45 million Americans have tattoos, and 25% of them have tattoo regret.
The average tattoo is only 4 inches tall, and most are pure black ink. Black ink is the easiest type of ink to remove.
At Skin And Cancer Institute, we use the most technologically advanced laser treatment for tattoo removal—the YAG laser machine, also known as the yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser. It works by dissolving ink pigments beneath the skin with highly concentrated light beams.
What parts of the body can tattoo removal treat?
Tattoo removal can be performed on any part of the body except certain areas surrounding the eyes.
Tattoo removal is the perfect aesthetic solution for adult men and women. If you’re committed to proper after care, this procedure is right for you! Larger and darker tattoos are more difficult to remove, so talk to your skin care specialist to find out more about this procedure.
What can I expect the day I receive tattoo removal treatment?
Before treatment begins, you’ll be given a pair of protective eye shields. Then your skin care specialist will test your skin’s reaction to the laser to determine the most effective energy intensity for your skin type. When treatment begins, your specialist will use the laser to pass pulses of intense light through the top layers of your skin that will be absorbed by the tattoo pigment. Smaller tattoos will require fewer pulses, while larger ones will need more to remove them. Small tattoos take less than a minute per treatment. Even the largest tattoos take under 15 minutes per session.
Laser tattoo removal is uncomfortable, but most patients don’t need anesthesia. Depending on the location of your tattoo, your specialist may suggest a topical anesthetic cream.
What will recovery be like after I receive tattoo removal?
Immediately following your tattoo removal session, use an ice pack to reduce swelling. You may be given an antibiotic ointment and bandage to protect the treated area. Even though you are able return to regular activities, it is important to follow the aftercare instructions given to you by your skin care specialist.
Do I need to follow a special skin care routine after receiving tattoo removal?
Your skin care specialist will give you detailed instructions about your specific skin care needs. It is important to follow these instructions, as failure to do so may delay or diminish the results of your tattoo removal treatment. Be sure to cover the treated area completely when outside or exposed to sunlight for several months after treatment.
How many tattoo removal treatments will I need and when will I see results?
After each session, you will see a visible difference in the appearance of your tattoo. It takes at least 5-10 sessions for complete removal, and sometimes even more depending on the ink used in your original tattoo.
