Laser Tattoo Removal – Body Art Removal
You probably thought it was a great idea, and a beautiful image, the day you patiently waited for that tattoo to be permanently etched into your skin. Now that many things in your life have changed, you are ready to say goodbye to that tattoo.
Introduction
Removing a tattoo used to be a difficult, painful task. Surgical removal and microdermabrasion could remove the inked skin, but these treatment options would leave behind an unsightly scar. Creams and lotions help fade tattoos, but they won’t take them away completely.
The best option available is laser tattoo removal. As laser technology is constantly being refined, tattoo removal is easier to accomplish. It is important to be sure that you are being treated with the proper laser however. Hair removal lasers and intense pulse light devices are not considered appropriate for tattoo removal. Approved devices include q switched and now pico and nano second lasers. Other devices can cause significant scarring as well.
Who Is a Candidate for Tattoo Removal?
- A person who is in overall good health
- A person who would like to remove one or more tattoos anywhere on the body
Who Is Not a Candidate for Tattoo Removal?
- A person who has skin disease
- A person who has an open wound in the area of the tattoo
- A person who is not in good health
TATTOO REMOVAL Procedure
- Complete removal of tattoo
- Partial removal of a tattoo to allow a redesign or recoloring of the tattoo
- If pain relief is needed, a topical anesthetic cream may be applied to the skin.
- The laser will be directed over the tattoo for a few minutes which causes the ink to be disintegrated and absorbed by the body.
- The procedure may need to be repeated multiple times monthly until the tattoo has been removed.
- The area may be bandaged with anti-bacterial cream.
- It is very important to follow your cosmetic surgeon’s instructions to achieve the best results for your tattoo removal.
- After each session, you may feel slight burning and experience some redness for a few days.
Notes
The specific risks and the suitability of this procedure for a given individual can be determined only at the time of consultation. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally. Major complications are rare.
Are you considering having a Tattoo Removed? Visit our Find a Surgeon Directory to find a highly-qualified cosmetic surgeon near you.
Reviewed by J. Kevin Duplechain, MD, who specializes in facial cosmetic surgery and skin care in Lafayette, Louisiana.