Tattoos are becoming increasingly popular, but so are regrettable ones. With laser tattoo removal, you can significantly fade the appearance of an unwanted tattoo of a variety of pigments.
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What is the Spectrum Q-Switched Yag Laser?
The FDA-approved Spectrum Q-Switched Yag laser removal device offers two different laser wavelengths to target dark and colored tattoo pigments. When directed at the tattoo, laser energy breaks up the pigment within the epidermis, resulting in small enough pieces that the body can naturally eliminate.
Who is a Candidate for Laser Tattoo Removal?
To be a candidate for laser tattoo removal, the tattoo must be at least six weeks old before treatment. If you had an allergic reaction to tattoo ink, we cannot perform this procedure on you, and surgical excision would be the only treatment available to you. Laser tattoo removal methods are safe and effective for most skin types and tattoo colors. However, certain factors will influence how many treatment sessions you need and how significant your results will be. Those with fair skin and black tattoo pigments will see the quickest, most significant results from treatment. However, those with darker skin tones and colored tattoo pigments can still find effective results with more than one laser tattoo removal session.
Our laser treatment professionals can meet with you to determine if you are a candidate and how successful your treatment will be. We do not recommend laser tattoo removal for pregnant or trying-to-be-pregnant patients.
HOW DO I PREPARE FOR TREATMENT?
You cannot be tanned, use self-tanners, or be sunburnt before or during treatment. The week before treatment, you should avoid blood-thinning medications such as Motrin, Aleve, and Aspirin. If hair is growing over the tattoo, you will need to shave. Your skin must be spotless and free of lotions, perfumes, makeup, or deodorants.
WHAT IS THE TREATMENT LIKE?
We often get asked by potential patients if laser tattoo removal hurts. Before your laser tattoo removal treatment, the appropriate laser wavelength will be selected depending on the pigment of your tattoo. The skin will then be prepped with cooling gel to minimize any pain. The Q-Switched laser handpiece will then be directed at your tattoo, delivering pulses of laser energy. The amount of discomfort you feel during the process will depend on your pain tolerance and the location of your tattoo. For more sensitive areas, a topical numbing cream might be used beforehand. A cooling mechanism will also increase your comfort and protect your skin.
Depending on the colors and darkness of the tattoo, it can take up to 12 sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart to remove it. Certain ink colors are much more difficult to remove. Some tattoos may not be entirely removed. The size of the tattoo only affects the number of required sessions if the entire tattoo is not treated at each session.
WHAT ARE MY POST-TREATMENT CARE INSTRUCTIONS?
After laser tattoo removal, the treated area should be covered with Aquaphor and a non-stick Telfa pad. The goal is to prevent scabs from forming; therefore, keeping the area covered with Aquaphor is important. If scabs form, do not pick them; doing so will cause scars. Avoid sun exposure after tattoo removal treatments and use a good sunblock containing 9% zinc or higher daily between treatment sessions.
WHAT RESULTS CAN I EXPECT?
After each laser tattoo session, your tattoo will become less visible. Your final results will depend on the tattoo pigment and your skin tone. Patients can expect the tattoo to fade significantly after optimal treatment sessions and, in some cases, be completely removed.
To learn more about the laser tattoo removal process with Spectrum Q-Switched Yag and to ensure you are a successful candidate, contact our office today.
You will receive a quote at the time of your consultation, which will be honored for one year.
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