Frequently Asked Questions
Tattoo Removal
Have you ever regretted the tattoo of your youth or the body art that’s been so recently popular? If so, you’re not alone. 47% of all college students between the ages 17-24 have a tattoo. 67% of adults between the ages 29-35 feel their tattoo is inappropriate. Many people live to regret the decision to have a decorative tattoo. Until recently, surgery or painful skin abrasive treatments were the limited options available for tattoo removal.
Laser tattoo removal is a relatively new and advancing field. Tattoos can now be more quickly and easily removed or diminished without the need for surgery and the resulting scarring. Using the latest technology, a Q-Switched YAG laser, our Plastic Surgery Clinic can now help you erase the regrets of your youth or the mistakes of your past.
Want more information? We’ve compiled a list of commonly asked questions, and the respective answers.
Q: What is laser tattoo removal?
Q: Who performs the procedure?
Q: How many treatments are required?
Q: Do all colors of ink disappear equally well?
Q: Will the tattoo completely disappear?
Q: What are the risks associated with Laser Tattoo Removal?
Q: Is the procedure painful?
Q: Can the treated area be exposed to the sun after the
procedure is completed?
Q: How long will the procedure take?
Q: What are the post-procedure care instructions?
Q: Who can answer additional questions concerning the
treatment?
Q: What is laser tattoo removal?
A: This new technique utilizes laser light to break up tattoo
pigments without damaging normal skin. Your body’s immune system then
removes the pigment fragments naturally.
Q: Who performs the procedure?
A: A physician or technician performs the treatments.
Q: How many treatments are required?
A: On the average, professional tattoos require 5 to 6
treatments, while amateur tattoos normally require 3 to 4 treatments. Each
treatment session is spaced approximately 6 to 8 weeks apart. The number
of treatments depends on the color and type of ink used, as well as the
depth of the ink in the skin.
Q: Do all colors of ink disappear equally well?
A: Dark (blue/black) inks and red inks fade the best. Oranges
and purples usually respond well. Green and yellow inks are the most
difficult to remove, although additional treatment may result in
significant fading.
Q: Will the tattoo completely disappear?
A: In many cases, yes. Greater than 95% fading of the tattoo
may be enjoyed; however, it is important to know that over 100 tattoo inks
are in use worldwide today. None of the inks are regulated by the FDA
(Food and Drug Administration). Not knowing which tattoo ink, how deep, or
how much was used, makes it impossible to accurately predict the degree of
success expected in the removal of any given tattoo.
Q: What are the risks associated with Laser Tattoo
Removal?
A: Dark skin shades are at risk for blistering; this is like
a light burn, which after healing can lead to splotchy hyper-pigmentation
spots. Other complications associated with all laser treatment include:
infection, scarring, burns, color changes, redness for several hours to
several days, hyper-pigmentation (darkening of the skin), and/or
hypo-pigmentation (lightening of the skin).
Q: Is the procedure painful?
A: Any pain associated with the procedure is usually
described as being like a snap of a rubber band, or specks of hot grease
on the skin, and is just fleeting. Local anesthesia is sometimes used.
Q: Can the treated area be exposed to the sun after the
procedure is completed?
A: The treated area should not be exposed to the sun for 2 to
3 days after the procedure, and for olive or darker complected persons,
sun block should be used.
Q: How long will the procedure take?
A: The length of time required for each session depends on
the size, color and depth of the tattoo.
Q: What are the post-procedure care instructions?
A: Occasionally, there will be pinpoint bleeding associated
with the treatment. An antibacterial ointment and dressing may be applied
to the area. The treated area should be kept clean, and you should
continue application of ointment given to you by your physician. A shower
can be taken the next day, although the treated area should not be
scrubbed. Your physician may also have you use hydroquinone (a skin
lightening/bleaching agent).
Q: Who can answer additional questions concerning the
treatment?
A: Additional information is available by contacting one of
our technicians at (409) 772-7364 between 8:00-9:00 Mon-Thursday, or
3:30-4:30 Mon/Wed/Fri.
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