- How Does A Laser Remove A Tattoo?
- Lasers have become the standard treatment
for tattoo removal because lasers offer a low risk, highly effective
alternative to remove the tattoo with minimal side effects. Lasers remove
tattoos by emitting short pulses of intense light that are
selectively absorbed by the tattoo pigment. Each tattoo pigment, such as
black, blue, red, green, and others, absorbs a specific wavelength of
light. This laser light energy causes the tattoo pigment to fragment
into tiny particles which are then removed by the body's own immune
system. Years of research have figured out which wavelengths of laser
light are the safest and most effective to best remove unwanted tattoo
ink. The laser light selectively targets the pigment of the tattoo while
at the same time not causing damage to the surrounding skin. The
laser used at Brandeis Medical Center
removes a variety of tattoo pigments including black, blue, red, yellow,
orange and green.
- If you are considering laser tattoo
removal, the following information will provide you with a good
introduction to the procedure. For more detailed information about how
this procedure may help you, we recommend that you call the office to
schedule an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Brandeis
- If you are considering laser tattoo removal,
the following information will provide you with
a good introduction to the procedure. For more detailed information about
how
- this procedure may help you, we recommend
that you call the office to schedule a complimentary
consultation with Dr. Brandeis
- During the initial consultation, Dr.
Brandeis will explain to you what you can expect from the laser tattoo
removal procedure. He will explain the procedure itself, and the risks and
limitations of the procedure. Dr. Brandeis will begin with a complete
history of the tattoo and an examination of your tattoo. Dr.
Brandeis will also want to know when, where, and by whom your tattoo was
placed, as these factors are very important factors to consider. You will
of course be given the opportunity to ask Dr. Brandeis any questions about
the procedure as well.
- First, the area on and around the tattoo
will be thoroughly cleaned. You will then be asked to wear special
protective eyewear During the procedure you will feel a snapping sensation
as the laser light is directed over the tattooed area. You will hear noise
as the laser light contacts the tattooed skin.
-
- On average, each laser treatment takes from
ten to 30 minutes.
-
- Multiple treatments are often needed to
achieve the desired results of the tattoo removal. The number of
treatments will vary depending on the depth and color of the tattoo, the
age of the tattoo and who placed the tattoo. You must wait at least a
month between treatments. Professional tattoos usually require
5-8 treatments. The black colored inks usually responds quicker then the
bright colored inks because the black colored inks absorb the laser light
better.
-
- How much pain is there?
- The pain is often described as a stinging
sensation or like the snap of a rubber band against the skin. At BMC
Beverly HIlls we use the Zimmer Cryo 5 Cold Air cooling device which in
most cases is sufficient to anesthetize the area so that the procedure is
very tolerable with minimal discomfort. You will be given the option
to have a topical numbing cream applied to the skin or a local anesthetic
injected under the area of the tattoo to minimize pain.
-
- What can I expect after tattoo
removal?
- After the treatment session the area will be
covered with an antibiotic ointment and a bandage applied. A shower or
bath the day after the treatment is permissible, however the treatment
area should not be scrubbed. The treated area might feel slightly
sunburned for a couple of days and the treated area may remain red for a
few weeks. The treated area might also form a scab, which will
quickly resolve. After healing, the tattoo will gradually and
continually fade. You will be given a complete list of post treatment
instructions and a number so that you can reach Dr. Brandeis if you have
any questions even after regular office hours. Additionally you can
purchase supplies to care for the treated area for a nominal fee.
You will also be given a complete list of the pretreatment instructions to
carefully follow prior to your next treatment session. One month intervals
between sessions are recommended to allow pigment residue to be absorbed
by the body.
- Before all treatments it is important to
avoid all sun exposure, tanning booths and self tanners. It is
important to realize that the skin where the tattoo is removed will never
look as it did before you had the tattoo placed, even after the tattooed
pigment has been removed.
-
- Ideal candidate:
- In general, the best candidates for laser
removal of tattoos:
-
- Do not have fluorescent colors in their
tattoo
- Do not have a history of unusual
scar formations, such as keloids, or scaring in the tattooed area
- Do not have a history of connective
tissue disorders, such as lupus
- Have not taken Accutane for the previous
6 months
- Have not had other types of cosmetic
surgery in the tattooed area
- Have no history of recent sun exposure
or tanning
-
- Are some tattoos easier to remove
than others?
- Older tattoos are easier to remove than
newer tattoos. Tattoos placed by amateurs are easier to remove than
those placed by professionals. Certain colors are easier to remove such as
black and dark blue, with fluorescent colors being the more difficult to
remove.
-
- Is it safe?
- Lasers are the preferred method of tattoo
removal, because lasers produce superior results while minimizing pain and
reducing the chance of scarring. With modern lasers used for tattoo
removal, scarring is very rare. Although laser tattoo removal is a safe
procedure, side effects may include hyperpigmentation, or an increase of
color in the skin at the treatment site, and hypopigmentation, a decrease
of color in the skin at the treatment site. Other reported side effects
will be reviewed at the time of your free initial consultation.
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