What’s the best way to remove a tattoo? Although a tattoo looks like a simple painting, it’s actually aseries of ink deposits deep within the skin – designed to last forever. Today it’s increasingly common for people to seek tattoo removal – for personal or professional reasons. Early methods carried a high risk of scarring, were painful and not very effective.The introduction of Q-Switched lasers greatly improved the process,allowing physicians to eliminate most tattoos with a high degree of success and very low risk of scarring. The Q-Switched Nd: YAG lasers that use Photo Acoustic energy are the gold standard lasers for tattoo removal, with a strong history of safety and effectiveness.
How does the laser remove the tattoo? Lasers target tattoos with a very specific wavelength of light energy in fact, a separate wavelength is needed for each ink color. The popular Q-switched lasers use Photo Acoustic energy to safely penetrate the skin and target the tattoo ink. The light energy gently vibrates and shatters the tattoo ink into micro-particles that are eventually eliminated through the body’s natural processes. Because the laser delivers the energy in a very precise ‘beam,’ physicians cantrace the design without damaging the surrounding skin.
How many laser treatments are needed toremove a tattoo? Laser tattoo removal requires several sessions. On average, professional tattoos need 6 to 15 treatments, while amateur tattoos need four to five treatments, spaced approximately four to eight weeks apart. The number of treatments depends on the size of the tattoo, the amount and type of ink used, and the depth of the ink in the skin. The location of the tattoo will also affect the clearance rate. Cost varies according to geographical region and physician.
Elan Clinic Plastic Surgery & Medspa Bruce V. Lattyak, MD 