Tattoo Removal

A: The laser emits a highly focused beam of laser light which passes, harmlessly, through the outer layer of the skin and is absorbed primarily by the tattoo ink or the excess pigment within the lesion.

As the light is absorbed, it is quickly converted to heat. The sudden rise in temperature within the treatment area fractures the ink or pigment into tiny particles. The tattoo ink is destructed, absorbed, and removed through the body’s own filtering system. Minimal damage is done to the surrounding skin while providing maximum tattoo removal.

A tattoo’s color, depth, and the chemical composition of the ink all affect how it responds to the laser during tattoo removal treatment. Black, red, dark orange, and dark blue ink will usually respond relatively quickly to treatments. However, green, purple, brown, light orange, and light blue ink may require additional treatments. A wide range of pigmented lesions can also be treated including freckles, sunspots, and many brown colored birthmarks.

A: Since the laser light selectively targets the undesired ink or pigment, other tissues remain largely unaffected, and therefore, most patients report moderate discomfort. Many people compare the sensation of pulses to the snap of a rubber band.

Immediately after the laser treatment, the treated areas may become whitish colored and swell slightly. This whiteness subsides in about thirty minutes. The swelling may last longer by can be reduced by cooling the skin with an ice pack.

A: Generally, the majority of the tattoo will fade or disappear completely. Different colors of ink respond differently to the laser treatment. While black, blue or red may respond very well to the laser, green and yellow generally are very difficult to remove and may require several sessions. The cosmetic surgeon will be able to evaluate your tattoo and discuss with you the probability of achieving your desired result.

A: Depending on the size and location of the tattoo or lesion, each treatment usually takes between ten and thirty minutes. Tattoo removal may require five or more treatments that are spaced four weeks apart to allow your body sufficient time to fully eliminate loosened particles of ink or pigment.