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Decorative tattoos have a history dating back at least 5000 years and the desire to remove them has probably existed just as long. Early attempts to remove tattoos had less than desirable results. The use of dermabrasion, salabrasion and Argon or CO2 lasers often left behind unacceptable scars in place of the tattoo.
The advent of Q-switched lasers permitted the removal of most tattoo inks with very little risk of scarring. The Medlite can significantly lighten or remove many tattoo inks, and is particularly advanced in the removal of blue, black and red inks. Different wavelengths may be needed, depending on the color of the ink present.
The Laser and Skin Surgery Center has a range of lasers with all currently available wavelengths to best treat your tattoo. Q-switched lasers remove tattoo ink with the energy of light. Just as natural sunlight is made up of light wavelengths of many colors, a laser is a device which is designed to produce one or more specific wavelengths of light. These wavelengths are either absorbed, reflected or simply passed through objects.
Q. How is tattoo ink removed?
Tattoo ink is removed by using a specific wavelength which passes through the skin but is absorbed by the ink. The rapid absorption of light energy causes the tattoo ink to shatter into small pieces which are then removed by the body's natural filtering systems. Dr. Kilmer performed the initial research which now helps all laser surgeons predict the best wavelength of light for a given tattoo ink color. The light is emitted in very short flashes called pulses. The impact of the energy from the powerful pulse of light is similar to the snap of a thin rubber band on the skin. Although the large majority of patients do not require anesthesia, topical anesthetic creams can be helpful.
Q. How many treatments are needed?
Professional tattoos usually require 6 - 10 treatments, while amateur tattoos generally require 3 - 6 treatments, all spaced approximately 6 - 8 weeks apart. The number of treatments depends on the amount and type of ink used and the depth of the ink in the skin. Occasionally, even more than ten treatments may be needed. Traumatic tattoos (pencil lead, asphalt and dirt embedded in the skin can leave a permanent "tattoo") usually respond with 1 - 4 treatments.
Q. Which tattoo inks respond best?
Blue/black ink and red inks fade the best. Oranges, purples and greens usually respond fairly well and bright colors such as yellow or fluorescent colors are more difficult to remove, although additional treatments can produce significant fading.
Q. Can you remove all the ink?
In many cases, greater than 95% fading of the tattoo may be accomplished. However, it is very important to know that over 100 tattoo inks are in use worldwide today, none of which are regulated by the FDA. Not knowing which tattoo ink, how deep or how much was used, makes it impossible for the physician to predict how well any given tattoo will respond.
Q. Is there any healing period after the treatment?
Occasionally there will be pinpoint bleeding associated with the treatment. An ointment, icepack and dressing will be applied to the area. The treated area should be kept clean with continued application of any ointment given to you by your physician. A shower can be taken the next day, although the treated area should not be scrubbed.
Q. What lasers are used?
- Q-switched Alexandrite Laser (755nm)
- Q-switched Nd:YAG Laser (532nm & 1064nm)
