each subsequent treatment, although it may not be as easily seen. Before and after photos have been taken of thousands of patients demonstrating that every patient will fade to some degree after every treatment.

Before starting each treatment session, we often compare the tattoo with the original photos (taken before the first treatment) to assess the amount of color that has already been removed.

With this information we can evaluate you progress and discuss the need for continued

treatment. The decision to continue is always made jointly and made with a clear understanding of potential outcomes. Given enough time, treatment and effort, virtually all the tattoo ink will eventually disappear.

LASER TATTOO REMOVAL POST CARE INSTRUCTIONS

The tattoo removal laser treatment may create a superficial burn wound. Some clients may

experience bruising or swelling. There is immediate whitening of the treated area, which

usually lasts for several minutes and could last for several hours.

Many clients then develop crusts, or scabs within 12-72 hours, which may last for

1-2 weeks or more. The treated areas may be pink or pale after the scab separates. Loss

of skin pigment in the treated area can occur ocassionally, and is usually temporary.

1. Keep the treated area clean and dry while it is healing. Clean the area gently with

soap and water and then gently pat the area dry. You may apply a thin coating of

antibiotic ointment up to three times a day while the area is healing.

2. You may apply cool compresses as necessary for 24 hours after the laser treatment

to help reduce discomfort and inflammation. You may take painkiller, but avoid

aspirin (it can increase the risk of bruising and/or bleeding.)

3. Do not pick at the scab or allow the skin to become scraped, as this may result in

infection and scarring. Shaving should be avoided in the treated area until it is

completely healed.

4. Do not wear makeup or any cream or medication unless recommended by our office

for 48 hours.

5. Wear a sunblock with an SPF of 30 or higher over the area for 3 months following the

treatment.