Tattoo removal with laser treatment sends precise pulses of high-energy light into the skin, vaporizing the ink and fragmenting other tattoo inks into thousands of tiny particles, which are then safely eliminated from your skin.
Are you interested in getting a tattoo removed? At Laser Med Spa, our caring, highly trained professionals utilize the Aerolase lightpod neo elite Laser System for its unique precision.
Please keep in mind that successful tattoo removal varies with the type of tattoo, the color of the ink, the density of the pigment, the size and depth of the tattoo, and the body’s reaction to the treatment.
WHO IS THIS TREATMENT FOR?
Ideal candidates for laser tattoo removal are typically individuals with light skin whose tattoos sit atop a greater concentration of body fat, such as the arms, legs, buttocks, or chest. Laser tattoo removal may not work as well around areas with minimal body fat or on individuals with darker skin tone.
If the area to be treated has a fresh sun tan or has been treated with self-tanning lotion, it is best to wait a few weeks before having treatment. If not, the tan will absorb some of the laser energy intended for the pigmented lesion, rendering it less effective. In addition, freshly tanned skin could increase the chances of blistering. It’s also important for patients to be grounded with their expectations and to express their desires and concerns before beginning treatments.
THE PROCEDURE
Laser tattoo removal is performed in the office as a patient rests on a soft treatment table. The patient will experience a “rubber-band snapping” sensation on the skin during the procedure. However, a topical or injectable numbing agent can be prescribed to minimize discomfort. The eyes are covered with eye shields to protect them from the laser light, and the laser is set for the specific type of tattoo pigment to be removed.
AFTER THE PROCEDURE
When the session is over, gentle cleansing of the treated area with an antibiotic ointment will help heal the skin quickly. Watch for unusual redness, pain, or swelling, which may be a sign of infection. Let the doctor know if you think an infection is developing. Avoid picking or irritating the treated tattoo after a session.
Very dark tattoos will remain tender and swollen for a few days. Redness may linger for two to four weeks and there may be some peeling. As the body works to eliminate the tattoo dyes, some scabs the same color as the ink may flake off. This is a normal part of the process. Your tattoo should fade in about four to six weeks.