Laser tattoo removal treatment is considered the best way of removing unwanted tattoos. Laser tattoo removal is a relatively simple procedure with minimal risks for the patient. Unlike some other techniques, the use of lasers does not involve surgical removal, cutting, burning or skin abrasion with resultant scarring. It can be performed on an outpatient basis over one or more visits and removes unwanted tattoo ink pigments almost completely with minimal scarring.
At Universal Dermatology & Vein Care, our Board Certified Dermatologist Dr. George Skandamis, utilizes state of the art Q-Switched Alexandrite and Nd-Yag lasers to help eliminate unwanted tattoos. These lasers operate by emitting specific wavelengths of light in a series of pulses on the area of skin where the tattoo is located. Different laser light wavelengths and pulses are used depending on the pigment colors of the tattoo. Yellow and green colors are the most difficult to remove while black and blue are the easiest.
The pulses of light produced by the laser pass through the top layers of the skin and are absorbed by the pigment of the tattoo. The laser energy breaks up the pigment into small particles that are then absorbed by the body and removed through its immune system. Normal skin pigment is unaffected by the laser light which means that the skin tone surrounding the tattoo is not damaged.
Typically more than one laser treatment session is required to completely remove a tattoo. A session could last as little as a few minutes depending on the size and location of the tattoo. There must be a two to three-week break between sessions to allow the body to absorb the pigment residue completely. Arms and thighs are areas that are easier to remove tattoos, while hands and feet tend to be slower to respond to treatment.
If you are considering tattoo removal, make an appointment for a consultation at any of our three locations. The tattoo removal treatment is performed at our Lewis Center location.