About Tattoo Removal

Just as getting a tattoo has become more popular over the last several decades, so has the process of removing body art become more advanced and less painful. Now is the time to say goodbye to a reminder of something that is no longer in your life.

When considering tattoo removal, one of the wisest tips is to consider your options. Older removal techniques that included surgical excision, dermabrasion, salabrasion, chemical peels and cryosurgery have largely been abandoned because they usually failed to deliver desirable results and typically lead to permanent scarring.

Patients should remain aware, however, that removal of intricate and colorful tattoos can present a challenge as many different lasers and wavelengths may be required with treatment occurring numerous several sessions. The patient’s skin type can affect response to treatment, as can the age, and colors of ink used in the tattoo. Complete pigment removal is often more difficult with green and blue inks, while some older black tattoos that weren’t professionally applied may be easier to remove completely.

Treatment Options:

Laser Tattoo Removal: Laser tattoo removal is considered the best way of removing an unwanted tattoo. It is a quick and relatively simple procedure with minimal risks and, unlike some other techniques, does not involve cutting, burning or skin abrasion with resultant scarring. It is performed on an outpatient basis usually over multiple treatment sessions and removes unwanted tattoos 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 tattoos of all different colors.