LASER
TATTOO REMOVAL
Questions:
What are the different types of Tattoos?
Tattoos can be divided into three general types: 1)Decorative tattoos
are tattoos placed on the skin as a decoration. These are the most common
type of tattoo. Some are homemade with needle and India ink, others are
professionally applied with a tattoo gun using one or more colors of tattoo
ink. Professional tattoos are deeper, contain more ink, and are more difficult
to remove. 2)Cosmetic tattoos are also known as micro- pigmentation or
permanent cosmetics. This type of tattoo is used as permanent eyeliner,
lip liner, lipstick, and other permanent cosmetic purposes. This type
of tattoo is also used to cover skin pigment disorders, scars and other
blemishes. 3)Traumatic Tattoos are foreign substances, such as dirt, that
are embedded in the skin through an accidental injury.
How are tattoos removed?
In the past, tattoos were removed by surgery (cutting out the skin containing
the tattoo ink), dermabrasion (sanding), salabrasion (sanding and salt),
and laser vaporization ( burning out the skin containing the tattoo ink
with an intense light beam). All of these methods resulted in unsightly
scars. About ten years ago, a new method of tattoo removal was invented
which is very successful and leaves little or no scarring. This method
of tattoo removal uses short pulses of laser or intense pulsed light.
The light pulses break up the tattoo pigment without damaging the normal
skin. The body's immune system then removes the damaged pigment without
leaving a scar.
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Can all tattoos be successfully removed?
Successful tattoo removal varies with the type of tattoo, the colors
of the ink, and the size and depth of the tattoo. The easiest tattoos
to remove are homemade tattoos which have only black ink. Multicolored
tattoos, especially those with yellow and unusual colors, may be difficult
to completely remove.
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How many treatments are required to remove a tattoo?
Some lightly pigmented, black, homemade tattoos can be removed in one
treatment. Larger multicolored tattoos require multiple treatments with
several different types of lasers or an intense pulse light device called
the MultiLight. The Swansboro Laser Center has a laser that is used to
remove tattoos. The most common lasers used are the Q-Switched ND YAG
and Q-Switched Ruby Lasers. At least several weeks are required between
treatments to allow the treated areas to heal and to allow the body time
to remove the damaged pigment. Quick removal can sometimes be accomplished
on black tattoos by using low powered weekly treatments.
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What side effects and other problems can occur from treatment?
The most common problem with tattoo removal is incomplete removal of
the tattoo. This is especially true with complicated multicolored tattoos.
Changes in skin pigmentation (light or darkened skin color) make occur
from tattoo treatment. Scars are uncommon, but may occur from laser tattoo
removal. Serious side effect are very unusual. Discomfort during treatment
can be relieved by local anesthetics, laughing gas, topical anesthetic
creams, or IV Sedation given by a nurse anesthetist. Oral medication can
also be given to make the treatments more comfortable.
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How should I care for my skin after tattoo treatments?
Gentle cleansing of the skin and application of an antibiotic ointment
such as Polysporin ointment will help tattoos heal quickly after treatment.
Avoid picking or irritating the skin after treatment. Watch for redness,
pain, or swelling which might be a sign of infection. Protect the skin
from the sun until the skin is completely healed and the skin color has
returned to normal.
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How much do tattoo treatments cost?
Small tattoo treatments (less than 4 square inches of black ink) cost
$150 per treatment. Larger and multicolored tattoos will cost more per
treatment. You will be given an exact cost for each treatment during your
free consultation. Each tattoo treatment must be paid for at the time
of service. Insurance will not pay for removal of tattoos except in rare
instances where the tattoo was the result of an accidental injury.
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What do I need to do to begin treatment?
In most cases, it is possible to do your first treatment right after
your free consultation. Sometimes it may be necessary to schedule the
treatment at a later date if the laser equipment is being used. Minors
must have their parents approve treatments before they are done.
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