Laser Tattoo Removal

How Are Tattoos Removed?

Medical lasers use a beam of light to significantly lighten or completely remove your tattoo. When the ink particles absorb the light from the laser, they are broken up into fragments and then absorbed through your body’s immune system. This process generally takes a few weeks. The larger the tattoo, the more sessions it will take to break down the ink particles.
What Will My Skin Look Like After Treatment?

Right after your treatment, your skin will have a white discoloration, and the area around the tattoo may become reddish and appear swollen. This is normal and will disappear slowly over time. Results take about 5 weeks after each treatment. Immediately after treatment, antibacterial ointment and gauze will be applied to the treated area to minimize infection.
Are There Any Side Effects?

Occasionally, a whitening of the skin may occur. However, normal skin tone should return within 6 -12 months following your last treatment session. Since the ink used in tattooing can vary from tattoo to tattoo, some patients have only partial clearing even after several sessions.
Tattoo Removal Options

Before the advent of the medical laser, common techniques included cryosurgery, dermabrasion or excision. These methods can be painful and may often result in scarring. Laser treatments are safer. They are minimally invasive and only target the ink used in the tattoo process. Lasers are now the modern standard for tattoo removal, specifically the Q-switched laser.