Lasers can be used for a variety of cosmetic procedures.  Each system has a preset wavelength that is designed to treat specific conditions such as hair, blood vessels, age spots, rosacea, and even tattoos. 

What types of tattoos can be removed?

Professional, amateur and traumatic tattoos (resulting from accidents) can be removed with a series of laser treatments. 

How does laser tattoo removal work? 

As laser light is emitted it is specifically attracted to the color of the tattoo.  Laser energy breaks up the pigment and over time the body dissolves the pigment and the tattoo begins to fade.

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How many treatments are required?

The number of treatments needed to remove a tattoo is determined by the number and types of colors used in the tattoo, the age of the tattoo, and whether it is a professional, amateur, or traumatic tattoo.  Amateur tattoos that are composed of black or India ink are the easiest to remove.  Tattoos containing the colors yellow, orange, and fluorescent dyes are very difficult to remove and results are usually less than satisfactory.  It is recommended that the tattoos be at least 6 months old before using laser to remove them. 

Most patients see satisfactory results within 3-12 treatments scheduled 8-10 weeks apart. 

Do the treatments hurt?

Some patients report that removing the tattoo is no more painful than when they initially got the tattoo.  An initial test patch may be performed to ensure that an allergic reaction to the break down of the ink does not occur.  At that time the patient may determine if they would like an anesthetic for future treatments. 

What side effects may occur with laser tattoo removal?

Signs of a satisfactory treatment include redness and swelling of the treatment area.  It is also common for the skin to have a grey appearance.  With the application of an antibiotic ointment and bandage this resolves over the course of a few weeks.  A small percentage of patients report blister and scab formation or hyper/hypopigmenation changes.  Hyper/hypopigmenation changes are seen as brown or white spots which may be permanent.  The most commonly reported concern amongst patients is incomplete removal of the tattoo.  It is common to have a slight haze of the tattoo remain despite an adequate number of treatments.

How much does laser tattoo removal cost?

The price of each treatment is determined by the size of the tattoo.  An initial consultation must be conducted to ensure that you are a candidate for laser tattoo removal.  The consultation fee will be discounted from your initial treatment. 

To learn more about laser tattoo removal or our other exciting aesthetic procedures please contact us at 603-882-9334.